88 Chapter 88 Compensation (2)
“Mother, that’s too much.” When Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Yao heard this, they retorted at the same time. 50 taels for one family; two families would be 100 taels, equivalent to two years’ output of 100 acres of land.
“You guys shut up.” Mrs. Qiao’s sharp eyes glared.
“Sister-in-law, if you’ve made up your mind, then we’ll call the person to discuss it.” The village chief said.
“Alright, go ahead.” Mrs. Qiao nodded.
When the patriarch saw this, he immediately got up and went out. He called in two men who were in charge of the two families.
After they sat down, the village chief said a few polite words before talking about the compensation.
Of course, the other side couldn’t agree at the beginning. However, under the tearful complaints of Mrs. Liu, Mrs. Yao, and the other women, it was finally set at sixty taels of silver for each family.
After confirming, the patriarch said, “There’s also the matter of the boat. Since it’s not easy for your family, you can pay it off in two years. 30 taels a year, and the end of the year. ”
“What? A broken boat costs sixty taels of silver?” Mrs. Yao exclaimed.
“That’s an excellent mahogany-made boat. You can calculate how much the wood alone costs.” The patriarch said in an unpleasant tone.
“Mother, let’s just listen to the patriarch.” Gu Chengzhi gave Mrs. Yao a look at this time.
He had seen that boat, and it was a medium-sized boat that needed at least four people to row. 60 taels of silver weren’t considered expensive for that.
“Sob, I really can’t continue living like this.” When Mrs. Liu saw this, she knew the patriarch was not extorting them. This time, she cried for real.
With such a large sum of money out, they would have to wait ten years before they could recover if their family had no substantial business.
When Mrs. Yao saw her crying, she also began to cry. Mrs. Huang and the other concubines also immediately began to cry.
“Alright, stop crying. Hurry up and get the silver.” The patriarch slammed the table impatiently.
He had asked them to cry because he wanted to save them some money. But now that it had been decided, what was the point of crying? It was better to take out the silver and settle the matter quickly.
“Sixty taels per family; hurry up and take it.” Mrs. Qiao said at this time.
“Mother!” Mrs. Liu turned her head and shouted with a face of unwillingness. The old thing also had silver in her hands. Why did she ask them to take theirs out?
“Hurry up.” Mrs. Qiao shouted with a straight face.
Mrs. Yao knew she couldn’t avoid it and could only slowly walk out.
Mrs. Liu looked at Gu Chengrui and said, “Chengrui, you know what’s going on at home. You and your wife should at least contribute something, right? ”
Without waiting for Gu Chengrui to speak, the patriarch and Mrs. Qiao shouted simultaneously, “Shut up.”
Of course, the reasons for the two people stopping her were different. The former was unhappy about Mrs. Liu’s tone and stood up for the young couple.
The latter was more concerned about their dignity. Previously, the husband and wife had left the family with nothing. If they were forced to pay up now, they would really lose their remaining dignity.
Mrs. Liu was startled by their repeated attempts to stop her and could only obediently return to her room to get the silver.
Fortunately, the two of them weren’t stupid. The silver they took out was in small broken amounts, and they added in strings of copper coins.
Mrs. Yao had even taken out the silver hairpin she had bought earlier, giving off the feeling that she was at the end of her rope.
Regardless of whether the people believed it or not, the two families felt much better after the patriarch helped them increase the amount of silver they had received.
As soon as they left, the people who were watching the show gradually left as well. The patriarch stood up and said, “Aunt, since we’re done here, we’ll be leaving now. Let me know in advance if you need anything in the future.”
“Alright, I’ll come to thank you when the two brothers wake up.” Mrs. Qiao said as she stood up and sent him and the village chief out.
After they were sent off, Gu Chengrui went to see Father Gu and Second uncle Gu. After ensuring their condition had stabilized, he asked Mrs. Liu to prepare some millet porridge and went home.