Chapter 411: Chapter 233

Chun Nuan watched as the contracts for the shops, estates, and hills of the Xiao family were laid one by one on the public court, and then returned to Chun Ning’s hands by the county magistrate. The weight on her heart finally eased.

What was taken from me, return it; what was consumed of mine, give it back; what was owed to me, repay it; what was stolen from me, hand it over.

This feeling is quite satisfying!

“Sister, did you know about these properties long ago?”

Chun Ning looked at his sister, who glanced indifferently at the land deeds and then told him to keep them safe, and asked curiously.

“Yes”

She knew about these things back in the day because there were account books in her grandfather’s study. Some of the support funds were in the public accounts, while others were taken from her grandfather’s private treasury. Regardless of the account, he recorded it meticulously.

These were his glorious contributions to the family, a gesture of goodwill.

In case the Xiao family returns to their ancestral home one day, it would serve as a retreat.

Even a cunning rabbit has three burrows; her grandfather’s decision back then was the right one.

However, her grandfather underestimated the wickedness of human nature.

Little did he know that the clansmen whom he and their great-grandfather treated with sincerity for years would push them into a pit in their time of trouble, and even stomp down a few more times.

Chun Nuan’s answer left Chun Ning greatly surprised.

“Then why…?”

Chun Ning was very puzzled why, during those hard years, when their family’s possessions were at stake, his sister did not seek to reclaim them.

“Because we were weak, our most important task at the time was to survive.”

When people are poor and especially vulnerable, even breathing might be a mistake.

Not to mention that’s your stuff; even if you claimed it back, you might not be able to hold onto it.

Moreover, at that time, they had no evidence; whether they took legal action or settled privately, it was nothing but a baseless argument.

So, she swallowed this matter silently back then. Her strategy was to make money and strengthen her family’s strength, so when she had enough ability, she could strike directly with a success rate of one hundred percent.

Enduring humiliation and bearing heavy burdens was all about waiting for the right moment; necessary weakness was just a tactical issue, absolutely not a matter of cowardice by nature.

“Sister, I understand.”

Chun Ning understood and nodded.

“The success in reclaiming them this time is largely because of General Xia, isn’t it?”

“Yes, we may not rely on him, but we must admit, with him standing there, those with ideas about us will weigh their actions several times.”

The Great Xia Dynasty’s young second-rank general, who had once again earned credit in quelling the rebels, would surely receive great achievements when returning to the capital with triumphant victories.

This was true backing in the court, raising the Xiao family’s status in Changzhou.

“Sister, what do we do next?”

“Accelerate the expansion of the pharmacy, seize this opportunity to grow stronger, earn more money, and strive to bring father and the others back from the Northern Desert as soon as possible.”

To achieve this, we need a lot of money or a lot of power.

For now, power is something the Xiao family cannot consider.

Even Xia Guangcheng cannot mention it in the court.

Because this matter is under the decree of the current Holy Emperor, Xia Guangcheng cannot openly challenge his authority.

But money makes things different.

Money can make demons move; when enough people benefit, they will speak and act on their behalf.

When that day comes, Xia Guangcheng wouldn’t even need to step in; a large group of people would stand up for the Xiao family.

Some things are unattainable in haste; but some things must be prepared quietly.

Opportunities come and go; don’t let them slip away.

“Okay, I will.”

Chun Ning is deeply impressed by his sister’s wisdom.

He recalls their grandfather’s words, who said in the presence of the family: “If Nuannuan were a man, she could surely hold up the sky.”

Back then, it was thought that his grandfather was talking about her talent in medicine and pharmaceuticals, but now it seems that his sister is a person of great wisdom who appears simple-minded.

“Sister, you are now expecting a baby, so you should take care of your health; since the family is doing well now, you don’t need to worry.”

“Mm, with you and the sister-in-law taking care of the household, I really don’t need to worry.”

Chun Nuan feels gratified: Chun Ning has finally grown up and can take charge on his own.

The Xiao family finally has a decent man to hold up its honor.

The Xiao family, Mrs. Xu and Mrs. Xu Huang also feel emotional.

“Look, back in the day, how much benefit did the old masters give to the Xiao family? Those with no conscience, they took it and are not afraid of indigestion.”

“Sister-in-law, since the big house of the Xiao family has fallen, which amongst the third and sixth houses can ascend?”

Mrs. Xu is quite curious.

“No matter who rises, it has nothing to do with us.”

Mrs. Xu just finished speaking, and Nanny Wu came to report: Third Madam Xiao and Sixth Madam Xiao have come to visit.

“Again?”

“Sister-in-law?”

“If you wish to listen, stay; if you don’t, you can rest.”

“Then let’s stay and hear what they have to say?”

When Third Madam Xiao and Sixth Madam Xiao came in, they paid their respects to Mrs. Xu, Mrs. Xu, and Mrs. Huang as per etiquette.

“They say the Capital nurtures people, indeed, the three sisters-in-law are all so young and beautiful.”

What Third Madam Xiao said was not insincere; this was her first meeting with Mrs. Xu and Mrs. Huang, and they indeed seemed very young, Who would have thought their children were already grown-ups?

“Shu City nurtures people even better.” Mrs. Xu smiled: “Third Madam Xiao, Sixth Madam Xiao, speak directly, we don’t beat around the bush.”

This…

Third Madam Xiao glanced at Sixth Madam Xiao, gritted her teeth, and spoke up.

“We are visiting abruptly for two purposes: firstly, to thank the eldest sister-in-law for supporting our Third Young Master and Sixth Master; secondly, to invite the sisters-in-law and the children from your house to attend the new clan leader’s inauguration ceremony next month.”

The new clan leader is Third Master Xiao, and Third Madam Xiao’s primary task is to smooth things over with the branch of Doctor Xiao.

“Thanks are unnecessary; after all, it’s a transaction.”

The thing is, you helped me, and I helped you, and we owe each other nothing.

“As for the inauguration of the new clan leader of the Xiao Family, we are even less interested in attending,” Mrs. Xu said faintly, “We are quite busy.”

“Eldest sister-in-law…”

Third Madam Xiao warmly called out, “Back then, the old clan leader was also very regretful, and the clan elders all say it was entirely the fault of Master Xiao at the time, who misled everyone into misunderstanding your branch. This matter was the clan’s mistake, so if you attend this time, Third Young Master will represent the Xiao family to offer you apologies and personally add your branch to the clan genealogy.”

Heh, what a ridiculous affair?

Mrs. Xu thinks that jokes occur every year, and this year has the most.

Who was it that once forced them to the brink of survival?

Now, with a few light words, they want to resolve the hatred and resentment of the past?

How could that be possible?

The Xiao family back then, you trampled us painfully; the Xiao family now, you can’t cling onto whenever you wish to!

“If there’s nothing else, I request the two Madams to take their leave, as I am rather tired.”

Mrs. Xu directly issued a dismissal, saying anything more would mean losing face.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep