Ms. Wang sighed and said, "We should have invited them by principle, regardless of the blood relationship. They are still considered siblings, and it would be disrespectful not to invite them. So, our intention was not to ask for their help but to just invite them for the meal. However, you know how the housekeeper in our family is." Ms. Wangâs words were amusing, and she intentionally pointed her chin at Yang Chuxia before continuing, "She stopped us, saying that they would only cause trouble. She even persuaded my husband, and he went to talk to my father-in-law, but he didnât say anything."
"Pfft..." Upon hearing that Yang Chuxia was the mastermind, the land officerâs wife laughed, then nodded. "Youâre not as good as your familyâs housekeeper. That girl has a plan, and itâs right to listen to her. Besides, last time there was a commotion in court because of the second branch of the family. Even if you donât invite them, others would understand. Living a comfortable life is what matters most. Why care about others? Just treat your father-in-law well in the future. No matter how he was in the past, heâs still family and canât be erased. As for the rest, they are distant relatives, and thereâs no need to care about them."
"Yes, auntie, youâre right. I only listen to my familyâs housekeeper now." After Ms. Wang finished her sentence, she couldnât help but laugh.
After dining, the new house only hosted Yang Daâan and Yang Qingtong. As usual, Yang Qingrui ran off to Ye Ziâanâs house.
The three women from Ms. Wangâs family returned to the Old Yang Familyâs house, just waiting for the next day to completely move out and lock the door, after which they would hardly come here again.
However, in the middle of the night, Yang Chuxia suddenly heard a faint sound. She opened her eyes and listened carefully, there seemed to be someone at her door.
Yang Chuxia frowned, glanced at Ms. Wang and Yang Xiayun by her side, and quietly got out of bed. As she approached the inner roomâs door that led to the outer room, she felt something was off. Her face changed, and she quickly covered her mouth with her sleeve. She then stealthily picked up a small iron shovel that was leaning against the wall and held it in her hand quietly.
When the door opened from the outside, she struck down with the shovel, and the intruder cried out. It was a manâs voice.
"Who are you, thief? How dare you steal from our house? Iâll kill you!" Yang Chuxiaâs movement was quite significant, and though her speech was muffled by her sleeves, it was enough to awaken Ms. Wang and Yang Xiayun in the inner room.
Thinking back afterward, it was fortunate that she found out early and that there was a thick curtain covering the inner roomâs door. As a result, the smoke from the thiefâs smoke bomb hadnât drifted into the room yet, and Ms. Wang and Yang Xiayun were able to wake up in time. Ms. Wang even managed to rush out to help.
"Xiaxia, whatâs going on?"
While fighting with the thief and moving out of the house, where there was no more smoke, Yang Chuxia shouted, "Mom, cover your nose! The thief released some sleeping gas!"
When Ms. Wang heard about the intruder and the sleeping gas, she was shocked at first. Then she quickly grabbed a rag to cover her nose and mouth, picked up a pair of scissors from the basket, and rushed outside.
Ms. Wangâs maternal instinct was immediately ignited, and she stabbed at the thief with the scissors. Fortunately, it was moonlit tonight, and she managed to land her strike under the moonâs light.
Hearing the manâs grunt, it seemed like he knew he was in trouble and tried to flee.
Seeing this, Yang Chuxia quickly chased after him. At this moment, the lights in the Old Yang Familyâs house were turned on, and Old Yang rushed out with a pitchfork.
At the same time, however, Yang Xiaochuan and Yang Daâan also wanted to come out, not to help but to watch the excitement. However, Old Lady Hua strictly ordered them not to go out, so only Yang Chuxia and Old Yang chased the thief.
While chasing, Yang Chuxia shouted, "Catch the thief! Catch the thief!"