Her Heart Aches for the Silver

Simultaneously, rumors circulated that Lord Shao had issued another decree. Any oversights during the municipal investigations were to be reported to the government office for re-registration. A surprise inspection was slated in a few days, and failure to comply would not be taken lightly…

At the mention of this, countless households trembled with fear. Overnight, they scrambled to gather the required funds and surreptitiously re-registered at the government office. Coincidentally encountering acquaintances, they exchanged knowing nods, silently acknowledging the shared predicament. It was as though they were merely strolling through the government office, yet everyone was keenly aware of each other's presence.

But that was a concern for another time.

Meanwhile, the missive from the two Old Masters of the Fan family landed in the hands of Old Lady Fan, igniting her ire.

"9,100 taels! Hmph, 9,100 taels! Lord Shao must have a penchant for wealth!"