Chapter 74 The Prodigal Brother (XIV) A Merchant's Son's Counterattack Against a King of a Different Surname...
The constable, with a stern expression, scanned the faces of everyone in the bookstore before finally settling on Xu Wu. He snorted coldly, "You! Quickly tell me the whole story!"
Xu Wu's face initially showed some panic, but he immediately breathed a sigh of relief upon seeing the person who had come. He smiled broadly and said, "Your Honor, the owner of this bookstore owes me a sum of money, clearly written in black and white—a full eight thousand taels! The due date has arrived, but the debtor claims he can't repay. He's been dragging his feet for almost half a month, and we're anxious. That's why we've come to collect the debt; we meant no harm. Please investigate, Your Honor!" With that, Xu Wu bowed and handed the IOU to the constable.
The constable took the IOU and examined it carefully. After a moment, he nodded solemnly: "This IOU is indeed genuine. Young master, what do you have to say?"
"Sir, may I ask you, who signed this IOU?" Song Ce asked calmly, his face expressionless.
"The person who signed the document is named Song Sanzhi," the yamen runner replied after a pause.
"The problem right now is that the owner of this bookstore is surnamed Lu, not Song. Why would they come to my bookstore in such a grand manner and immediately ask to borrow money?" Song Ce said calmly.
"Boy, stop with your clever words! This bookstore is clearly your mother's property, and this debt was signed by your father himself. The son pays for the father's debts. Do you intend to renege on your debt?" Xu Wu stepped forward and said sternly.
"Everyone in the neighborhood knows that my mother and father have divorced, and it's been officially confirmed by the authorities. If what you say is true, then my father is the one who borrowed money from you. Why don't you go to him instead of coming to us?"
Xu Wu was taken aback by Song Ce's question, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes. But after glancing at Wang Le, the constable who stood to the side with a stern face, he quickly regained his composure: "If your father is willing to repay the money, why should we swallow our pride and come down here to ask you for silver?"
"So that the young master may know," Wang Le said with a smile. "If someone owes a debt and fails to repay it by the agreed date, they will be given twenty strokes of the cane! If they delay for another half month, they will be given an additional sixty strokes! But if they still refuse to repay the debt after being given the cane, they will have to suffer in jail!"
Upon hearing this, Song Ce sneered inwardly, but his face remained calm: "Sir, whether or not to administer caning should naturally be determined according to the laws of our dynasty. But right now, you haven't even figured out who the creditor is, yet you're speaking so recklessly about punishment in public. Isn't that a bit too hasty?" After saying this, Song Ce revealed a slight smile, "Or is it that you, sir, have some kind of collusion with this debt collector in private?"
"Young master, don't talk nonsense! My good intentions have been misinterpreted by you!" Wang Le snorted angrily, gritting his teeth.
"The truth is clear to the official, and that's all that matters. Besides," Song Ce turned to Xu Wu, "you should go to whoever signed the IOU to get your money back. You know where he is now, so I don't need to remind you, do I? This matter clearly has nothing to do with the Lu family, yet you insist on causing trouble at this bookstore. What are your intentions? Or are you trying to coerce innocent people in the marketplace?"
Wang Le's expression changed upon hearing this; the boy's words were far too malicious. He was about to refute him when Xu Wu behind him turned pale and forced himself to defend himself, saying, "No matter what, the IOU in my hand is genuine, and Song Sanzhi is your biological father! Our dynasty has always governed the country with filial piety in mind. Your disregard for your father's debts is unreasonable and illogical! If you know what's good for you, you should hand over the shop deed to settle the debt."
“Yes, young master, for the sake of your future reputation, you should stop making excuses and raise the money to repay the debt as soon as possible,” Wang Le chimed in.
Upon hearing this, Song Ce remained calm and said indifferently, "Sir, my parents have already made their case at the county government office, and all their property has been clearly divided. This bookstore has never been related to the person who signed the agreement; it is my mother's private property. How can you say that the bookstore is being used to pay off debts?"
"What do you mean by that, young master? You can't just let go of the huge debt your biological father owed, can you?" Xu Wu asked again, still unwilling to give up.
"Of course not," Song Ce said coldly. "He is the one who owes the debt, and he is the one you should be looking for. Today, you came to the bookstore for no reason to cause trouble and disrupt the order of the county. What crime is that? You, sir, did not stop him but instead deliberately condoned his behavior. What is the reason for that? As a member of the public service, do you not know that this person has violated the laws of our dynasty?"
"Young master, watch your words!" Wang Le's face darkened upon hearing this. "You must provide some evidence for your words. If you're just spouting nonsense, even if you're still young, I'll take you back to the yamen and have you argue with the magistrate!"
