Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 78

When Second Brother Ye's wife dragged Second Brother Ye to the Qi family, her face bore injuries.

They weren't from being beaten, but from when she pulled Second Brother Ye out of the gambling house and accidentally fell against the door frame, hitting herself.

As for Second Brother Ye's wife being relentless, hitting and scolding, drawing onlookers, the gambling house didn't care at all. After all, they saw such things every day and were used to it, just standing aside without getting involved.

But with Second Brother Ye going there every time and his wife coming to catch him every time, they inevitably found it annoying.

Moreover, Second Brother Ye had gambled away almost all his spare money. The gambling house wasn't very willing to deal with such deadbeats either. They did business with real gold and silver, and this Second Brother Ye did nothing but write IOUs and make empty promises every day. They were too lazy to serve him.

If they forcibly took the IOUs to collect debts, there might be conflicts that could be dragged to the magistrate's court. There were plenty of gambling losers who defaulted, and the gambling house didn't want to invite lawsuits, so they didn't let him come much anymore. When they saw him, they just drove him out.

But the money owed still had to be repaid, so they'd go ask occasionally, though they weren't in a hurry.

But Second Brother Ye had also borrowed considerable silver from others, and those creditors were mostly neighbors who had no such scruples. They came making trouble directly.

When will you repay the silver? If you don't, think carefully. If you still don't repay, we'll go to the magistrate. A beating is unavoidable, and the magistrate has ways to deal with it.

Whether to sell sons and daughters, or sell off the wife, you decide!

Second Brother Ye's wife had already lost face among the neighbors, but she still didn't want Second Brother Ye to go in and get beaten. That's why she dragged Second Brother Ye to the Qi family to see if they could get some money.

Second Brother Ye originally didn't want to come. He still remembered the beating from Elder Brother Ye, and his teeth still ached thinking about it. Naturally he didn't want to come invite scorn again.

But Second Brother Ye's wife didn't give him this option: "You need to think clearly. If you don't come, this beating is unavoidable! Besides, the Qi family is doing so well, your little debt could be filled by them just trembling their hands. She's your sister anyway, she should help you."

But when saying this, Second Brother Ye's wife also knew in her heart that once gambling started, it wasn't something that could be stopped just by talking.

But she could only say this and drag Second Brother Ye here first.

When the two of them came to make trouble at the Qi family gate, it was already dark.

The Qi family was wealthy but hadn't occupied others' farmland. Instead, they'd used money to buy a plot of land outside the village to build their residence. The surrounding plots were also bought by the Qi family, some turned into restaurants and tea houses, others rented to tenant farmers.

But at this time, with the sky dark, there were few pedestrians on the street.

Moreover, this area was basically all Qi family people, so even if someone came to make trouble, no one came to watch, afraid of displeasing their employer.

But Second Brother Ye's wife didn't notice anything unusual, just shouting loudly at the gatekeeper: "Do you know who I am? I'm your Second Young Mistress's family! How dare you stop me, do you know what crime that is!"

The gatekeeper was a half-grown child, also the son of a tenant farmer who'd come to work for the Qi family.

Usually this gatekeeper job should be leisurely, but who could have expected someone to cause trouble tonight!

He grimaced, not speaking, just blocking them from entering, thinking to himself, Tie Zi, Brother Tie Zi, please be quick and go report inside. I can barely hold on, this woman is too strong!

Whether he heard his thoughts or not, soon the large gate behind opened on both sides.

Second Brother Ye's wife's eyes lit up. She stopped pushing and stepped back several paces, pulling Second Brother Ye out from behind the stone lion.

"We... we should go back. It's so late, disturbing Jiao Niang wouldn't be good." Second Brother Ye's voice was low, carrying some hesitation.

But Second Brother Ye's wife wasn't afraid: "Coming so late, I don't believe your elder brother would know. Besides, you're blood brothers. What deep hatred could there be? Even if the family split and cut ties, he can't really beat you to death, can he?" Then Second Brother Ye's wife lowered her voice: "If you don't speak up and try hard, your elder brother won't beat you to death, but those debt collectors aren't good people. How will we live in the future?"

Second Brother Ye immediately had nothing to say, letting Second Brother Ye's wife pull him forward.

But though the Qi family's gate had opened, it wasn't opened for them.

First to come out was Tie Zi. He was in his growing phase now, having grown much taller in a year, and following Qi Yun in business had taught him some of Qi Yun's manner.

At least those eyes, when they turned cold, carried a detachment and fierceness very similar to Qi Yun's.

Tie Zi naturally knew the character of this couple and found them disgusting at first sight. But now with his master present, it wasn't his place to speak, so Tie Zi just glanced at them twice and stepped aside.

When Qi Yun stepped out, he was holding a hand warmer.

He didn't actually need the hand warmer now, but Ye Jiao always worried he'd be cold or freeze. Since Ye Jiao couldn't always follow him during her confinement, she'd watch him take it before feeling at ease every time.

Qi Yun also cared about her and wouldn't let his wife worry. Others might take the hand warmer when going out but put it down once their wives couldn't see, but Qi Yun kept holding it, like holding his wife's caring heart, being extra careful.

