Chapter 17: The Overwhelming Power of Filial Piety

The vinegar shop was run by the Tong Family, usually managed by Tong Sanlang's elder brother, Tong Dalang, and his family. It was not located on any of the main streets but in a small alleyway.

From afar, Qiao Xiaomai saw Tong Sanlang standing at the entrance of the alley. Although he was wearing grey, coarse hemp clothing, his tall stature and handsome face stood out in the crowd. As she was about to approach him, he took the initiative to come over to her.

When he reached her, his face was calm, and he asked, "Did Shopkeeper He give you any trouble?"

"No." Qiao Xiaomai quickly shook her head, adding a faint smile with dimples.

"Then I will go to the backyard to get the ox cart, wait for me here." Tong Sanlang turned and entered the alley after speaking.

Qiao Xiaomai hummed in acknowledgment, standing in place without moving.

Tong Sanlang had actually stood here waiting for her, which seemed excessively considerate...

She squinted slightly thinking about the original host's bitter hardships for over a decade.

Something unusual must be wrong.

Before long, Tong Sanlang came back leading the ox cart. He gestured for Qiao Xiaomai to get on.

The ox cart was quite clean. Qiao Xiaomai lifted her coarse robe and stepped onto it. Tong Sanlang also got on, and the two started to head out of town.

It was getting late, and the once busy road was practically devoid of people. There were wheat fields on both sides of the road, and mountains could be seen in the distance. Qiao Xiaomai looked at the sky, then she glanced at Tong Sanlang's broad back in front of her, and brought out two pounds each of green bean cakes and cloud cakes from her basket.

"Brother Tong San, thank you for today. Please take these cakes, don't reject them."

If she were on her own, it would be completely dark by the time she got home, deserted mountains and wild valleys without light or people. She would be rather unnerved.

Tong Sanlang, hearing her voice, turned around in surprise. He looked at the items in her hands, then turned back, "The snails you gave were pretty good."

"Back then, it was to thank you for saving Dami. This time, it's to thank you for your help today. Also...I hope you can keep today's matter a secret."

Making so much silver all at once would certainly stir up a sensation in Anping Village, and by then, Sun Family would definitely make a fuss.

When Tong Sanlang heard Qiao Xiaomai say this, he turned his head back again, taking the cakes from her and putting them in his own basket, "Don't worry, I won't tell."

"Thanks, Brother Tong San." Qiao Xiaomai thanked him crisply, "I'll make some more cold jelly noodles tomorrow and bring some over to you."

"No need." Unexpectedly, Tong Sanlang refused, adding, "Jiwei House will start selling it, so if you don't want others to know you came up with this method, then only your family should make it and not give it to others."

Qiao Xiaomai, "..."

She almost forgot about this!

Originally, she was thinking of giving some to Aunt Guilan who lived next door, but now it seemed she had to give up on that idea.

However...

Thinking of the tofu to come, her eyebrows furrowed, "Brother Tong San, the other day I saw you mention the 'Daqi Law'. How does the 'Daqi Law' dictate filial piety?"

That day, Tong Sanlang had used the 'Daqi Law' to get rid of Sun Family and Zhu Cuiying. The village of Anping was a mix of different surnames with no ancestral hall. Therefore, in this time and space that placed heavy emphasis on filial piety, the only thing that could stand against filial piety was the 'Daqi Law', promulgated by the Emperor.

Therefore, it was necessary for her to thoroughly understand the 'Daqi Law'.

Listening to her words, Tong Sanlang couldn't help but turn his head to glance at her.

Seeing her brows slightly furrowed and the gloom in her peach blossom eyes, he could not help but respond, "It depends on the severity of the situation. Minor cases have their boards beaten, serious cases are imprisoned or exiled, and the most severe cases are beheaded."

Qiao Xiaomai, "..."

A twitch appears at the corner of her mouth as she asked, "Are there any regulations that protect children?"

"As long as the parents don't kill their children, the government generally won't intervene."

Qiao Xiaomai, "..."

So, Sun Family's oppressive actions towards Qiao Changsun and Zhuang Lühe were actually legal?

Damn it! This wicked feudal society!