Liu Wenwen also had a feeling of being outmatched.
To their greater alarm, the two of them, hand in hand, strolled into the backyard with smiles, leaving the awkward couple behind. They didn't know whether to stay or go.
After an unknown amount of time, the butler approached and handed them the silver he was carrying, saying respectfully, "This is a small token from Madam. Madam knows you are in great difficulty, but since it is no longer your concern, it is best to sever ties completely. This two hundred taels of silver is enough for you to buy a small courtyard in the city and settle down, so you won't go hungry or sleep on the streets."
Li Changqing, lacking any backbone, accepted it and walked out of the Huang family's gate. He was even grateful to his mother, feeling that she had been quite kind to him in comparison. Even when his father was alive, he had never been truly sincere, his intentions being mostly exploitative. Suddenly, he deeply regretted not staying by his mother's side from the beginning and living a steady life.
But it was too late. Following the butler's advice, they spent over a hundred taels of silver to buy a small courtyard in the city. It was called small because it truly was. Besides a main room, a kitchen, and a side room, there was a tiny well in the center of the courtyard. Everything was small, but at least he now had a place to call his own in the city.
If this were before he became a farmer, he would have been unbearable. But having been a farmer, he knew how hard-earned every tael of silver was. Regardless, they were far better off than they had been at the Li family's. They had their own courtyard and dozens of taels of silver to buy food.
As they found comfort, Wu Lian'er was naturally displeased. She had released them with the intention of them opposing Wu Caiwei, not of them buying a small courtyard and living a peaceful life.
Initially, she disliked Wu Caiwei. But recently, Huang Shijie's reputation had grown, and she wanted to avoid his prominence. She hadn't expected Wu Caiwei to spare her. For every business of hers, Wu Caiwei would open a similar shop opposite or nearby, doing even better. For several consecutive months, her businesses had been losing money, and she had no choice but to cease operations.
But it was too late. The losses from these months had nearly depleted her private savings. For security, she sold one shop to cover household expenses and rented out the remaining shops to others. She no longer sought to expand the Li family's business, only to preserve it.
Before she could devise any grand plan, unexpected visitors arrived at Li Changqing's home. The person saw him and quickly introduced themselves. It was then that he realized these were members of the Li family. He looked at them, bewildered, "What are you looking for me for? Wu Lian'er has already kicked me out."
"We received news that Wu Lian'er has tampered with the Li family's bloodline. The one in the manor is not a child of our Li family at all. Are you willing to accept this?" an elder, slightly older, looked at him meaningfully.
In the past, Li Changqing would have been overjoyed to hear this news and would have rushed to the Li family without them even having to ask, to confront Wu Lian'er. But the past year and more of his life had made him more grounded, and he had naturally developed a fear of her.
Indifferently, he said, "I have no ulterior motives regarding the Li family's property. I think my current life is quite good. If you wish to get a piece of the pie, that is your business. Please do not involve me."
Everyone present could hardly believe their ears. They exchanged glances, unable to comprehend how he could remain so unmoved when vast wealth was before him.
They then tried many enticing words, but no matter what they said, Li Changqing remained indifferent. Frustrated, they could only leave.
When Wu Lian'er heard that the Li family clansmen had arrived, she had a bad feeling. A while later, she cheerfully entered the living room.
"The Clan Leader and all the elders have come, why weren't we informed earlier? So I could make preparations to welcome you properly," Wu Lian'er said heartily before even reaching the living room.
"There is no need for a welcome. We are here today mainly because we heard some news and wish to verify it," the Clan Leader said calmly. All the elders of the clan were present. When Wu Lian'er entered, no one stood up, as it was she who needed to pay her respects.
"Oh? Do tell," Wu Lian'er said, looking at them with some curiosity.
"We heard that the young master in your manor was brought back by you from outside, and that the true young lady has fallen into the hands of a couple. We would like to ask if this is true," the Clan Leader looked at her sharply.
Wu Lian'er's eyes narrowed involuntarily. She hadn't expected them to know about this. It seemed those couple, despite taking the money, hadn't done their job and were tired of living.
"How is that possible? Who is trying to ruin our Li family's reputation, to fabricate such an absurd story?" At this moment, even if the King of Heaven arrived, Wu Lian'er would not admit it.
"Since we are here, it is because we have evidence. That couple is in our hands, and the child is also with us. We hope you will speak the truth." The Clan Leader could understand her mindset. If the eldest young master was truly driven out of the Li family, and the Li family had no young master to inherit it, the clan would take over the Li family's assets. The Li family was a coveted prize in their eyes; a small portion of it would be enough for them to live on for a lifetime. Everyone wanted a share.
"We do not deny that there is your dowry here, but do not take us for fools. We heard that on the day your nephew passed away, you quickly sent people to the yamen to register all the shops and courtyards under your name. In this situation, if we go to the yamen and file a complaint, you will be in trouble." An elder, seeing her feign ignorance, said impatiently.
"Yes, it was me. On the day my husband passed away, I did indeed register many shops under my name. However, our Li family also has a young master. Everyone knows that Changqing is still alive, don't they? Everything will be his. This has nothing to do with you." At this point, Wu Lian'er could not care about anything else and quickly pulled Li Changqing out to shield herself.
"Who doesn't know that you have already kicked Li Changqing out? He has established his own household. Is it not a bit late to say that he is the heir to these assets? Furthermore, we spoke with him before coming. He said he is not interested in these assets," the Clan Leader said calmly.
They had anticipated this situation before coming. After all, no one wanted to give up money that was already in their hands. They didn't know what kind of grudge Wu Lian'er had with someone behind the scenes to reveal such a big secret. However, for them, this was nothing but beneficial.