Chapter 227: The Zhang Family Sold (Recommended, Additional Update)

Chapter 227: The Zhang Family Sold (Recommended, Additional Update)

He was hungry too, but he had no appetite.

After all, the incident with the corpse still cast a psychological shadow over him.

So, when he fetched the coarse flour, Wang Laoshuan didn't take much to use.

"By the way, you need to tell your sister about your mother," Wang Laoshuan said as he kneaded the dough.

The conflict between his daughter and Qian was deep, but now that she was dead, everything should come to an end.

Moreover, with Qian's death, his daughter's hatred might fade, and she might be better towards him.

Wang Dashan glanced at his father and responded, "Mm."

That afternoon, at the Song family.

Qin Dage hurriedly ran to the Song family.

Only after confirming that she wasn't late did she feel relieved.

Qin Xiaoyao smiled and comforted his sister-in-law, telling her not to worry and asking if Xiaohu had caused trouble at home, which made her rush over so hastily.

"No. I sent Xiaohu to the Liu family."

Qin Dage looked at Qin Xiaoyao. "It was Zhang Laosan who came. I stayed home a bit longer to hear some news."

Qin Xiaoyao was taken aback.

"What did he come for?" he asked.

Since they had already brought Xiaohu back, they shouldn't have any further dealings with the Zhang family for now.

Could it be that something else was going on with the Zhangs?

"Didn't your elder brother promise to take him to work at the dock?"

"He came for that."

"Oh." Qin Xiaoyao nodded, feeling slightly relieved.

"Also, Zhang Laosan brought some news about the Zhang family," Qin Dage lowered her voice and suddenly looked at Qin Xiaoyao again.

"What news?" Qin Xiaoyao asked.

"They say that yesterday afternoon, the Zhang family invited a slave trader to their house and took away Zhang Shi."

"And the girl from Zhang Dashui's family was also taken away!"

Qin Xiaoyao was shocked.

"Did the Zhang family sell Zhang Shi?" he asked.

"Yes!" Qin Dage immediately confirmed.

"I heard they only got six taels of silver in total."

As she spoke, Qin Dage couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh.

"For Zhang Shi, they only got one tael."

Qin Xiaoyao looked at his sister-in-law, and she stopped laughing.

"Does Father know this news?" he asked.

Qin Dage was taken aback, realizing something.

"Yes."

"And how did he react?" Qin Xiaoyao asked worriedly.

Qin Dage recalled for a moment.

"Well... there wasn't much reaction."

"He didn't even ask a single question. He seemed quite normal."

Qin Xiaoyao felt somewhat relieved.

"That's good."

Qin Dage looked at her sister-in-law, a smile returning to her eyes.

"I heard that it was Zhang Ershui who went to call the slave trader to the Zhang family."

"Zhang Shi always protected Zhang Ershui, so now she's getting what she deserves!"

Qin Xiaoyao looked at his sister-in-law and a smile appeared on his lips as well.

"Did he owe gambling debts again?" he asked with a smile.

"I haven't heard anything about that."

"But it seems to be related to fleeing the famine."

Qin Xiaoyao was taken aback.

He remembered what Wang Xiaomei had told him about Xiashui Village preparing to flee the famine.

And it seems like it's not just Xiashui Village; many villages now seem to be organizing this.

"Is the Zhang family also planning to flee the famine?" Qin Xiaoyao asked.

If this is true, then things won't be as easy to handle.

After all, she had been thinking of settling this trouble once and for all by finding an opportunity to deal with it thoroughly.

"Probably," Sister-in-law Qin replied.

"But it seems the opinions within the Zhang family aren't entirely unified. The two elders apparently don't want to leave and plan to use the money from selling their daughter and granddaughter to buy grain to survive."

Qin Xiaoyao pursed her lips.

"Just six taels of silver; how much grain can they buy? Besides, the grain shops are rationing grain every day now. Who can they find to sell them grain?"

However, their unwillingness to leave is actually good news.

It would be best if none of them left, making it easier for her to take action.

Sister-in-law Qin smiled in agreement.

"Those two old men probably think that grain prices won't rise any further." She said.

One could only say that those two old fools have no real insight.

Qin Xiaoyao understood.

She didn't continue asking about the Zhang family but instead inquired about Zhang Laosan.

"So, does that mean Zhang Laosan's family isn't planning to flee the famine?"

"If they can secure work at the dock, they probably won't leave."

"At least ninety cash a day, and with three mouths to feed, they should manage to survive," Sister-in-law Qin said.

Qin Xiaoyao nodded.

Her eyes flickered.

"Then when you go back, ask Brother to pass a message to Zhang Laosan. Please ask him to keep an eye on the Zhang family."

"To see whether the Zhang family ultimately decides to stay or leave."

The two elders of the Zhang family aren't that important.

The main concern is Zhang Dashui and Zhang Ershui. If those two aren't eliminated, they might become a threat sooner or later.

Especially Zhang Ershui, who caused her father so much suffering.

"Alright!" Sister-in-law Qin agreed without further questions.

Later that evening, Wang Dashi came again.

When Qin Xiaoyao met Wang Xiaomei next, she noticed something was off with the girl's mood.

Upon asking, she learned about the incident with Qian Shi.

"Sister, I—should hate her."

"But when I found out she died so tragically, I felt some sadness." Wang Xiaomei said, looking dejected.

Qin Xiaoyao stepped forward and gave Wang Xiaomei a hug.

"Then allow yourself to feel sad for a while. After all, she did give birth to you."

"And then, tomorrow, continue living your life well."

In this world, not all parents love their children. Especially in families that favor boys over girls, daughters often exist merely to help the family gain benefits.

Wang Xiaomei and her elder brother should be grateful that despite growing up in such a family, they both turned out fine.

"Okay!" Wang Xiaomei responded, her voice choked with emotion.

Feeling much better inside.

After sending Wang Xiaomei away, Lady Liu approached and asked Qin Xiaoyao about the situation.

Qin Xiaoyao didn't hide anything and told Lady Liu about Qian Shi being murdered and left unburied for days.

Lady Liu nearly panicked.

"That girl is in a bad state today; don't let her do any work."

"You and Yun'er will have to bear more responsibility," Qin Xiaoyao said.

"Alright!" Lady Liu quickly agreed.

Two more days passed.

On this day, before dawn, the villagers of Xiashui Village gathered at the village entrance with their families and large amounts of luggage.

Yes, today was the day set by the village chief for everyone to leave the village.

Wang Dashi and Wang Laoshuan went too, but not to join the exodus; they were there to bid farewell.

Old Lady Wang held her eldest grandson's hand tightly, tears streaming down her face, unwilling to let go.

All the way until the group set off, Wang Dashi had to urge Wang Laoshuan's wife before she got on the donkey.

Wang Dashan and Wang Laoshuan stood in place, watching as Wang Dashi's family walked away.

Not until the villagers' group disappeared at the end of the road did they turn their gaze away.

At this point, there were still a few families nearby who hadn't left, coming over to bid farewell to those departing.

Soon, someone approached and began conversing with the Wang family father and son.

"The example of Qian Village is right before our eyes. Those of us who are staying must stick together and be vigilant," the person said.