Chapter 009: The Zheng Family Visitors
Huang paused for a moment, "That being said... you don't have to be like this... the Fang family is still here."
"They're a wealthy family, so why would they need this little money? They probably spend more than that on their servants. Mother, you have to be realistic and stop thinking about going back to live a comfortable life as an old lady. Besides, what does it matter if he just watches? I can save a piece of meat or something. Let him watch if he wants to."
Grandmother Huang sighed repeatedly, but she felt that what Little Huang said made a little sense. She looked at her second daughter-in-law with a last glimmer of hope, "Second wife, we are leaving tomorrow... Can we still go home to get something? At least let us take some food and drink on the road——"
Second Aunt's face turned pale and she shook her head. "I'm afraid not. We have to leave directly from here tomorrow."
"What are we going to eat along the way?"
"That's right. It's a long way to Yelang County. How can our family, the elderly, the weak, the women and the children, survive?"
"In theory, the food on the way to exile will be provided by the escort."
Someone sneered, "Rely on them? We'll be lucky if they don't starve us to death."
"So, now that all the Xu family's wealth has been confiscated, what else can you do? Are you going to challenge the imperial court and ask them to return it?"
Some people started arguing, and the dejected look on some people's faces became more and more obvious.
When they thought about the long journey and going on the road alone, everyone felt that the future was hopeless. Second uncle's concubines even started crying and complained about God's blindness.
Huang sighed, as if accepting her fate. "That's alright. My father-in-law fled to Xujia Village and settled there. He was also completely destitute back then, and now... he's pretty much the same..."
Xu Zhenying quickly asked Miao in private, "Mother, I don't believe that the first and second wives don't have any hidden secrets. What about our family?"
Miao looked around and made a "hush" gesture. "You're just a little girl, why are you worrying about these things? Don't worry, we won't starve to death on the road."
Xu Meixiao came over, her eyes wet, and asked, "Mom, are we leaving Bianjing tomorrow?"
Miao's eyes were red as she lovingly embraced her youngest daughter, sighing, "My poor child, you didn't enjoy happiness for a few days, and you'll have to suffer for the rest of your life. If I had known earlier... I should have divided the family sooner... All this wealth is nothing... It can't compare to our family being together in harmony and happiness."
Xu Meixiao laughed heartlessly, as if she had no idea what was happening, let alone how her life would change dramatically from now on. She just tugged at the corner of Miao's clothes, "Mom, don't be afraid, we are all together as a family."
Xu Huiming also said, "Sister, you're right. At least he saved his life. My son is still young. Maybe he can return to Bianjing in the future."
After being exiled, their three generations were treated as untouchables. They could not take the imperial examinations or engage in business. They were burdened with the heaviest taxes and labor service. It was extremely difficult to survive, so how could they easily return to this prosperous place?
Xu Huiming was just comforting her mother.
Miao kept saying "My dear son", and tears fell as she thought of the unknown future.
From time to time, the entire cell was filled with suppressed sobs and occasional curses, as if it was shrouded in a dark cloud.
Xu Zhenying sighed, thinking how unlucky he was. The original owner's entire family had been exiled when he first crossed over. If he had known earlier, he would have just died.
But since we are here, we have to make the best of it. There is no other way at the moment.
This depressed mood continued into the evening.
Today's dinner was better than the previous few days, with some hot meat-filled buns added. The jailer said it was the last all-you-can-eat meal.
Everyone no longer cared about their image and just started gobbling it up.
My aunt even said that even if she was going to die, she would die full. She ate twelve big buns in one breath and only stopped when she vomited.
The girls seemed to have realized the reality. Xu Le, who usually only ate small mouthfuls of rice, actually ate six or seven buns today.
Concubine Chun from the second house even forced the nine-year-old Xu Minglu to eat almost ten buns. She was not allowed to eat until Xu Minglu cried and said she was going to die of stuffing.
I have to say that the Xu family adjusted their mentality quickly.
From the initial life-and-death struggle to the current numb acceptance, some people are even actively preparing for tomorrow's departure.
In the evening, an unexpected guest came.
The fence was banging against the iron bars, making a clanging sound. Then a rude voice was heard, "Right here. I'll only give you half a cup of tea. Don't delay and make things difficult for the brothers."
Is someone coming?
"Of course. Brothers, you've worked hard, and this is a small token of your appreciation. Take it and have a drink with you."
The man who came was a chubby middle-aged man, well-dressed and quite experienced in his behavior. As he spoke, he had already put a few ingots of loose silver into the arms of the yamen runner.
Grandmother was the first to recognize the man and immediately put on a fighting stance, saying with a heroic and arrogant tone, "Zheng family's watchdog, what are you doing here? I've already told you, no girl from the Xu family will be a concubine!"
Xu Zhenying looked up and knew from the original owner's memory that this person was Niu, the head of the Zheng family. He had also come to express his intention to cancel the engagement last time, but he had been a bit humble. Now that the Xu family's fate was sealed, Niu's expression was not as good as last time.
"The old lady still has some strength left. We'll be on our way tomorrow, so shouldn't we conserve it?" Manager Niu sneered. Then, his gaze fell on Xu Zhenying, and he spoke rather arrogantly. "Miss Xu, things are different now. The Xu family is in decline now. With your status, you'd probably be embarrassed to bring up the idea of marrying my third son, right? My wife is kind-hearted. She's willing to lend you a hand, considering our long-standing friendship. If you agree, my Zheng family will send someone to take you back tomorrow. You don't have to go into exile with me anymore. You'll have a good life in the future, which is better than the suffering you've endured in Qianzhou."
The eldest aunt interrupted, "Ah, bah, that's nice to say. I've never heard of a wife becoming a concubine in my life, and still calling herself a new noble. I think she has no money and is relying on her reputation. I told you, our Xu family's girls don't want to be concubines. Are you old or deaf?"
It was rare for Xu Lezhi to agree with his aunt. "That's right, what's this about the new nobles? I've never seen any new nobles so shameless."
If a girl from the Xu family became a concubine, would Xu Lezhi still have any face left?
If her father comes back to power, she wants to return to Bian Jing in the future. She doesn't want to have a cousin as a concubine, which is so embarrassing.
Xu Zhenying had no time for feigned flattery with the Zheng family and said directly, "Boss Niu, let's be frank. We're all in this together, and everyone knows what the Zheng family is up to. So, I'm too lazy to waste time with you. Just prepare a few things for me, and I'll immediately return the marriage certificate to you. And if anyone asks, I won't say a single word against the Zheng family."
Manager Niu's eyes lit up and he subconsciously wanted to bargain, but thinking of the instructions from the master and the mistress, he held back.
Miss Xu Liu is absolutely not allowed to enter the house, even if she is a concubine.
But the Zheng family absolutely cannot take the initiative to propose to cancel the engagement, otherwise where would the master put his face?
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