Chapter 210

Grandpa Wang and the others finally agreed to withdraw their investment from the Tang family’s merchant ship business. After all, as Wang Yuan’er emphasized, people’s lives come first. If the Tang family truly faced disaster, should they all risk their lives for them?

Not only would they need to withdraw their investment, but they also had to make it known to everyone that the Wang and Tang families were as incompatible as water and fire, with no future ties. This required careful planning.

Following Wang Yuan’er’s suggestion, they should create a scene during the withdrawal, making it as dramatic as possible. However, none of them could figure out the specifics of how to go about it.

“Why not seek advice from Master Cui?” Grandpa Wang suggested, thinking of Cui Yuan, a remarkable figure who might come up with a more suitable plan.

Wang Yuan’er considered the idea and used the pretext of expressing gratitude to invite Cui Yuan to their home once again. Unlike the joyous atmosphere of his previous visit, the Wang family was now shrouded in gloom.

“Master Cui, your great kindness will never be forgotten,” Grandpa Wang said, kneeling before Cui Yuan. “Please, Master Cui, guide our Wang family toward a better path.”

Cui Yuan quickly stepped back and gestured for him to rise, saying, “Grandpa Wang, please don’t.”

“Grandpa, don’t do that,” Wang Yuan’er interjected, stepping forward with Wang Er to help Grandpa Wang up and gently persuading him.

Wang Yuan’er and Wang Er stepped forward to help him up, offering a few words of comfort.

The group then sat down again and began recounting the story.

“What was the initial connection between your family and the Tang family?” Cui Yuan asked.

This question caused Grandpa Wang and the others to exchange glances, their expressions troubled. Wang Yuan’er’s face turned slightly red, and she averted her gaze.

Cui Yuan raised an eyebrow, suspecting that the details might be difficult to speak of. He recalled that a daughter of the Wang family had become a concubine in the Tang family and guessed that the issue likely stemmed from her.

“Father…” Wang Er said nervously, looking at Grandpa Wang.

Grandpa Wang took out his pipe and said, “At this point, why bother hiding anything? Master Cui isn’t one for idle gossip.” He lit the pipe, took a deep puff, and then turned to Cui Yuan, saying, “This is a disgrace to our Wang family, something we’d rather not talk about. But given the circumstances, we have no choice. My second daughter-in-law’s sister-in-law worked as a wet nurse in the Tang family. My granddaughter Min’er was always close to her aunt and often visited the Tang family to see her. Over time, she became involved with the Tang family’s third young master, Tang Xiuping, and ended up pregnant with an illegitimate child.”

When Grandpa Wang said these words, he started coughing from the smoke of his pipe. After catching his breath, he continued, “This is also due to my and her grandmother’s failure in upbringing, which led to such a disgraceful affair. At that time, the third young master of the Tang family was already betrothed, so we had no choice but to hurriedly send my granddaughter Min’er to them, with the promise that she would be formally acknowledged as a concubine after giving birth to the child…”

As Cui Yuan listened to Grandpa Wang, his face showed surprise. He glanced at Wang Yuan’er, noticing her unpleasant expression, then quickly looked away. So, this is the story behind it. No wonder Wang Yuan’er was always reluctant to talk about this sister. Anyone in her position wouldn’t want to discuss something like this, especially as a young woman.

“Later, we pooled together five hundred taels of silver to invest in the Tang family’s merchant ship business and bought a share,” Wang er added, taking out the contract document.

After hearing this, Cui Yuan gained a comprehensive understanding of the connection between the Wang and Tang families—it could be summed up in two words: doomed fate.

Cui Yuan flipped through the contract and found no issues. It clearly stated that if the investment was withdrawn midway, only half of the capital would be refunded, and if the merchant ship encountered any accidents, the entire amount would be forfeited. The terms were fair and didn’t deceive the Wang family.

“Master Cui, back when I was imprisoned, was it really…really orchestrated by the eldest master of the Tang family?” Wang Er couldn’t resist asking, still unwilling to accept the truth—how could someone be so cruel?

He looked over, hoping for an answer, and Cui Yuan sighed and nodded.

Wang Er’s face fell instantly. “Why…”

There’s no particular reason—officials always exploit and sacrifice ordinary people. Cui Yuan thought silently to himself. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be the age-old saying: When gods fight, mortals suffer.

However, he didn’t express this aloud. Instead, he turned to Wang Yuan’er and asked, “Do you have any plans in mind?”

Wang Yuan’er thought for a moment and said, “I was thinking we might as well cause a stir while withdrawing our investment. We’ll only get half of the initial funds back, but I wonder if we can make a scene by accusing the Tang family of swindling us. The Tang family will likely argue that the contract’s terms were clear, but that’s not the point. We’ll play the rogue—we just want everyone to see that the Wang and Tang families despise each other.”

Playing the rogue—it’s true. As ordinary townsfolk, what harm is there in being a bit shameless? Giving up face once in exchange for saving the entire family’s lives—it’s worth it!

As soon as she finished speaking, Grandpa Wang and Wang Er coughed lightly, their faces slightly flushed.

Cui Yuan burst out laughing and said, “You make it sound simple, but isn’t this a bit too obvious?”

The merchant ship is currently at sea, and suddenly withdrawing the investment with such theatrics, especially when the Tang family still has a daughter of yours, clearly looks like an overly conspicuous move. The Tang family isn’t foolish—they could easily deduce the true reason behind it.

Wang Yuan’er’s face flushed red, and she lowered her head, saying, “That’s why we invited you—to see if you have a better idea.”

