Chapter 405 - 399_1
Although Auntie Zhang wasn’t the sharpest tool in the shed, she was straightforward, at least. It was likely that the other aunties had egged her on to become the scapegoat. As despicable as her actions were, they were not as bad as the others’.
Upon hearing Jiang Ziqi’s questions, with Auntie Zhang’s example fresh in mind, the other three aunties did not dare to entertain the slightest hope of luck and honestly admitted their guilt. "We know we have erred, please spare us, Family Head."
"Bring these people down and give each thirty heavy beatings. Maid Xiaofang, you will receive fifty. If any of you still have life in you afterward, you’ll be sent to work in the miscellaneous courtyard. As for Auntie Chen, though her initiative to admit her wrongdoing may lessen her punishment to some extent, she cannot escape her guilt. Give her ten beatings. Furthermore, until the Family Head’s wife arrives, Auntie Chen will be in charge of the back house, and you will all be under her management."
If a punishment of thirty beatings was difficult to accept, then giving Auntie Chen the power to manage the back house was the ultimate blow to the other aunties. Auntie Chen was relieved that her actions not only reduced her punishment but also gave her leverage over the others.
After dealing with the matter, Jiang Ziqi headed to Qiwu Courtyard. With such an incident having occurred, even if Little Yueyue was reluctant to keep living in the Jiang Residence, a suitable new place had to be found before relocating. Erhu was a stranger in Capital City, and Jiang Ziqi knew he needed to assist with this matter.
"Brother Jiang, you’ve come. Is there something you need? Erhu and I were just about to go out!" Lin Yue had made plans to check out properties with Zhao Erhu, but since they were unfamiliar with Capital City, they had also made arrangements with Li Xun, a native of the city who had grown up here and knew it like the back of his hand. His presence would undoubtedly make the task much more efficient.
Seeing Zhao Erhu and Lin Yue actually preparing to leave, Jiang Ziqi asked, "Where are you two planning to go?"
"We want to have a look at some houses. I’ve mentioned before that I want to move out." Since she brought it up, Lin Yue was not going to shy away from the issue.
"I failed to manage my own people, which led to you being wronged. I’ve already punished them, and such incidents will not happen again in the future. Why don’t you consider staying in the Jiang Residence?" Jiang Ziqi persisted in persuading her with hope that hadn’t yet died.
Lin Yue was resolved not to change her mind. "No, thank you, it’s not only because of this incident. The root of the problem wasn’t them. Living in the Jiang Residence, there will always be wild speculations about me. Besides, the rules of the Jiang Residence are too strict, and I am not comfortable living there. Please, let me move out."