NOVPUB
Chapter 380: 370
Qu Yingfeng was the eldest of the Qu family, once the most beloved daughter of Old Master Qu and Zhao Daniang. But when Old Master Qu fell from grace, she was the first to declare that she wanted to sever ties with her father.
Upon learning that the state had returned their original home to Zhao Daniang, she was also the first to rush over demanding to move back in. If Zhao Daniang had not firmly disagreed, it would have had nothing to do with the rest of the Qu family’s children, as Qu Yingfeng surely would have taken over the courtyard house.
"Mother, we know we were wrong back then, we shouldn’t have abandoned you and Dad. But under those circumstances, if we didn’t take the initiative to cut ties, it wouldn’t have helped our family at all, it would have just implicated all of us sisters. I didn’t really want to cut ties with you and Dad; I wanted to preserve the bloodline of the Qu family, so that when there was a chance, I could help you and Dad from the shadows. Now things have gotten better, the state has vindicated our old Qu family, and we can all be reunited as a family. Please forgive us and let us come back. You’re at an age where you should be enjoying the company of your children. It would be so nice if we moved back in to take care of you in your old age. If you find it too noisy, then you can pick among us – whoever you choose to live with you, that person will come, we will absolutely listen to you and won’t cause any more trouble," Qu Yingfeng said with an appearance of being well-educated, yet her words were extremely shameless.
"That’s not acceptable, big sister. Don’t think you can get away with this, do you think we’re stupid? Dad and Mom used to like you the best, so you’re saying this just because you think that if Mom had to choose, she would definitely pick you, right? Let me tell you, I disagree. Why even make a choice? If only one person can move back in, it should be our whole family. Our Yinghao is the legitimate eldest son and grandson of the old Qu family."
Zhao Daniang hadn’t spoken yet when her eldest daughter-in-law couldn’t take it any longer, raising her eyebrows and placing her hands on her hips as she confronted Qu Yingfeng.
"Oh, you woman, what’s there to fight over at this point? What’s worth fighting for? Doesn’t our mother know all this?" The man who had just been speaking with Ma Liguo was Zhao Daniang’s eldest son, the third of the Qu family. At this moment, he was openly criticizing his wife, in fact, reminding everyone of his status.
Indeed, according to tradition, if the old lady were left alone, she should ideally live with her eldest son and grandson. After her death, everything would belong to the eldest son and grandson. This has always been the way in big families.
"Hmph, what time living in are you, still clinging to those feudal superstitions, ’the eldest son and grandson.’ Do you think you’re big capitalists or something? Tell you what, we’re all sons. However you take care of our mother, I’ll follow suit. If this house is to be moved into, we’ll all do it together." The one speaking was Zhao Daniang’s second son, the fourth of the Qu family, and he was also a troublesome fellow.
Now Ma Liguo didn’t need to speak; they were already quarreling amongst themselves relentlessly.
Shen Yunfang clicked her tongue inwardly; such is selfish human nature. When faced with benefits, they can unite and fight together, but when it comes time to share those benefits, they start tearing each other apart over how much each should get.
This eldest sister of the Qu family was emboldened by the past favoritism of her parents; the second sister of the Qu family tried to win her mother’s pity by holding her child close; the third son held on to his status as the eldest son and grandson; the fourth was not to be left behind in any kind.
This family truly left one speechless.
"Mother, you tell us, who do you want to come back and live with you?" Qu Yingfeng grabbed Zhao Daniang and badgered her.
"Right, Taotao and I have no way out; please pity us, your daughter and grandson, and let us come back," implored the second sister, holding her child.
"Mother, you don’t need to care about them; the legacy of our old Qu family can’t be broken."
"I don’t care, I’m definitely moving in," asserted the second son, standing his ground.
Zhao Daniang wiped away her tears, looking at her children around her. Her heart, which had already been shattered, was now completely pulverized into dust.
"Will you speak up?" Qu Yingfeng tugged at Zhao Daniang impatiently once again.
Shen Yunfang, witnessing this, wanted to step in and slap her. Such children were worse than beasts.
"None of you need to fight or argue anymore," Zhao Daniang finally spoke up, "I don’t need any of you to come back to take care of me. I survived those years by myself, and I can live the rest of my life by myself too."
"What are you talking about..."
"Aren’t you all just coveting this house?" Zhao Da Nainai looked around at the house behind her—this was the place where she and her husband had lived for most of their lives, "I sold it yesterday."
"What, you really sold it? Are you out of your mind? If you sell the house, where will we live?" Qu Lao Si howled, rushing forward as if he wanted to hit Zhao Da Nainai.
Ma Liguo stepped forward and separated them, "What do you think you’re doing?"
"Get out of the way, this is our family’s business." Qu Lao Si, hearing that the house was gone, no longer cared about offending Director Ma, and waved his hand, trying to push people aside to continue settling scores with Zhao Da Nainai.
"Hmph, I’m taking care of this today. And I’m not afraid to tell you the truth—the house was bought by me. What are you going to do about it?" Ma Liguo’s hands pulled and dragged, toppling the senseless Qu Lao Si.
Trying to measure himself against me? He’s still just a kid.
"What, Mother, you really sold the house?" Qu Lao San was very surprised, but then he immediately thought of something else, "Then how much did you sell it for?"
Zhao Da Nainai moved her lips but before she could speak, Ma Liguo took over.
"It’s all written down in black and white. A total of nine hundred yuan, the transaction is completed with both money and goods. If you back out, you’ll owe me five times that, which is four thousand five hundred yuan." Ma Liguo took the agreement from Shen Yunfang, waved it at the Qu family members, and then promptly put it away.
The Qu family members didn’t get a good look, but Qu Lao San did catch a glimpse of the number nine hundred, and it pained his heart. The old lady had been duped; such a fine house could be sold for nineteen hundred, but how could it go for only nine hundred?
"Only sold for nine hundred, are you stupid?" Qu Yingfeng was addressing Zhao Da Nainai.
"What’s going on? What’s happening here? What’s all this commotion about?"
The police officer, arriving belatedly, finally appeared.
"Officer, you’ve come just in time, please take charge. In broad daylight, there are people robbing an old lady of her house," Ma Liguo immediately played the victim, finding someone to uphold justice, and wouldn’t let go.
"Oh, there’s such a matter." Dagaimao looked seriously at the several Qu family members.
Actually, the matters of the Qu family were already well-known around the area, but since Zhao Da Nainai had never reported it, they couldn’t intervene no matter how much they disapproved.
"Oh, it’s a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding, officer, it’s all a misunderstanding..."
"We’ll see if it’s a misunderstanding. You can explain it clearly at the police station. Come on, follow me. Or are you waiting for me to put handcuffs on all of you?" Dagaimao spoke unyieldingly.