Now stepping out of the gate, he immediately saw Second Brother Ye and his wife.

Actually, Qi Yun didn't have a deep impression of them. He'd seen them once at the medicine shop, but then Qi Yun was entirely focused on "was my wife mistreated," only remembering to go see Ye Jiao, not giving them a single glance.

This was really the first time he'd looked at them properly, but he only swept them with one glance, not caring much, his voice also indifferent: "You came, for what purpose?"

Qi Yun's voice was calm, and with his clear tone, it was hard to distinguish pleasure or anger for a moment.

Second Brother Ye recognized this was his brother-in-law and said quietly: "Brother-in-law." Then he stopped speaking, just looking at Second Brother Ye's wife.

Second Brother Ye's wife didn't think much of it either, directly raising her head to address Qi Yun on the steps: "So this is brother-in-law. We came to find Jiao Niang this time."

Qi Yun's fingertips traced the patterns on the hand warmer, not even lifting his eyelids: "For what?"

"Hearing she had a child, we came to see, and also to catch up. Haven't seen her in a long time, missed her terribly." When Second Brother Ye's wife said this, her expression was somewhat awkward.

It wasn't from any guilt toward Ye Jiao, but because Second Brother Ye's wife felt these words wronged her.

She'd provided food and clothing for her before. Though she couldn't raise her well, at least she didn't starve her to death.

Now that she was in poverty, having to come here to bow and scrape to her felt inevitably humiliating.

But soon Second Brother Ye's wife thought that though asking Ye Jiao was somewhat humiliating, she could still endure this humiliation. Besides, Ye Jiao had always been soft and easy to talk to. At worst, a little intimidation would surely get them some silver.

After all, in Second Brother Ye's wife's view, the Qi family cared about face and reputation and had spare money. When their shops opened, even beggars who came to sing auspicious songs got a few copper coins, let alone a relative like herself.

This made her back straighten again: "She hasn't visited us in a long time either. I thought that having me arrange for her to marry into your family to enjoy fortune, she's probably become precious in body, unable to move easily. We humble folk aren't so delicate, so we could only come see her ourselves."

These words made even Tie Zi unable to suppress his anger.

Sent to enjoy fortune? How shameless they had to be to say something like selling their sister with such pride!

Qi Yun was unsurprised. Having witnessed Second Brother Ye's character last time, this was just a review. He wasn't particularly angry.

In Second Young Master Qi's eyes, these two people were nothing, not worth getting angry over.

But Qi Yun couldn't let them continue making trouble here. After all, there were still parents and sister-in-law at home. If they made a scene and his family found out, it would be embarrassing for Jiao Niang.

All matters should be resolved outside.

Qi Yun's eyes looked at them coldly: "If you came to see Jiao Niang, why didn't you bring anything?"

One sentence left Second Brother Ye's wife choking.

Ordinary people brought things when visiting, but they'd come to ask for things today. How could they bring anything?

Qi Yun didn't need them to think of reasons and continued: "Since you've already split the family, Jiao Niang has no connection with you, and you have no relationship with my Qi family. Go, don't make me drive you away."

These words clearly meant cutting ties completely. Second Brother Ye's wife immediately raised her head to look at him again, her voice particularly sharp: "Don't think you can dismiss us so easily! Our current situation is all because of Elder Brother Ye and Ye Jiao's dragging us down. Elder Brother Ye gave money, so Ye Jiao should give some too! Your wife was raised by us. At the very least, I'm her Second Sister-in-law, and this is her Second Brother. Now she's enjoying fortune, has she forgotten her past because pig fat has clogged her heart..."

"Well, well, this person really has skin as thick as city walls, telling lies without even drafting them." At this moment, several women emerged from a side door and quickly blocked Second Brother Ye's wife.

One particularly sturdy woman looked at her with disdain, her voice carrying mockery: "I heard tell that you as sister-in-law mistreated your sister-in-law, owing a pile of debts outside. I was wondering what kind of family this was, must be poor as can be. Who knew, spending the family savings Elder Brother Ye had accumulated, not giving the sister-in-law food and drink, but raising yourself to be fair and tender."

"Elder Sister, you can't say that. She is fair and tender, but look at that fierce expression with raised eyebrows, quite formidable."

"I've seen this before. The master even sent them eggs and meat, but now they turn around and bite back."

"Such a pity about that meat. Give it to people and they'd remember the good, but giving it to these two unfeedable wolves."

Then came a string of laughter. Tie Zi and Qi Yun stood far away and couldn't hear what else they muttered, but seeing Second Brother Ye's wife's flushed face, they knew it wasn't anything good.

Second Brother Ye's wife had no idea where these women came from, but their words became increasingly direct and crude. She immediately couldn't stand it.

Before marrying, she'd been used to pretending and bullying sisters at home. After marrying Second Brother Ye, she became even worse. When had she ever suffered verbal losses?

Not caring whether she'd come to ask for help, Second Brother Ye's wife burst out cursing: "You old hags, what business is my family's affairs to you!"

Logically, it had nothing to do with them.

