Chapter 151: Arrangements

Chapter 151: Arrangements

If this matter really goes to the county office, won't the whole town know about their family's disgrace?

Qin Xiaoyao saw Qin Dazhuang's concern and reached out to pat his father's shoulder.

"It's just to scare them. If they agree, we won't need to report it to the authorities." She comforted him.

In ancient times, commoners were extremely afraid of the government, and she understood her father's worries well.

If her father was scared, the Zhang family would be even more terrified.

Moreover, the Zhang family was in the wrong.

If the officials handle this fairly, she wasn't sure if the Zhang family would go to jail, but they would definitely have to pay compensation.

If the Zhang family couldn't afford the compensation, that wouldn't be a problem either; they could always go after their debts, which would be enough to ruin the Zhang family.

If the Zhang family isn't foolish, they will have no choice but to take Zhang Shi back.

Of course, how Zhang Shi is treated after being taken back is none of her concern.

She only needs the Zhang family to ensure that Zhang Shi gives birth to the child safely.

As for why she doesn't insist on keeping Zhang Shi in the Qin family until the child is born, it's to prevent her father from being swayed by Zhang Shi again due to his soft heart.

Since such an incident has already occurred, there is no room for leniency anymore.

"But what if they don't agree?" Qin Dazhuang was somewhat convinced but still worried.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled.

"They will agree. Otherwise, if we demand compensation, they won't be able to keep the money they've worked hard to obtain or their house." At this point, a cold glint appeared in Qin Xiaoyao's eyes.

Hearing his daughter say this, Qin Dazhuang felt a bit heavy-hearted.

He knew very well where the money the Zhang family had obtained and the house they had repaired came from.

He now wanted to get all the money back, but—

Forget it, let's consider it for the sake of the unborn child.

"Okay." Qin Dazhuang nodded.

Seeing the dejected look on his father's face, Qin Xiaoyao reached out again and patted his arm.

"We'll treat this as cutting our losses."

"If we lose the money, we can earn it back. Think about it this way: without Zhang Shi around like a rat, with your abilities, you can rebuild your fortune eventually."

Qin Dazhuang was stunned.

After hearing these words, he felt genuinely reassured.

"Okay!" He nodded again.

Qin Xiaoyao finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"I'll go find Second Brother and ask him to notify the Zhang family. We'll settle this when they come this afternoon." She continued.

Qin Dazhuang nodded once more.

Qin Xiaoyao then stood up.

"Also, I came back to my natal home without telling anyone. I need to go back for a bit."

Qin Dazhuang immediately looked up at Qin Xiaoyao, a hint of unease flashing in his eyes.

"Don't worry. I'll just tell them and come back."

"And then I'll stay until this matter is settled."

Only then did Qin Dazhuang feel relieved.

"You can go back then," he said.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled.

She bid farewell to her father, left the inner room, and stepped outside.

In the courtyard, Zhang Shi hadn't gone far and was still lingering near the house.

Seeing Qin Xiaoyao come out, she quickly lowered her head to avoid eye contact.

A flicker of disgust crossed Qin Xiaoyao's eyes.

"I'm going home for a while and will be back later."

"While I'm away, don't enter my father's room and disturb him, or—" Qin Xiaoyao didn't finish her threat, but judging by Zhang Shi's trembling, it seemed effective.

Without saying more, Qin Xiaoyao walked out.

Not far away, Qin Dashao and Qin Ershao saw Qin Xiaoyao coming out and gathered around to inquire about the situation.

Qin Xiaoyao did not say much but asked where her second brother was.

"Oh, today is market day. Your second brother went to help at the market. Should I call him back?" Qin's second sister-in-law replied quickly.

She made a move to go out and call her husband back.

Qin Xiaoyao's eyes flickered.

"No need," she stopped her second sister-in-law.

"I need to go home for a bit and stop by West Market. It would be good to talk to my elder brother and second brother."

"Please watch over things at home. Before I return, don't let the Zhangs enter Father's room." As she spoke, Qin Xiaoyao looked at Zhang, who was still standing outside her father's room.

Even though she had already warned her, who knew if Zhang would listen.

She had just managed to convince her father, and she couldn't afford any mishaps now.

Qin's first and second sisters-in-law also looked at Zhang.

Knowing that their younger sister would be back soon, they felt relieved.

"Alright!" Qin's first sister-in-law responded first.

Seeing her first sister-in-law look at her, Qin's second sister-in-law quickly agreed as well.

After all, it was the younger sister's order; they could always blame her later.

Since Zhang had done something wrong, they doubted she would dare to cause trouble with them.

"Okay. Then, First Sister-in-Law, Second Sister-in-Law, I'll be off now." Qin Xiaoyao said.

She then fetched her cart and left with it.

After leaving the Qin family, Qin Xiaoyao headed straight to West Market to find her elder brother and second brother.

The weather was hot, so the morning market dispersed early.

By the time she arrived at the Qin family's meat stall, her brothers were already preparing to close up.

Qin Xiaoyao approached them and directly relayed the outcome of her discussion with Qin Dazhuang.

Qin Dahu and Qin Erhu were shocked after hearing this.

"It's for the best to divorce her, so she can't continue harming our father and the Qin family!" Qin Dahu said first.

"That's right! However, Zhang Ershui is still being held by the gambling den. The Zhang family probably won't let our father divorce her easily." Qin Erhu agreed but expressed some concern.

So Qin Xiaoyao explained her plan.

"If they don't want to lose everything and have Zhang and Zhang Ershui imprisoned, they'll have to accept it."

"If that doesn't work, we three siblings aren't pushovers. We can find a way to cripple them and see if they still refuse to cooperate." At this point, a hint of ruthlessness flashed in Qin Xiaoyao's eyes.

The only downside of this era was that many things couldn't be resolved simply through force. Otherwise, matters would be much simpler.

Qin Dahu and Qin Erhu both looked at Qin Xiaoyao.

Then, the brothers exchanged glances.

"Don't do anything reckless! If we really need to act, your second brother and I will handle it!" Qin Dahu said.

Qin Erhu nodded in agreement.

Their youngest sister didn't know who she took after, but when she was ruthless, she was even more so than the men in the family.

But their youngest sister was right; sometimes, dealing with scoundrels required extreme measures.

Otherwise, people might think the Qins were easy targets.

Feeling the care from her brothers, Qin Xiaoyao couldn't help but smile slightly.

Without agreeing or refusing, she continued, "Then, let's settle this matter."

"I need to go home and inform the family."

"Second Brother, you should go and notify the Zhang family."

"Oh, tell them that Zhang Ershui is being held by the gambling den. Don't mention anything else. Just bring the two elders from the Zhang family and Zhang Ershui's eldest brother!" Qin Xiaoyao reminded them.

"Alright!" Qin Erhu promptly agreed.