Chapter 1260: Half
Editor:Â Henyee Translations
Even though Zhao Shu was not legally recognized as her son, she still had the authority to bestow her dowries upon him if she wished.
Ultimately, after some negotiation, Zhao Shu reluctantly consented to claim only half of his motherâs dowry. However, he intended to do so today, with the chief as a witness, to prevent any potential denial or interference from Old Master Zhao.
Zhao Muâs expression darkened, and he refrained from further comment, determined to maintain his composure in the presence of the familyâs elders and leaders.
Ms. Zhengâs dowry was exceptionally generous, and even if this ungrateful son took only half of it, she would still be left with a substantial sum.
Ms. Qinâs heart ached. She sided with Old Masterâs perspective â Zhao Shu was an adopted member of the family, and the dowry rightfully belonged to the Zhao Family as a whole. She wanted to voice her opinion, but Zhao Shuâs derogatory term, âconcubine,â silenced her, reminding her of her subordinate position.
To speak up would only invite further humiliation from Zhao Shu.
Unexpectedly, when they began to inventory Ms. Zhengâs dowry in her chambers and storage area, they discovered it had vanished. It wasnât a complete disappearance; according to the dowry ledger, all the valuable items had vanished.
What remained were less valuable items such as silk and satin, vases, and large pieces of furniture. The precious items, including gold, silver, jewelry, exquisite jade artifacts, a valuable fur coat, yellow rosewood furniture, sixteen or twelve double-sided embroidered screens, and renowned calligraphy and paintings from a bygone dynasty, had all mysteriously disappeared. There was scarcely anything left.
âWhatâs happening here? How did this happen?â Zhao Shuâs expression shifted from shock to anger.
Zhao Mu was equally bewildered, his face contorted in disbelief.
The chief and the others present shared the same astonishment.
âOld Master Zhao, can you provide an explanation for this?â Zhao Shuâs outward fury concealed his inner amusement; his mother had indeed been astute.
Bit by bit, the dowry items had been discreetly moved out of the Zhao Mansion. It appeared that Zhao Mu had been completely oblivious to these developments.
Ms. Qin, too, seemed clueless about the situation.
Infuriated, Zhao Mu exclaimed, âI have no idea whatâs going on! I didnât do this!â
Zhao Shu sneered sarcastically, âSo weâre not at the Zhao Mansion right now, and you claim ignorance? Who has overseen the Inner Residence all these years?â
Instinctively, Zhao Mu turned to Ms. Qin, prompting the chief and the others to follow suit, their expressions laced with suspicion and disdain.
How could she have the audacity to pilfer the dowry of the familyâs matriarch? In their eyes, it was an act unbefitting someone of her limited worldly experience.
Ms. Qin never anticipated being accused of such a crime and was visibly taken aback. âI donât know! I didnât do it! I didnât take anything!â
With a mocking tone, Zhao Shu retorted, âIs that so? Did my motherâs dowry simply vanish into thin air?â
âHow could I possibly know?â Ms. Qinâs anger flared as she replied, âThe door has always been locked, and no one has ever opened it. How could I have any knowledge of what transpired?â
Zhao Shu smirked, provoking her further, âInteresting! So because the door was always locked, no one could have entered, is that your claim?â
Frustration surged within Ms. Qin as she exclaimed, âI donât know, but I swear I had nothing to do with it!â
Panic gripped her as she struggled to make her innocence clear, despite being completely baffled by the unfolding situation.
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