Chapter 35 :  I will go back with you

The voice was unfamiliar and harsh.

Since Huo Tan had been promoted to military envoy and was granted residence in Ouhua Lane by General Lu, no one had come to their door seeking trouble.

But now, just two hours after Huo Tan had left, someone had come knocking, clearly prepared for something.

Cui Yunzhao’s expression tightened as she turned to look at Huo Xinzhi.

Huo Xinzhi rarely showed any emotion. Her usual demeanor was one of deep melancholy, with no spark in her eyes just a stagnant pool of water, neither happy nor sad, neither angry nor distressed.

Cui Yunzhao often thought of her as a living corpse, her soul long extinguished.

It was unusual for Cui Yunzhao to see the anger in Huo Xinzhi’s eyes.

Cui Yunzhao vaguely guessed that the visitor was related to Huo Xinzhi.

Originally, Lin Xiu Gu had been tearful and anxious, but upon hearing the commotion outside, she suddenly became calm.

As a mother, her concern for Huo Xinzhi made her forget her own pain and turn to her daughter.

“Xinzhi, it sounds a bit like your husband’s cousin.”

Huo Xinzhi’s eyes darkened. Her almond-shaped eyes, which usually drooped at the corners, flashed with a sharpness that quickly faded, overshadowed by the evening gloom.

“Seems so.”

As soon as she spoke, the old lady snorted, “What’s wrong with the Wanyan family? How dare they be so rude to come knocking.”

In the hall, several women were chatting, and outside, Huo Chenzhang and Huo Chengpu had also come out of their rooms and were quickly heading to the main hall.

“Mother, who is causing the commotion outside?” Huo Chenzhang’s voice was clear and loud, easily heard from the courtyard.

Naturally, the people inside the hall heard it, and so did the ones outside.

Immediately, the knocking grew even more forceful, almost sounding like banging, accompanied by rude and loud shouting.

“Huo Xinzhi, if you have the guts to hurt my child, come out and face it!”

“Our family is truly unfortunate, marrying in a widow who brings misfortune, killing my son, and disturbing the peace of our home!”

Outside, there was crying and noise, causing a ruckus. Cui Yunzhao could hear the cats and dogs from the neighboring houses joining in the commotion.

For a moment, the usually quiet Ouhua Lane was in chaos.

This disturbance could not continue it would only make them a laughingstock among the neighbors.

Cui Yunzhao frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping over Huo Xinzhi’s face before finally settling on Lin Xiu Gu.

“Mother, since my husband has just left for the military campaign, and the Wanyan family has come to the door, it is evident that their visit is not a friendly one.”

Lin Xiu Gu had now completely calmed down. She nodded to Cui Yunzhao and then called over the old maid, Fu Pozi, whispering a few words into her ear.

Fu Pozi quickly went out.

After giving her instructions, Lin Xiu Gu turned to Ping Shu:“Ping Shu, I’m relying on you today.”

Ping Shu smiled, his honest face looking very composed. He shook the long knife hanging from his waist and said, “Madam, don’t worry.”

Lin Xiu Gu took a deep breath and then had Pozi open the door.

Pozi, wringing her hands nervously, hesitated to move. It was the old lady, Gu, who showed a hint of hesitation and said, “Since they are here to see Xinzhi, I will return. There’s no need for so many to meet the in-laws.”

“Mother,” Lin Xiu Gu quickly stopped the old lady, “Mother, this marriage was arranged by you and the old lady of the Wanyan family. You have a past with her, so it’s better for you to stay.”

The old lady’s expression stiffened. As she was about to say something, she looked up and saw Huo Xinzhi’s cold face, and immediately fell silent.

“Well then.”

Once everyone was seated, Pozi reluctantly went to open the large door.

As soon as the latch was pulled back, there was a loud bang, as if someone had rudely kicked the door open.

Through the screen, the family sitting in the hall could not see how many people had arrived, but the commotion made them feel uneasy.

Their fears were soon confirmed.

A group of angry people moved around the screen and headed straight for the hall.

At the forefront was a tall man, broad-shouldered and muscular, with a fierce-looking face.

He was followed by a young man, then several women and children, and a limping boy.

Cui Yunzhao squinted her eyes, carefully observing the faces of these people, but she did not recognize them.

Lin Xiu Gu’s expression was not pleasant, but she maintained her composure and forced a smile, saying, “Mother-in-law, what brings you here?”

Among the group was an elderly woman with graying hair, looking to be more than ten years older than Lin Xiu Gu.