"Evidence? Aren't these elders and villagers present witnesses? You can intimidate one or two, but do you think you can silence all these voices?"
Upon hearing Song Ce's words, Xu Wu quickly glanced at Wang Le, his eyes filled with panic. However, Wang Le, worried about giving others ammunition against him in public, stubbornly refrained from looking at Xu Wu.
"You...you're deliberately slandering me!" Xu Wu suddenly lost his composure and stammered in protest.
Wang Le, standing to the side, secretly groaned. He never expected that this young man would be so difficult to deal with. He had originally planned to support Xu Wu and get the money as soon as possible so that they could share it... Now that things had come to this, if he didn't say something, he was afraid he would also get himself smeared.
Wang Leqiang suppressed his panic and forced a smile, saying, "Gentlemen, as the saying goes, there's no better time than to back down. Why don't you each give way a little and leave each other a way out? Young master, look at the state of the bookstore now. If you two continue this stalemate, business will be difficult to continue. And this person... since the signatory is someone else, there's a grievance and a debtor. You can go and ask them for it. If that doesn't work, then go to the county government and ask the magistrate to uphold justice for you. What do you think?"
As he spoke, he winked at Xu Wu. Xu Wu understood what he meant and snorted, "Since the official is here to mediate, then let's call it quits for today and go!"
Song Ce remained silent. Wang Le was unsure of his reaction and secretly observed his expression. He saw that Song Ce's face was calm, seemingly unperturbed, yet his eyes held a deep meaning. Wang Le couldn't help but feel a little intimidated, thinking that this young man, despite his young age, was quite composed and rather troublesome.
Song Ce observed Wang Le and Xu Wu's behavior and understood perfectly. He knew this was merely a temporary measure, and they were not about to give up so easily. He remained calm and simply cupped his hands, saying, "In that case, we will do as you say, sir. However, if there is any further unwarranted harassment in the future, I will not argue in front of this bookstore, but will go directly to the county government office to beat the drum and appeal for justice."
Upon hearing this, Wang Le's heart skipped a beat again. He thought to himself that this kid was really hard to deal with, and there was a thorn in his side every time he grabbed him.
After the crowd around the bookstore dispersed, Wang Le, with his knife at his side and a grim face, left the place. But as soon as he turned the corner of Heyu Street, Xu Wu, unable to contain himself, blocked his way in a panic, urgently saying, "Brother Wang, are we just going to let this go like this? That eight thousand taels of silver..."
Before he could finish speaking, Wang Le flung Xu Wu's arm away, his face contorted with rage. "What an idiot! Didn't you see what happened? If this had continued, we'd all be in deep trouble! That brat wasn't easily fooled, and what about those people surrounding us? Do you know if any of them have a grudge against us? Public opinion can be devastating; if we're not careful, we'll be in big trouble! You're just like my brother, as stupid as a pig!"
Xu Wu shrank back after being scolded by Wang Le. Although he was indignant, he dared not talk back. He said aggrievedly, "But I am really not willing to let it go like this! That Master Song is just a paper tiger. He talks a big game, but when I actually put my hand in, I could barely pull out a little over a thousand taels of silver! It really makes me furious!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Le's eyes darted around, and he snorted, "Of course we can't just let it go like this. Come closer and listen."
Xu Wu quickly leaned closer, and Wang Le, squinting, whispered instructions to him. Xu Wu listened attentively, nodding repeatedly. After Wang Le finished speaking, Xu Wu's eyes lit up, and he suddenly clapped his hands, exclaiming, "Brother Wang! This plan is brilliant! I'll go to the Song residence right now to find Song Sanzhi and make sure this matter is handled perfectly for you!"
Wang Le snorted coldly, "It had better be that way."
Upon hearing this, Xu Wu quickly smiled ingratiatingly, "Brother Wang, don't worry!" He then hurriedly ran towards the Song residence, secretly calculating how much he could gain after the deed was done…
What the two were unaware of was that shortly after they left, Song Ce followed them and secretly hid on the wall, listening to every word of their plan.
At this moment, inside the Song residence.
Hearing the commotion coming from outside, Aunt Wen trembled with fright, and the silk handkerchief in her hand unconsciously twisted into a ball.
Since the lady of the house divorced the master with the eldest son and young lady, in just a few days, Master Song seemed to be possessed by a demon. He sold off Concubine Xin and Concubine Jing one after the other. Poor Concubine Jing cried her eyes out, kowtowing and kowtowing until her forehead was swollen, but she still couldn't change Master Song's mind. In the end, Master Song sold the two of them to merchants from other places.
