Chapter 486: Chapter 478: Come Prepared

Ding Shouxin and Mrs. Ding felt that the Qin family was arrogant when they were blocked outside the door, but now that they had come in and faced a round of sharp exchanges, they felt that the Qin family were rather ignorant of what was good for them.

They were on the verge of ruining their family, yet still maintained their haughty attitudes as if they were above everyone else.

Truly, they did not know whether they were alive or dead.

A fleeting ferociousness appeared in the depths of Ding Shouxin’s eyes, but thinking of his own family’s misfortune, he restrained himself.

Wasn’t the Qin family’s arrogance all because they relied on that Taoist from Qingping Temple?

If that Taoist really did cast some dark spell on the Ding family, it would mean he was not a respectable Taoist at all – huh, performing charity every year, just pretending to be kind and benevolent.

Qin Liuxi: Sorry, I am not a good person!

Ding Shouxin cleared his throat and said, “My family has been ignorant and offended the Old Lady. No matter what, I must go ask for her forgiveness and check on her well-being. Otherwise, how could I face Mr. Qin in the future? Even if Mr. Qin has not officially taken me as a student, I have still received guidance from him. I dare not forget this favor. May I know if it’s possible?”

Look, isn’t this voluntarily disassociating themselves now?

Mrs. Wang massaged her brow and said, “The Old Lady is already an elderly person, there is usually no inconvenience, but she was angered severely before, had a stroke, and has been resting in bed. She sleeps a lot and it’s uncertain whether she would be able to…”

Mrs. Gu’s eyes flashed softly as she stepped forward to hold her hand, saying, “Big Sister, don’t worry. Mother will surely be blessed and get better.”

Mrs. Xie spitefully glanced at Mrs. Ding and them and said, “That’s right, if she doesn’t get better, every grievance has its perpetrator and every debt has its debtor. Whoever caused her condition will be the one to repay it in the end!”

Clap clap clap, skilled at twisting the knife, well done!

The faces of both Ding Shouxin and Mrs. Ding were tense, extremely embarrassed.

Mrs. Wang patted Mrs. Gu’s hand and said to Ding Shouxin, “Please come with me.”

She led the couple to Old Mrs. Qin’s bedroom where only Nanny Ding was present, who stood up upon seeing the visitors.

The bedroom did not smell pleasant.

Mrs. Ding subconsciously touched her nose, but upon seeing Mrs. Xie glaring coldly at her, she casually dropped her hand.

“Mother, Mr. Ding is here to see you.”

Old Mrs. Qin naturally did not wake up; her complexion was ashen grey, and she lay there like someone half dead.

Ding Shouxin and Mrs. Ding glanced at her and both simultaneously felt a flicker of satisfaction – if she wasn’t dead already, she wasn’t far from it.

But after the satisfaction, fear set in – if she really died, wouldn’t the blame fall squarely on the Ding family?

Encouraging one’s family to drive a teacher’s wife to death, such a crime, Ding Shouxin dared not shoulder.

Even if he did not regard Qin Yuanshan as his real teacher, he had indeed previously regarded himself as a student.

Mrs. Wang called out a couple of times, then helplessly said, “Mr. Ding, as you can see, mother is truly very sick, barely able to take medicine and rest. I will convey your thoughts, let’s talk outside instead.”

Even with many people by her side, it wasn’t appropriate for Ding Shouxin, the only man present, to stay long. He didn’t want to linger in the room either, so he went out.

Upon returning to the parlor, he said, “Old Mrs. Qin has always had a comfortable life. Facing the tremendous upheaval in the Qin family, it’s understandable that she couldn’t bear the blow and fell severely ill. Thus, I know two doctors with excellent medical skills who could be invited to examine her. Additionally, I will arrange for some medicinal herbs to be sent over later…”

“Is Mr. Ding trying to wash his hands of the trouble your family’s elder lady and your sister-in-law have caused?” Mrs. Xie’s sharp voice interrupted him. “If it wasn’t for your people barging in and recklessly telling our Old Lady about your family’s third son becoming crippled, and then shamelessly wanting to take over the shop, she wouldn’t have suffered a stroke out of anger. What do you mean she couldn’t bear the blow? It’s your Ding Family that harmed her.”

