When night fell, the submission of the lawsuit was finally confirmed. The steward even brought in a clerk from Jiang-zhou Prefecture who was on friendly terms with the Cheng family to provide more detailed facts.
“The lawsuit has been accepted, and I’ve reviewed it. It’s absolutely accurate, and it’s signed by Cheng Jiao-niang—your family’s daughter, isn’t it?” he asked.
Jiao–niang—indeed, that was her.
“That’s the name the Zhou family gave her,” First Madam Cheng murmured softly.
Jiao Jiao—they had once laughed at the Zhou family for giving such a name to a fool. But now, it seemed she had truly become the Zhou family’s Jiao Jiao, dealing them an even heavier blow than what the Zhou family had done to them back in the day. The Zhou family must be laughing triumphantly behind their backs now.
How dare she file a lawsuit with the authorities! How dare she ask the government to rule on the matter of her dowry!
Asking the government to intervene—this was not an unfamiliar concept to the Cheng family. In their years of struggle with the Zhou family, such words had been spoken and heard more than once. First Master Cheng had said it, and Master Zhou had said it too, but it had always been mere talk. No one had ever actually dared to take the matter to the authorities.
Bringing a family dispute over property to the government was an unappealing prospect, both in terms of face and practicality.
Even a family as ruthless as the Zhou had only ever threatened to do so without following through. Who could have expected that this foolish girl would not even make a sound—no threats, no warnings—and instead directly take the matter to the authorities?
How dare she cause such a scene! That wretched fool!
First Master Cheng slammed his hand fiercely onto the armrest.
“She’s a fool who dares to submit it, but has the Jiang-zhou Prefecture also lost its mind by accepting it?” he roared. “Shouldn’t such an act of defiance—a junior daring to sue her elders—be met with a punitive beating to assert authority?”
The clerk shook his head, equally puzzled.
“Logically, it really shouldn’t have been accepted. But the judicial officer took the case. Who knows what he was thinking,” he said.
First Master Cheng snorted coldly.
“What was he thinking? It means more than just accepting the lawsuit,” he remarked, well aware of the underhanded dealings among officials.
Taking money to solve problems—it was a practice with a certain reputation for reliability.
But even then, it depended on what money could be taken and what problems could be solved.
“Is the prefect just going to stand by and do nothing? I’ll go to him and demand an explanation!” he declared, rising to his feet.
“The prefect has been unwell recently and has been resting behind closed doors, so many matters have been handled by his subordinates,” the clerk explained, leaning in and lowering his voice. “He has no idea about this matter at all, Master Cheng. It’s already late—why not wait until tomorrow morning to go? The longer the prefect remains unaware, the angrier he will be when he finds out.”
The angrier the prefect became, the more trouble the overstepping judicial officer would face.
First Master Cheng sat back down, let out a sigh, and nodded. He then gestured to the steward nearby.
The steward promptly slid a gift list over.
“Take this for your trouble. Thank you for making the trip,” he said.
The clerk did not stand on ceremony. After a few polite refusals, he accepted it. Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the amount and felt a secret thrill—though he had expected a generous sum, the actual number still delighted him.
The Cheng family truly was wealthy…
“Don’t worry, sir. It’s just a case of a junior acting out, and some foolishly followed along. Since it’s nothing but mischief, it’s not a serious matter,” he said with a smile, rising to take his leave.
First Master Cheng nodded and instructed the steward to see him out.
“Master, Madam, please have something to eat.”
The maids entered and cautiously urged them.
The food on the dining table had been sitting there for quite some time.
First Master Cheng waved his hand dismissively. First Madam Cheng was also in no mood to eat, abandoning even her usual recitations of Buddhist or Daoist scriptures.
“Tomorrow, you will go to the Wang family. Quickly finalize the marriage agreement, set the date, and marry her off as soon as possible. Let her be someone else’s problem,” First Master Cheng said irritably.
First Madam Cheng nodded, then suddenly realized something was amiss.
“What do you mean, ‘let her be someone else’s problem’? Why should my maiden family have to bear her mischief?” she retorted, equally annoyed.
“Fine, then let her cause trouble for someone else. The second branch has been waiting for an opportunity,” First Master Cheng replied bluntly.
First Madam Cheng was so infuriated that she burst into tears.
“What did I even do to deserve this? I’m being wronged from all sides,” she sobbed.
