2693 Like a Thunderbolt
Stubborn Cao deliberated for a moment before speaking, “However, I believe three days might be too hasty for adequate preparation considering the substantial amount of spirit currency involved. Your Highness, the Crown Prince Consort, would you consider extending the time limit to six days? I assure you that the debt-collecting squad, under my supervision, will efficiently recover all these debts on your behalf!”
It was immediately evident that Stubborn Cao was an exceedingly dependable individual.
Without much expression, Qiao Mu nodded at him and said, “Very well, I appreciate your assistance, Excellency Cao.”
Cao replied graciously, “It is my privilege and duty to serve, Your Highness.”
Amid their cheerful conversation, Crown Prince Mo, who observed from the sidelines, found the interaction quite entertaining.
Once the commotion settled down, Qiao Mu’s subordinates escorted Excellency Cao out. As they left, Crown Prince Mo and Qiao Mu departed together, his hand held by hers.
As they left the Liujin Court premises, Lady Qiaoqiao, Her Excellency, offered a parting remark to him: “Prepare accordingly.”
With just these four words, Mu Jingfeng, who had reached his zenith, was overcome with frustration and sank back into his seat.
Determinedly, Excellency Cao assembled a debt-collecting squad led by the young master of the Capital hall, Wu. He handpicked 17 to 18 subordinates, establishing their base at the Mu Family’s residence that very night.
By the following day, the entire capital was buzzing with discussions about this event.
At teahouses and restaurants, when people encountered each other, whispers and murmurs abounded. “Have you heard the news? The Mu Family’s patriarch had hidden a mistress within his wife’s dowry, and the Eldest Young Master caught them red-handed! They’re all currently confined within the household!”
“Of course I’ve heard! It’s caused quite a stir. I heard that the fair and delicate mistress, akin to a white daisy, thoroughly provoked the ire of the Eldest Madam Mu.”
“Sigh, what a pity. Eldest Madam Mu is known for her gentle and compassionate nature, yet the Family Head would inflict such pain upon her.”
“Oh my, it seems you’re not quite aware of this. The age-old adage holds some truth: a wife is beneath a concubine, and a concubine is beneath a thief. Who would have thought that Family Head Mu, with his solemn and virtuous appearance, would reveal such flirtatious behavior behind closed doors?”
A snicker quickly followed. “Flirtatious? Oh, please. It’s more like shamelessness in its purest form! After all, he boldly entered his wife’s household with her dowry as if it were his own.”
“Absolutely right. He’s essentially pilfering what belongs to his wife, and he still has the audacity to engage in such actions! It’s no wonder the Crown Prince Consort erupted in anger and demanded restitution of all the embezzled dowry.”
“Heh, word is, Family Head Mu is facing quite a rough patch these days!”
“No doubt about it. Officials from the estate’s capital hall have assembled a team to recover the debts, and they’ve taken up residence within the Mu Clan. They have a strict six-day deadline to settle the dues. Haha, it’s almost comical.”
For a while, reveling in others’ misfortunes became the shared sentiment. After all, when the knives were already hovering above their own heads, watching someone else get pelted with a blunt-edged blade was a source of morbid delight.
This was especially true considering the individual in question was the patriarch of a prominent aristocratic family, someone usually untouchable by common folks.
In the face of someone else’s downfall, many were content to spectate the spectacle from a safe distance.
Some people harbored such twisted mentalities.
In times of prosperity, they would fawn over you, but as soon as you stumbled into adversity, they would mock you with even greater relish than before, eagerly ignoring your existence.
The following day, Mu Jingfeng dispatched inquiries throughout the streets. The uproar had spread like wildfire, and the situation had escalated to an unforeseen extent. His frustration was palpable, nearly pushing him to rash actions.
Mu Jingfeng, once at his zenith, now seethed with anger, secluded within the courtyard. His resentment was aimed at anyone his eyes landed upon.
Equally burdened was Madam Consort Mu, consumed by a profound sense of injustice. /Who had she provoked to deserve this?/
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