Cui Yuan tapped the table rhythmically, the sound sharp and deliberate. After a moment, he smiled brightly and said, “The ways of ordinary folks have their merits—straightforward and bold. Playing the rogue isn’t out of the question. Second Uncle Wang, didn’t you mention once making Tang Xiu’an look bad?”

Wang Er looked embarrassed, scratched his head, and said awkwardly, “I had too much to drink at the time and got a bit carried away. Since Min’er married into their family, I acted all high and mighty and made him call me Father-in-law. If my late brother-in-law hadn’t smoothed things over for me, who knows what would’ve happened…”

Wang Min’er was technically married to Tang Xiuping, but back then, Second Uncle Wang, drunk and emboldened, exaggerated their familial ties. Claiming a formal kinship, he even demanded in public that the dignified eldest son address him as ‘Father-in-law.’ Naturally, Tang Xiu’an found it revolting and was visibly displeased.

“That’s perfect—this rogue act can be played very well. Why not use that…” Cui Yuan clapped his hands, his eyes sparkling as he shared his plan.

“Will this really work? Taking this matter head-on like this—won’t it ruin Master Li’s plans and make things difficult for you?” Wang Yuan’er asked hesitantly.

The plan was indeed as straightforward and bold as Cui Yuan suggested, but she was worried it might disrupt Li Xian’s affairs and put Cui Yuan in a tough spot. Despite being just a passing acquaintance, Cui Yuan had already done more than enough for their family.

“No need to worry,” Cui Yuan waved dismissively. “But to cause a scene, you’ll need someone fierce and bold enough to truly make a fuss.”

“I’ll go,” said Grandma Wang, who had been sitting silently in the corner.

“Grandma…” Wang Yuan’er sounded concerned.

“This is not for you to handle, and you don’t need to step forward. You’re a young woman who will marry someday!” Grandma Wang shot her a look.

When it came to making a ruckus, no one would be more suitable than Madam Zhang. However, she might leak sensitive information, which could be problematic. On the other hand, Wang Yuan’er, being a young woman, needed to preserve her reputation. After all, if she gained a reputation as a troublemaker, who would dare marry her in the future?

“I’ll go with Mother,” Wang Er chimed in. “This matter started because of me in the first place, so it’s only right for me to seek justice.”

Cui Yuan nodded.

“Since it’s decided, there’s no time to lose. I’ll help you arrange everything. Once the rumors start spreading, just follow through with what we discussed,” Cui Yuan said as he stood up.

Grandpa Wang and the others repeatedly expressed their gratitude.

Wang Yuan’er walked Cui Yuan out, and he said to her, “Don’t worry. This act is meant for outsiders to see. The Tang family might even cooperate.”

“Cooperate?” Wang Yuan’er was puzzled. Tilting her head in thought, her eyes lit up. Of course—that made sense. Just as they wanted to sever ties with the Tang family, the Tang family likely wanted to rid themselves of this impoverished family to maintain their own status.

“But by making such a fuss, your sister’s situation might become even more difficult,” Cui Yuan added, reminding her. “You should advise your second uncle and the others carefully.”

Wang Yuan’er’s expression darkened as she forced a bitter smile. “We’ve already discussed this thoroughly. If we weren’t left with no choice, we wouldn’t give up on her.”

Cui Yuan pressed his lips together and said, “If the Tang family truly reaches the point of downfall, if it really happens… I’ll do my best to help protect your sister.”

“Really?” Wang Yuan’er grabbed his sleeve, and her excitement was evident.

Cui Yuan glanced at her hand on his sleeve, his expression unreadable. With a faint smile, he said, “Rest assured.”

Realizing his gaze, Wang Yuan’er quickly let go and withdrew her hand, her face flushing red. “I-I won’t see you off any further,” she stammered.

“What’s this? Done with me after getting what you needed?” Cui Yuan teased her intentionally.

Wang Yuan’er glared at him, biting her lip.

Cui Yuan chuckled, “Wait for my news.”

Wang Yuan’er watched him disappear around the corner before turning back—and was startled.

“Elder Sister, your face is so red!” Wang Qing’er reached out to touch her forehead. “Are you feeling feverish?”

“Go, go, mind the shop,” Wang Yuan’er said, touching her cheeks and heading toward the main hall.

Meanwhile, Grandpa Wang and the others were still discussing Cui Yuan’s plan for their escape from the predicament.

“Will it even work?” Wang Er said worriedly.

“Second Uncle, don’t worry. This whole act is just for outsiders to see. The Tang family probably wouldn’t even mind—it’s the perfect way for them to sever ties with us poor nobodies and maintain their status,” Wang Yuan’er said with a cold smile.

Wang Er was stunned for a moment and added, “But what about Min’er? This whole commotion will make her position even worse. I’m afraid the Tang family will become even colder toward her.”

“What’s the point of all this hesitation at such a critical time?” Grandpa Wang suddenly scolded, “Hesitation leads to chaos! The Wang family has no way out now. As for Min’er, her fate is just that—her fate. If she has anyone to blame, it’s her own ambition.”

Chastised by Grandpa Wang, Wang Er didn’t dare speak further. Wang Yuan’er then suggested, “Why don’t we take this chance to bring Min’er back?”

Everyone was taken aback.

“After all, the Tang family hasn’t officially given her a formal title. If we bring her back, are we really afraid we can’t feed the two of them?” she added.

“But will the Tang family let her go?” Grandma Wang frowned.

“We might as well try. Since we’re pulling out our investment anyway, we can bring up this matter as well. She hasn’t gained anything good from being with the Tang family,” Wang Yuan’er replied.

Whether the Tang family agrees or not is one thing. What worried her more was that Wang Min’er might refuse to leave the Tang family, stubbornly clinging to the illusion of wealth and status. People often choose to remain immersed in the world they’ve crafted for themselves.