She gave Lin Xiu Gu a dark glance and then shifted her gaze to Huo Xinzhi, who was calm and composed.

In the next moment, her voice became sharp “Although you are now a widow at home, you are still the daughter-in-law of the Wanyan family. How is it that you don’t even show the proper respect when meeting your former mother-in-law?”

At this time, among the Huo family members, the old lady and Lin Xiu Gu sat in the main seats, Cui Yunzhao and Huo Xinzhi sat on the left and right of the vice seats, and the rest of the children were standing in the main hall without sitting down.

Ping Shu stood straight at the door, his face serious.

The group of people had entered with great force, yet Huo Xinzhi remained unmoved.

She did not rise to greet her former mother-in-law, nor did she acknowledge the presence of the Huo family’s entire household.

Cui Yunzhao was uncertain about the past grievances between Huo Xinzhi and this family, but it was clear now that the conflict was significant.

Lin Xiu Gu, usually carefree and easygoing, was now visibly upset upon hearing that her daughter was being hassled.

Since the Wanyan family was being disrespectful, the Huo family had no reason to be polite.

Seated in the main position, she spoke sharply “I still address you as ‘mother-in-law’ out of respect for the late master and the eldest son. Lady Jin, don’t push your luck. I know very well how you treated Xinzhi before.”

Lin Xiu Gu’s voice was harsh and loud, her tone forceful and unyielding.

Cui Yunzhao silently applauded her.

Lady Jin of the Wanyan family was so enraged her eyelids were twitching “Madam Lin, are you now going to discuss how my son died?”

Her words implied that it was still Huo Xinzhi who had caused the death of Wanyan Dalang.

Cui Yunzhao had risen early this morning and, given Huo Tan’s abrupt departure for military duties, she felt a twinge of worry.

Seeing the Wanyan family’s unreasonable behavior, she was clearly displeased, and anger surged within her.

In the past, she would have stayed silent at this moment.

But now, Cui Yunzhao was unafraid. She glanced at the angry group and suddenly said, “Ping Shu, let the guests take a seat.”

Her voice was calm and composed, and her unexpected words immediately quelled the impending argument in the hall.

Lady Jin looked at Cui Yunzhao with confusion, but soon recognized her identity.

At this moment, Ping Shu brought over chairs, and Lady Jin led her family to sit down.

  “No wonder the Huo family is so arrogant now. It turns out that they feel confident after marrying Cui’s daughter,” Lady Jin sneered, and then stared at Huo Xinzhi coldly, “Do you, the elder sister-in-law, feel that there is someone you can rely on? Even if she is a divorced widow, she may be able to remarry in the future.”

The words were truly harsh.

Before Cui Yunzhao could respond, she was interrupted by Lin Xiu Gu, who slammed her hand on the armrest, her voice clearly filled with anger “I want to ask, what is the purpose of the Wanyan family’s sudden visit today?”

“If you just come to my house to show off your words, it’s completely unnecessary,” said Lin Xiu Gu, “There are many things to do at home, please leave.”

Lady Jin’s expression darkened. She reached back and pulled the snotty-nosed young man in front of her.

Looking closely, the young man was very tall and strong, and looked very similar to the leading man, but his legs seemed to be not very good, and he walked a little unsteadily.

Lady Jin’s face was filled with anger “Then we need to ask your good daughter.”

She pointed at Huo Xinzhi and continued “A few days ago, my son, Cong Lang, came home with a limp. When I asked him what happened, he said he had fallen while walking. But yesterday, when his father took him for a bath, we discovered a bruise on his leg, clearly a result of being beaten.”

“After questioning him at home, he finally admitted that it was your eldest daughter who had beaten him for no reason at the martial arts school. He was afraid of causing trouble between the families, so he didn’t dare speak up.”

As Lady Jin spoke, the young man by her side kept his head down, not daring to make a sound.

“Look at my son, and then look at your eldest daughter. What kind of karma have I brought upon myself? Marrying into this family has not only caused the death of our eldest son but also subjected us to such humiliation. This life is unbearable.”

Lady Jin began to wail loudly, her cries piercing the sky.

Hearing this, Cui Yunzhao couldn’t help but look at Wanyan Cong.

Then she turned her gaze to Huo Chengpu, who was keeping his head down and silent.

In an instant, Cui Yunzhao understood everything.

No wonder Huo Xinzhi had injuries after coming back from that day out, and no one knew what had happened if not for this Wanyan family coming here.

