Chapter 209

Wang Yuan’er hurried home, and coincidentally, Grandpa Wang, her Second Uncle, and the others were there, along with Madam Zhang, who was enthusiastically discussing something.

She walked over and overheard their conversation—it happened to be about the merchant ship. Madam Zhang mentioned that the Tang family’s merchant ship had smoothly traveled alongside the imperial convoy to foreign lands. In a few days, it might return, and they were sure to make a fortune.

Over the past two years, the second branch of the Wang family has faced quite a few ups and downs. Madam Zhang’s news was considered good news—even Grandma Wang, who had been sullen for quite some time, relaxed slightly and managed a faint smile.

Wang Yuan’er was pondering how to send away her Second Aunt so that she could discuss the matter of withdrawing their investment with Grandma Wang and the others. Watching Madam Zhang passionately talk about the merchant ship, Wang Yuan’er couldn’t help but sneer internally. Truly, they were oblivious to the approaching danger.

“Mother, since things have been quiet lately, I want to go to Dongshan to visit Min’er and her daughter,” Madam Zhang said with a fawning smile, seeking Grandma Wang’s approval.

Wang Yuan’er felt a sudden spark—this was like finding a pillow when she was feeling drowsy. Her Second Aunt’s idea was excellent—it would allow her to discuss matters with her grandfather and others while Madam Zhang was away.

“How long has it been since you last went? I think you just want to shirk your responsibilities!” Grandma Wang’s face darkened. Leaving the house every few days—was she still fulfilling her duties as the household’s wife?

“Mother, I really can’t stop worrying. Even though you and Yuan’er caused quite a stir in the Tang family earlier, and they promised to take good care of her, we still don’t know how Min’er and her daughter are faring now,” Madam Zhang pleaded, wearing a fawning expression.

Just as Grandma Wang was about to speak, Wang Yuan’er interjected, “Grandma, why not let Second Aunt go? She can check on how Min’er is doing, and if the Tang family shows a different face behind closed doors, at least we’ll know, right?”

Madam Zhang looked over in surprise—this girl was actually speaking in her favor?

Wang Yuan’er confidently followed up, “Second Aunt, you should at least advise Min’er to take care of her health and focus on raising Zhilian—that’s what’s truly important. She shouldn’t think about returning to Changletown to compete for a position. With Madam Rong around, if she does return, her days will be far worse than enjoying her freedom on the estate. Living freely over there is far better than being roasted in the fire.”

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang’s brief sense of goodwill toward Wang Yuan’er evaporated entirely. She snorted disdainfully, saying, “You can’t get ivory from a dog’s mouth.”

Wang Yuan’er was unbothered.

After listening to Wang Yuan’er’s words, Grandma Wang actually agreed, saying, “I think Yuan’er is right. When you go, you should persuade her. That Madam Rong doesn’t seem easy to deal with. If she returns to stir things up, she’d be better off living happily on the estate.”

After her last visit to the Tang family, she finally saw through their hypocritical nature—sweet on the outside but treacherous at heart. If Wang Min’er returned there, it would be like a lamb walking into a tiger’s den.

When the suggestion for her to go was approved, Madam Zhang was overjoyed and didn’t mind the words spoken to her. She quickly assured, “Mother, don’t worry. I’ll check on her and come back soon.” Turning to Wang Yuan’er, she added, “While I’m away, I’ll trouble you to cook for your grandfather, grandmother, and second uncle. Yuan’er girl, you won’t mind, right?”

Wang Yuan’er gave a faint smile and said nothing.

Grandma Wang retorted, “If you’re going, then just go! What’s the fuss? Am I incapable of cooking a meal?”

Madam Zhang laughed awkwardly, saying, “I only thought you’d enjoy Yuan’er girl’s blessings.” She then glanced at Wang Yuan’er, thinking to herself how uncooperative this tight-lipped girl was.

The next day, Madam Zhang took the Fu brothers to the estate where Wang Min’er lived. As soon as she left, Wang Yuan’er stopped Grandpa Wang and Wang Er, who were about to head out, blocking them in the main hall.

With a serious expression, she left Grandpa Wang and the others puzzled, exchanging glances in confusion. What was she up to?

“What is this all about?”

Wang Yuan’er moved a small bench, sat down, and began speaking concisely: “Second Uncle, earlier you mentioned withdrawing investment from the Tang family’s merchant ship business. It didn’t happen back then, but now it must happen.”

Second Uncle Wang was startled and exchanged a glance with Grandpa Wang: “Why is that?”

“Yes, didn’t your second aunt mention that the merchant ship had already reached foreign lands and would return soon? If we withdraw now, wouldn’t that…” Grandpa Wang was equally puzzled.

“Second Uncle, Grandpa, even if we can’t get back a single copper coin, we must sever ties with the Tang family.” Wang Yuan’er’s expression was solemn as she said, “Second Uncle, do you remember the time you were imprisoned? To tell you the truth, it was all thanks to the Tang family.”

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone was taken aback.

“Wh-what do you mean?” Grandpa Wang finally found his voice after a moment.

Wang Yuan’er recounted what Cui Yuan had said, explaining, “It was all orchestrated by the eldest master of the Tang family. Second Uncle was merely a sword in their hands. Fortunately, Second Uncle, you never directly dealt with the Tang family, so you were unaware. Otherwise, your fate…”—she trailed off—”would have been like Zhang Dapeng’s, meeting the King of Hell.”

When she finished speaking, Grandma Wang pricked her finger with a needle, Grandpa Wang dropped his tobacco pipe, and Second Uncle Wang was left utterly dumbfounded.

