Soon Jiang Yongnian received the news that his family's house had burned down. He wanted to bring his parents to the city to live for a while.
Although his wife and children were somewhat reluctant, as no one liked having two elders living with them, they knew that if they didn't show filial piety, they would be drowned in spit. After much hesitation, they agreed to go.
When he saw Wu Caiwei, he felt a headache coming on. This cheap niece had caused a lot of trouble recently. Frankly, he really didn't want to bring her to his home, but as her only uncle, he couldn't refuse.
After some thought, he decided to bring her to his home first and then send her to his sister's place. "Whoever gave birth to her should take care of her. The Liu family is wealthy and wouldn't mind raising one more person."
"Uncle, are you unwilling?" Wu Caiwei asked directly.
Jiang Yongnian's mouth twitched. With so many eyes watching, how could he tell the truth?
"It's not unwillingness, it's just a bit difficult. Land is expensive in the city, and our courtyard isn't very big. It's manageable for our family, but a few more people would make it a bit crowded," Jiang Yongnian said with some frustration and reluctance.
"I'm used to living in the village and don't want to leave. My father and mother built a house when they got married. Although it's a bit old, it can still be lived in after repairs. They only have me as their daughter, and I want to establish a female household and later take in a son-in-law to continue the family line," Wu Caiwei felt this was the best opportunity to sever ties with them and didn't want to miss it.
Jiang Yongnian looked at her with some surprise. Although the system of a female household existed, few women actually chose to establish one because surviving alone in the world was extremely difficult for a woman. He was surprised that his niece had this idea.
More accurately, those who came to help and watch were all very surprised, thinking the girl must be crazy. Anyone with eyes could see that her uncle and aunt's families were well-off. If she went with them, she could find a good marriage, which would be better than staying in the village, right?
"You lass, you should think carefully. The village isn't as good as you imagine. If you become a female household, you'll have to farm. How can a young girl do all that?" A kind-hearted aunt from the same clan, who had noticed Jiang Yongnian's expression and knew he didn't want to take the burden, couldn't help but chime in.
Wu Caiwei knew she meant well and looked at her worried expression, giving her a grateful smile. She said firmly, "I've thought about this for a long time. My father only has me as his daughter, and I can't bear for him to have no successor."
Although Jiang Yongnian felt that abandoning her now would bring him a bad reputation, he didn't want to miss this opportunity. In his eyes, his niece was like a different person, always causing trouble.
He was well aware of the Liu family's predicament. It was clearly the Ye family targeting them, and this fire might have even been set by people instructed by the Ye family. Given what she had done, the Ye family would not let her off. Perhaps if he distanced himself from her, they would show him some leniency.
He quickly looked at the crowd, "Everyone, bear witness for me. It's not that I don't care about her, but she insists on staying here."
Some quick-witted people hurried to find the village chief. The chief was fair and tried to persuade Wu Caiwei earnestly, but Wu Caiwei was determined to stay, and no one could change her mind.
The village chief could only shake his head helplessly, worrying about her future. He resolved that if this girl encountered any difficulties, he would help as much as he could.
Both parties were eager to get rid of each other and immediately went to the yamen with their household registration to make changes.
Looking at the freshly issued household registration, with "Jiang Hanyue" written in the head of household column, Wu Caiwei breathed a sigh of relief. She was finally free from their control.
She returned to the village and quickly found people to repair the house. The villagers were kind and generous, and they even helped tidy up her small courtyard.
At this moment, Wu Caiwei felt fortunate that she hadn't forgotten the small savings the original owner had accumulated during this crisis, otherwise, she wouldn't be able to move forward.
When the original owner's father married, the family was not well-off. They had only built two mud-brick rooms, and the courtyard walls were made of brushwood. For many years, the Jiang family had used it for storing sundries, occasionally repairing it, otherwise, it would have long since fallen into ruin and become just broken walls.
The day was already late, so she planned to hire people to build up the courtyard walls tomorrow and get a few dogs. The Ye family had not succeeded this time and would definitely not give up, so she needed to take safety precautions.
Although her clan members in the village didn't understand her decision, they couldn't bear to see a young girl struggling to survive. Thinking that her house had just been burned down and she had nothing, they quickly sent her quilts and daily necessities.
Wu Caiwei once again lamented that although there was no good person in the Jiang family, the villagers were not all the same as them. She kept these kindnesses in her heart and would never let them regret their generosity today.
She slept soundly without dreams until morning. After a simple breakfast, she got to work immediately. Although she didn't provide meals at noon, she paid generously, and everyone worked with enthusiasm.
Within two days, her small courtyard was completely renovated. Looking at the high walls, she was satisfied and went to the village to get a few puppies.
Meanwhile, Jiang Feng continued to curse her. She knew their business was in serious trouble when her father came to inquire about the specific details of the marriage between the Jiang and Ye families. Although her father hid it well, Jiang Feng could still see his annoyance. He merely said it was a normal annulment because the niece was unwilling, and the Ye family, being so large and influential, did not wish to force the issue, so the matter was dropped.
Master Liu confirmed it several times, but Jiang Feng refused to admit anything. Seeing his suspicious look, after he left, she quickly sent people to inquire about what had happened to their family.
When she learned that their business was facing its biggest crisis in many years, she dared not reveal a single word.
Just thinking that all these lost fortunes would be hers in the future, her heart ached. She truly felt that the girl was sent to ruin her. When she was pregnant, everyone said her belly looked like it held a boy, but she was born instead, taking away her son. Now, she wanted to take away her money.
She was complaining to the old woman by her side, who was her confidante and whom she had personally bought when she first arrived at the Liu mansion.
At the time, she was afraid that if she gave birth to a daughter, her status in the Liu mansion would be precarious. Upon learning that her sister-in-law had given birth to a son, she also quickly took a drug to induce labor. All subsequent matters were handled by her and the midwife, so she knew the whole story clearly and complained to her without reservation.
The old woman quickly comforted her, telling her to calm down, perhaps the matter wasn't caused by Jiang Hanyue, and even Master hadn't figured it out.
However, as they were speaking, a corner of a dark blue robe was visible by the door. After hearing the shocking news, someone turned and left in a hurry.