Chapter 1218: Zhao Mu

Editor: Henyee Translations

That was incredibly frustrating. His repulsive father had withheld the IOUs for years.

However, there were at least ten of them.

The Zhao Family’s fate took a dark turn when those ten IOUs were finally presented.

If the Zhao Family’s weaving workshop couldn’t secure silk from the Zheng Family’s mulberry fields without spending a hefty sum of a thousand wen, it would become a significant financial burden, one they couldn’t easily shake off.

Zhao Shu couldn’t contain his excitement. “Fifth Madame, these IOUs are yours, and the money belongs to you!”

Qiao Xuan burst into laughter. “Well, it seems my husband and I have become partners! I’ll give you 30% of the money, and the rest will be returned to its rightful owners. But remember, don’t present all ten IOUs at once. We need to play it strategically and be patient.”

Zhao Shu was taken aback, but he quickly composed himself and wholeheartedly agreed.

Silk was a precious commodity.

One acre of mulberry fields could sustain two silkworm seasons per year, yielding approximately 100 kilograms of silkworm cocoons. A kilogram of silkworm cocoons could produce around 2 liang of silk.

The market price for 500 grams of silk had remained steady at 3 to 5 qian for years.

Thus, one acre of mulberry fields could yield a maximum of 20 kilograms of silk. With their family’s extensive 100,000 acres of mulberry fields, they had access to 2,000,000 kilograms of silk, which exceeded a million liang.

Even in a less than ideal year, it would still amount to 700,000 to 800,000 liang.

Zhao Mu was on edge, fearing that he might do something drastic when confronted with those ten IOUs. Like a cornered rabbit, he might lash out. A slow and calculated approach was necessary.

A blunt knife was the best tool for cutting through tough situations.

Zhao Shu was overjoyed at the chaos he had caused for the Zhao Family. He quickly arranged for the IOUs and contracts to be delivered.

Qiao Xuan even shared a knowing smile with Shao Yunduan, remarking on Young Master Zhao’s remarkable generosity in revealing such substantial assets. He realized that Zhao’s position would be vulnerable if these properties were seized.

Young Master Zhao’s father had previously argued with his mother over the contract, but she had adamantly refused to surrender it, and he had willingly handed it over to her.

Shao Yunduan responded with a smile. “He’s quite astute. He despises Zhao Mu, and those possessions would be worthless in his hands. Zhao Mu gave them to us as a gesture of gratitude, and he won’t be at a loss.”

Qiao Xuan concurred with a smile. “That’s true, but not everyone possesses the fortitude to make such a decision. Well, we aren’t the kind of people who take advantage of others, darling. Write him a note, please.”

“Of course!”

Qiao Xuan was eager to head south. They discussed plans with Shao Yunduan, including a visit to Yangzhou to acquire assets from Zhao Mu and a trip to Hangzhou to check on Zhao Shu’s situation. Afterwards, they decided to return home.

Concern for their family weighed on their minds, and the flora at home relied on Qiao Xuan’s extraordinary abilities to flourish. The plants, flowers, and trees that had been enhanced by her powers were thriving far better than their regular counterparts. This exceptional genetic trait was inheritable, so why not further augment it?

However, Qiao Xuan didn’t want to be away from Shao Yunduan for an extended period.

Similarly, Shao Yunduan had no intention of leaving either. As the Crown Prince responsible for managing official records, he needed to dispatch personnel to the most distinguished families in the south to retrieve the remaining missing documents. He asked for this task, eager to undertake it.