Mrs. Gu feigned an attempt to mediate: “Second sister-in-law, don’t be like this…”

“Don’t be like what? You are just a pushover, clueless even when people walk all over you. Now they play innocent with just a few words, acting as if they are completely uninvolved, how despicable! The heavens are watching, whoever lacks conscience knows it in their heart.” Mrs. Xie spat in contempt.

Mrs. Wang stepped forward and tugged at her: “Enough, with your explosive temper, can you restrain yourself a bit? I know you are worried about our mother, but let’s not make a farce in front of everyone.”

“I’m not afraid,” Mrs. Xie declared. “Back when our family was doing well, he wasn’t even Magistrate yet. He would respectfully call our father ‘Mr. Qin’, and how obsequiously he buttered us up. Once our family fell, we couldn’t even get close to his doorstep. Let’s leave that aside; it took a great effort to start a shop, the whole family relies on it for their livelihood, and yet they wish to snatch it away. Where’s the decency in that? Let’s take this out for the public to judge, let’s see whose face gets slapped resoundingly.”

Eavesdropping, Qin Liuxi thought: Not bad, a natural at playing the villain!

Ding Shouxin, holding back his frustration, glanced at his wife.

Taking a step forward, Mrs. Ding said, “It’s all a misunderstanding. My foolish sister-in-law was blinded by lard, instigated by a despicable servant. In fact, the master had long thought of helping the Qin family to return, but being Magistrate, he couldn’t just leave his post, that’s why there has been a delay.”

As she spoke, she took out a contract and handed it to Mrs. Wang: “This shop, located on South Street in Nanfu City is not big, but its position is excellent. The annual rent can reach as much as eight hundred taels. Whether you do business there or rent it out, it’s a good deal.”

Oh shoot, she really came prepared.

Peeling melon seeds, Qin Liuxi wondered: Is it just for show to salvage reputation, or did she notice someone has been sabotaging their property?

Mrs. Wang did not take it.

But Mrs. Xie’s eyes flashed with greed, snatching the contract, and said, “You would have such kindness…”

Eh, it really is a deed to a shop.

The annual rent of eight hundred taels might not have impressed the Qin family in its heyday, but the Qin family is strapped for cash right now.

Mrs. Ding glanced at Mrs. Xie’s greedy expression, contempt showing in her eyes, and as her gaze swept over the contract, she felt a pang of regret.

At this time, Ding Shouxin spoke again, “I see that there aren’t many servants in the house, and with the Old Lady ill, she’ll need careful attention—not just from you. I’ll send over some reliable servants, the monthly salary will be covered by me.”

Mrs. Xie’s eyes flickered.

Mrs. Wang, however, took the contract from her hand, stuffed it back into Mrs. Ding’s hand, and said, “We are grateful for your kindness, and although our home is not as it once was, having the whole family together means more than anything. Even the shop, modest as it is, suffices to provide for the family.”

Refusing it, Mrs. Ding felt a surge of delight but looked towards Ding Shouxin.

“As for the servants, we needn’t trouble you. It’s not right to depend on others to provide for our own. Word of this could elicit praise for your kindness, or negative rumors that Mr. Ding is planting spies in our house with ill intent,” Mrs. Wang said with a balanced gaze, puncturing Ding Shouxin with her words.

Ding Shouxin’s face changed colors as he spoke, “Since the Madam feels this way, I won’t insist. By the way, I haven’t seen any of the children in the house. What about that child who was always raised in the old mansion? It’s been many years since I last saw her; isn’t it time to discuss marriage?”

Mrs. Wang’s eyes sharpened. Was he actually asking to meet Xixi?