CHAPTER 897: CHAPTER 895: WHAT DID UNCLE SAY? (PART 2)

Although Wong Qiao was speaking the truth, Zhou Biyao did not agree and immediately argued, "What does this have to do with Sister Qi? Originally, we were doing just fine working with Grandpa Qi and Sister Qi. Everything was pleasant and smooth, and you could do what you wanted. But then Mother forced you into the iron workshop..."

At this point, Zhou Biyao lowered her voice, "Do you think I can’t see through it? You are working with a divided heart, always on edge every day, hiding your struggle within. How tormented you must feel inside?

But your mother? She only cares about herself, seeking her own pleasure and satisfaction, without considering how hard it is for you. Thanks to Lord Jiang for giving you a plan, even if something happens now, there’s someone to handle it. Without this plan, you would be the scapegoat for Prince Fu’s troubles."

Wong Qiao let out a silent sigh, feeling both helpless and relieved.

Last year, his mother insisted he go to the iron workshop even without Jiang Yifan’s commission, he ultimately couldn’t resist his mother’s wish.

Without the identity of working for His Highness Prince Yu, by now, not only would he be imprisoned, but after leaving the Qi family, he wouldn’t even be able to save the marriage with Biyao.

Though this past year has been exhausting, wasn’t there a good outcome in the end?

Thinking of Lady Zhao, Wong Qiao begrudgingly admitted that there was a sense of satisfaction seeing his mother in her current state. His mother had always been stubborn, insisting he follow her wishes, ultimately leading to the current predicament.

Perhaps his mother’s obstinance would change in the future?

For the next six days, Wong Qiao would report to the Yamen early each morning to await summons, while Liang Ming’s household brought him meals at noon.

Except for the first day, when he was intensely interrogated by the Ministry of Justice officials, he remained extremely cautious, nervous about accidentally revealing his work for His Highness Prince Yu.

That questioning must have been flawless, as he passed it, and for the subsequent inquiries as a minor witness, it was relatively easy.

Just past the Shen Hour on the sixth day, Wong Qiao returned home. Lady Zhao was resting under the mulberry tree in the courtyard. Seeing Wong Qiao back so early today, her face showed delight. She quickly got up to greet him and asked, "You’re back so early today? Have things been cleared up at the Yamen, and we won’t be involved anymore?"

Wong Qiao took two steps forward, supported Lady Zhao’s arm, and said, "Not yet. It’s just that tomorrow Eldest Uncle Qi returns from Jiangbei Prefecture. He’s old and has been working hard outside for over two months. I’ve arranged with the Ministry of Justice officials to come back early today for a bath and to prepare to meet him outside the city gate early tomorrow."

Lady Zhao’s smile stiffened immediately upon hearing the words "Eldest Uncle." She wanted to say something but held back.

Back then, for the Three Thousand Taels of Silver, she ended things harshly with Qi Younian, forcing her son to leave the Qi family to work for Prince Fu’s enterprises.

Initially, she was indeed proud for a few days, believing that working for the emperor’s son was far more prestigious than working for a craftsman’s family like the Qi family.

However, after coming here, Wong Qiao had to deal with various managers from Prince Fu’s Mansion, constrained at every turn.

Before, when Wong Qiao was at the Qi family, he was like part of the head family and could make decisions on most matters. Even at Duke An’s Mansion, he had a place at Duke An’s table.

Not to mention that the craftsmen working for the Qi family respected her as Madam Zhao, showing genuine respect devoid of any pretense.

Here, although many wore smiles, the way they called her Madam Zhao felt awkward, making her uncomfortable.

It was only natural; her son Ah Qiao had to obey several managers, and even their mothers didn’t dare claim the title of ’Madam.’ Her claim to the title was indeed lacking in confidence.

Now, with Wong Qiao embroiled in a lawsuit, their future was uncertain. In front of Qi Younian and Ye Xinyan, how could she hold her head high?

Wong Qiao noticed Lady Zhao’s displeasure and pretended not to know.

Qi Younian had set off two months ago to repair the wooden rails. Wong Qiao had secretly seen him off, enduring extra criticism from his mother afterward.

Now, his mother probably couldn’t say much. Even if she disagreed, it wouldn’t change anything. He had already told the Ministry of Justice officials he would meet Old Master Qi, which was only allowed because of the Duke An’s Mansion’s influence.

At such a crucial time, it was essential not to deceive the officials investigating the case. It was a matter of integrity and reputation that could directly affect their perception of him. He hoped his mother understood the stakes involved.

Lady Zhao couldn’t vocalize anything, but she wrestled with it the entire night. Although she knew leaving the Qi family was her mistake, she also resented Wong Qiao and him for not understanding her bitterness and pride.

Wong Qiao was out the entire day and only returned before dinner. At this point, Lady Zhao didn’t insist on having her daughter-in-law serve meals; the four of them, including Xiuqin, ate together at the table.

Lady Zhao, preoccupied, ate mindlessly and put down her chopsticks early, leaving the others half-full as they followed suit and ended their meal.

Xiuqin and Xiao Cui quickly cleaned up the tableware.

After sending Zhou Biyao back to her room, Lady Zhao watched the room empty before asking, "Did they tell your Eldest Uncle about your situation? What did your Eldest Uncle say?"

Wong Qiao paused for a moment and said, "Eldest Uncle knows about it. He asked what I plan to do next."

Lady Zhao was aware that during the trial at the Yamen over the past few days, it was established that the iron workshop had violated the law by privately trading iron materials for profit. Even if her son Ah Qiao could clear his name, there was still uncertainty about what he would do in the future.

With a glint in her eye, she wondered if Qi Younian still wanted to recruit Ah Qiao back to the Qi family. If he could return to earn that considerable wage and the quarterly reward silver from the Qi family, and even the year-end bonus they were willing to give Wong Qiao, that would be ideal.

But, returning in such a shameful manner was indeed embarrassing. In that case, they could just live separately from the Qi family, renting a courtyard for themselves. They could even buy one.

Wong Qiao continued, "Several large workshops in the capital and the surrounding areas are involved in this case. Once the workshops are sealed, the craftsmen are dismissed. As an outsourced craftsman from the iron workshop and its Official Craftsman, even if I’m acquitted, I doubt I could establish myself in the capital. I told Eldest Uncle that after the case is resolved, we’ll return to our hometown in Hezhou."

Return to their hometown in Hezhou? Her son had quite the ambition, making such a big decision without consulting her and taking charge on his own. Lady Zhao was displeased, letting out a cold snort and darkening her expression.

Wong Qiao looked seriously at Lady Zhao and asked, "What do you think, Mother? Do you think I can find another place to work? For those small craftsmen from the workshops, that’s fine. They simply do their job and earn their wages. For someone like me who manages things, being able to clear myself from this case is already a great fortune. Who in the capital would dare hire me?"

Lady Zhao angrily retorted, "Then why did your Eldest Uncle ask you those questions? To laugh at us?"

His mother’s usual stubbornness and resentment towards Eldest Uncle Qi were expected, but it still made Wong Qiao uncomfortable. His face also rarely showed a hint of coldness.