Chapter 191

Zhang Dapeng is missing!

Madam Zhang brought this message back to the Wang family. Grandpa Wang was stunned for a moment, while Grandma Wang’s expression darkened. Her slightly clouded eyes stared daggers at Madam Zhang, clearly not believing her words.

“Even at this time, you’re still siding with your family? The Zhang family must be deliberately hiding your elder brother, and even you are standing with them,” Grandma Wang said bluntly, her chest heaving. If Wang Chun’er hadn’t been soothing her back, she might have had an outburst.

Madam Zhang cried out her grievances, sobbing, “Mother, how am I siding with my family? The officers have already come to look for my elder brother, but since last night, my sister-in-law said that he has been missing.”

“Mother is telling the truth; my uncle is truly missing,” Fuquan chimed in to help.

Grandma Wang wanted to say more, but Grandpa Wang waved his hand and said, “They wouldn’t lie at such a critical moment.”

Wang Yuan’er nodded. At most, Zhang Dapeng just acted as an intermediary. If caught, he’d likely face a beating with a rod. The notion of him fleeing was somewhat exaggerated.

However, without Zhang Dapeng’s appearance, Second Uncle’s situation becomes problematic. Without more witnesses, his words would be deemed one-sided. Who could tell if he genuinely didn’t know about the flawed batch of timber or if it wasn’t a case of greed that led him to intentionally seek substandard materials? Or perhaps good timber was delivered, and he swapped it for the inferior kind.

Madam Zhang began crying again and wailed, “What should we do now? Father and Mother, think of a way quickly. Otherwise, Er Lang will suffer greatly in that prison.”

Grandpa Wang’s mind was in turmoil at this point, and instinctively, he looked at Wang Yuan’er: “Yuan’er, what do you think of this matter…”

Wang Yuan’er pursed her lips, calculating in her mind. The authorities were determined to convict Second Uncle. Even without Zhang Dapeng or that person named Lin Biao to testify, they could still pass judgment. It was just a matter of severity.

Second Uncle’s punishment couldn’t be avoided. The key was figuring out how to ensure his safety and get him out. After all, as long as a person is safe, that’s what matters most. If Zhang Dapeng and Lin Biao couldn’t be found, they’d have to seek help elsewhere.

With this thought, Wang Yuan’er’s mind conjured up the image of Cui Yuan. He had some connections with Official Li. If they could find him to mediate, perhaps…

Just as she was about to speak, Madam Zhang suddenly shouted with newfound vigor: “Right, let’s find the Tang family, find Third Master Tang. This is his father-in-law in trouble! As the son-in-law, he’s like half a son—it’s his duty to help!”

In Madam Zhang’s mind, she firmly believed that Wang Min’er, after marrying into the Wang family, became the legitimate mistress, and Tang Xiuping was her son-in-law. However, she was unaware that the true mistress was only Madam Rong, the principal wife. Tang Xiuping’s father-in-law had always been Madam Rong’s father, and concubines or unofficial partners were not considered to have natal family ties. Even Wang Min’er’s future children would only call Madam Rong their mother and acknowledge her family as their relatives. This highlights the sorrow of being a concubine.

“Father, Mother, the Tang family is the top household in our town. The second master is a high-ranking official, and it’s said that even Lord Li bows to him first when they meet. As long as he says a word, Er Lang can be released,” Madam Zhang excitedly shared her plan to save Wang Er.

See, this is the benefit of marrying a daughter into an influential family.

Grandma Wang’s heart was moved upon hearing this, but she soon recalled the Tang family’s indifference. Would they really be willing to help?

Grandpa Wang turned to Wang Yuan’er, seeking her opinion.

Wang Yuan’er smirked coldly and said, “Second Aunt, don’t forget that Min’er isn’t even a concubine yet, and Second Uncle can’t be considered Tang Xiuping’s father-in-law. It’s fine to talk about this at home, but don’t spread it outside. Otherwise, it would only invite ridicule and disgrace.”

“What do you mean? Are you hoping for your Second Uncle to die?” Madam Zhang retorted angrily.

“I’m just reminding you, Second Aunt, the Tang family isn’t as charitable as you imagine. Otherwise, they wouldn’t still refuse to give Min’er even the title of concubine—they’re waiting until she gives birth before considering it,” Wang Yuan’er said with lowered eyelids. “If Second Aunt doesn’t believe me, you can go ahead and try your luck.”

Madam Zhang trembled with anger and snorted coldly, “Don’t think so ill of people. I don’t believe it! Third Master Tang wouldn’t sit idly by and do nothing—after all, he is Min’er’s father. I’ll head to the Tang family now.”

Wang Yuan’er said nothing, but she was certain Madam Zhang would come back empty-handed.

Madam Zhang, fired up by Wang Yuan’er’s attitude, turned around and stormed off. She refused to believe otherwise.

Grandpa and Grandma Wang exchanged worried glances, their faces full of concern.

“Grandfather, Grandmother, don’t worry too much. Since Second Aunt is determined to try her luck with the Tang family, let her go,” Wang Yuan’er said calmly.

Some people won’t turn back until they hit a dead end. It’s just as well—it’ll show her the true attitude of the Tang family. She should stop thinking so highly of them.

“Grandfather, Master Cui has some ties with Lord Li. I’ll go find him and see if he can mediate,” Wang Yuan’er added.

Grandpa Wang’s eyes brightened. Master Cui seemed like a kind and approachable man. If he could help, that would be the best outcome!

“Be careful with your words; don’t offend anyone. Oh, and bring some decent gifts. Old woman…” Grandpa Wang was about to ask Grandma Wang to give some silver to Wang Yuan’er for her errands, but then he remembered that they had already taken out all the family’s savings earlier that day.