Aunt Wen originally thought that since the two of them were not very favored, they could be sold off without a second thought. However, she did not expect that yesterday Master Song would be so heartless as to take Aunt Ru to the human trafficking brokerage as well.
Although she had been fighting with Consort Ru for several years, she never imagined that she would end up like this. Consort Wen couldn't help but feel a sense of shared sorrow, and she drank two cups of cold tea to suppress her fear.
Thinking of this, Aunt Wen stood up, leaning on the square table, when she saw Master Song, his face full of anger, kick open her door and stride in.
"Master, what's wrong? Who made you so angry?" Aunt Wen hurriedly stepped forward, revealing a rather ingratiating smile.
Master Song plopped down in his chair, picked up the teacup on the table, and gulped down a mouthful of tea before slamming it down. "It's all because of those heartless servants in the manor! Seeing that Master is down on his luck, one by one they've redeemed their indentures and run away! The most hateful one is Wen Da! Master trusted him so much that he didn't sign that indenture with him, but he did it! Last night he packed his bags and sneaked out through the side door! What a heartless bastard!"
Upon hearing this, Aunt Wen's face flashed with panic, but she quickly put on a calm demeanor and walked to Master Song's side. "Why bother getting angry with those spineless servants? It'll only harm your health."
Master Song glanced at the gentle-looking Aunt Wen, patted her little hand, and said, "You are the most considerate person in the whole family. I would never be willing to give up anyone but you."
"I thank you for your kindness, sir," Aunt Wen said with a forced smile after a pause.
"Alas, right now, I'm thinking of living a good life with you. I'm planning to get the necessary documents and go to the yamen in a few days to officially recognize you. From now on, you will be my only wife, and I will treat you well. There will never be anyone else. After this matter is over, we can work together as husband and wife and live our lives peacefully behind closed doors. What do you say?" Master Song put his arm around Concubine Wen, his eyes flashing, and said in a deliberately gentle tone.
Upon hearing this, Aunt Wen's heart stirred, and a faint blush rose to her face. "Master, don't try to fool me."
"Why is Master Song trying to coax you?" Master Song said in a low voice. "Over the years, I've come to realize that you are the most considerate person in the entire mansion, Kexin."
"Then I thank you very much, sir." Aunt Wen's heart pounded, and she quickly curtsied. She knew in her heart that although Master Song was not a good match, she never expected that one day she would be made the official wife.
"Between husband and wife, there is no need for thanks. But..." Master Song deliberately stopped talking, looking troubled.
"If you have something to say, sir, please speak frankly with me," said Concubine Wen in a sweet voice.
"Well, as you said, sir, right now, sir needs some money to repay Master Xu. Do you have any valuable items here? Please give them to me to tide me over," Master Song said thoughtfully.
“This… I have already given all my personal savings to you, sir, two days ago.” Concubine Wen said cautiously, her face slightly stiff.
“How could I not know your feelings? When I came over the other day, I saw the bracelets on your wrist... They look quite exquisite. Why don’t you take them out and let me pawn them for you? But don’t worry, I will pawn them right away. When I have more money in the future, I will definitely redeem them.”
Upon hearing this, Aunt Wen hesitated for a moment, then subconsciously touched the jade bracelet on her wrist. She had lied to Master Song, saying it was a keepsake from her deceased mother, but in reality, it was a gift from her lover before she was married. This lover claimed to be a scholar going to the capital for the imperial examinations, and was devoted to her, promising more than once that if he succeeded, he would return to marry her. However, she waited foolishly at home for two or three years without receiving any news from her lover. In desperation, she had no choice but to marry Master Song and become his concubine.
Judging from Master Song's current appearance, she knew he had his eye on the bracelets for a long time. She had originally intended to keep the bracelets as a keepsake, but then she remembered what Master Song had said earlier. Now that there was no one else in the household, and Master Song was keen to make her his official wife, if she didn't express her feelings now, when would she?
So, Aunt Wen gritted her teeth, took off the jade bracelet from her wrist, and handed it to Master Song, saying, "This is my mother's keepsake. You... take it for now."
Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in Master Song's eyes. He quickly took the jade bracelet and said, "Good, good, Kexin'er, don't worry. Once I've resolved this matter, I will definitely make it up to you properly."
Just then, the only gatekeeper left in the mansion rushed over and shouted loudly outside the gate, "Master, Master Xu is here and says he has something to see you!"
Upon hearing this, Master Song jumped to his feet, pacing anxiously around the room. "What...what should we do? He must be here to collect a debt!"
"Master! Master Xu also said that money is no object, and that he would show you the right path!" the doorman said.