Cui Yunzhao sighed internally, her eldest sister-in-law had indeed surprised her.

However, the Huo family wasn’t as perceptive as Cui Yunzhao. Lin Xiu Gu, upon hearing this, looked incredulous “Lady Jin, don’t speak nonsense and slander us. Our Xinzhi is such a honest and straightforward person. She endured all sorts of humiliation at your home and never said a word about resisting. If it weren’t for her younger brother who found out about all this and came to cut ties with your family, how is it now that you’re in trouble at home and come to our house to cause trouble?”

Lin Xiu Gu could curse without using foul language but still managed to make others fume with rage.

Sure enough, it would have been fine if she didn’t mention Huo Tan. As soon as she mentioned Huo Tan, the leading man immediately jumped out “No one in your family is a good person.”

His face was extremely grim “Back then, when your Huo Tan came to our house, he attacked us without reason. What difference is that from a bandit? If not for General Lu protecting him, I wonder how long he could have flaunted himself.”

“Everyone in your family loves to fight. Now even a child is not spared. Is it necessary to make a scene until General Lu has to step in before you admit your fault?”

Huo Tan was away at war, not at home. The Wanyan family chose this moment to come to the door to demand an explanation from the Huo family’s women and children.

Lin Xiu Gu took a deep breath, trying hard to suppress her anger.

“Your family just says ‘hit’ and that’s it. Where’s the evidence? You can’t just take the word of a mere child and settle the matter.”

Wanyan Shan’s eyes flickered as he responded, “I have evidence.”

“When your eldest daughter hit my son, she thought she chose a remote place, but there were still students in the martial arts school who witnessed it. We’re not afraid of presenting this in court.”

Wanyan Shan’s bull-like eyes were full of malice as he looked at Huo Xinzhi.

 “There are so many witnesses in our family, do you Huo family admit it? Do you still want the reputation that the Huo army has worked so hard to build up?”

The Wanyan family’s visit was not just to seek an explanation but also to take advantage of this rare opportunity to extract a concession from the Huo family.

Cui Yunzhao narrowed her eyes, already understanding the Wanyan family’s intentions.

But their timing was too coincidental.

Huo Tan was suddenly called away on military orders. His departure was so abrupt, and within less than two hours, the Wanyan family showed up at their door. The connection between these events was hard not to ponder.

Yet, since the Wanyan family continued to be unreasonable and press hard, Cui Yunzhao did not rush to expedite things but wanted to see what they really wanted.

Cui Yunzhao guessed the situation, but the other members of the Huo family were still unaware of what was happening. Even the old lady turned to look at Huo Xinzhi.

Wanyan Shan’s eyes flashed with a glimmer of excitement “We have witnesses and evidence here. The Zhang family’s martial arts school can also testify for us. Madam Lin, since your eldest daughter has hit our young lord, you should give us an explanation.”

“What do you think, Madam Lin?”

Lin Xiu Gu’s expression darkened. Ignoring Wanyan Shan’s pressure, she turned to look at Huo Xinzhi.

It seemed that if Huo Xinzhi just shook her head, Lin Xiu Gu would have the confidence to proceed.

But Huo Xinzhi remained motionless, neither nodding nor shaking her head.

She looked like a walking corpse, just like when she had first returned home.

Lin Xiu Gu felt pained for her daughter but did not want her son to be implicated.

Thus, she gritted her teeth and said, “If that’s the case, then you should bring forward the evidence and witnesses. If the matter is truly as you say, our Huo family will certainly acknowledge it.”

Her implication was clear, she was willing to settle this privately.

Wanyan Shan’s lips almost betrayed his joy. He instinctively glanced at Lady Jin and another person,

The elderly woman with white hair then turned to look at Lin Xiu Gu and said, “It seems that Madam Lin is reasonable. This matter involves too many aspects and is not suitable for attracting too much attention. It would be better if we first discuss compensation and then invite others to settle it.”

Cui Yunzhao slowly lifted her head and looked at him seriously.

This was the key point.

It was clear that Wanyan Shan had come for this very purpose. The fact that his son had been beaten was just an opportunity for him. After Lin Xiu Gu’s comment, Wanyan Shan could barely contain his joy and immediately spoke up.

“Now that the Huo family has changed significantly, even though Uncle Huo has passed away, Ninth Brother is still a person of exceptional talent, a hero among heroes. I thought he would definitely accomplish something great.”

“To damage Ninth Brother’s reputation over such trivial matters is truly not worth it.”

