Chapter 554 556. Stay or Go
In the Rong Dynasty, concubines had no right to own private property.
If discovered, not only will she have to sign a contract to sell herself, but all her possessions will also belong to the wife.
Chen also thought of this at this moment, and her face immediately turned pale.
She had finally gained her freedom, and she didn't want her fate to be controlled by others again.
If she admitted it, her future life would be even more difficult than when she was a maid.
If you don't admit it, then this courtyard and farm must have a history.
After weighing the pros and cons, before she had time to make a choice, she heard the sound of a gavel, which frightened her so much that she screamed out immediately.
"These were not bought by Mr. Gu. They were all rewards I received for my service to my master in the Duan Mansion."
This story, which was full of loopholes, was thought up by her in a desperate situation, and she regretted it as soon as she said it.
Freedom and money are important, but if you offend Mr. Duan, your fate might be even worse.
"You're the Mr. Duan who has been having a hot relationship with my father recently?" Gu Yuanshui said in surprise, "Are you Mr. Duan's mistress? But it's true, my father is not as good as Mr. Duan.
Big brother, it seems that we brothers have misunderstood this time, and our father may be helping Mr. Duan to cover up for the sake of brotherhood. "
The people outside thought this made sense, as they all knew Mr. Duan and Gu Dashi.
Although Gu Dashi had a promising son, he was so old and frail, and had a hunchback, that he didn't even look half as good as Mr. Duan.
Speaking of financial resources, the two are not on the same level at all. One relies on his son for a living, and the other holds a large amount of property. As long as a woman is not stupid, she will know who to choose.
Chen's face turned pale and her body was shaking. "I was just talking nonsense. All this money was given to me by the old grandfather..."
But at this moment, her confusing words made everyone feel that she was trying to cover up something.
There was a sudden booing outside the hall, "That makes sense, everyone knows that Mr. Duan is henpecked, and it seems that his wife has some background, no wonder he wants to hide her outside.
This old man is really stupid enough to take the blame for something like this."
"Oh, now that I think about it, I do have some impression of him. I have seen Mr. Duan come to that courtyard several times, but he was not as high-profile as Mr. Gu. He was even a little secretive."
When County Magistrate Xia saw this, he realized that the matter in the backyard was involved. As long as it was not theft or fraud, there was no need for him to continue the trial. He announced the adjournment of the court in public and asked someone to invite Mr. Duan over.
If this matter did not involve the Gu family, he would have kicked the person out on the spot.
When Mr. Duan came over, he naturally denied it. Even Chen, who came to the backyard, said that she was with Gu Dashi.
Gu Yuanshui sneered and took out a contract of sale. "Then sign it. I'll take you back to serve the old man."
Duan Yuanwai, "Isn't that necessary? I gave this girl to your father just to make the old man live a more comfortable life.
If you take him back like this, it will only cause trouble for Madam Gu. It would be better for him to stay in Fu County. Your father will have a place to stay when he comes."
Gu Yuanjin, "I really want to thank Mr. Duan for thinking of my father. I think there is a piece of news that you don't know yet. My father fell yesterday and is now bedridden.
Today, several of us brothers came here, not only to sort out this matter, but also to buy a capable girl to take care of him.
I didn't expect that Mr. Duan had sent such a big living person. Then there is no need for my brothers to waste money. It's just right for Chen to go back and take care of him."
As he said this, he turned around and saw Chen, who looked confused. "It happens to be at the county government office. Your indenture can be directly put on file. As for the farm and yard under your name, they can also be transferred to my mother's name."
Chen looked at Mr. Duan nervously. If this was how she served people, she would rather stay in Duan's house. Gu Dashi would definitely not be able to protect her. How could she survive if she went there?
Duan Yuanwai was also confused at the moment. If Gu Dashi really collapsed on the kang, he would be a useless chess piece. It was a pity that he had been planning and scheming for so long, but in the end it was all in vain.
It is not too ridiculous that after spending several thousand taels of silver for such a long time, there is no result at all.
"In that case..."
"Master Duan..."
Chen and Duan spoke at the same time, their eyes exchanged back and forth in the air, and finally, Duan said, "Chen, you speak first."
Chen knelt directly in front of him, "Master Duan, I want to go back to the Duan residence to serve the old lady."
Mr. Duan understood what this meant and couldn't help but squint his eyes. He didn't expect that after such a short time, this girl would become so dishonest.
"Although your parents are in the mansion, you have been deported after all. It is really inappropriate for you to go back."
Chen, "I am willing to serve you, old lady, for the rest of my life."
There is no way to continue this...
Gu Yuanshui smiled and said, "As expected, the old master still cannot forget him. How could Mr. Duan be willing to give away such a loyal servant?
Our Gu family is also a kind family. Otherwise, Mr. Duan should take the person back, so that he won’t come to our house again in the future. This will be bad for both families.”
Duan Yuanwai, "Master Gu is overthinking. There is no reason to take back what has been given away."
Then, she stared at Chen and said, "Just serve Master Gu with peace of mind. Don't worry about your family. The old lady will make arrangements for you."
Chen knew at this moment that the situation before her did not allow her to make any choice.
Gnawing on the toothpick and signing the indenture, the lawyer was just about to change the contract between the courtyard and the manor when Gu Yuanjin spoke up.
"Master Xia, before I came here, my mother told me that our family did not spend this amount of money to purchase this manor and yard. Please confiscate things like these that are of unknown origin."
County Magistrate Xia was just a bystander, but he didn't expect to gain such a thing.
It was said to be confiscated, but in fact it was given to the county government.
Don't underestimate just a yard and a farm, they can cost several hundred taels of silver in total.
"How can this be done? Chen is now a servant of your family, and her private property should belong to the old lady." Not knowing whether the other party was sincere or not, County Magistrate Xia always wanted to test it out.
Gu Yuanjin, "I dare not disobey my mother's order. I hope Lord Xia will grant my wish."
At this moment, Mr. Duan felt like his head was about to swell. He didn't expect that the Gu family had several smart people who had even prepared a way out.
Then all the planning he had done for so long seemed like a joke.
The situation has become like this now, and I don’t know how to explain it later.
County Magistrate Xia glanced at Mr. Duan and said with a smile, "In that case, please express our gratitude to the old lady on behalf of the county. The county will auction off this farm and yard on a chosen day. The proceeds will be used to build bridges and roads, and the old lady's name will also be engraved on the monument of merit."
(End of this chapter)
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