The Spirited Daughter-in-law and the Mountain Man

Chapter 906: Aunt Zhang false claims (or extortion of) money 2

Su Qingyue shook her head, “Of course not. If the Li Family wants to take the crooked path, you would also take the crooked path, that is.”

Aunt Zhang said, “Qingyue, you seem to think the same as me. Never mind that today Yuchuan had a fight with Li Gui and made an enemy out of him. Just based on Li Gui always pestering you, once his father becomes the village chief of Wushan Village, can your family still expect to have good days?”

They were openly asking for money. Su Qingyue had always felt that Aunt Zhang and Old Zhang were decent people.

Now it seemed…

…that was only until their interests weren’t touched.

They had good hearts and often did small favors for people.

It’s just that Aunt Zhang had never suffered a loss in the village.

Sometimes, small favors are also a way to win people’s hearts.

Su Qingyue asked, “Then what do Aunt Zhang and Old Zhang mean by this?”

The two showed a bit of embarrassment on their faces.

Old Zhang was somewhat embarrassed to speak, and Aunt Zhang gave an awkward smile, but still said, “It’s like this: although our family does have some fields, after all, they were left by our ancestors, we can’t just sell them off lightly. We’re thinking of smoothing things over at the government office, and we’re a bit short on money, would you be able to lend us a little?”

“How much are you asking to borrow?” she asked.

“Thirty taels,” Aunt Zhang said with such a figure.

Xiao Yuchuan felt disgusted inside, this old couple had quite the appetite. He had wanted to directly refuse, but wanted to see his wife’s attitude first.

Su Qingyue said, “Aunt Zhang, thirty taels is not a small amount, it could buy over two acres of fields. If we are to lend it to you, that’s not impossible, but we need to put it in writing with an IOU.”

Aunt Zhang’s facial expression darkened, “You want an IOU?”

“What else? Borrowing money, after all. Without any proof, when are you going to repay?” Su Qingyue asked like that.

Old Zhang’s facial expression also became grave, “Su Qingyue, you better think clearly, if Li Song becomes the village chief of Wushan Village, can your family expect to have peaceful days?”

Su Qingyue laughed, “You two mean to say, I should just give you thirty taels for nothing?” She looked over at Xiao Yuchuan, “Third brother, tell them your thoughts.”

Yuchuan asked, “Wife, you’re not afraid to fall out with them?”

“We’re neither relatives nor close friends, what does it matter if we fall out?” Qingyue didn’t care in the least.

Xiao Yuchuan then said, “You two really are a pair of white-eyed wolves, don’t think I’m oblivious; when my family was buying dried fern, my wife let you introduce some workers, and you secretly took a finder’s fee. I overlook this as it’s not entirely reprehensible. When my family was building a house, buying materials and such, Aunt Zhang recommended your brother to buy bricks, and your brother also took a kickback. As long as it stayed within the market price, I turned a blind eye. It’s true that my family has troubled yours, but never to your loss. Having the gall to come to my house and ask for thirty taels for nothing, let me set the record straight for you; since the county magistrate at the office is stepping down and is using money to buy the village chief position, instead of giving you thirty taels for nothing, wouldn’t I buy the position of village chief for myself? Or put a reliable person in that seat—how would it not come around to you!”

“You…” Old Zhang never expected him to say such things, anger making his beard quiver.

“Xiao Yuchuan, don’t be ungrateful, thirty taels might not be enough!” Aunt Zhang said angrily, “When have we ever asked for thirty taels from your family for nothing? We said it was a loan, don’t talk nonsense!”

“Not willing to write an IOU, and you say it’s not asking for nothing?” he scoffed coldly, “Your appetite is too large. Even if Li Song became the village chief, using thirty taels to curry favor with him, how much enmity could that possibly cause?”