The group reached the street corner, and Xue Family servants immediately came over to block the carriage. "Without an invitation, carriages may not enter."
Xue Ziwen gritted his teeth, then smiled and offered five taels of silver. "It's me, Ziwen..."
The servant's expression shifted slightly. He stepped back, clasped his hands, and gave them a quick shake before saying solemnly, "The head steward gave the order. This lowly one does not dare act recklessly. Please do not make things difficult for me, sir."
"It's fine, it's fine. We'll carry it in ourselves, but there's no taking back what has already been given." Xue Ziwen continued holding the silver out to the servant.
The servant retreated another step, lowered his head slightly, and placed both hands behind his back.
Xue Ziwen stood stunned for a moment. His face dimmed as he silently withdrew the silver. "Let's carry it in."
Xiang Zizai and the others behind Xue Ziwen frowned. The servant did not even dare accept money. The Xue Estate's attitude toward Xue Ziwen had likely already been a verdict nailed shut with the coffin lid.
Xiang Zizai said softly, "Brother-in-law, why don't we leave this place and go elsewhere? We can definitely rise again from the ashes."
Xue Ziwen gave a miserable smile. "Southern and Northern Xue Families, Southern and Northern Xue Families—take away the south and north, and what remains? Do you think that's just something people say for fun? We can't escape."
Xiang Zizai glanced at his sister. The words "At worst, come with me to Dadong County" reached his lips, only to be swallowed back down.
Xiang Zizai followed his brother-in-law and helped carry the birthday gifts. With the gift list in hand, they stood in line for a full half hour before finally delivering the presents and