Chapter 67 Zhao Ge Lao's Decision
Wu Bo and Wei Jia looked at Min Qiao Shi with great anxiety.
Madam Min raised her hand and beckoned to Ajiu, "Ajiu, come back."
Upon hearing the sound, Ajiu kicked the burly man she had already beaten to the ground again before quickly returning to Min Qiao's side.
"As you can see, it's impossible for me to kneel down and kowtow to you to admit my mistakes. You can't afford it."
Madam Min smiled and said calmly, "Young Master Zhao, we don't have any major grudges, do we? I was just blocking your way at the Painting Corner Tower. Why are you holding a grudge against an old woman like me?"
Zhao Zhiheng said angrily, "Bullshit! It was just blocking the way, wasn't it? You were disrespecting me! And afterwards, this little girl beat me up! You made me lose face in front of everyone!"
“After I got back, my grandfather beat me up! I couldn’t get out of bed for half a month! I almost had to spend the New Year in bed! You’re telling me there wasn’t any major grudge?”
Zhao Zhiheng grew increasingly angry as he spoke, and roared resolutely, "I'm telling you, if you don't do as I say today, I'll kill this girl! You try me if you don't believe me!"
Upon hearing Zhao Zhiheng's threat, Madam Min Qiao couldn't help but furrow her brows.
She found it hard to believe that the man in front of her, with his ferocious face, wild words, and disregard for human life, was actually the grandson raised by Grand Secretary Zhao!
Madam Min said coldly, "A murderer must pay with his life! You killed her, and you won't live either! Your grandfather's and your father's future will also be affected. Have you thought about the consequences?"
Zhao Zhiheng scoffed and said disdainfully, "Pah! Who are you trying to scare? My aunt is the Virtuous Consort in the palace! My aunt said that as long as it's not a serious crime like treason, she will protect me!"
"Ha, it's just killing a person, like crushing an ant! You think I'm joking or trying to scare you?"
Upon hearing this, Madam Min suddenly realized that it was because of the indulgent Consort Zhao protecting him that Zhao Zhiheng had developed such a personality.
However, Consort Zhao has always been known for her virtue, never fighting or vying for anything, and treating people with kindness. She has a good reputation both inside and outside the palace.
How could she tolerate her nephew's arrogance to this extent?
That's strange!
Just then, a loud shout came from the courtyard gate.
"You wretched creature! Shut your mouth now!"
Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw that Grand Secretary Zhao, with his white hair and beard, was being led in by Yang An and a steward-like person.
Yang An nodded to Madam Min and stood behind her.
Grand Secretary Zhao then led the Zhao family steward toward Zhao Zhiheng.
When Zhao Zhiheng saw Grand Secretary Zhao, he was so frightened that he turned pale, released Rongrong, and knelt down on the ground with a thud.
"Grandfather, I was wrong! I was just talking nonsense! I just said it to scare the old lady, no, Madam Qiao, I just wanted to scare Madam Qiao! I didn't mean to do anything! Really! Grandfather, please believe me, I really didn't do anything! Look, Madam Qiao is perfectly fine, and even her people are watching. It's our servants who got beaten up. If you don't believe me, ask Madam Qiao, she didn't suffer any loss. I'm the one who suffered!"
As soon as Zhao Zhiheng saw Grand Secretary Zhao, he burst into tears, admitting his mistakes, apologizing, complaining about his grievances, and begging for forgiveness. He spoke so eloquently.
Madam Min Qiao was slightly taken aback. Is this what they call "one thing subdues another"?
The incredibly arrogant Zhao Zhiheng is actually so afraid of Grand Secretary Zhao!?
If he is so afraid of Grand Secretary Zhao, why does he repeatedly refuse to change his ways and act recklessly?
The strict discipline of Grand Secretary Zhao, the lenient indulgence of Consort Zhao...tsk tsk, this father and daughter are quite interesting!
