Old Mrs. Chen personally watched the Xie Family Patriarch sign the document, checked again and again the dowry found by the second branch of the Xie Family, and only returned to Xie Liangchen's room after the stewards of the second branch had gone to rest.
The sky had already darkened, Old Mrs. Chen looked at the bright moon overhead, as if only now regaining her senses.
Today, she met Miss Chen, retrieved her daughter's dowry, and reclaimed the two pieces of land left by her son-in-law. Early tomorrow morning, she would take Miss Chen back to the Chen Family Village.
For the first time, Old Mrs. Chen felt so powerful.
Over the years, she had done nothing more than argue back and forth, but this time, she forced the second branch of the Xie Family to return what they had swallowed.
Of course, all of this was taught to her by Miss Chen, in the end, it was Miss Chen who was clever.
Old Mrs. Chen couldn't help but think of her unfortunate daughter and son-in-law again, dropping a few tears, standing in the entryway to dry her tears before entering the room.
The voice of Xie Liangchen came from the doorway: "Grandmother, the draft in the entryway is strong, let's talk inside!"
Xie Liangchen stood at the doorway holding a lamp, beside her was the small Chen Zigeng. This pair of siblings reminded her of her own pair of children back then, and it made her heart brighten, as if there was hope in life again.
"It's nothing," Old Mrs. Chen said robustly, "this old body is still strong!"
The three of them sat in the room, and Xie Liangchen poured hot tea for Old Mrs. Chen.
Old Mrs. Chen had been scolding people all day, and her throat was very dry. After drinking a cup of tea, she felt it was not as satisfying as her own large bowl.
Old Mrs. Chen remembered something and turned to Chen Zigeng: "Tomorrow when checking your aunt's jewelry, you should bite it. The hairpins your aunt brought were all silver, they found similar ones to put in, who knows if they're real or fake."
Chen Zigeng nodded seriously.
Old Mrs. Chen said: "Tonight, Master Xie Er's family definitely won't be able to sleep."
Chen Zigeng shook his head: "They won't be able to sleep tomorrow night."
After speaking, the three of them went to rest separately. Xie Liangchen lay on the bed, prepared to sleep first and go out later to find her debtor.
The second branch of the Xie Family had not yet slept.
Xie Rulan was too excited to sleep, whenever she closed her eyes, she seemed to see Su Huaiqing. Three years ago, during the Chinese New Year, Su Huaiqing came with gifts, and she hid behind the screen, watching secretly.
That refined and elegant figure walking towards her, every step he took seemed to tread on her heart, causing an indescribable nervousness and excitement, she just wanted to step out and say a word to him.
Later, she deliberately met Su Huaiqing in the courtyard, bowed and saluted, he returned the courtesy and then turned and left.
There was no trace of her in his eyes, and this made her feel sad for quite some time, later realizing it was because he had a marriage arrangement, thus he had to be extra careful when meeting women.
If only that marriage contract was hers, everything would be different.
Xie Rulan took a deep breath, as long as the Su Family withdrew the marriage tomorrow, her wish would come true.
Compared to Xie Rulan, Master Xie Er was in a bad mood; not only did the banquet go awry, but he also had to give up his sister-in-law's dowry and those two pieces of land, none of which he had planned.
Mrs. Qiao, seeing Master Xie Er's displeased face, quickly stepped forward and said: "Master, what's wrong?"
Master Xie Er frowned: "Today's matter, you should have waited for me to come back and arrange it."
Mrs. Qiao didn't get angry and smiled, "Madam Su personally said, if Xie Liangchen returns to the Chen Family, she would find another marriage for the Su family's eldest, such a good opportunity, how could I miss it? I was afraid Xie Liangchen would go back on her word, that's why I was eager to solidify it."
When Master Xie Er heard this, his face improved a bit.
Mrs. Qiao continued with a smile, "Think about it, is exchanging this silver money for such a marriage with the Su Family worth it?"
Mrs. Qiao thought of Old Mrs. Chen and Xie Liangchen's smug appearances, by the time they see Rulan's grand wedding, Old Mrs. Chen would want to bang her head against the wall!
"With the Su Family's help, the master doesn't need to work so hard, even the Song Family must give the Su Family some respect."