“Yuan’er…” Grandpa Wang looked embarrassed.

Wang Yuan’er understood his meaning and smiled faintly. “Grandfather, don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” After saying this, she couldn’t help but sigh. Money can make the impossible possible, but even a single step is difficult without it. The importance of silver becomes clear when trouble arises.

As she went out to make arrangements, Grandpa Wang said to Grandma Wang, “It’s only when trouble strikes that you realize who can truly help. We owe this girl a lot.”

Grandma Wang pursed her lips, her expression complicated.

---

Meanwhile, at the Tang family’s West Garden.

Madam Rong swept a blue-and-white porcelain cup to the ground, her eyes wide as she stared at her old nanny. “What did you say? That little wretch is already seven months pregnant? Are you sure?”

“My dear lady, how could I dare bring such news to deceive you? That Nanny Jin took twenty taels of silver from us and spilled everything. She’s seven months along already. In just a few more months, she’ll give birth,” the nanny said, equally shocked. When she heard this from Nanny Jin, she felt like her head had exploded. Seven months pregnant—didn’t that mean the young master had already been involved with that Wang woman long before? And the Tang family had hidden this from the Rong family. To put it bluntly, this was no different from marriage fraud.

Madam Rong collapsed into her chair, clenching her fists, and sneered, “No wonder, no wonder they sent her to the countryside, claiming it was to keep her out of my sight. So this is the truth.”

She laughed; the more she laughed, the sharper her gaze became. “Tang Xiuping, the Tang family, this is simply outrageous! Nanny, pack up my things. I’m going back to my parents’ house.”

The Tang family had hidden it well. A lowly woman had conceived an illegitimate child before the legitimate wife, and they had kept it so tightly under wraps. If she hadn’t grown suspicious, she might never have known, even after the illegitimate child was born and raised.

Seven months—counting the days, that was just when the betrothal letters were exchanged. If they hadn’t hidden it, would she have married into this declining Tang family?

The Tang family had committed marriage fraud. It was disgraceful!

“Miss, are you going back to your parents’ house to ask them to take charge?” Nanny Rong cautiously asked.

“Take charge of what? I want a divorce,” Madam Rong snorted coldly.

Nanny Rong was startled and quickly tried to dissuade her. “Oh, my dear Miss, you can’t say such things lightly. How long have you been married?”

“The Tang family was clearly in the wrong—shouldn’t we divorce?” Madam Rong had always been proud and spoiled, but now she was so furious her chest ached.

“Miss, every family has these messy troubles, don’t they? If you divorce, won’t that only benefit that vile woman and her illegitimate child? It’s just a worthless affair. If you concern yourself with her, aren’t you lowering your own dignity?” Nanny Rong whispered in persuasion.

“Just let it go? Seven months—she’s almost due. The legitimate heir hasn’t been born, but the illegitimate one comes first, taking the title of ‘eldest.’ That’s impossible,” Madam Rong said fiercely.

“What kind of future could an illegitimate child have? The baby hasn’t even been born yet. There’s still a few months to go—who knows if it’ll even make it? And even if it is born, whether it can be raised and survive into adulthood is uncertain,” Nanny Rong said softly. “In these prominent families, many children don’t survive.”

Hearing this, Madam Rong began to calm down gradually.

“Miss, divorcing won’t bring you any real advantage. If you remarry, who knows what kind of family you’ll end up with? A widower’s second wife? A poor household? But if you stay steady now and confront the Tang family, acting magnanimous, they’ll owe you. And in the future, if anything happens, who would dare to criticize you? Won’t it be you who calls the shots then?” Nanny Rong reasoned.

Madam Rong pressed her lips into a straight line. Just thinking about that wretched woman being pregnant with Tang Xiuping’s first child made her feel like she’d swallowed a fly. But Nanny Rong had a point. She had already become Tang Xiuping’s wife and was no longer a young maiden. If she divorced, who knew what kind of man she’d marry next? A widower’s wife? Someone from a poor, struggling family?

If she stayed and dealt with the situation calmly, confronting the Tang family logically, she could appear generous while also gaining the upper hand. With this leverage, who in the Tang family would dare show her disrespect in the future?

As for that illegitimate child, a bastard born out of wedlock—if it were a girl, so be it. But if it’s a boy, this world is full of children who don’t survive. Another one from Wang Min’er’s womb wouldn’t make much of a difference.

Thinking this, Madam Rong revealed a cold smile that sent chills down anyone who saw it.

“I’ll deal with the Tang family slowly. As for that wretched woman, I won’t allow her to have an easy life,” Madam Rong said, caressing her fair fingers.

Whether Wang Min’er could safely give birth would depend on her mood. And right now, she didn’t want her to have an easy time at all.

“What does Miss mean?” her nanny cautiously asked.

Just as Madam Rong was about to speak, her trusted maid, Ju Hong, entered and said, “Third Young Madam, that Wang Min’er’s mother has arrived.”

“Who?” Madam Rong was taken aback.

“It’s the mother of the woman from the countryside. She’s said to be here seeking help,” Ju Hong reported everything she’d found out.

Hearing this, Madam Rong’s face filled with disdain. “A stinking pot grows stinking grass—how true. What kind of parents they are, that’s the kind of trash their daughter turns out to be,” she sneered a few times. Suddenly, she clapped her hands, her eyes lighting up. “Ah, what a coincidence! It’s as if I was dozing off and a pillow just fell into my lap. Heaven is helping me!”

The nanny and Ju Hong exchanged glances, puzzled by their mistress’s meaning.