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The paper looked somewhat aged, not of great quality, with neatly written calligraphy that appeared quite pleasing to the eye. It was a promissory note. Su Zhi glanced at the content, initially stunned, then her eyes lit up. She sat on the edge of the kang, handing the paper back to Liu Siniang.
“Siniang, didn’t you mention losing this promissory note? But here it is. Were you not truthful earlier, simply unwilling to ask your uncle’s family for the money? You mustn’t be soft-hearted. They are wealthier than you now. This is something your parents left for you; you should reclaim it,” Su Zhi advised Liu Siniang. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that the promissory note stated that Liu Damu had bought someone else’s house and land but couldn’t pay, hence issuing this note. The mention of ‘Liu Ermu’ indicated Liu Siniang’s father. Indeed, Liu Siniang’s family had sold the house and land to her uncle’s family. Wasn’t this the lost promissory note she had mentioned?
“Sister Siniang, if your uncle’s family treated you well, you could have freely gifted them the house and land. But since they’ve been indifferent, you should consider yourself,” Su Zhi advised.
“Sister, what is this paper? A promissory note?”
Liu Siniang looked surprised at the paper in her hand, equally surprising Su Zhi. She gazed at Liu Siniang, wondering if she truly didn’t recognize the promissory note before her.
“This is a promissory note. It states that Liu Damu purchased his brother Liu ErMu’s property and land for a total of twenty-five taels of silver. Due to a lack of funds at home, they owed this amount. This must be correct. Aren’t you aware this is a promissory note?” Su Zhi clarified.
Shaking her head, Liu Siniang explained, “I can’t read. I always thought this was a contract of sale left by my father. He once served as a servant and only returned after paying off his debts. He kept the contract he had to redeem himself. I thought it was his contract of sale. If this is a promissory note, then the lost document years ago was my father’s contract of sale! It seems I mixed them up back then. How could I have made such a mistake?”
Su Zhi, feeling exasperated, rubbed her forehead and asked, “Did you ever show this paper to anyone when you thought you had lost the promissory note?”
Liu Siniang nodded, “No, I never did. I mistook this for my father’s contract of sale. It’s not something to be proud of, so I never wanted anyone to see the evidence of my father’s past as a servant. I never showed this to anyone.”
Su Zhi concluded, “That explains it. The writing and fingerprints on both papers must have been similar, leading to your confusion. It’s not surprising. It seems your father’s spirit is looking out for you. He didn’t want your uncle to take away the family property that he intended for you.”
Liu Siniang responded, “I see…”
Upon hearing Su Zhi’s words, Liu Siniang’s eyes welled up with tears. Her parents had passed away long ago. Over the years, she endured mistreatment from her in-laws, even being accused of causing her parents’ deaths. Now, hearing Su Zhi mention that her father in heaven was looking out for her, she felt a mix of bitterness and joy. She thought that as long as her parents didn’t blame her, she could withstand any criticism from others.
Su Zhi advised Liu Siniang that since this was her parents’ property, they should reclaim it and not let her uncle’s family benefit unfairly. Liu Siniang agreed, recalling how the promissory note had disappeared. She was certain they had stolen it. Even though she hadn’t caught them red-handed, she knew they were involved because of how they had treated her that day. Moreover, even if the promissory note had not been stolen, they should have paid her the money owed, rather than evading their responsibility.
Su Zhi and Liu Siniang agreed to visit the Liu family village together the next day.
After listening to Su Zhi’s explanation, Shen Zi’an nodded and promised to help Liu Siniang reclaim the money. He did this not just for Liu Siniang but also for Li Shi. In a conversation with Li Shi, Shen Zi’an managed to extract the truth – Li Shi truly loved Liu Siniang and had decided to marry her. This meant that Liu Siniang would not only be his wife’s friend but also his brother’s wife, strengthening their relationship, and thus, he was determined to assist.
The following day, Shen Zi’an sent his three children to Li Shi’s house, requesting him to look after them. Shen Zi’an headed to the Liushu Village to discuss matters and seek justice, aiming to retrieve the money owed to the Zhao family and Liu Siniang by Liu Damu. With a significant sum at stake – a total of thirty-five taels – and the likelihood of them refusing to pay, Shen Zi’an was prepared for a potentially confrontational situation, considering the safety of the children.
Li Shi, informed about Liu Siniang’s situation, expressed concern and eagerness to accompany them. However, Shen Zi’an advised him against it, cautioning about potential gossip due to the already sensitive rumors surrounding Li Shi and Liu Siniang. Reluctantly, Li Shi stayed behind, entrusting Shen Zi’an to handle the situation.
As Shen Zi’an watched Liu Siniang’s figure fade away while seated on the cart, he turned back and headed home.