But these women had received Qi Yun's instructions, specifically rolling up their sleeves to come scold people. Whether it was their business or not, since it was the master's wish, they naturally had to do it.

Moreover, Second Young Mistress's family matters weren't any secret. Everyone in the household had heard something about it.

They'd all been girls once and naturally understood a girl's grievances. Ye Jiao had never been stingy with the household staff. Many of these women helped in the small kitchen, and Ye Jiao loved eating, always giving generous rewards. Having received Second Young Mistress's kindness, seeing these two scoundrels coming to take advantage, they felt united in righteous indignation.

So the relatively refined facade instantly shattered. Several women ignored whether the master was present and shouted whatever sounded harsh.

Because they spoke so fast, Tie Zi could only catch things like "little whore" and "damned thief," while other filthy words poured out almost for free. Most amazingly, these women didn't mention Ye Jiao's family affairs at all, didn't even bring up the shameful things Second Brother Ye's wife and Second Brother Ye had done, just pure insults that went on for ages.

Tie Zi listened with a red face and couldn't help looking at Qi Yun, whispering: "Second Young Master, is it okay for them to scold like this?"

Qi Yun's expression was calm: "It's fine."

After all, it was getting late now, and the surrounding area was mostly Qi family properties. Presumably no one would dare come out to spread gossip, so they could do whatever they wanted.

Qi Yun also wanted to enlighten Tie Zi, so he patted his head and said: "In this world, not everyone will reason with you just because you want to be reasonable. With people who care about face, we talk about face. With people who don't care about face, we tear their face off and trample it. With people who reason, we reason. If they don't, there's still the magistrate. We can't let ourselves suffer."

Hearing this, Tie Zi lowered his head to think, then nodded, carefully memorizing it.

In Qi Yun's eyes now, these two people were probably both shameless and unreasonable, so there was no point reasoning. They didn't want face either, so since they'd torn off their own dignity, naturally others wouldn't value what they themselves didn't cherish.

But after a while, Qi Yun noticed those women still hadn't scolded the two away.

If these women wanted to scold people with words, they could guarantee cursing for a whole day without repeating themselves. Against someone shameless like Second Brother Ye's wife, someone with face might not win an argument, but they could handle someone like her easily and efficiently.

But winning the scolding match didn't mean they could actually hit her. At most they could restrain her when Second Brother Ye's wife rushed up to scratch and claw, but they couldn't really strike.

The master had said not to cause visible injuries, just use words. If there were injuries, they might be blamed.

Qi Yun saw they really were determined to stay and raised his hand slightly.

Tie Zi immediately said: "Enough!"

The women immediately stopped talking, efficiently stepping aside, their faces showing pleasure, clearly having vented satisfyingly and feeling very content.

Looking at Second Brother Ye and his wife, the man had been scolded to tears with weak legs, while the woman's face was flushed red with anger, her eyes red with rage. As soon as the women stepped aside, she shrieked: "Good! Your Qi family is rich and powerful, turning your back and denying people! You cursed bunch, I..."

Qi Yun frowned slightly: "Gag her."

The next second, someone went over, stuffed cloth in Second Brother Ye's wife's mouth, then firmly grasped her arms so she couldn't move.

Second Brother Ye beside her was startled. It had just been scolding before, not physical, but now Qi Yun had people act without a word, truly shocking him.

After all, shouldn't they be relatives?

Conflicts aside, how could they really use force?

But in this moment, the Ye couple suddenly realized that if the Qi family really wanted to deal with them, it would be incredibly easy.

But Qi Yun didn't let them think much more. He calmly walked down the steps and stood before the two.

The next second, Tie Zi saw Qi Yun's expression.

Indifferent as ice, cold to the bone.

The last time he'd seen such an expression was when dealing with the Cai family.

The Cai family... no longer existed now.

But Qi Yun wasn't as angry as Tie Zi thought. On the contrary, he was very calm, his voice as indifferent as before: "I had wanted to let you retreat when faced with difficulties, but you're obviously more persistent than I thought." His voice paused slightly: "I'm afraid you've truly spent all your money."

Otherwise, they wouldn't have stayed here after being openly cursed for half a cup of tea's worth of time.

As for how they'd spent it all, Qi Yun didn't want to ask more.

The Qi family wouldn't contribute a single coin anyway. Given their past behavior, this couple's greatest similarity was never remembering others' kindness, only thinking of themselves. If he didn't frighten them thoroughly this time, they'd be like mud on shoe soles in the future, impossible to wash off once stuck.

As for their mistreatment of Jiao Niang, that would be calculated separately.

Qi Yun handed the hand warmer to Tie Zi beside him and said: "I've said what needed to be said, and you should know it yourselves. Since that's the case, let's discuss another matter."

Then Qi Yun took out a piece of paper from his sleeve, unfolded it, and showed it to the two.

They couldn't read all the characters on it and could only look blankly.

Qi Yun didn't need them to strain themselves and said directly: "In the third month of the year before last, Second Brother Ye owed my Qi family three guan and eight qian silver, agreed to be repaid as soon as possible. It still hasn't been repaid. With principal and interest, it's about four guan and five qian silver. I wonder when you can repay my family?"