Upon hearing this, Master Song exchanged a glance with Concubine Wen, who comforted him, "Master, why don't you go and see what this person has to say?"
"Alright, sir, I'll do as you say."
Before long, the gatekeeper led Xu Wu to the main hall. As soon as Xu Wu entered, he said to Master Song with a forced smile, "Brother Song, it's really difficult for me to see you!"
Master Song smiled awkwardly: "Brother Xu, as you know, I still owe you money, and I'm ashamed to see you. As you can see, all those ungrateful servants in my household have run away, leaving only an old gatekeeper. Life is...sigh, really tough!"
Xu Wu snorted coldly, "It's just the two of us right now, so don't try to play the victim. I'm here today to tell you that I can ask for less interest on this money. After all, you're not doing well right now, and I can't push you to the brink, can I?"
Upon hearing this, Master Song's eyes lit up: "Really? Brother Xu, you are truly a living Buddha reincarnated! I am so lucky to have a brother like you!"
Xu Wu waved his hand, "Don't give me these nice words. I'm just here today to show you the right path."
"Brother Xu, please tell me in detail."
"I'm only speaking to you because you're honest. When you borrowed the money, were you divorced from your wife?" Xu Wu smiled and asked.
"Why are you bringing up this old matter again?" Upon hearing this, Master Song stood up with a flick of his sleeve and said unhappily, "You know that I just divorced my wife a few days ago. At that time, my Song clan discussed this matter together, and I had no choice but to agree. Now that it has been officially approved by the government, why are you still bringing it up?"
"I only brought this up because I thought you were stupid. Since you didn't divorce back then, this debt was owed by you and your ex-wife together. Why are you paying it back by yourself now?" Xu Wu sneered.
“But… before Madam left, she gave me half of her dowry. Haven’t I already given it all to you? If I were to shamelessly ask for it back now, it would be really…” Master Song turned around and said hesitantly.
"Even if you can't bring yourself to ask your ex-wife for it, don't forget you have a grown son! As his biological father, you can naturally ask your son for it! As long as they are willing to pay it off for you, I guarantee you that our 8% interest issue will be wiped clean, how about that?" Xu Wu coaxed patiently.
"This..." Although Master Song had some doubts, he nodded when he thought about how he could lose eight percent of the profit at once. "Then I'll give it a try."
Xu Wu smiled with satisfaction upon hearing this. "That's more like it, Brother Song. Even divorced couples wouldn't stand by and watch someone die in such a critical moment. You can go with peace of mind. Alright, I should go back now. Don't forget about this!" With that, Xu Wu gently shook the folding fan in his hand, turned around leisurely, and left the Song residence.
Meanwhile, after learning about Wang Le and Xu Wu's scheme, Song Ce felt a surge of disgust. He thought to himself: These two are truly despicable. They've already exploited Master Song to the bone, yet they still instigate him to find Lu Wu Niang and cause trouble. Their greedy faces are truly chilling.
Seeing that it was getting late, Song Ce did not linger any longer and hurried towards his own estate.
At this moment, Lu Wuniang was playing with Song Yu inside the house. When she saw Song Ce walk into the house without any expression, she immediately asked Li Mama to take Song Yu out to play for a while.
"My son, has something happened? Why do you look so pale?" Lu Wu Niang asked with concern.
"Mother." Song Ce stepped forward and told Lu Wu Niang everything that had happened at the bookstore in the county town that day. After listening, Lu Wu Niang's expression changed slightly. "It seems that our family's desire for a peaceful life is no longer possible right now."
Lu Wuniang paused for a moment, then continued, "My son, I originally thought that since the bookstore is in the county town and we wouldn't go there easily, I was considering selling the bookstore and the general store. But I've been so busy these past few days that I forgot about it. Today, Li Mama and I took a walk around the farm and learned that the field not far from us is going to be sold. I was thinking that we should buy the whole field so that our family can have some peace and quiet in the future."
Upon hearing this, Song Ce pondered for a moment, then asked, "What does Mother mean?"
“My son, why don’t we take this opportunity to sell these two shops and find a buyer with some connections who isn’t afraid of trouble? I’ll even accept a lower price. If we keep them in our hands, we’re afraid there will be endless trouble in the future. What do you think, my son?” Lu Wu Niang said with a smile.
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Author's Note: [Crying][Crying][Crying] I'm broken. I'm kneeling obediently. If you like it, please collect, comment, and share! I can handle the love! [Floppy-eared rabbit head][Floppy-eared rabbit head][Floppy-eared rabbit head] I'll try my best to update this Saturday and Sunday!
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