"Shut up!" Grand Secretary Zhao shouted sternly, and Zhao Zhiheng immediately fell silent.
Grand Secretary Zhao then turned around and bowed deeply to Madam Min, saying, "This wretched child has been spoiled and has repeatedly offended the Grand Madam. I beg the Grand Madam to be magnanimous and allow me to take him back."
Before Madam Min could say anything, Grand Secretary Zhao added, "Don't worry, Madam, this matter won't just end like this. I will definitely give you an explanation."
"My lord, aren't you being too kind to me?" Madam Min quickly curtsied in return and said politely, "I am fine. You can handle it as you see fit."
"However, this blind woman is just a storyteller in a teahouse. She was dragged into this mess and suffered innocently simply because she told stories at my residence a few times..."
Grand Secretary Zhao glanced at Rongrong, who was slumped on the ground, her face bruised and her appearance disheveled. After a moment's thought, he said to Madam Min, "I cannot take this woman back with me. I would like to ask Madam Min to take care of her. The Zhao family will cover the costs of her treatment and recuperation. The Zhao family will also provide her with an additional one hundred taels of silver as compensation. What does Madam Min think?"
Zhao Zhiheng dared to clamor for Min Qiaoshi to kowtow and admit her mistakes, but Grand Secretary Zhao never even considered asking Zhao Zhiheng to apologize to Rongrong.
They settle things with money. This is the arrogance of powerful families. But it's also the universal law of this world.
Madam Min Qiao glanced at Rongrong, who looked completely lost, and Uncle Wu, whose eyes were filled with worry, sighed, and slowly nodded, "Then let's leave it at that. I'll take her back to the Marquis's residence."
"Thank you for your trouble, Madam."
The two groups then separated.
Grand Secretary Zhao returned to the Zhao residence with Zhao Zhiheng and a group of servants from the Zhao family.
Madam Min Qiao also took Rongrong back to the Marquis's residence.
After returning to his residence, Grand Secretary Zhao neither beat nor scolded Zhao Zhiheng. When his eldest daughter-in-law cautiously inquired about the situation, he even had someone take Zhao Zhiheng back with him.
Zhao Zhiheng was filled with unease, and so was Madam Zhao.
The mother and son had no idea what Grand Secretary Zhao was up to, and were feeling uneasy when the maid brought news that the old master had sent people to summon the eldest master, the third master, and the fourth master back to the mansion.
Grand Secretary Zhao was a skilled educator; all four of his sons attended the event.
Both the eldest and second sons entered officialdom through the imperial examinations. The eldest son stayed in the capital and now holds the rank of fifth grade. He is the one who maintains the family's legacy.
The second son chose to be sent to a remote area, where he is now the prefect of a prefecture, a fourth-rank official. Once Grand Secretary Zhao retires, this son will be promoted to the capital and become the pillar of the family.
The third son is a teacher at an academy in the capital, educating and nurturing students. He is following the path of a scholar and a great Confucian master.
The youngest son, the fourth son, is responsible for managing the family business.
For a family to thrive in the long run, it needs substantial financial support. And to avoid corruption and going astray, it must manage its family business effectively.
Therefore, although the youngest son was a businessman, no one in the family dared to look down on him.
At this moment, the second son was out of town and could not return, so the remaining three sons were urgently summoned back by Grand Secretary Zhao.
"Father, has something happened at home?" the eldest son, Zhao Yue, asked with a worried expression.
The old man never acted in such a grand manner. Even the most urgent matters would be discussed after he left his office.
The third and fourth brothers also looked at Grand Secretary Zhao with puzzled expressions.
Grand Secretary Zhao didn't keep anyone in suspense and recounted the events of the day, including everything he had asked the servants.
"Now I'm giving you two choices."
Grand Secretary Zhao solemnly declared, "First, I will now submit a memorial to retire and return to my hometown. From now on, I will not concern myself with anything related to the Zhao family."
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