Chapter 154: Chapter 121: The Inside Story (1)
Mrs. Lin watched as the aunt and niece fiercely argued, neither willing to give an inch. She sighed, thinking that certain things needed to be clarified to prevent future disputes.
Mrs. Lin pulled her youngest daughter to sit down, frowning as she said, "Stop arguing, it’s giving me a headache. Xiao Lin, you sit down too. Since your aunt has brought this up today, your grandmother also has something to tell you."
Chen Jingru pulled her daughter to sit next to the old lady. Then they heard the old lady continue, "Xiao Lin was too young to understand back then. Jingru and Liyin, you should know some things. When Zhou Xiaozheng got into trouble, Shanshan was desperate, unable to stay in that house any longer. I told Shanshan to give me their savings for safekeeping.
At the time, they gave me two passbooks. The total amount was a large sum, even more than our family’s money, all from Zhou Xiaozheng’s private savings. It was specifically left for Shanshan to support Jiao Jiao; the interest alone was enough to take care of her. Later, I brought Shanshan to live at home, and this money is still with me. Besides this money, I also had Shanshan deposit any extra from her salary with me.
Over the years, our family expenses were too high, and I moved some of the money. Now that Zhou Xiaozheng is back, without even talking about the principal, the interest alone has multiplied several times in the bank, yet I can’t immediately produce the principal. Moreover, we haven’t taken care of Zhou Jiao; this matter can’t be delayed, otherwise, the Lin Family’s reputation will be ruined.
Logically, when your aunt went to find Zhou Jiao, she should have taken this money to her. She clearly knew Zhou Xiaozheng would definitely ask about it once he saw Zhou Jiao. But I really couldn’t manage it this time; I must gather it all before returning it to him, right?
Therefore, Xiao Lin, you really can’t compare with Zhou Jiao. Her father left her a considerable amount of money. You’re saying your aunt’s money belongs to the Lin Family. That’s wrong! Zhou Jiao’s dowry, including the interest, can’t be exhausted; all of it is Zhou Xiaozheng’s money. Our family even keeps your aunt’s salary with grandma.
Additionally, you mentioned Zhou Jiao has two courtyard houses. They were also passed to her by her dad. These two courtyard houses weren’t bought; they were inherited from the Zhou Family. Zhou Xiaozheng gave them to Zhou Jiao. Aren’t you curious how he got them?
The Zhou Family originally hailed from Beijing, but during chaotic times, they returned to their ancestral land in the Northeast. The two-wing courtyard currently rented out was the ancestral home from the Huang Family, Zhou Xiaozheng’s mother’s family. The Huang Family was the imperial physician in Beijing, and Mrs. Zhou was the sole heir, later passing it to the younger son. The agreement was made at the time. Zhou Xiaozheng got this courtyard while the family belongings went to his elder brother. After Zhou Jiao was born, Zhou Xiaozheng feared an accident, so he directly transferred it to Zhou Jiao’s name.
The large courtyard house is a bit more complicated. Zhou Jiao’s ancestors were prestigious in Beijing. Originally, the haunted house near Houhai was the ancestral home of the Zhou Family. Before liberation, Zhou Xiaozheng used tactics to get a new deed, exchanging it for that large courtyard. Logically, if one couldn’t prove ownership because of war, everything would be confiscated. During that time, Zhou Xiaozheng had just married your aunt, and the littles devils hadn’t even surrendered. But he managed to do it back then.
Because Old Sir Zhou from the Old Zhou Family didn’t have the title deeds, and besides, the Zhou Family wasn’t entitled to the house as it wasn’t primogeniture; all the old property proofs and other things couldn’t be produced either. Therefore, this courtyard ended up being privately owned by Zhou Xiaozheng. At the time, Zhou Xiaozheng compensated an amount of money and had all the formalities completed. To avoid future disputes, he registered it under your aunt’s name. If not for fearing future disputes affecting Zhou Jiao, it would have been put under Zhou Jiao’s name long ago.
These two houses were left by Zhou Xiaozheng for Zhou Jiao. His family background is not apparent to many. You shouldn’t compare with Zhou Jiao; there’s no comparison. Even if Zhou Jiao has siblings in the future, these still belong to her. Has Zhou Xiaozheng left no backup?
You haven’t met Zhou Xiaozheng yet. When you meet him, you’ll understand why your grandma is in a hurry to repay him. You just casually ask around the Big Courtyard, any forty-year-old soldier knows him, and you’ll learn something. He’s not an ordinary person. To have a daughter like Zhou Jiao, even if your grandfather speaks highly of him, I would believe it.
As for you, you should also listen to your aunt’s advice. She’s doing it for your good; she wouldn’t get upset with others. Look, she’s so anxious she’s started to curse. Your grandma also doesn’t want you to regret it later. Money is a good thing, but you also have to look at the man who will accompany you for life. You’re old enough, go back and think it over. If you honestly want him, then grandma will start preparing the dowry. It won’t be much, but in the Big Courtyard, it can hold up. If you’re not sincere in marrying him, then pay attention to the impact. For a woman, reputation is the most important thing in a lifetime."