Yu Yi frowned, staring at Hanxiao and Hanren: “Should we report to the authorities or raise the money?”
Hanxiao said: “Mother, let’s try to raise the money. The bandits threatened to harm eldest brother if we report this.”
Hanren also nodded: “These bandits, though doing something immoral, usually keep their word.”
Yu Yi nodded: “Then hurry back to raise the money.”
Though Madam Xu was weak, Yu Yi insisted on coming to ensure the Xu brothers would raise the ransom rather than report to authorities. These “bandits” were not actually thieves but arranged by her to unite the brothers.
The Xu family had many shops, but little cash on hand, mostly dealing in silk and fabric. Hanxiao scraped together almost all available cash from each shop, barely reaching a thousand taels. Adding the silver notes from selling silk and all available family cash, they barely reached three thousand taels.
As the silver was gradually delivered to the Xu house, Wan Hua stood by the carriage, staring blankly at the half-filled chest.
Yu Rong came over and handed her a bundle: “Sister-in-law, this is my dowry and savings, converted to cash.”
Here is the edited article with the irrelevant content removed:
Unfortunately, most of my dowry is in two estates that can’t be quickly sold.”
Wan Hua took the bundle and burst into tears: “Sister-in-law… I’ve always spoken harshly to you…”
Yu Rong quickly said: “Don’t say that. We’re family. Small conflicts are inevitable. This time, it was the eldest brother who saved Hanxiao.”
Yin Yiniang and Xu Shuzhi came together, bringing their saved private funds.
Though willing to pay to save a life, Yin Yiniang was reluctant to give all her savings. Without money, she felt insecure.
Hanren, sensing her hesitation, pressured her to give everything, threatening to disown her if she held anything back. Though she cursed him as unfilial, she had no choice but to comply.
Shuzhi painfully offered all her savings, though being young, she didn’t have much. Still, Wan Hua appreciated the gesture.
