Chapter 6

Meng Yao was very calm, and under everyone’s surprised gazes, she said slowly, “If you agree, then your recovery will have nothing to do with the song family.”

Doctor Li had roughly estimated that Song Xiu’er’s body had suffered severely. It would take more than a few days for her to recover fully. Song Xiu’er would have to thank the Heavens for pitying her if she could recover within two to three years.

In addition to taking medicine, Song Xiu’er would also have to watch her diet. A conservative estimate of the annual expenses for her medication would be ten taels of silver.

But what was the concept of ten taels of silver? Even a family’s annual balance could not reach that amount. It would cost twenty taels of silver if it took two years for Song Xiu’er to recover.

That was the reason why the Song family was excited. They might have gritted their teeth and agreed if they were in twos or threes. Song Xiu’er’s recovery cost would be twenty to thirty taels of silver, and the Song family only thought Song Xiu’er was a waste of money and that she was not worthy.

Li Zheng thought it was too much if Song Xiu’er cut ties with her family. No matter how terrible the Song family were, they were still Song Xiu’er’s family. Li Zheng was about to talk Meng Yao out of it when Madam Née Li spoke decisively, “You must keep your word in front of everyone, Meng Yao. It will all be over once Xiu’er cuts ties with us?”

Madam Née Li’s voice carried a hint of excitement.

“Yes. I will write off the matter of you forcing Xiu’er to give you all her food and causing her miscarriage. You don’t have to worry about whether or not I keep my word. Of course, Xiu’er will no longer have anything to do with the Song family, so don’t even think about getting help from her.”

Madam Née Li rolled her eyes. “We’ll agree, then we’ll talk about the details.” Madam Née Li knew how to manipulate Song Xiu’er since she was the one who birthed her. Madam Née Li was determined and must be angry at the loss of her daughter. But after a while, her anger would subside, and she could say whatever she wanted.

“All right,” Meng Yao said as Madam Née happily replied.

Li Zheng discretely shook his head when he saw how foolish Song Shizhu and his wife were. If anyone tried to deal with the Song family, they would blame others for having ulterior motives. With that, Li Zheng remained silent since the Song and Zhao families had agreed on their terms. Nonetheless, he was only a witness.

“Words are not proof enough, Li Zheng. We have to make a written agreement,” Meng Yao suggested.

Li Zheng nodded and asked, “Madam Née Li, do you agree with Meng Yao’s terms?”

“We’re all from the same village, and many people present are witnesses. There’s no need to waste ink!” Madam Née Li answered impatiently.

“Even blood relatives would settle their debates adequately!” Meng Yao did not back down. Meng Yao did not believe Madam Née Li would do what she said after seeing how shameless she was. Even though Song Xiu’er was determined, Madam Née Li was still her mother.

Meng Yao was worried that Song Xiu’er could not resist Madam Née Li’s demands if there were no restraints on Madam Née Li. Things would only become more troublesome then.

Li Zhen pondered and said, “We will just do as Meng Yao says and write a severed ties agreement.”

Since Li Zhen was disappointed with Song Shizhu and his wife, he chose to stand on the Zhao family’s side. He also pitied Song Xiu’er.

Li Zheng then told Doctor Li to go to his house to get a brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. He wrote three copies of the severed ties letter with everyone present as witnesses—one for the Song family, one for him, and one for the Zhao family.

“I wonder if the government would recognize such a document, Li Zheng,” Meng Yao said with concern.

Li Zheng thought he might get in trouble if he did not submit it, so he said, “We need to go to the government office and make it official.”

“Do we need to go with you, or can you do it for us?” Meng Yao inquired.

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“I happen to be going to the Yamen tomorrow to settle some documents for the Chen Qing family’s new daughter-in-law. I’ll bring the documents over while I’m at it,” Li Zhen muttered.

“Then I will have to trouble you to take care of it. Since we have made agreements, I shall take Xiu’er back with me for now. She’s weak and needs to rest.” Meng Yao then held Song Xiu’er and bid farewell to the witnesses before leaving.

The ancestral hall was cold and gloomy. Even a healthy person like Meng Yao could not bear it, let alone Song Xiu’er. She looked even worse.

Meng Yao stopped walking abruptly, turned her head, and spoke to Doctor Li, “By the way, Doctor Li, I hope you can come to my house to give Xiu’er some medicine.”

“All right. I will come with you,” Doctor Li responded.

“Hmph, stop acting so pitiful! Xiu’er, you idiot, Meng Yao is simply doing all this for everyone to see. How could she be willing to spend so much money to care for you? Not to mention your brother-in-law is a scholar, and they need to pay for his studies. The Zhao family will not have any money to spend on you! Meng Yao is just manipulating you so you would go home with her to be her slave. You’ll regret this, Xiu’er!” Madam Née Li thundered.

“You don’t have to worry whether or not the Zhao family has enough money to support Xiu’er, Madam Née Li.” A young man in a long green robe handed a pouch to Meng Yao and continued, “Mother, this is a reward I got from my mentor since I placed third in the monthly exam. Don’t worry. I will study harder and strive to get more rewards.”

That was Meng Yao’s second son, Zhao Dahe. He was tall and handsome with a stern demeanor. Ying Luo’s predecessor birthed four children, and they were good-looking.

Meng Yao was puzzled because, in her predecessor’s memory, Zhao Dahe looked down on his eldest brother and sister-in-law. He would not even greet them. However, Zhao Dahe spoke intending to protect Song Xiu’er.

“How did you get back, Dahe?” Meng Yao asked in surprise.

Ying Luo’s predecessor favored Zhao Dahe, so Meng Yao had to be happy.

“My mentor will not be around for today and tomorrow, so he gave me some days off. I missed you, so I came back,” Zhao Dahe answered. He then greeted Li Zheng and the witnesses when he finished speaking.

Li Zheng and the villagers were polite to Zhao Dahe whenever he was around, especially Li Zheng since he was also a scholar when he was younger. He knew the benefits of studying and valued scholars.

“Welcome back, Dahe. Please, speak with your mother and don’t get angry,” Li Zhen said in a friendly manner.

“Don’t worry, Mr. Li Zheng. I will,” Zhao Dahe replied as he glanced coldly at the Song family. “Since you’ve already settled this issue, I will not press further, Mr. Li Zheng. You will face my wrath if anyone else dares to bully my mother again.”

Everyone present agreed with Zhao Dahe, while Li Zheng said he would ensure the villagers get along better in the future.

Zhao Dahe nodded and said, “Let’s go home, Mother.”

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Everyone thought Zhao Dahe possessed an imposing demeanor.

Meng Yao turned around and playfully kicked Zhao Dajiang. “Why are you standing around? Carry Xiu’er home.”

Meng Yao was not afraid of doing that because her predecessor usually kicked and slapped Zhao Dajiang. Only Zhao Dahe and Zhao Dajiang could match Ying Luo’s predecessor’s pleasant expressions.

When the Zhao family was far from the ancestral hall, Zhao Dahe snatched the pouch from his mother’s hand. “Why are you still holding onto this, Mother? Don’t tell me you’re thinking of embezzling your son’s silver.”

Meng Yao was speechless.