The Fallen Medicine Woman: The Daily Life of Chun Nuan-Chapter 409 - 231

"People from the Xiao family seek an audience?"

Mrs. Xu was quite surprised to hear the news.

"Yes, Madam. The visitors are Third Madam Xiao and Sixth Madam Xiao; they say they’d like to visit you."

"We have no dealings with the Xiao family; I’m not familiar with these ladies. Let them go back."

Mrs. Xu had no idea what was happening, but she knew these people definitely weren’t coming for her and were not there to discuss feelings.

There was only enmity and no affection between the Xiao family and the Xiao family.

In the end, Nanny Wu went out to speak with them but returned shortly.

"Madam, the two ladies insist on seeing you, claiming they have something important to discuss."

Nanny Wu had no choice; the two ladies stubbornly stood outside without leaving, and a lot of curious neighbors had gathered outside.

"Fine, let them in then."

Mrs. Xu sighed.

When you’re wealthy, even distant relatives call on you in the mountains; when you’re poor, no one in the bustling city will inquire after you.

When the women of the Xiao family traveled from afar to Shu City, braving mountains and rivers, sleeping rough, they were greeted with expulsion. The family struggled bitterly for a living, and now that life was improving, the ladies from the Xiao family turned up. It’s a ridiculous version of human ties.

Mrs. Xu headed to the main room.

"Third Madam Xiao, Sixth Madam Xiao, this is our chief Madam."

Nanny Wu introduced.

"Greetings, sister-in-law."

The two ladies bowed together and addressed her as sister-in-law.

This amused Mrs. Xu even more.

"There’s no need for such courtesy, ladies. Ever since the Xiao family expelled us, we ceased to be family. You may call me Madam."

So, the sister-in-law title can be skipped; it sounds odd.

"Madam, we apologize for the sudden visit."

That’s an understanding.

Since there’s never been any interaction, a sudden visit felt like a weasel paying respects to a hen during the New Year.

"Madam, there’s no family connection between us, nor any friendship."

That’s the truth!

"So, we’re here to ask for your help, and naturally, we come with a supplicating attitude."

Third Madam Xiao glanced at Sixth Madam Xiao, and Sixth Madam Xiao nodded.

Then Third Madam Xiao took a small rosewood box from the woman behind her and handed it to Nanny Wu.

Nanny Wu looked at Mrs. Xu.

Mrs. Xu was quite puzzled.

Could it be that they wanted to buy her off with gold and silver?

She shook her head, signaling Nanny Wu not to accept it.

Cheap goods are never good, and whatever they were willing to pay a high price for was certainly no small matter.

The Xiao family always lived behind closed doors; the most she did with her two sisters-in-law was sit in the courtyard. They rarely went beyond the second gate. What could possibly be worth these two ladies’ concern?

The clever Mrs. Xu was certain this wasn’t something she could resolve.

When you accept favors, you become compromised, and it’s best not to invite trouble with things you can’t handle.

So, she couldn’t accept such an attitude.

"Just speak frankly if you have something to say," Mrs. Xu said, "I don’t believe I can help you."

The implication was not to waste words on her.

"Madam, our Third Young Master and Sixth Master have been framed and imprisoned by General Xia’s people for allegedly colluding with rebels," Third Madam Xiao said, "Madam, we assure you our Third Young Master and Sixth Master are not such men. We beg you to intercede with General Xia on their behalf..."

"You’ve come to the wrong person. I’m just a woman with no knowledge of such matters."

Goodness, this was no small issue.

Mrs. Xu was not a greedy person, and such a situation was one she couldn’t digest if she got involved.

"The two of you should seek someone else then."

"Madam, please, we implore you to assist us." Third Madam Xiao once more offered the small rosewood box, "Inside are the accounts your family head sent to the Xiao family over the years and details of businesses, hills, and landholdings that the Xiao family managed for you."

Mrs. Xu’s eyes widened!

Yes, she knew the Xiao family held those items but had no evidence.

Is this the proof?

Mrs. Xu signaled Nanny Wu to take it.

Sure enough, every transaction was meticulously recorded, with signatures from clan elders as witnesses.

With this ledger, she could rightfully demand these from the Xiao family.

"You have put thought into this, but I’m afraid I can’t help you."

It seemed these two were genuinely displaying an attitude of seeking help.

Producing such records indicated they had some capability.

"You can, as long as Madam hands this to General Xia, our Third Young Master and Sixth Master will be safe," Third Madam Xiao said as she pulled out a letter, "This is proof of how the senior member of the Xiao family framed them."

Oh?

Were they betrayed by their own elder brother?

Was it all for the clan leader position?

It’s said there’s no familial bond in royal families, but who would have thought a mere clan leader position would drive him to such a venomous scheme!

Consider that collaborating with rebels could lead to the clan’s annihilation; to frame his brothers, he’d even risk his own neck. Truly, a case of killing a thousand enemies but injuring yourself eight hundred.

Mrs. Xu took the letter and read it, seeing it was indeed convincing evidence.

"Since you have this evidence, why not take it to General Xia yourselves?"

Mrs. Xu wasn’t naive; she suspected there was some problem in this affair.

"We can’t go to Changzhou to meet General Xia; even coming here required us to avoid many watchful eyes," Third Madam Xiao explained, "We might be facing house arrest upon our return. We beseech you, Madam, to assist."

Mrs. Xu fell silent.

She wasn’t sure if it was appropriate to assist.

The two did show a lot of sincerity, though.

"All that’s required is for Madam to deliver this evidence to General Xia, and the rest is left to fate," Third Madam Xiao said, "Of course, I believe General Xia is a discerning individual and will handle the matter justly."

"Alright, I’ll deliver the letter for you."

Mrs. Xu thought about it and figured it didn’t matter; after all, the truth of the letter would be for Xia Guangcheng to discern.

She trusted Xia Guangcheng had his own judgment and wouldn’t be swayed by her.

Mainly, she wanted to reclaim the Xiao family’s assets held by the Xiao family.

"Thank you, Madam." Third Madam Xiao and Sixth Madam Xiao expressed their gratitude in unison, "If we succeed in toppling the elder and saving Third Young Master and Sixth Master, we will certainly assist Madam in reclaiming your family assets."

"Then let’s have a pleasant cooperation."

Mrs. Xu understood that these two households wanted to team up to overthrow the main branch.

The main branch was truly ruthless, directly sending the two brothers to prison using the most extreme means—even ones that might lead to execution.

To them, fighting tooth and nail for a mere clan leader position was worthwhile; the Xiao Clan Leader’s upbringing was indeed deplorable.

Meanwhile, she realized that Xia Guangcheng’s emergence elevated the Xiao family’s status; people who once ignored them now found them out of reach.

People are unpredictable; circumstances can indeed change drastically over time!