Seeing her cry, First Master Cheng also felt a heavy gloom settle over him. He hadn’t intended to take his frustration out on her, but the inexplicable anger in his heart had ignited all too easily.
“I’ve been ill, running around everywhere, dealing with matters inside and out. I can’t eat or sleep peacefully, day or night. And yet, all I get from you is this kind of remark. My mother-in-law blames me, my sisters-in-law resent me—I’ve endured it all. But you… how could you treat me this way too?”
The more First Madam Cheng spoke, the more heartbroken and disheartened she felt. She collapsed over the table, weeping uncontrollably.
How had their lives come to this? What sin had she committed to deserve such misery?
First Master Cheng knew he had lost his temper unjustly, but as a man, he couldn’t bring himself to bow his head and apologize to a woman.
“I didn’t say anything about you,” he grumbled. “Why are you crying?”
“You call that not saying anything? What you imply in your heart hurts even more than what you say out loud,” First Madam Cheng wept.
See? This was exactly why he shouldn’t engage—once he did, things only became more tangled.
“Let’s focus on bringing that troublesome fool home first before discussing anything else,” First Master Cheng quickly changed the subject, seizing the opportunity to step outside and call for the steward.
The steward, having just returned from seeing the guest out, hurried over at the summons.
“Earlier, you were all so preoccupied with the lawsuit that you forgot to bring her back, didn’t you? Take advantage of the darkness and go fetch her now,” First Master Cheng instructed.
The steward looked embarrassed.
“Master, we didn’t forget at the time. We tried to bring her back, but we couldn’t,” he explained.
“With so many of you going, you still couldn’t manage it? Aren’t the Zhou family members no longer at the prison? Even if she’s a fool and her maid knows how to shoot arrows, two fists are no match for four hands—are you all really that useless?” First Master Cheng said angrily.
He had never thought his subordinates and household were so incompetent before. In business and household management, they were among the best in Jiang-zhou. How had they all seemingly turned into such failures overnight?
“It’s not that, Master. Even though those people are gone, the South Cheng family members are blocking and obstructing us. We simply couldn’t get through,” the steward replied.
The South Chengs?
“How dare they defy us! We haven’t even settled the accounts with them for swindling our daughter’s money, and now they have the audacity to hold her captive?” First Master Cheng exclaimed, both shocked and enraged.
This was outright rebellion! What had gotten into everyone? Had they all gone mad?
“Someone, come here! Someone!” he shouted loudly, striding toward the door. “I refuse to believe they would dare to stop me.”
The steward quickly stepped in to stop him.
“Master, Master, we cannot resort to force,” he urged. “The South Chengs insist that the young lady does not wish to leave—that she instructed them to act this way. Under other circumstances, we could dismiss this as nonsense and take her away by force. But now that the young lady has sued us, if we cause a scene, it will only make things harder to clarify. After all, with so many people involved, rumors will spread…”
“What is there to clarify? I’ve done nothing wrong—why should I fear her?” First Master Cheng retorted, glaring, though his steps came to a halt.
“Master, your integrity is beyond reproach, but our family has already been involved in several disputes in a short span of time. The world is foolish and loves to fan the flames—where three people spread a rumor, it becomes a fact…” the steward hastily explained.
First Master Cheng stared at him.
“Why is it that you’re so clever now?” he said, flicking his sleeve. “You’re full of advice for me, but why were you struck dumb when facing the Zhou family?”
The steward gave an awkward smile.
How could the two situations be compared? Facing the Zhou family meant dealing with arrows and clubs—opening his mouth could easily lead to injury or bloodshed. It was nothing like the ease of this moment.
“Master, you are a reasonable man. The Zhou family and that young lady—they don’t understand reason…” he said ingratiatingly, following along. “Don’t worry, Master. If she wants to make trouble, we simply won’t engage. She’s just a child who doesn’t know better, but we must act with maturity. Let’s leave her be and see what she can do. Can she even get married without going through the proper channels?”
Married!
First Master Cheng suddenly halted, his sinking heart lurching back up.
This was bad! With this incident unfolding, the second branch would surely seize the opportunity to make a move!
“It’s not really appropriate for me to go.”
In the darkness, the side gate of the Cheng residence swung open. Two maids stepped out first, carrying lanterns that cast pools of light. Following closely behind, voices could be heard.
