Chapter 88: Generations of Slavery
Wu Dawei sneered when he heard the word "slave".
"Miss, do you think that since your Xie family has given us shelter, a stable life, and survival skills, we are your Xie family's slaves?"
Xie Rongying knew that Wu Dawei had been to school and was even very talented, so she naturally didn't want to be inferior to him.
Wu Dawei also left Wanmiao Village hoping to change his life with his talent and knowledge.
However, things went against his wishes. After leaving Wanmiao Village, he found that the world of fame and fortune he wanted was not something that his family background could reach.
After hitting a wall outside and feeling completely hopeless.
Wu Dawei calmed down and returned to Wanmiao Village, and began to take over the affairs of Wanmiao Village from his father.
He also knew how the people of Wanmiao Village stayed in Wanmiao Village, and he knew that the Xie family was their benefactor.
It’s just that everyone has desires and ambitions. After a long period of comfort, the deep-seated resentment begins to gradually magnify the inner desires.
They also regarded the Xie family, who had saved them from danger, as rich people who exploited them.
Treat the annual income of Wanmiao Village as your own.
"Manager Wu." Xie Rongying smiled faintly and took over a contract of sale signed by Wu Dawei's great-grandfather from Dongxue's hand. It was stamped with a handprint and an official seal.
She said nonchalantly, "When I was seven, I learned from my grandmother that living in Wanmiao Village wasn't easy. They settled there after escaping war and were diligent. The fertile land in Wanmiao Village today was cultivated by the people of Wanmiao Village."
Wu Dawei's face changed slightly when he saw the indenture.
Xie Rongying continued, "My grandparents were kind people. Even when they bought your great-grandfather from a human trafficker, they never treated you harshly. They even provided you with food and clothing, and they no longer made you homeless."
"You are diligent, so my grandfather will certainly not treat you like slaves or even exploit you."
"But my grandfather never imagined that by giving you the Xie family's mountains, land, and houses to use, you would gradually come to think of them as your own." The smile on Xie Rongying's lips slowly faded, and she stared at Wu Dawei with a hint of hostility. "There are a total of 62 families in Wanmiao Village, and most of them are surnamed Wu. From your great-grandfather to your generation, you've lived in comfort for so long that you've forgotten what 'generations of slavery' mean!"
Xie Rongying leaned forward slightly, holding the slightly yellowed indentures in front of Wu Dawei and sneering, "I could have used these indentures to beat you, a bunch of ruthless bastards, to death, but my father wouldn't let me. He said many people in Wanmiao Village were instigated."
"Many people just want a safe and stable life, but if they don't follow the crowd, they will be ostracized and beaten and scolded by the three Wu brothers."
By this time, Wu Dawei had clearly seen the words "generational slavery" on the indenture, and his eyes widened in disbelief.
Xie Rongying sat up straight. Dongxue stepped forward to take the indenture. Xie Rongying continued, "Do you know why you couldn't even pass the provincial examination?"
"You, a slave, still want to take the imperial examination?"
"Your household registration is in the slave register of my Xie family, so are you a 'slave'?"
Xie Rongying looked down at Wu Dawei, who clearly lacked the pride he had just displayed. She said calmly, "My Xie family has given you a place to live, the skills to survive, and a stable life. And yet you, a bunch of slaves, still dream of turning the tables and stepping on your masters to act wildly!"
"It's also my father's fault. He wanted a group of descendants who carried the blood of those who sold their children, sold their parents, and were disloyal, unfilial, unkind, and unjust to be loyal to the Xie family..."
When Wu Dawei heard Xie Rongying's last words, the pride deep in his heart was trampled under Xie Rongying's feet, and his self-esteem was strangled inch by inch.
He stared at Xie Rongying with a ferocious look on his face: "What kind of good thing are you? You schemed against your own mother-in-law. How can a woman with such a vicious heart like you be any better than me!?"
Xie Ting, who was guarding the cell, heard what Wu Dawei said and stepped forward and kicked Wu Dawei.
Wu Dawei was kicked to the ground, gasping for breath.
When Xie Ting was about to continue, he was stopped by Xie Rongying.
Xie Ting looked at Xie Rongying who was tugging at his sleeve, and said in a bad tone: "It's all because of uncle's indulgence. A bunch of dog slaves dare to question their master!"
Xie Rongying chuckled: "Okay, since I've already said I'll handle this matter, leave it to me."
Upon hearing this, Xie Ting glanced coldly at Wu Dawei who was lying on the ground, then turned around and walked back to his original position.
Xie Rongying glanced at Xie Ting's back before moving her gaze to Wu Dawei.
She took two steps forward, looked down at Wu Dawei, and said, "The good thing about me being better than you is that if I want someone to die, that person must die, like you."
Wu Dawei suddenly raised his eyes and stared at the woman who was looking down at him. Although there was a slight smile on Xie Rongying's face, he felt extremely creepy at this moment.
*
night,
Wanmiao Village tonight is not as lively as usual. There is no one in the market and even the lights are off.
There were more than seventy houses and warehouses for storing medicinal materials. Except for the largest warehouse where torches were burning, Wanmiao Village seemed dead silent at this time.
At this time, there was a large open space in the middle of the largest warehouse.
Xie Rongying sat on the pear blossom chair in the middle. There was a small table on her left, which was piled with account books and brocade boxes. Xie Ting and Li Dongfu stood on both sides of her.
Behind him were dozens of Xie family guards dressed in the same uniform.
All the people standing opposite were from Wanmiao Village.
On the other side was Wu Dawei who was hanging up and was dying, as well as Wu Dawei's family and third brother.
"Since the three Wu brothers have caused a death today, I'd like to ask you a question. If you feel that following our Xie family has wronged you, please use the money you've saved over the years to redeem yourself. I don't ask for much. I'll count from the time your ancestors arrived in Wanmiao Village, excluding those who have passed away."
As Xie Rongying spoke, she began to open the brocade box beside her, and said lightly: "Just say that you are still in Wanmiao Village. For all these years, you have been using my Xie family's house and land. After all, my Xie family has also benefited from the land."
"Then you can redeem yourself for two hundred taels of silver each. I will also send someone to remove your slave status from the government and restore you to good citizenship."
After hearing what Xie Rongying said, the expressions of the people on the other side began to change.
Although they knew that their ancestors had received favors from the Xie family, they were still a little surprised when they heard the word "slave status".
Xie Rongying glanced across at the other side and added, "I know what you're thinking, but this is indeed a fact. When your ancestors were bought by my grandfather, they signed a contract for generational slavery."
As he spoke, Xie Rongying casually picked up a contract of sale and said to Li Dongfu, "Go show it to them."
"yes."
Li Dongfu took a contract of sale, took a look at the name on it, walked up to the group of people and called out the name on the contract, and then someone came forward to check.
Soon, Li Dongfu walked back to Xie Rongying with the indenture contract.
Xie Rongying continued, "Wu Laoer can't leave Kaifeng Prefecture. Wu Dawei instigated you to betray your master. I want to have a good talk with you about this matter."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