Wanyan Shan, though large and rough, was very precise in his words.

Even though their family had come to cause trouble, the sight of Wanyan Cong’s heavily injured leg, coupled with the Wanyan family’s adamant claims, had already started to demoralize the remaining old, weak, and women of the Huo family.

The Wanyan family’s approach of making a scene first and negotiating afterward had set the tone for the situation.

Indeed, Cui Yunzhao noticed that even the old lady’s eyes held some expectation.

She probably thought it was merely a matter of a few silver taels.

Cui Yunzhao’s eyes showed a hint of sarcasm. If it were just a few silver taels, why would the Wanyan family come with so many people?

As expected, Wanyan Shan spoke next”I heard that your family has an extra thirty acres of land in the northern suburbs.”

Upon hearing this, Lin Xiu Gu’s face changed drastically.

“What did you say?”

That land wasn’t actually Huo family property but part of Cui Yunzhao’s dowry.

It was well-known that Cui Yunzhao’s mother, Madam Yin, had an exceptionally large dowry, so extensive it could hardly be counted. The stack of dowry documents was almost as thick as a book.

Now that Cui Yunzhao was married, her dowry had caused quite a stir in Bo Ling City. Among her one hundred and eight items of dowry, who wouldn’t be envious?

Cui Yunzhao’s dowry in Bo Ling included not only the shops but also some land in the suburbs.

Thirty mu of land may not seem like a lot, but it was prime, contiguous farmland. In these times, it was very difficult to buy such good land.

However, this was not all of Cui Yunzhao’s dowry, but these thirty mu were particularly notable for being contiguous and in an excellent location.

Lin Xiu Gu and Huo Tan were the only ones who knew how much dowry Cui Yunzhao had. Yet, the Wanyan family knew about it so precisely, which was truly intriguing.

Cui Yunzhao did not show anger or distress, she sat quietly as if she had not understood Wanyan Shan’s words.

Lin Xiu Gu, filled with shock and anger, and Lin Xiu Gu instinctively glanced at Cui Yunzhao, and seeing her calm expression, she finally breathed a sigh of relief.

She felt extremely grateful at this moment that her daughter-in-law was both intelligent and perceptive and wouldn’t be easily provoked by mere words.

Lin Xiu Gu exhaled slowly and directly denied the accusation: “Where did Wanyan hear such rumors? We only have this small piece of land, there’s no way we have more.”

Old Madam Gu, who usually only dared to be domineering within her own household, now, faced with the aggressive Wanyan family, dared not say a word. She immediately chimed in, “Yes, Elder Sister, you shouldn’t believe such slanders. Our family doesn’t have that much land.”

Madam Jin’s mother-in-law, Zhao Old Madam, who had been silent since entering, now looked at her with disgust and spoke curtly, “Elder Sister, it seems your family doesn’t show you much respect. How could you not know about your granddaughter-in-law’s dowry?”

Old Madam Gu’s face stiffened. She maintained a strained smile and replied, “Elder Sister, you mentioned it’s the granddaughter-in-law’s dowry. How could I inquire about it?”

The dowry was a woman’s personal property and could be taken in full when she left her marriage. How it was used or who it was left to was entirely up to her.

For a high-born young lady like Cui Yunzhao marrying into a military family, it was correct for a respectable family not to interfere with her substantial dowry.

Old Madam’s remark hit the nail on the head.

Lin Xiu Gu immediately said, “The dowry of a daughter-in-law is her personal property and has nothing to do with our Huo family. We don’t have that much land, and as for Wanyan …”

Lin Xiu Gu’s gaze became sharp.

“Even if our Xinzhi really beat Cong Lang, she can apologize or give some supplements. She is Cong Lang’s elder and should educate him. Logically, there is no reason for your family to ask for so much. “In my opinion, you are not here to ask for justice, you are here to blackmail.”

By now, the Huo family had understood.

The Wanyan family had come to blackmail them.

Wanyan Shan, facing the Huo family’s objections, remained calm and composed.

“Mrs. Lin is being unreasonable. When Huo Tan of your family took Sister Huo away from our family, we signed a divorce agreement.”

“Let’s part ways and live happily ever after. Even if my poor cousin’s body is still warm, your family will break off all ties with him.”

Lin Xiu Gu’s face turned a shade of iron blue. “Wanyan Shan, don’t push your luck. Why did Ninth Brother bring back Xinzhi? The Wanyan family was at fault then, and now you dare to come here and make outrageous claims?”

