They've all separated, so what does it matter to me if they get poorer and poorer?

Chapter 181 Who's taking whom for a fool?

As everyone was preparing to pack up and go home, Xu Zhichun said while moving things, "It seems that being sentimental won't help this time."

Xu Zhichun and the others had heard a lot of gossip from Zeng Xiaoyan about how much Madam Zeng doted on and favored her younger brother from her maternal family. Essentially, it was the same pattern as "a doting mother spoils her son".

Parents who keep covering for their unruly children's mischief only embolden them to become increasingly reckless and arrogant. Eventually, the parents will be unable to cover up the trouble they cause.

For example, this time, offending him was a small matter, but disregarding the government's judgment was a big deal. If Lord Lu had even a little bit of temper, he would definitely not let him off easily.

Madam Zeng's attempt to bribe her with silver this time might be difficult.

Of course, this has nothing to do with my family.

As they were gossiping and complaining while packing their things and preparing to set off, they didn't expect that Young Master Zeng would arrive.

"Madam Xu, may I speak to you in private?"

"Young Master Zeng, please say what you have to say here."

Young Master Zeng frowned slightly, clearly reluctant, but this time he surprisingly didn't insist on his own opinion, "Alright, Madam Xu, please."

"please."

Something unusual must be going on. Xu Zhichun was secretly on guard and took a few steps to the side.

Young Master Zeng apologized first, but this time he didn't push everything onto his servants—after all, Fang Zhengduan had already confessed, and the evidence was irrefutable. Young Master Zeng would only say that the thievery had nothing to do with Fang Zhengduan if he had absolutely no shame.

However, there is still an explanation: he was confused for a moment.

“My uncle has always been too successful and sometimes acts recklessly. This time it was his fault. I know that Madam Xu has been wronged. Our family is willing to compensate Madam Xu with one hundred taels of silver as an apology. Please do not refuse.”

Song Mo, the trusted servant of Young Master Zeng, hurriedly handed an envelope to Xu Zhichun.

Xu Zhichun didn't answer, but looked at Young Master Zeng and asked, "I wonder what Young Master Zeng wants me to do?"

Young Master Zeng's composed and sincere expression cracked slightly, as if he had never expected Xu Zhichun to think of this.

Xu Zhichun was speechless: Why, after so many rounds of open and covert struggles, does Young Master Zeng still think he's so easy to fool?

Besides, is it really appropriate for the dignified young master Zeng to throw money at people with a mere hundred taels? That's not impressive at all.

At least I wasn't shocked.

Having gone this far, Young Master Zeng, regardless of his mood, knew he had to say what he needed to say, or he'd never have another chance. So, he reluctantly added, "Could you please, Madam Xu, be lenient and put in a good word for me with the magistrate? Please let my uncle off this time. Madam Xu is the aggrieved party, and the magistrate will certainly consider your words carefully. Consider this one hundred taels a small gift, and the Zeng family will offer further rewards later."

“Young Master Zeng has asked the wrong person. This matter has nothing to do with me.”

"How can it be nothing?" Song Mo, who was standing to the side, was also anxious. "If Madam Xu hadn't reported it to the authorities, things wouldn't have turned out like this."

Xu Zhichun sneered: "Isn't it normal for me to report a burglary to the authorities? What does this have to do with your Zeng family?"

"The servants don't know how to speak properly, Madam Xu, please don't be angry."

"I'm just angry. This isn't just about not knowing how to speak; it's about being too good at it. It's unreasonable and completely unable to distinguish right from wrong."

"Madam Xu—"

“Young Master Zeng, there’s no need to say more. Your uncle disregards the government’s judgment and Lord Lu’s authority, showing contempt for the law and the court officials. Lord Lu is kind and benevolent, and has only punished him with a beating and imprisoned him for a few months. You should be grateful, so why are you trying to pull strings? Do you not accept Lord Lu’s judgment?”

"That's not true! Madam Xu, don't talk nonsense!"

Young Master Zeng's expression changed slightly.

"Then, Young Master Zeng, please don't bother me with this matter anymore. I firmly support Your Honor's judgment!"

They want her to plead for them? She doesn't have that kind of nerve! She just wants the adults to be angry at her for being ungrateful and clueless, to take out most of their anger on her, so that the Zeng family can then plead for her and spend some money, and naturally, there'll be a good chance they can get Fang Zhengduan out. In short, the young master Zeng came to her with absolutely no good intentions!
Xu Zhichun ignored him and turned to the oxcart. He took Zeng Xiaoyan's hand and nimbly climbed on. Liang Mingliang flicked his whip lightly on the ox's back, gave a shout, and the oxcart clattered away.

Young Master Zeng's face darkened.

Song Mo asked cautiously, "Young Master, this..."

“Never mind,” Young Master Zeng closed his eyes, “Uncle really needs to suffer a bit.”

"But what about the lady—"

"Let Dad go and talk to him."

Young Master Zeng turned around and told Master Zeng the whole story.

Master Zeng's face grew increasingly dark.

“I knew her brother was no good. I thought he’d improved over the years, but he’s gotten even more outrageous. Since you know everything, why are you helping them keep it from me? I know, your mother told you to keep quiet, right?”

Young Master Zeng lowered his head guiltily.

Master Zeng slapped him on the forehead, "You fool! Your mother is your mother, but am I not your father?"

Young Master Zeng wore an expression that was hard to decipher, whether it was a smile or a cry: "Father..."

"Don't call me Dad, go back and call your Mom! Her whole family was ruined by that good-for-nothing brother of hers, they'll all starve from now on! You don't need to worry about this."

"Yes."

"If you ever dare to hide anything from me again, I'll break your legs!"

"Yes"

That response wasn't very heartfelt. He's the only son in the family, how could they really break his leg?
"You'll be in charge of Sifang Restaurant starting tomorrow. You'll personally meet with every single manager and employee, thoroughly investigate them, and immediately pay them their wages and kick them out. As for those who are being unreasonable and refusing to leave, you'd better give them a little extra money to get rid of them. Also, give me a proper re-counting of the accounts."

Young Master Zeng's heart skipped a beat! He was so shocked he didn't dare!
He refused to take on this hot potato.

He didn't want to be disliked by both sides.

He used to think his uncle was a good uncle, but ever since he saw his true colors, he knew without a doubt what kind of good deeds his uncle had done over the years while managing the restaurant.

Putting aside everything else, nepotism and embezzlement are certain.

It's one thing to fire a few unqualified employees, but if he dares to check the accounts, his father will tear him apart if he doesn't find anything wrong, and his mother will tear him apart if he does find something wrong.

Neither side is a good fit.

"Father, I have things to attend to right now, and the autumn harvest is coming soon. I'll also need to take care of things at the farm. I'm afraid I won't be able to find the time to work at the restaurant. What do you think?"

Master Zeng stared at him calmly, then chuckled for a moment, a sound that was hard to tell whether it was a compliment, an insult, or something more: "You're quite the filial son!"

"Father, I—"

"Alright, you go ahead with your business, I'll handle the restaurant myself."

Mr. Zeng was somewhat disappointed.

In his obedience to his mother, he neglected his own family business, becoming indecisive, lacking ambition, and completely clueless. Fang Zhengduan's current situation is partly his mother's fault, but he, as an accomplice, bears the same responsibility.

If it weren't for the mother and son working together to keep it a secret, how could I have known nothing at all?
Suddenly, Master Zeng remembered Zeng Xiaoyan. He suddenly realized that the brat's temperament was actually more to his liking. It was a pity she wasn't a son.

Otherwise, if he is properly trained, that's how the young master of the Zeng family should be.

(End of this chapter)