TSWPF -Chapter 155 Guilty Conscience

“Xiaofeng, do you really want to cut ties with me?” Old Li’s voice carried a hint of disbelief as he questioned Li Qingfeng. Could it be that Li Qingfeng truly no longer cared about his reputation? After all, he was a scholar—and weren’t scholars supposed to value their reputation above all else?

Li Qingfeng let out a helpless laugh and said, “Grandpa, isn’t this what you wanted? I’m merely following your wishes.” His grandfather had tried to threaten them, and when he saw they wouldn’t be intimidated, he had changed his expression. Such temperament was really a bit contemptible.

Old Li was momentarily speechless at Li Qingfeng’s words. He clenched his fists tightly, staring at Li Qingfeng for a long while, before letting out a hum: “It seems you really do want to free yourselves from us.” Otherwise, how could they have nodded so eagerly the moment he said those words?

He really suspected that they had been waiting for him to say exactly that.

And indeed, Old Li had guessed correctly. But if he hadn’t used those words to threaten Li Qingling and the others, they wouldn’t have taken the bait and accepted his declaration.

In the end, it was his own fault—and he would have to bear the consequences himself.

Li Qingfeng’s expression turned solemn as he looked Old Li in the eye. “Grandpa, you’re the one who said it wrong. If there’s truly a severing of ties, it was you who said it out loud—not us.” He wasn’t going to let them pin the sin of filial impiety on them.

They would never accept such an unfair burden.

Seeing Li Qingfeng calmly and confidently refute him, Li Qingling nodded in satisfaction. Her younger brother had grown; no one could bully him so easily anymore.

In a few more years, he would be fully capable of supporting the household.

A sense of pride swelled in her chest—the pride of witnessing her child grow up strong.

Old Li was once again struck dumb by Li Qingfeng. He had assumed only Li Qingling had the gift of quick wit, capable of silencing anyone with a single remark, but Li Qingfeng’s eloquence was just as formidable—enough to make anyone angry without repercussion.

If only Li Qingfu had Li Qingfeng’s quick tongue and nimble mind, he wouldn’t have to worry so much.

But alas, Li Qingfu simply could not compare to Li Qingfeng!

“I’ll ask you one question,” Old Li said, “do you truly want to cut ties with us?”

Li Qingfeng replied calmly, “That question shouldn’t be directed at me—it should be directed at you, Grandpa.”

If he answered yes, all the blame would fall squarely on him. Once he stepped outside, everyone would point fingers at him.

More importantly, it might even affect his future imperial examinations.

For all these reasons, he could not fall into Old Li’s trap.

At this moment, Old Li truly felt a pang of regret. He shouldn’t have said something so resolute; once the words were out, it became difficult to backtrack.

He looked at Li Qingfeng’s calm face. His mouth opened slightly, as if trying to utter a retraction—but he couldn’t.

At his age, he really couldn’t bear to lose face.

Seeing Old Li unable to speak, Madam Liu grew impatient. She couldn’t wait any longer and spoke for him: “Then let’s cut ties! We don’t care to have any relationship with you.” She paused, then added, “There’s no connection between us now—you can leave.”

Hurry up and leave, hurry up and leave. Once they were gone, the betrothal gifts would be hers.

If she couldn’t use the gifts, she could sell them for silver—probably quite a lot.

The thought made Madam Liu’s heart burn with excitement. She wished Li Qingfeng and the others would leave immediately so she could handle the betrothal gifts herself.

Li Qingfeng glanced at Madam Liu and then turned to the village chief, requesting, “Village Chief, I believe you heard everything just now. I request that you witness this matter, so outsiders don’t misunderstand that we were the ones who proposed cutting ties with Grandpa and the others.”

Having the village chief vouch for them would lend credibility.

The villagers, upon hearing this, wouldn’t casually blame or scold them.

This wasn’t their fault—they shouldn’t bear such a reputation.

The village chief looked at Old Li with immense disappointment, then nodded to Li Qingfeng with a smile.

Old Li would certainly regret this. In the future, he would bitterly regret the decision he made today.

Once again, he deeply understood the saying, “Marry a virtuous wife.” In Shangrao, having Madam Liu in the family was a true burden.

Their reputation had also been nearly ruined by her actions.

“Village Chief, please help us count the betrothal gifts,” Li Qingling said. She didn’t mention the severance document to avoid leaving a bad impression; she just asked the village chief to help check the gifts.