Master Xie Er's heart was completely relieved by these words, he instructed Mrs. Qiao: "Tomorrow after sending Liangchen away, you discuss Rulan's marriage with Madam Su."
"Don't worry," Mrs. Qiao laughed, "I will handle it well."
The night gradually deepened, and the Xie Family finally all fell into a slumber.
Xie Liangchen got up, dressed, took a lighted wind lantern, and pushed open the door, stepping into the courtyard.
Song Xian had placed people at the Xie Family to watch her. As long as there was movement in her courtyard, the people hiding in the dark would notice. Xie Liangchen looked up at the sky, and after a moment started pacing in the courtyard.
Chang Yue, left by Song Xian to always watch the Xie Family, saw a wind lantern light up in Miss Xie's courtyard.
The wind lantern flickered on and off.
After watching for a while, Chang Yue noticed the clue, Miss Xie was using the wind lantern to write the word "Song" in the darkness.
Chang Yue instructed the person next to him: "Go see if the Master is back, report to the Master that Miss Xie wants to see him."
Xie Liangchen walked in circles three times in the courtyard, writing the word "Song" three times, then returned to her room and lay back on the bed.
Who knows how much time passed.
Xie Liangchen vaguely heard some movement, she looked up and saw a tall figure standing not far away, separated by curtains.
Xie Liangchen was already prepared, so she remained calm.
"The Master wants to see you."
Xie Liangchen heard the cold voice and didn't need to ask to know this was Song Xian's person left to watch her.
Getting out of bed, Xie Liangchen followed that person out.
...
Song Xian, after coming back from the mountains, did not enter the Song Family Mansion, but went to a small courtyard he had prepared for himself.
Chang An and others were covered in blood, but very excited, whether it was an illusion or not, they always felt the Master was exceptionally formidable today, leading them to be fiercer than usual.
Brought down the bandits occupying the mountains entirely.
Chang An said: "Master, Second Master's people are searching everywhere for Steward Xu, they've even inquired here."
Song Xian's voice was cold: "Continue with the interrogation, don't mind them." Once Steward Xu confesses, they will naturally get to see him.
Chang An and the others were very happy, just wanting to celebrate, but the Master had no interest in this, so they had to let it go.
A young servant brought in clean robes, walked over to Chang An, and whispered: "Why do I feel the Master is in a bad mood? What happened?"
Chang An shook his head, he couldn't figure it out either, especially after Chang Yue went up and said a few words, the Master didn't react outwardly, but he always felt the Master's brows darkened a bit.
Chang An could only instruct the young servant: "Don't approach unnecessarily."
At this time, it's better not to bother, let the Master gradually calm down.
Just as Chang An finished speaking, he saw Chang Yue entering the courtyard, and as Chang An was about to go over to greet, he saw a woman following behind Chang Yue.
Chang An widened his eyes in disbelief.
Xie Liangchen entered the courtyard and saw guards standing in two rows, so many people gathered, yet no sound was made.
As she was brought to the door of the room, the surroundings became even quieter.
Xie Liangchen roughly guessed that Song Xian's mood was probably still bad.
"Master, the person is brought," Chang Yue said quietly.
After a while, Song Xian's deep voice sounded: "Come in."
Xie Liangchen herself pushed the door open and walked inside.
The wind was strong tonight, and the candle on the desk flickered, Xie Liangchen quickly turned and closed the door.
Song Xian was looking at the map in his hand, the light shone on Song Xian's face, he lowered his eyes, hiding that deep and sharp gaze, at this moment, he appeared even a bit softer.
Song Xian was naturally handsome, but later when people mentioned him, they remembered his authority and ruthlessness.
Xie Liangchen couldn't say she wasn't nervous, but she wasn't the timid type, clearly knowing what she had to do, she would forge ahead.
Since Song Xian didn't speak, Xie Liangchen quietly observed the person in front of her, trying to guess Song Xian's thoughts.
Song Xian was wearing a clean long robe, but there was a dark stain visible on his right arm.
"Master," Xie Liangchen said, "Have you been injured? Let me check your wound."
Song Xian slightly lifted his eyes, his gaze falling on Xie Liangchen, cold and carrying a hint of danger, it's as if he hadn't heard what she just said, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
However, Xie Liangchen did not stay in place, quickly walked over to Song Xian, without hesitation, reached out her hand swiftly to roll up Song Xian's sleeve.