Chapter 1057: Sad and Disappointed

Translator: Henyee Translations  Editor: Henyee Translations

Every time something occurred, Eldest Uncle convinced himself that his brothers didn’t intend it, that they must have had their reasons. Perhaps they were unaware of how things would escalate and didn’t mean any harm…

After all, despite women being known for their pettiness and scheming, the three of them were blood relatives! In their youth, Second Brother and Third Brother had respected and listened to him so much. Though they often quarreled, they never dared to lay a hand on him. He would always step in to mediate. Those were good times.

How did it all change?

He refused to believe it, or rather, he didn’t want to believe it.

Yet, with each pa.s.sing event, his confidence teetered on the brink of collapse. He relied on his own convictions and support, but his two brothers repeatedly undermined him. He could no longer contain his emotions.

As much as he wished to trust them, he had no choice but to surrender to the truth.

The harsh reality hit him the hardest. He wanted to avoid it, but it was impossible. This matter involved his children—how could he evade it?

Eldest Uncle was overcome with disappointment and anguish, rendering him unusually quiet.

Misinterpreting his silence as guilt, Ms. Fang, infuriated, paid no attention to him. She desired nothing more than his silence!

Only when he promised not to interfere in the family affairs concerning the children did Ms. Fang find some solace.

Ms. Sun proved to be clingy indeed. While Ms. Fang observed the unfolding drama from the sidelines, she gathered her composure and made sure Ms. Ma faced the consequences.

Ms. Ma was filled with anger, regret, and fear. How could she not be frightened? Taotao had Shao Yunduan to protect her, so her reputation was of little concern. However, it was different for her daughter, Shao Xiaozhi.

She had attempted to use Shao Liulang to intimidate the Sun family’s wife, but how could a mere student like Shao Liulang possibly intimidate the wife of the Sun family?

In a state of desperation, Ms. Ma contemplated following Ms. Fang’s lead and seeking a.s.sistance, only to be scolded by the Land Officer and the village elders.

The Land Officer, elders, and others were not present to resolve trivial matters for everyone. Interfering in such affairs would only burden them with endless trivialities in the future. They would be utterly exhausted!

Troubles should be resolved individually!

Ms. Ma grew infuriated and decided to approach the first section of the family for a discussion.

This action provoked a hot-tempered female elder, who sneered and retorted, “What can you say? Who in this village can compare to the recommended man’s family? If you want to be considered on par with them, start by donating 400 acres of family land to the clan and contributing a few hundred taels of silver to the village school! Only then, when you come seeking help again, we might consider a.s.sisting you!”

“Don’t be deluded. The recommended man’s family has made tremendous contributions to our village. Even if he is not present, how can the village turn a blind eye when his mother requests a.s.sistance?”

Her words struck a chord in Ms. Ma’s heart.

However, how could she produce 400 acres of family farmland and a few hundred taels of silver? She didn’t possess such resources, and even if she did, parting with them would be unbearable!

When Shao Yunduan undertook such actions, she secretly ridiculed him, but now she felt the sting of her own hypocrisy.

Left with no choice, Ms. Ma reluctantly compensated Mrs. Sun with 30 liang and left the matter unresolved.

She felt immense remorse for the money spent and, along with Third Uncle, approached Eldest Uncle in private to express their grievances, hoping he would make amends.