Since Liu Siniang got married and left the Liushu Village, she never returned, harboring resentment towards her uncle’s family. She knew they wouldn’t want her back after they had stolen the promissory note. Despite them visiting her twice, they stopped coming thereafter, likely because they saw her as having no status in the Zhao family and couldn’t benefit from her.
Observing the familiar Liushu Village, Liu Siniang felt that nothing had changed.
“Su Zhi, I remember you used to play under this big willow tree when you were young. You were quite remarkable back then – all the boys and girls listened to you. Your mother even said you were destined for wealth and would marry into a prosperous family. You dressed better than us and had sweets to eat. I even envied you back then,” reminisced Liu Siniang.
Su Zhi realized that Zhao Yangshi had indeed cherished Zhao Xiaomei in the past. Upon inquiring, she discovered that Zhao Yangshi had visited Zhao Xiaomei every year. It was evident that Zhao Yangshi’s love for her daughter was exceptional, treating her as a treasure trove. Su Zhi understood why Zhao Yangshi now frequented Zhao Xiaomei upon her newfound wealth, deeming it fitting. This realization led Su Zhi to understand that Zhao Xiaomei’s marriage into the Shen family wasn’t abandonment by her parents; hence, she harbored no resentment, fulfilling her filial duties with such devotion.
“If I had known my parents would depart so early, I would have willingly gone to the convent back then,” expressed Liu Siniang.
Su Zhi comfortingly patted Liu Siniang’s hand, about to speak when a voice interrupted.
“Well, isn’t this Siniang? You finally decided to come back? We thought you’d forgotten about us, your dear uncle and aunt! Did you hear about your uncle’s recent hardships and thought of coming to give some money to help?” the voice called out.
Liu Siniang’s brows furrowed slightly upon hearing the voice. She looked up and saw her aunt, Yang Shi, standing there.
Su Zhi couldn’t help but think how shameless some people could be, always seeking advantages. Yang Shi, Liu Siniang’s aunt, just like her mother, seemed adept at taking advantage of situations. While Su Zhi’s mother had raised her daughter, which was at least justified, Yang Shi had taken advantage of Liu Siniang’s family’s property. Now, she was still trying to benefit further, showing no fear of consequences.
Liu Siniang stated, “Aunt, I came back this time with something to discuss with you all. Since there are matters involving both your family and the Zhao family, let’s address them together.”
Upon hearing this, Yang Shi’s eyes darted around, wondering about Liu Siniang’s sudden return and the nature of the issue she wanted to discuss. Although curious, she refrained from asking and warmly greeted Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi, suggesting they try to reason with their family members.
“Niece, your mother demands ten taels of silver with just a word. That’s far too much! It’s like asking our whole family to sell our house and land to survive. We are relatives after all! How can she push us like this? You were there that day and saw it too – your sister-in-law’s fall couldn’t entirely be blamed on us. Besides, didn’t she safely give birth to a chubby little boy? Mother and child are safe – that’s a joyous occasion. We offered five hundred coins, which is already generous, enough to buy several tens of pounds of pork! With all that meat, they should be well-fed and content!” Yang Shi lamented to Su Zhi, reaching out and tugging at her arm.
Su Zhi pulled her clothes back and said, “I can’t make decisions about my parents’ matters as their daughter. You should discuss this with my mother. I’ll head home now, and we can talk about this later.”
Yang Shi continued lamenting about their family’s hardships all the way, drawing more onlookers. However, Su Zhi kept her head down, pretending to be in a dilemma. She wouldn’t take the lead in her family’s affairs, and she also intended to make the Liu family pay a hefty sum. Five hundred coins were far too little.
“Sister, you’re here! Everyone’s been waiting for you!” Lianhua spotted the cart approaching and hurried over, eagerly taking down a parcel from it.
Su Zhi chuckled inwardly, knowing the bundle likely contained only cloth – small pieces for making diapers and tiny clothes for her nephew. It would disappoint Lianhua, expecting something more substantial.
Upon seeing Liu Siniang’s presence, Zhao Yangshi appeared surprised but did not say much. She understood that Liu Siniang and the Liu Damu’s family weren’t on good terms. There was a chance she could turn Liu Siniang against her family, hence Zhao Yangshi maintained a friendly attitude towards her. Zhao Daxi and Zhao Yuanbao, the two men, didn’t harbor any ill will towards Liu Siniang but simply ignored her.
Su Zhi first visited Zhang Shi and handed her the bundle. Upon seeing the quality cotton cloth inside, Zhang Shi was delighted. She cherished her son greatly and appreciated the good material, feeling more affectionate towards Su Zhi. She anticipated that with the upcoming blessing of the newborn, some silver coins might be coming her way.
Before long, all the Liu family members arrived at the Zhao residence, including the village head and several respected elders from Liu Tree Village.