Chapter 5: The Weight of Karma

Jiang Qinghe, being the deputy director of the garment factory, was a man of some standing.

He was also good at making connections and had a good network.

But the secretary, Li, was truly wronged. He wanted to help, but his abilities were limited, and the matter was beyond his scope.

Out of their past friendship, Jiang Qinghe specially invited him to dinner. Li, out of good intentions, reminded him, “Old Jiang, don’t blame me for not being loyal, but you should think about how your daughter offended someone above.”

Why did he say that? If Jiang Qinghe had offended someone, they could have easily tripped him up at work, and there was no need to involve his children.

Jiang Qinghe was a smart man and immediately offered him a cigarette, politely pulling Li aside. “Old Li, I was just being a bit mouthy. You know, my daughter has been sickly since she was young, and it’s not easy to raise her. As a father, I’m anxious. Don’t take it personally. I actually have a bottle of good wine hidden away. Don’t rush to leave. I’ll ask my wife to cook a couple of dishes tonight. Let’s have a good drink, brothers.”

After some persuasion, Li couldn’t refuse and agreed.

He didn’t have any other hobbies, just liked to drink a bit. Unfortunately, his wife was very strict with him, so this was a rare opportunity.

Jiang Qinghe quickly asked Zhu Xianglan to buy groceries, treating him to good food and wine, and finally managed to pry some information out of him.

Afterward, Jiang Qinghe couldn’t figure it out. They didn’t even have a way to speak to the Cheng family, how could they have offended them?

But if they hadn’t offended them, why would they target them out of the blue? It wasn’t like they had nothing better to do.

Jiang Qinghe asked Jiang Nian, and she was also very confused.

She was certain that she had never offended anyone. The original owner’s meek and honest personality made it even less likely.

No, Jiang Nian suddenly remembered the little girl who had threatened her.

“Dad, who was that man who was talking to you at the supply and marketing cooperative yesterday? And there was a little girl with him. Do you know them?”

“You mean that kid surnamed Qin?” Jiang Qinghe was quick to understand and immediately started thinking. “His name is Qin Mingyu. He’s a red third generation, his family is in the military. We’re not on the same level. I don’t know him very well. I don’t know that girl beside him, but I heard someone mention it once. He seems to have a childhood sweetheart who always keeps an eye on him…” Jiang Qinghe said, then glared and slapped the table. “That childhood sweetheart’s surname is Cheng!”

The reason he remembered this was because their family background was so good. He thought he might be able to use it in the future, so he paid more attention when he heard it.

Yesterday, he was still wondering. The two times he had met them before, Qin Mingyu was arrogant and aloof, difficult to approach. But yesterday, he was overly enthusiastic towards him, flattering him a lot, and even inquired about his son, saying that they were about the same age and might have similar interests, so they could become friends.

At the time, he thought it was an opportunity and happily said that he would introduce his son to him.

It turned out that he was not interested in the wine, but in his precious daughter!

Of course, this wasn’t something unacceptable.

Their appearance and family background were all there. If they could really make a good match, it would be a blessing for his daughter.

The key was that this blessing hadn’t happened yet, and it was just a matter of time. Just because of a few words, his daughter had suffered this unforeseen disaster.

Jiang Qinghe just wanted to curse at this point.

Were young people nowadays so jealous?

Zhoudie, who was listening nearby, was shocked.

“Qin Mingyu, wasn’t he Jiang Nian’s husband in her previous life?”

Her disbelieving gaze caught Jiang Nian’s attention immediately. “What’s wrong?”

Zhoudie quickly shook her head. “No… nothing. I’m just worried. What should we do now?”

Jiang Qinghe had pulled some strings to get Jiang Nian a nearby place to work in the countryside, making Zhoudie feel like she hadn’t done anything wrong.

Because she hadn’t received such care in her previous life, she had been sent to a more distant place.

She was also sure that Jiang Nian had her family’s care and wouldn’t suffer as much as she had in her previous life.

But with the Cheng family interfering, Jiang Nian was going to a place even farther than where she had gone in her previous life. She was delicate and weak. Could she handle the environment and heavy farm work in the countryside?

Zhoudie was very worried.

Jiang Nian didn’t seem worried at all. “There’s nothing we can do. Uncle Li’s words were very clear. Unless we can find someone with a stronger connection than the Cheng family, there’s no room for maneuver.”

Jiang Qinghe stood up, filled with anger. “I’m going to find Qin Mingyu. This is all his fault. He should solve it.”

“Dad.” Jiang Nian stopped him. “The Cheng family is no weaker than the Qin family, and they’re also old friends. Do you think Qin Mingyu would turn against his elders for me, someone he’s only met once and has no relationship with? Besides, Qin Mingyu doesn’t represent the Qin family. If the elders of the Qin family knew, would they help me or Cheng Yi Rou, who has been growing up in front of them?”

This was a completely incomparable situation.

Jiang Qinghe, who was already weary, now looked even more helpless and aged.

“Then… we have to try. How can you handle going so far away?” How could he handle it?

At his age, all he wanted was for his children to be by his side, happy and healthy.

But now, he couldn’t accept her going to the countryside, let alone going so far away.

He always said that he would let Zhoudie go to the countryside and then find a way to bring her back, but he knew deep down that he couldn’t be sure how likely it was that he could bring her back.

He also admitted his selfishness. He couldn’t bear to part with his own daughter.

Zhoudie stepped forward at this moment. “I think Dad is right. We have to try, but it’s not Dad who should try.” She looked at Jiang Nian. “Anian, since we all guess that Qin Mingyu’s affection for you caused this unforeseen disaster, you have to go find him yourself. Your chances will be better.”

Jiang Qinghe was reluctant to let his daughter suffer this kind of humiliation, but compared to going so far away, this was the only way.

Jiang Nian had never actually asked anyone for help. As the talented inheritor of Poison Doctor Valley, she was unmatched in both poison and medicine. So, it was usually others who crossed mountains and rivers, overcoming countless obstacles, to seek her help.

This was the first time she had asked someone for help.

She took the gifts prepared by Jiang Qinghe and waited for a long time at the entrance of the Qin family before being allowed to enter.

Mrs. Qin immediately said, “I know who you are, and I know why you’re here. But I warn you, go to the countryside obediently and put away your little thoughts. Don’t even think about looking for my son. Yi Rou is the daughter-in-law we’ve chosen for our family. Our Qin family will never accept a woman like you. Of course, you can choose not to be obedient, but you better think about your own status.”

Every era has its share of people who use their power to intimidate others. She even threatened Jiang Nian without any hesitation or disguise, because the gap between their families was too great. She could speak from a position of absolute power.

Jiang Nian had anticipated this, so she wasn’t surprised by her attitude. She just kindly reminded her, “Mrs. Qin, you’re overestimating your son. The apple of your eye might just be a pile of dog dung in someone else’s eyes. But since you’re here, I still have to remind you, Mrs. Qin, people should cultivate good karma, otherwise they are prone to retribution.”