“Are you saying that if Second Uncle hadn’t been unaware of the situation, he too would have died?” Grandma Wang stammered, her trembling voice barely squeezing out of her throat.

Seeing Wang Yuan’er nod, everyone gasped. Grandma Wang nearly blacked out, her hand fumbling for ointment from the cupboard to apply to herself.

“Are you saying…this is true? Then… Second Aunt’s elder brother wasn’t just…he was silenced?” Wang er stammered, his lips trembling and his face drained of color.

“Second Uncle, do you think I would joke about something like this?” Wang Yuan’er rolled her eyes in frustration and said, “Are you not aware of the methods used by the Tang family? You should have seen their true colors from Min’er’s ordeal. If it weren’t for their schemes, would Min’er have suffered so much? For their own interests, there’s nothing they wouldn’t do. To prevent their plans from being exposed, killing one or two people is no big deal to them.”

“But…but…”—it was a human life, after all. How could they bring themselves to do such a thing?

Beads of sweat rolled down wang Er’s forehead, dampening his sideburns.

“Second Uncle, in the eyes of the powerful, what is the life of a commoner worth? The filth and corruption in wealthy families involve far more than one or two lives,” Wang Yuan’er said with a bitter smile.

The group fell silent.

“Did Master Cui really say that?” Grandpa Wang finally composed himself enough to ask.

“The Tang family’s fortune is nearing its end, Grandpa. Whatever their fate may be, it’s beyond our control. What we must do is protect ourselves and sever ties with the Tang family as soon as possible to avoid being implicated,” Wang Yuan’er said in a lowered voice.

“This is easier said than done. Withdrawing investment might still be feasible, but Min’er…she is part of the Tang family now,” Second Uncle Wang said.

“That’s why we must persuade Min’er not to return. If possible, it would be best for her to leave the Tang family. If she can’t, then she should escape. And if that still isn’t an option, then…” Wang Yuan’er bit her lip and paused for a long time before continuing, “If it truly comes to an irreparable point, Second Uncle, you’ll have to consider her as if she were never your daughter!”

Those words essentially meant giving up on Wang Min’er as a family member.

As soon as she finished speaking, everyone looked at her in disbelief, especially Grandma Wang, whose gaze turned sharp.

“Do you even know what you’re saying? She is your cousin—she shares the same bloodline as you. Two Wangs can’t be written without the same stroke, and yet you say something so heartless?” Grandma Wang said coldly.

“Grandma, I certainly know she is my sister, and I know that two ‘Wang’ characters cannot be written without the same stroke. But Grandma, we are also your descendants. If it truly comes to that point, should our entire family follow her to the grave?” Wang Yuan’er said with a bitter smile.

It wasn’t that she was heartless. Having lived through another lifetime, she understood how precious life was. All she wanted was to keep her family safe and sound. If there was any chance to help Wang Min’er, she would certainly fight for it. But if not, Wang Min’er could only be seen as a sacrificial piece. It was impossible for the whole family to accompany her to the grave.

Her words were serious, and Grandma Wang collapsed into despair, her face pale, unable to utter a word.

“The Tang family… have they really reached such a state?” Wang Er still held a shred of hope and suddenly said, “What if we pledged allegiance to the Tang family, then—”

“Second son, stop right there!” Grandpa Wang interrupted him sharply, speaking in a stern voice: “Master Cui is now showing us a path for survival for the good of our entire family. If you pledge allegiance to the Tang family, it would drag us into disgrace. Moreover, the Tang family’s despicable actions will have their consequences. Justice prevails, and retribution is inevitable. The Tang family has committed heinous deeds and must face their deserved downfall.”

Wang Er’s shoulders slumped as he murmured, “Father, I was just saying.”

Grandpa Wang was about to continue when his face suddenly turned red, and he began coughing violently. After calming down, he looked at Wang Yuan’er and said, “You’re right. We are all members of the Wang family. We cannot let everyone fall together. If it truly comes to that… then it’s her fate.”

“Old man…” Tears glistened in Grandma Wang’s eyes. Disappointment in Wang Min’er was real, but the thought of this granddaughter dying or the family truly abandoning her was something she hadn’t fully faced.

Wang Er crouched down, burying his head in his hands.

Wang Yuan’er also wiped the corners of her eyes and said, “Grandpa, Grandma, things aren’t that bad yet. We are just imagining the worst-case scenario. Right now, it depends on how deeply the Tang family’s crimes are uncovered. If they can protect themselves, Min’er won’t be in danger. For now, the most important thing is to distance ourselves from them. Historically, families that faced destruction were always implicated by association. We absolutely cannot be too deeply entangled with the Tang family.”

“Yuan’er is right,” Grandma Wang nodded and said. “The Tang family is not good. Just based on the schemes they’ve plotted in the past, it’s clear they’ve never treated our Wang family as equals. To achieve their goals, they would stop at nothing, even using others to kill. Such actions prove they’re far from virtuous. Whether emotionally or rationally, we shouldn’t maintain a deep connection with them.”

Wang Yuan’er nodded in agreement.

They are not of our kind, and their hearts must be different. The Tang family didn’t value them and even resorted to underhanded methods, showing that, in the Tang family’s eyes, the Wang family was insignificant. Why should they continue to associate with them?

“Father, then what should we do?” Wang Er asked in distress. “Min’er is married into the Tang family. In the eyes of everyone in Changle Town, we’re already related to the Tang family through marriage!”

“Then we’ll stage a play and completely sever ties with the Tang family,” Wang Yuan’er said through gritted teeth.

Wang Er was stunned. Stage a play?