“What’s inappropriate about it?” said Second Madam Cheng, giving Second Master Cheng a push as they stepped out. “You’re her father. Visiting her is the most natural thing for you to do.”
The group moved forward, flanked by maids holding lanterns at the front and back, heading toward the Southern Cheng residence.
Over in the Southern Cheng quarter, one corner was brightly lit and buzzing with noise and activity.
“That’s where they’re building the house,” Second Madam Cheng said, pointing it out to Second Master Cheng. “They’re working day and night, rushing to snatch up all the money as quickly as possible.”
Second Master Cheng was in no mood to dwell on this and kept his head down, feeling gloomy.
“If I go, I won’t speak to her,” he said. “I have nothing to say to her.”
“You don’t need to speak. Your presence alone will make your stance clear,” Second Madam Cheng replied with a delighted laugh, reaching out to take his arm and leaning in to whisper, “I’ve always known you treat me the best.”
Even though it was nighttime, such an indecorous gesture startled Second Master Cheng, and he shook off her arm.
Second Madam Cheng giggled softly and fell back a few steps to follow behind.
The sound of footsteps echoed through the cluttered, narrow alley, mingling with the crowing of chickens and barking of dogs from the surrounding area.
“Madam, we’re almost there,” the maid in front called back over her shoulder.
No sooner had she spoken than a sharp “Hey!” rang out. A figure leaped out in front of them, catching Second Madam Cheng completely off guard. She screamed and stumbled backward in fright.
“What are you all doing here?” a shrill male voice shouted.
Second Madam Cheng hid behind Second Master Cheng, her face pale with fear.
Weren’t the Zhou family’s attendants supposed to be locked up in jail?
“It’s me,” Second Master Cheng snapped sternly. “Who are you?”
The maids, who had shrunk back, mustered their courage and raised their lanterns higher. In the dim light, they saw two scrawny teenage boys standing before them. Despite the harsh winter, they wore tattered robes that exposed their wrists, and their faces were so grimy they seemed to blend into the darkness.
These were just poor children from the Southern Cheng area!
The maids immediately straightened up.
“Scram!” they shouted irritably.
The two boys promptly turned and fled.
“…Two people came, with four women… They aren’t carrying any weapons…”
“…Only one man…”
They yelled as they ran, their sharp voices cutting through the night air.
Second Master Cheng and the others darkened their expressions.
What was this? A scouting party?
Sure enough, as the shouts echoed, shadowy figures emerged from the low, dark houses on either side. At the end of the alley, a row of people appeared in front of Cheng Jiao-niang’s courtyard.
“What are you all doing here?” the man at the front demanded.
This was practically like being treated as thieves! Second Master Cheng flicked his sleeve and turned to leave, but Second Madam Cheng quickly pulled him back.
“It’s us,” she said.
Only then did some of them get a clear look and recognize who they were. The crowd stirred slightly.
“Get out of the way, now!” Second Master Cheng barked, his eyebrows furrowed sternly.
But the crowd did not part or make way. They continued blocking the path.
“Second Master, are you here to take the young lady back?” one person said. “The young lady has made it clear—she won’t return. No matter who comes for her, she won’t go back.”
Second Madam Cheng held back the fuming Second Master, who was about to erupt again.
“No, no, we’re not here to take her back. She can stay wherever she pleases,” she said with a smile. “We’re here to discuss other matters with her.”
Second Madam Cheng never imagined she would one day find herself smiling at these people—and with an unconsciously ingratiating smile, no less. The thought made her smile tighten awkwardly, though in the darkness, no one noticed.
The people in front seemed to murmur among themselves in low voices. Just as Second Master Cheng was about to lose his temper, someone finally spoke up.
“We’ll go and ask Miss for instructions,” someone said before turning and walking away.
For a father to have to seek permission to see his own daughter was already humiliating enough—now he had to wait for her approval? Second Master Cheng’s face turned ashen with rage. Second Madam Cheng reached out and gently pinched his sleeve.
“Her dowry, your future prospects,” she whispered as a reminder.
This was their chance for the second branch to gain control of the entire dowry and future marital connections—a matter that concerned not just them, but their children as well.
“Do you want Xi Ge’er to live a life depending on others’ whims, just like you?” Second Madam Cheng said quietly.
Their son was Second Master Cheng’s greatest soft spot. His expression softened slightly at the mention.
