Chapter 642: 642: Not Giving an Inch

Upon hearing Qiao Xiaomai’s words, Tong Xingda’s face hardened, “Xiaomai, you’re in the wrong. Just because your mother-in-law treats you like a treasure, do you think you can act like a young lady who has never lifted a finger to do any work?”

“My mother dotes on me, so I rightfully accept her love.” Qiao Xiaomai continued to smile.

Tong Xingda looked at her deeply after hearing her words, “But you’re not just a young miss now, you’re a daughter-in-law. You have more than just your parents to honor.”

“Didn’t I show filial respect? Didn’t I just give my father a thousand and six hundred taels of silver a few days ago? Father, you might as well ask around in Fangyuan Village and see which daughter-in-law would give her in-laws a thousand and six hundred taels of silver.”

Using filial piety as a threat, Qiao Xiaomai was really no longer afraid at this moment.

She had previously tolerated the Tong Family’s demands, partly out of respect for Tong Sanlang, and partly due to the broader social milieu she was in.

Emperor Yongan and the former emperor both advocated ruling the country through filial piety. The reason Emperor Yongan supported her decision to cut ties was because the Sun Family was too outrageous.

Could the behavior of the Tong Family compare to the bandit-like Sun Family?

Not yet.

It might not be nice to say that a mother-in-law asks her daughter-in-law for a dowry, but it happens.

Therefore, if she responds harshly without giving anything at all, she fears it would anger the former Emperor and Emperor Yongan.

Given the current environment, when in Rome, do as the Romans do. She had to give in, putting herself in a position of being the victim, like she did with the Sun Family. This way, if there are any future conflicts, the former Emperor and Emperor Yongan will definitely stand by her side.

Now that she had given, she was in the position of a victimized daughter-in-law who was endlessly exploited by the Tong Family.

So she could finally reciprocate without reservation.

Moreover, with the issue of Zhang Family’s feigned illness to deceive the marriage on the table, as long as Tong Xingda and the Zhang Family dare to make a fuss, she would bring it up.

As well as the allegation from the Zhang Family insinuating unclear relationships between her and Yang Ye, if Yang Ye knew about this, he would certainly not spare the Zhang Family.

Upon hearing the phrase, “Which daughter-in-law would give her in-laws a thousand and six hundred taels of silver,” Tong Xingda couldn’t help but take a deep breath.

He had to calm down.

This should not be refuted hastily.

“Has filial duty become a means of competition?” he asked.

Upon hearing this, Qiao Xiaomai just smiled and did not reply.

His words were like itch to her, she had no desire to refute at all.

Seeing her like this, Tong Xingda felt that Qiao Xiaomai’s smile seemed full of thorns.

Well, they say you’re beholden to those who provide you with something.

Did he really need to resort to coercion to achieve his goal?

This was a last resort and should not be used lightly.

After some thought, Tong Xingda continued, “Xiaomai, now that your mother-in-law is better, shouldn’t you and Sanlang return to live with us?”

“Don’t I even have the freedom to choose where I live?” Qiao Xiaomai retorted directly.

These words were somewhat stifling. Tong Xingda was taken aback for a moment, he put down his chopsticks and attempted to reason with Qiao Xiaomai, “When you married Sanlang, you were the bride, and he was the groom. Now, your living situation is as though he has come to live in your house, which does not align with what was originally agreed upon during the proposal.”

“Oh, is that so?” Qiao Xiaomai was indifferent, “Everyone in the village knows whether or not he has come to live in my house.”

“This won’t do. Since the former Emperor had confiscated Tong family’s property, if Sanlang keeps living in your house, it will appear as though he actually moved into your house to everyone.”

“Then tomorrow I’ll tell the people who come to work here, and let them know that Sanlang hasn’t come to live with us.”

Tong Xingda was left speechless.

He took a deep breath, trying to suppress his anger, “This would make my family lose face.”

“Didn’t mother previously lie about the amount of bean sprouts produced, damaging the family’s reputation already? I didn’t know that the family cared so much about their face.” Qiao Xiaomai, with her sparkling eyes, fearlessly met Tong Xingda’s gaze.

She had been feeling upset these days. There weren’t any major problems that couldn’t be solved.

But the feeling of countless annoying minor issues piling up was enough to make her anxious.

Now, like the Zhang Family, Tong Xingda came begging. It was timely, allowing her to vent her frustration again.

Upon hearing Qiao Xiaomai’s words, Tong Xingda could no longer maintain his composure, he slammed the table and shouted, his face turning ashen, “You’re just a daughter-in-law, it’s not your place to meddle with the family’s business!”

[Xiaomai, a village girl, had to first portray herself as a victim before she can stand up against the world~ After all, in this place, filial piety is valued above all else]