Once the village chief inspected them, he would surely side with them.

“Alright…” The village chief stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes on Old Li, signaling him to lead the way and check Li Qingling’s betrothal gifts.

Old Li was now in a very difficult position. If he blocked Li Qingling from inspecting the gifts, the village chief would surely intervene.

But if he let them check the gifts and saw what was missing, his face would be completely ruined.

He discreetly glanced at Madam Liu. She didn’t catch his glance, but she immediately started fussing: “No, those are my betrothal gifts. You can’t touch them!” Anything that had gone into her pocket, she wouldn’t willingly give up—it felt like ripping out her heart.

Seeing this, Old Li quietly breathed a sigh of relief. Madam Liu still had some use.

Right now, the bigger her tantrum, the better.

Li Qingling and the others remained silent, looking to the village chief to handle things.

The village chief was the authority here—it was best if he spoke.

The village chief’s expression was severe. Ignoring Madam Liu, he fixed his gaze on Old Li: “Old Li, if this matter escalates, who do you think will lose face?”

Old Li had once seemed reasonable, but now he was growing increasingly muddled.

They say family shame shouldn’t be aired publicly. Not only did he not stop Madam Liu, he allowed her to act up in public—if this escalated, who would be embarrassed? Them.

Old Li’s expression changed twice more before he sternly told Madam Liu to keep quiet. He then glanced at Li Qingling and the others, displeased: “Follow me!” Saying that, he led the way to the room where the betrothal gifts were kept.

Madam Liu wanted to continue her tantrum, but feared Old Li’s anger. She stomped her foot in annoyance but followed quickly.

Li Qingling and the others also followed. Once in the room, Old Li scowled: “The betrothal gifts are all here. If you want to take them, take them quickly!” Out of sight, out of mind, he thought.

“These boxes have been opened,” Liu Zhimou said, noticing the locks. He immediately knew the locks had been replaced.

Embarrassed from past incidents, Old Li immediately denied opening the boxes.

Liu Zhimou smirked slightly: “If you hadn’t opened the boxes, how would Li Baozhu have gotten the hairpins and pendants?” Did he think he was a fool? He had personally purchased and locked the boxes, and still had the keys—how could he not recognize them?

Old Li’s face flushed slightly with embarrassment. He had forgotten about it.

He also felt annoyed with Li Baozhu, blaming her for being so bold in taking the items.

Taking them would have been one thing, but being caught red-handed brought shame to the Li family.

Liu Zhimou ignored Old Li’s thoughts and instructed him to open the locks to inspect the gifts.

Old Li, ashamed and angry, roared—it felt like an insult.

Liu Zhimou glanced at him coldly: “Don’t blame me. Your family has a history that forces me to be cautious.” He had a feeling most of the items in the boxes had already been taken. “If you feel I’m insulting you, then prove your innocence by opening the boxes.”

Taking a deep breath, Old Li’s face changed multiple times. Eventually, he had no choice but to comply, producing the keys and unlocking the boxes.

Once opened, he slumped to the side, eyes lowered, avoiding everyone.

He knew exactly how many items were missing—it was impossible for Liu Zhimou and the others not to notice.

This time, the plan had backfired completely.

Liu Zhimou opened the box before him, peered inside, and half-smiled: “Today I finally understand what they mean by ‘the thief guarding the henhouse.'”

He then opened the other boxes, inspecting each one. Standing upright, he took out the prepared inventory list and handed it to the village chief: “Village Chief, please read the inventory aloud so we can cross-check.”

The village chief sighed heavily, took the list, and began reading it aloud.

Madam Liu’s eyes darted around. Seeing no one paying attention, she quietly stepped back, intending to leave and secretly hide what she had taken.

But just as she turned to leave, Li Qingling’s voice came from behind: “Grandma, where do you think you’re going? Stay and listen until it’s finished!” She had been watching Madam Liu closely—there was no way she would let her leave so easily.

Madam Liu froze. The village chief stopped reading and turned to look at her.

“I still have to feed the pigs at home,” Madam Liu quickly invented an excuse.

Li Qingling’s lips curved in a cold smile: “Just a few more minutes won’t starve them to death. You’d better stay until it’s finished, or we’ll think you’re guilty.”

Hearing this, Madam Liu spun around in panic, shouting, “Who’s guilty? Who’s guilty? Huh? You can’t falsely accuse me!” Her voice was loud, but her palms were sweaty.