The Zhao family arrived much faster than the Tang sisters had imagined. Last time it was Zhao Xiaobo's grandparents, but this time it was Zhao Xiaobo's parents, uncles, and aunts. His mother started wiping away tears when she saw Tang Cuimei, repeatedly expressing her gratitude.
When they came to Taoyuan Village, they brought very heavy gifts: two piglets, four old hens, and fifty catties of grain. Although it was impossible to tell what kind of grain it was, the cart was packed full, along with some other unidentifiable items in baskets.
Although Tang Cuimei felt it was something she should do, the way the Zhao family treated their savior made her feel very comfortable. This was far better than those who saved people and then refused to pay their debts.
Before coming here, the two brothers had already done a detailed investigation into the Tang family's situation.
Zhao Xiaobo's father now works in the township government. You can tell he's an official just by the way he walks. Otherwise, he wouldn't have attracted the village chief of Taoyuan Village. Because Zhao Xiaobo's father is so important, his uncle is now the village chief of Zhao Family Village. This family is considered a local bigwig.
At first, the Tang sisters were worried that they might be local bullies or something, but they didn't expect that everyone was very well-mannered, especially the two sisters-in-law, who seemed approachable, gentle and easy to talk to. Thinking of the old couple from before, the Tang sisters understood what the foundation stone of the family was. No wonder they were old Party members. Just by the family's overall demeanor, they knew that they could go far.
Mr. Zhao didn't say much, but he got straight to the point. After exchanging pleasantries, he took out two hundred yuan.
The Tang sisters knew what the other side meant as soon as they saw the scene. Although they had saved Zhao Xiaobo's life, given the Zhao family's reputation, it was hard to guarantee that they wouldn't flaunt their status or take advantage of the favor to do something despicable.
It's normal for people to think that way; Tang Cuihua and the others never intended to ask for anything.
This can be seen from the fact that Tang Cuihong locked the door as soon as these important figures entered. The people at the old house had already received the news and rushed to this area. They were banging on the door so loudly because they wanted to see what the big leaders of the township government looked like.
In front of the village chief, Tang Cuihua briefly explained her family's situation.
“I’m not afraid of losing face. Now my sisters and I have established our own household, severed ties with my father, and have no connection with the old house. So they have no right to ask you to do anything. We won’t take the money, and you can take back the thank-you gift. We only have one request. Listen to it. If you think it’s difficult to handle, just pretend we didn’t mention it. Let’s just let this matter go and never bring it up again.”
Tang Cuimei nodded. "What you said is exactly what we've discussed. Today, in front of the village chief, I won't hide it from you. We've always wanted to find our sisters. Apart from the ninth sister, who is doing well and doesn't need to be brought back, we're still missing the seventh and eighth sisters. Coincidentally, the eighth sister is in your Zhao Family Village, and the seventh sister is in Nanwa Village. We don't want money or these gifts. We just want to use your authority to see if we can get my two sisters back. As for money, as long as it's not excessive and within a reasonable range, we're willing to give it to them."
"However, there is a prerequisite: when my sister was given to us, she was in perfect condition. They have raised her all these years, but if she is missing an arm or a leg, or has developed other health problems due to their abuse, we have the right not to give her a single penny!"
Tang Cuimei's last sentence was very forceful. The Zhao brothers and their sister-in-law listened quietly, and after receiving confirmation from the village chief's eyes, Zhao Xinyang asked the question on behalf of his brother Zhao Cunzhang.
"So, you already know which family your sister lives with?"
Tang Cuihua continued, "I don't know which family it is exactly, I only know that the surname is Yang, and the village is Zhaojia. If my sister is still alive, she is nine years old this year. She was born in 1948. The seventh child is in Nanwa Village, surnamed Deng, and is eleven years old this year. If you two uncles can find a way to bring them back, we will always remember your great kindness!"
As Tang Cuihua spoke, she led her sisters to kneel down, which startled the two couples, who quickly went over to help them up.
“Oh dear, why are you kneeling down? We didn’t say we wouldn’t help, did we? Hurry up, get up. If you say your surname is Yang, and you’re from our village, and you’re a girl brought back from outside, we know that Yang Shuigou’s youngest daughter is named Yang Xiaomei, and she’s about eight or nine years old this year. As for the one from Nanwa Village, we’ll have to go back and inquire about her.”
Cuihua's eyes reddened upon hearing this. "Really? Is she alright? Is there anything wrong with her?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xiaobo's mother, the eldest daughter-in-law of the Zhao family, sighed slightly, "This is actually what I wanted to tell you."
“Although my husband is the township head and my uncle is the village head, we have never done anything to bully others. Especially the Yang family, they are not easy to talk to. They are a large family. If this Yang Xiaomei is really your eighth daughter, then you should be prepared that her right eye has been damaged.”
The Tang sisters felt a chill in their hearts; as expected, they were still blind after all.
"The Yang family said she got into a fight and got hurt, but we don't believe it. It's probably her sons who beat her up. This Yang girl only seems to have a good life in their family. You can tell from how she's always hungry and cold that she's a pitiful person. Her family is very poor. Her adoptive mother died a long time ago, and they all depend on her to take care of the old lady in the Yang family. How could they easily let her go with you?"
Cuihua frowned and asked again, "How many older brothers does she have? Are they all married?"
"None of her three older brothers treat her well. The eldest is already twenty-five or twenty-six, a cunning man who still hasn't found a wife. The second is twenty-three or twenty-four, seemingly honest but actually selfish. The youngest is twenty, never seen all year round, no one knows where he goes. His father is also a good-for-nothing, doesn't work hard, just a street urchin. This whole house is full of bachelors. If it weren't for a sick old lady, your sister..."
Before the outspoken eldest daughter-in-law could finish speaking, her sister-in-law bumped her shoulder, and she realized she had said the wrong thing, offering an embarrassed explanation.
"Don't misunderstand, what I really meant was that their old lady is a nice person. Although Yang Xiaomei has endless chores every day, at least the old lady protects her. Of course, it's also fortunate that she's still young. If she were a few years older, perhaps..."
The sister-in-law reluctantly chimed in, "My sister-in-law is quite straightforward, so don't overthink it. We know about this and will keep it in mind, but getting it back isn't something that can be done in a day or two. We'll have to find an opportunity, won't we?"
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