Translator:Henyee TranslationsEditor:Henyee Translations

The entire Qiaotou Village had about a hundred households. Aside from the nouveau riche Zhou Family, the Qiao Compound that Elderly Lady Qiao lived in was considered as one of the wealthier families in the village.

Youngest Uncle and Xu Jiaos home was situated next to Qiao Compound and there was a side door that they had installed in between to connect the two residences.

Elderly Lady Qiao was fairly indulging toward her youngest son, and this led to the grandchild who she favored the most also being Xu Jiaos child, QiaoXiaobang¹.

When Qiao Mu stealthily sneaked outside the window of her youngest uncles house, she became a witness to four-year-old Little Chub throwing a great tantrum inside the house. Xu Jiao was wrought with distress from trying to pacify the child and was also berated a few times by her husband in displeasure.

Xu Jiao tossed the little chub onto the bed in anger before turning back to point at Qiao Zhongheng and yelling, Comfort him yourself then if youre so good.

After the day she had, Xu Jiao was nearly angered to death. She made a trip to Eldest Brothers house and not only did she not gain anything, but she was also admonished by the old-fashioned old man, Third Great Uncle, causing her lungs to nearly explode from anger.

I have to say, doesnt our son merely want a clay figurine toy? Just buy it for him! You caused him to make such a din, how should we pacify him now! Qiao Zhongheng got angrier as he spoke.

Buy buy buy! With what money! That lousy toy costs half a tael of silver! If you think its so easy, why dont you buy it for our son yourself! As soon as money was brought up, Xu Jiao turned more incensed. You know full well that the thing with Xiao Liner is mucked! The down payment that we accepted from the buyer is all returned too. Your mother even told me to forget about this matter from now on! Money money money, this needs money, that needs money! Why dont you give me 10 or something taels of silver to spend then?

Why are you shouting at me? Qiao Zhonghengs face turned the color of a pigs liver from his wifes berating. He had always been someone who idled about and waded through life in a drunken stupor. The money that his mother gave her did not last him more than a few days, so how could he know about the financial straits that their home was in.

I its not like I knew Xiao Liners thing was spoiled! Didnt you say last time that we can gain 20 taels of silver if we sell Xiao Liner? He had wanted to swindle a few taels of silver from his wife to buy two jars of good liquor.

Sell, sell, sell! They wont sell anymore! Xu Jiaos head ached from her fury. She exclaimed while glaring at her husband, That niece of yours is quite talented, alright! Dont you know how she slapped your mothers face again and again in front of everyone today?

Let me tell you, that niece of yours is truly a debt-collecting demon! So young, but already so skilled at scheming. I truly dont know how she considered so many aspects even though shes so young. She actually invited Old Village Chief and Third Great Uncle here to be officials and caused Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-Law to be separated from the family with a few words.

What? Qiao Zhongheng raised his voice. Eldest Brothers family had separated from the family?

Drink, drink, drink. All you do every day is drink. How could you know anything! I think that everyone in the family knows about this matter besides you. Who doesnt know that Eldest Brother and Eldest Sister-in-Laws family were divided from the family today? Xu Jiao was so angry that she shoved Qiao Zhongheng away and resentfully twisted the handkerchief in her hand.

So the 20 taels are gone like this? Qiao Zhongheng shouted in pain. Thats 20 taels!

Bah! 20 taels? We even lost the middleman fee! Xu Jiao wished for nothing more than to take a bite out of him. Why did she marry such an unambitious thing; her liver was aching in pain from the rage! She pulled the comforter over her and fell straight asleep on the bed.

After Qiao Zhongheng shouted at their son, he blew out the candle and also went to bed. He put on a fawning look as he pulled Xu Jiao into his arms, asking, Wife, about our 20 taels, are we just gonna leave it at that? I know you have more ideas and are smarter than me. Think of a way.