Wanyan Shan ignoring her anger, she instead focused her gaze on Huo Xinzhi.

Huo Xinzhi clenched her fists tightly, her previously wooden expression now showing signs of anxiety.

Wanyan Shan then said, “There were some misunderstandings back then, but now that we are divorced, we are no longer family. There’s no reason for Sister Huo to come to our house and beat our child. Now that the child has been beaten and there are witnesses, will your family acknowledge it or not?”

Wanyan Shan’s voice was cold “Of course, we are not unreasonable people. If your household really cannot produce the silver needed, we could either take this matter to court with General Lu, or deny the divorce and keep my sister-in-law in our family.”

“If you take my sister-in-law home with you, then this matter can be considered settled.”

Wanyan Shan’s face, which should have been righteous, was now filled with a menacing coldness.

“How will it be?”

The room fell silent upon hearing these words.

Cui Yunzhao saw that Huo Xinzhi’s hands were trembling, and for the first time, he saw fear on her face.

It was evident how deeply the Wanyan family had left a shadow on her.

If it were anyone else causing trouble, Huo Xinzhi wouldn’t have been so silent, enduring their angry curses and accusations. This showed that even though she had been divorced and was at home, the nightmare from back then still haunted her.

Cui Yunzhao took a deep breath, about to speak, when Lin Xiu Gu suddenly spoke up “We can offer you the Huo family’s fields. Huo’s family does not have thirty acres of land, but there are twenty acres of paddy fields in the western suburbs. If you want them, you can take them if not, there’s nothing more we can offer.”

Lin Xiu Gu was so decisive, all for the sake of her son and daughter.

She couldn’t let Huo Xinzhi suffer any further, nor let anyone tarnish Huo Tan’s reputation.

After all, Huo Tan had come to the Wanyan family during the mourning period to force the elder sister to divorce her deceased brother-in-law. No matter how one looked at it, it was somewhat a case of bullying.

Lin Xiu Gu’s straightforwardness showed a certain vigor.

Money could be earned again, but as long as the people were still around, that was what mattered.

Cui Yunzhao sighed internally. She was about to speak again when the old lady opposite interrupted.

“Oh heavens, why is my fate so bitter?” Old Lady Gu took out her usual nagging demeanor. “That land is the lifeline of our family. Now that it is being used as compensation, how will our family live?”

The old lady usually relied on such tactics to get what she wanted at home. However, her dramatic display of grief did not even cause the Wanyan family to furrow their brows.

Seeing the situation becoming awkward and no one coming forward to advise, the old lady immediately jumped up from her chair, ready to bang her head in protest.

“I’m done for, I might as well just bang my head and die.”

In her dramatic display, Old Lady Zhao on the other side immediately got up and joined in with the wailing “I’m done too. What kind of fate is this? Not only did they beat the children in our family, but now they are bullying us and refusing to acknowledge it. We are all military households, who is afraid of whom?”

These days, the poor fear the bold, and the bold fear those who have nothing to lose.

The old lady’s constant wailing and dramatic behavior were based on her high status within the family. Now that Old Lady Zhao was of the same generation and was a “victim,” every word she said hit the mark.

Cui Yunzhao lowered her gaze and, having heard enough, understood the situation completely.

If the Wanyan family were just an ordinary household, they wouldn’t dare to cause trouble. The issue was that the Wanyan family was also a military household. Given the population and probably similar positions, they had the confidence to make demands.

Most importantly, they were leveraging Huo Xinzhi’s marriage situation as a bargaining chip.

Thus, Lin Xiu Gu had initially lowered her head, preferring to settle things with money to ensure the people were safe.

But the old lady couldn’t see this. To her, taking money was akin to taking her life, especially when it involved twenty acres of prime paddy fields.

That land was earned with her son’s life.

Immediately, Old Lady Gu cried even harder, and Cui Yunzhao could see that this time, she was genuinely heartbroken.

As she cried, the women of the Wanyan family also began to weep.

For a moment, the Huo family’s hall was filled with chaos and noise, causing a headache for everyone involved.

At that moment, a clear and cold female voice spoke up.

Cui Yunzhao looked up and saw Huo Xinzhi, whose face was pale, but whose hands remained firmly clasped together.

She didn’t look at anyone but kept her head lowered, her voice trembling slightly.

“The thirty acres of land were my sister-in-law’s dowry, and the twenty acres of paddy fields were my father’s compensation. I am responsible for this matter. I will go back with you.”

She raised her eyes, her gaze resolute.

“How about that?”