Only after those warning slaps did Xu Xiangcao behave herself somewhat.
The others in the Ge Family were terrified too. They had never expected someone at the Imperial Preceptor's side to strike without hesitation.
Afraid of being beaten themselves, none of them dared utter another word.
Only then did Song Yaoyao slowly speak:
"You deserve a beating for not knowing your place!"
After a pause, Song Yaoyao continued:
"Xu Xiangcao, you said Cui Miao was raised by your Ge Family, that she owes your family a debt for bringing her up and must repay it!
Even if she dies, she must die in your Ge Family.
Have you forgotten how Cui Miao's father died?
If your family wants Cui Miao to repay the debt of being raised, shouldn't Ge Dashan repay Cui Miao's father for saving his life?
Once Ge Dashan repays that life, Cui Miao can repay your family for raising her."
Hearing this, Ge Dashan recoiled two steps in fright and said:
"This commoner never said Cui Miao had to repay us for raising her. Those weren't my words."
Song Yaoyao turned her gaze to Xu Xiangcao and said:
"Xu Xiangcao, isn't what I'm saying perfectly fair?
If Cui Miao's father hadn't tried to save Ge Dashan, he wouldn't have drowned.
If he hadn't died, your family would never have had to adopt Cui Miao just to keep people from talking.
Besides, we all know perfectly well what kind of life Cui Miao has led in your home all these years.
Rather than saying your Ge Family raised Cui Miao, it would be more accurate to say she was your family's unpaid maid. Am I right?"
Xu Xiangcao asked in terror:
"How did you know?"
"You don't need to know that."
After a pause, Song Yaoyao continued:
"I'm