Wang Qiao's son was young, but his thoughts were meticulous.
Having suffered the blow of losing both parents, he did not collapse. Instead, he quickly recovered his wits. With the father dead and the son taking his place, as the only male heir of the Wang Household, he ought to shoulder the burdens of life.
After sending his grandmother and younger sister aside, the still-childish Wang Liang already carried a trace of old age in his bearing.
"There are no outsiders here. This junior humbly asks once more: Sir, was my father truly killed in an accident?"
Xu Qing was somewhat surprised. He had considered that Wang Qiao's elderly mother might come to ask about this matter, but he had not expected the youngest son of the Wang Household.
"To find a miracle doctor capable of curing lung disease, your father kept watch at the wharf day and night. To earn money for the treatment, whenever he had time, he worked as a porter, carrying goods for others."
"Your father's death was simply a matter of ill fortune, beyond the power of human effort to prevent."
Xu Qing took out the autopsy report issued by the Corpse Examination Office, along with the testimony recorded by the constables at the wharf. This wiped away that trace of doubt in Wang Liang's heart.
"I understand. Thank you, Sir, for transporting my father's remains. I will surely remember this kindness forever and never dare forget it." As Wang Liang spoke, he took out a money pouch. Inside was the silver the Wang Household had scraped together. Though it did not weigh much, to an ordinary farming household, it was no small sum.
Xu Qing waved his hand and refused it.
"I was willing to transport your father's coffin because I was going to