“But that doesn’t mean we have to depend on that fool… her whims,” he muttered under his breath.
Second Madam Cheng shot him a sharp glance. As the couple continued their hushed exchange, the crowd ahead parted.
“Second Master, Madam, the young lady invites you in.”
“See? After all, she is your own flesh and blood. She won’t see others, but she’ll see you,” Second Madam Cheng said with a low chuckle, stepping forward ahead of him.
If she weren’t his own flesh and blood, none of this would be happening now.
Second Master Cheng gazed into the pitch-black winter night. In the dark sky, the face of a woman seemed to flicker through his mind—familiar yet distant.
What wretched luck! He never should have married her back then!
He let out a heavy sigh, his expression grim, and followed.
Under the eaves of the small courtyard hung two lanterns, swaying in the wind and emitting faint, tinkling sounds.
Second Madam Cheng couldn’t help but glance curiously and noticed a string of wind chimes hanging beside the lanterns.
Even the darkness of night could not conceal the dilapidated and cramped state of the courtyard.
A maid sat under the eaves, bowing in greeting before pulling the door open.
Second Madam Cheng withdrew her gaze and raised a hand to wipe away tears.
“My poor child, suffering like this,” she said with a choked sob, stepping inside.
Second Master Cheng followed with a stern expression.
The narrow hall suddenly felt even more cramped with the addition of the two, leaving little room to move.
“Stop staying in a place like this—it’s utterly unbecoming. Move back home. There’s no shortage of places for you to live…” Second Master Cheng said irritably. But as he lifted his head, his words abruptly cut off.
Under the dim lamplight, before a sheer gauze screen, sat a young girl dressed in an embroidered long gown. Her bright eyes seemed to illuminate the entire room.
This… this… was that fool?
Second Master Cheng looked astonished. So this was what that fool actually looked like?
No wonder the Zhou family had managed to attract so many marriage proposals all the way from the capital!
“Weren’t you saying you weren’t here to talk about this?”
The young girl’s voice snapped Second Master Cheng out of his daze. The impatience in her tone instantly displeased him.
Flesh and blood? Since when does one’s own flesh and blood speak to their father like this?
Seeing Second Master Cheng’s dark expression, Second Madam Cheng hurriedly stepped in.
“Your father is only concerned for you,” she said, dabbing at her tears. “Jiao-niang, look at this place you’re living in…”
“No need to worry,” Cheng Jiao-niang replied, cutting her off. “What did you come to discuss with me?”
Even in formal matters, there ought to be some polite small talk to set the tone. But look at her attitude!
Second Master Cheng’s face darkened.
“You sued the family?” he asked. “How dare you!”
Before his words had even fully landed, Cheng Jiao-niang began to rise.
“See our guests out,” she said. “I need to rest.”
Second Master Cheng was furious, but Second Madam Cheng held him back firmly.
“Jiao-niang, Jiao-niang, we’re not here to blame you. We actually think you did the right thing!” she said.
What did she mean, “did the right thing”?
Second Master Cheng’s expression grew even more unpleasant. Even if that was the underlying message they intended to convey, stating it so bluntly was entirely inappropriate!
What kind of situation was this? Cheng Jiao–niang had sued her own elders—and they were elders too. To say she had done the right thing was like slapping their own faces!
“You—” He was about to flare up again, but Second Madam Cheng preemptively raised her hand and tapped his arm.
“Within the family, we should speak openly. Jiao-niang is tired—let’s finish quickly so she can rest early,” she said, with a hint of warning.
If they didn’t clarify their stance quickly, this fool might truly dare to throw them out. She had personally witnessed how those servants were bold enough to take action.
Sure enough, after she said this, Cheng Jiao-niang sat back properly.
“All I want is a fair resolution,” she said, even offering a slight smile.
Second Madam Cheng happily released Second Master Cheng and nodded with a smile.
“Yes, you absolutely should seek a fair resolution,” she replied.
“Back then, it was agreed that I wouldn’t take a dowry when I married, correct?” Cheng Jiao-niang asked.
“Th-that was all decided by them. Your father… your father had no say in the family matters,” Second Madam Cheng hurriedly explained.
Cheng Jiao-niang nodded.
“Then, when the authorities inquire, will you be willing to testify?” she asked.
What?
Testify?!
Second Madam Cheng was stunned, and Second Master Cheng was equally speechless.
