TGCFNM -Chapter 183 Ransacking the Household

The Zhao residence was sealed with official notices.

Everyone in the Zhao family could only leave through the back door and were forbidden from taking any valuables.

The maids and servants were all released after handing over their contracts of servitude, but the lady of the house, the young mistress, and even the concubines had to be thoroughly checked to ensure they hadn’t taken anything before being allowed to leave.

Madam Zhao clenched her teeth and held Zhao Linlang’s hand tightly until it turned red. “How can you be so stupid?”

Zhao Linlang struggled in vain, tears of frustration streaming down her face. “It’s clearly your fault! If you had just killed Concubine Zhen back then, none of this would have happened. She was just a servant—so why are you so weak and useless?”

Madam Zhao suddenly released her hand, her eyes darkening. “I’m useless? Then don’t come with me. Don’t come back to the Shangguan household with me!”

Zhao Linlang froze for a moment, then softened her tone. “That Lord Chu is very influential right now. We might not be able to stay in Dongle City.”

“Why stay here? I’m going back to the Shangguan family in the capital!” Madam Zhao declared and was about to leave.

“Mother! How can you go to the capital?” Zhao Linlang hurriedly grabbed her.

“I have my ways,” Madam Zhao replied, giving her a cold glance. “If you still want a chance to turn your life around, you must obey me. Otherwise, if I abandon you, I can just recognize another daughter in your place.”

Zhao Linlang clutched her mother’s hand anxiously. “Mother, what are you talking about? I’m definitely your daughter!”

Madam Zhao’s eyes darkened. “I never wanted the Zhao family’s filthy money, but if I refuse it, no one can force me to leave… I nearly drowned trying to save the old Madam Shangguan once. That life-saving debt, I will make sure they repay me.”

She wanted to see how long this little dog of an official could keep hopping around.

At the Government Office

After sending a batch of people away, Zhang Dong was about to close the doors, when another group arrived.

The leader, a man in a dark blue brocade robe, saw Zhang Dong and snarled, “Are you that new lord’s servant? Bring your master out here!”

Zhang Dong spoke calmly, “Which family are you from?”

“I’m from the Si family. I…”

Zhang Dong raised a hand. “I know you came asking about the gambling house. You think the Ruyi Gambling House was co-owned by you and Prefect Zhao and shouldn’t have been sealed… but according to the laws of the Great Zhou, government officials involved in gambling commit a serious crime. If the Si family insists on pursuing this, it means you admit that you chose to cooperate even knowing Prefect Zhao was an official.”

The members of the Si family froze.

“If the Si family refuses to give up, you may petition the court to have it returned,” Zhang Dong added, bowing slightly before turning to leave.

The young master leading the Si family was furious and swung his riding whip at him.

Zhang Dong reacted instantly, grabbing the whip and yanking it from the Si family member’s hand, tossing it to the ground.

“Even though I’m just a servant, I’m not afraid of you. I know what your gambling house has done. If you want my master to investigate further, go ahead,” Zhang Dong said, then went inside and closed the door.

Just then, Chu Ling returned from the back door and ran into Zhang Dong. “What happened?” she asked.

“It’s still those noble families. They don’t seem willing to give up,” Zhang Dong replied.

“Today is the day the Zhao residence is being searched. A batch came by, probably just to test the waters—they’ll come again tomorrow… Zhang Dong, tomorrow speak in a vague way, give them a bit of hope,” Chu Ling instructed.

Zhang Dong asked, confused, “Master, should we return the shops to them?”

Chu Ling shook her head and smiled. “The things I’ve obtained—how could I possibly give them away? I’m setting bait. Prefect Zhao is just a thread I’ve found; I need to pull it out bit by bit, and only when it’s completely unraveled will it be clean.”

Zhang Dong cupped his hands in understanding. “Understood, Master. I will remember.”

“Don’t worry about them for today. Wan Sanjin and Su He are at the Zhao residence counting the spoils. You and Xiao Hua come with me to Zhumen Street; we’re going to find Boss Bao,” Chu Ling said.

Zhang Dong nodded and went to prepare the carriage.

A short while later, Chu Ling, Xiao Hua, and Zhang Dong left the house and headed for Zhumen Street.

When they arrived, Boss Bao and Siyu were already waiting, early as usual. The meeting spot was still the flower house where Siyu was temporarily staying.

The madam of the house politely escorted Chu Ling and the others to the second floor, loudly ordering the best tea to be brought, then gracefully withdrew.

Chu Ling led Zhang Dong and Xiao Hua into the room, and Boss Bao and Siyu immediately rose to greet them.

Chu Ling smiled. “No need for formalities. I’ve come mainly to thank Boss Bao. If it weren’t for you capturing Concubine Zhen, the Zhao residence matter wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.”

After inviting Chu Ling to sit, Boss Bao sat down and said, “Master Chu, you flatter me. I only did what I should have.”

Chu Ling lowered her gaze with a smile and casually said, “Actually, it’s also because of Miss Nangong that I came to Dongle City.”

Boss Bao immediately caught on, surprised, and replied, “I thought it was just a rumor around town… I didn’t expect it to be true. To be honest, Master Chu, I too have done some work for the Nangong family.”

Chu Ling laughed. “It seems we’ve both become people of the Nangong family.”

Boss Bao laughed heartily as well.

Chu Ling took a light sip of tea and began to discuss business. “Actually, besides thanking you, Boss Bao, there’s another matter that may require your help.”

“You are too kind, Master. Whatever you ask, just say the word,” Boss Bao replied immediately.

Chu Ling put down her cup, wearing a concerned expression. “I haven’t been in Dongle City long. Only after judging Prefect Zhao’s case did I realize what life is really like for the common people. I want to help them, but I don’t know where to start…”

Boss Bao listened quietly, saying nothing.

“So I need a local from Dongle City to help me with this matter—help return to the people the wealth the Zhao residence plundered,” Chu Ling said, looking at Boss Bao.

Boss Bao immediately rose, cupping his hands in gratitude. “Master, your heart is kind. I, Bao, will see to this matter for you. You may not know, but I too come from a poor family. Later, having no other way, I came here.”

Chu Ling was very touched. “Thank you for being willing to help. This matter is tedious and complicated. Even just returning the land deeds, to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the chaos, will require careful planning.”

Boss Bao laughed. “Master, I’m from here. I know everyone. I guarantee the people will get their property back safely and intact.”

Chu Ling nodded and smiled in thanks, then turned to Siyu. “I remember there are still many women who were sold into the flower house by Prefect Zhao. I’d like you, Miss Siyu, to take the contracts and, using Zhao’s silver, redeem them all. Then you can run a small women’s pharmacy and learn medicine from a doctor.”

Siyu bit her lip, thinking for a long while, then asked, “Master, the Zhao family has so much silver. Besides what they voluntarily left, can I really redeem all the others who were sold?”

“Yes,” Chu Ling replied decisively.

Siyu’s face brightened. “Thank you, Master.”