Chapter 11: Shedding the Slave Status

Two years had passed.

The words of his cousin, Huang Yuanshan, when he left the Huang family still echoed in Wei Tu's mind from time to time.

Being looked down upon was never a pleasant feeling.

However, at this critical juncture in his life, when everything hung in the balance, Wei Tu wasn't about to let petty grievances keep him from leveraging his only available backing.

"Wei Hong…" First Madam Li Tongshi repeated the name, her expression thoughtful.

Although Wei Hong was merely a concubine in the Huang family, her status had been elevated since she bore a son. She was not on the same level as ordinary concubines.

This, Li Tongshi knew well.

While Wei Hong's position might not be enough to influence the internal affairs of the Li family, making an enemy of her over something as minor as a servant's contract would be unwise.

After all, the Huang family held vast wealth and power in Qingmu County, far surpassing the Li family.

Of course, the Li family wasn't so weak that they needed to cower before them.

"If Wei Tu truly had that much of a connection with his second aunt, Wei Hong, he wouldn't have ended up serving in my Li household…" Li Tongshi thought to herself.

But she quickly pushed this thought aside.

An ordinary maternal nephew held little value to Wei Hong; she wouldn't go out of her way to help him.

However, a nephew with the potential to obtain martial honors—now that was an entirely different matter.

As the mistress of the Li household, Li Tongshi understood the mindset of these well-established concubines.

Having capable family members meant having leverage, security, and the ability to stand firm in their husband's household without being looked down upon.

After a brief silence, Li Tongshi gently set her teacup on the table beside her. The quiet clink signified her decision.

"I can't make this decision on my own. I'll need to discuss it with the master of the house," she finally said.

Her gaze swept over Wei Tu before she continued, "The master has always been reasonable. Since you seek to pursue the martial examination, the Li family will not obstruct your future."

She had already decided to grant Wei Tu's request for redemption.

However, since this matter involved household management, it was improper to bypass Master Li Yaozu and make the decision alone.

"Caixia, go fetch the master," she instructed.

"Yes, First Madam," Caixia acknowledged before leaving the hall.

A short while later, Master Li Yaozu arrived from his study and took a seat beside First Madam Li Tongshi. After settling himself, he smoothed the lower half of his robe before turning his sharp gaze toward Wei Tu.

"Buying back your contract?" Li Yaozu frowned. "Do you have enough silver?"

Unlike Li Tongshi's calm and measured tone, Master Li's first words were blunt and direct—immediately inquiring about the ransom price.

This, however, was entirely in character.

Everyone in the Li household was well aware of Master Li Yaozu's personality.

"My funds are insufficient. I respectfully ask the master and First Madam to show leniency and reduce the amount accordingly," Wei Tu responded with the prepared words he had rehearsed.

The estimated sum of ten taels was only an approximation based on market rates—it wasn't necessarily the final amount.

There was a possibility the Li family might ask for more. Likewise, there was a chance the price could be negotiated lower.

However, any figure they named had to be reasonable.

If they set an outrageous price, Wei Tu could file a complaint with the local authorities. The issue was that the government was notorious for favoring the wealthy—justice without money was merely an illusion.

Just as Li Yaozu was about to speak, First Madam Li Tongshi stood up and subtly signaled him with her eyes.

She wanted him to step aside and discuss the matter with her in private.

Time passed slowly…

From the moment Wei Tu stepped into the inner residence, the morning had slipped away, and now, it was already past midday.

Finally, at precisely one quarter past noon, Li Yaozu and Li Tongshi returned to the hall and resumed their seats.

"In business, we speak of fairness," Li Yaozu began. "If you wish to leave the Li family and reclaim your contract, then ransom money is inevitable."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "For years, you have eaten from the Li household, been clothed by us, and even learned a trade. The Li family has provided you with wages…"

"All of these are expenses."

First Madam Li Tongshi then produced an account ledger and began making calculations.

Wei Tu listened without objection.

Had he declared his intention to redeem himself years earlier, the Li family certainly wouldn't have invested in training him as a stablehand or arranged his marriage.

"After accounting for everything, the total comes to eleven taels and five qian," she stated. "Wei Tu, do you accept this price?"

"First Madam, please show mercy and reduce the amount slightly. In the future, I will surely repay this kindness."

Upon hearing the ransom amount, Wei Tu was inwardly shocked. The Li family's calculations were far beyond what he had estimated.

The additional one tael and five qian were not a trivial sum—it was enough to buy another servant during a famine year.

Suppressing his dissatisfaction, he bowed deeply and lowered his tone in deference.

Seeing Wei Tu bow respectfully, Master Li Yaozu's eyes gleamed with satisfaction.

He said, "Wei Ge'er, you have grown up in the Li household. While this is a matter of business, we should also consider our past ties. The ransom can be slightly reduced—how about eight taels and eight qian?"

"A lucky number to bring good fortune."

"Thank you, Master," Wei Tu expressed his gratitude.

After thanking them, he retrieved the silver he had painstakingly saved over the years, counted it carefully, and handed it to Chunlan, who stood nearby.

"First Madam, it is eight taels and eight qian," Chunlan confirmed after placing the silver pieces on the lacquered table and whispering to First Madam Li Tongshi.

"It seems you came prepared. Here is your contract and the letter of proof," Li Tongshi remarked with a faint smile, retrieving an unsealed envelope from her sleeve and placing it on the tea table.

Her words subtly explained why she and Master Li Yaozu had spent so long in the inner hall discussing the matter—they had been drafting the official letter of release for Wei Tu's emancipation.

"Wei Tu thanks the Master and First Madam," Wei Tu bowed again.

After expressing his gratitude, he took a deep breath and straightened his back. His gaze was now level with Master Li Yaozu and First Madam Li Tongshi.

At this moment, he was no longer a servant of the Li family.

All that remained was to visit the county office and have his slave status officially removed, making him a rightful citizen of Zheng Kingdom, free from servitude.

Seeing this change in demeanor, both Master Li Yaozu and First Madam Li Tongshi felt a subtle discomfort and furrowed their brows slightly.

They had expected Wei Tu to maintain his humility at least until he had stepped out of the Li Manor. Only then would their act of "benevolence" feel well-received.

"Wei Ge'er, go pack your things in the outer quarters. You may leave now," Master Li Yaozu said, his face still carrying a smile, though his heart held a trace of irritation.

He had not personally tested Wei Tu's strength or skills, unlike Xinghua. But he knew that any servant daring enough to seek freedom was not simply being ambitious—there had to be some underlying confidence.

There was an eighty to ninety percent chance that what Wei Tu had claimed about his martial abilities was true.

Even if he failed the upcoming martial examination, a trained martial artist was still a dangerous force. It was best not to create unnecessary enemies.

In recent years, there had been no shortage of landlords and wealthy men in Qingmu County who had met their demise at the hands of vengeful blade-wielding outlaws.

Hearing this, Wei Tu nodded, took the contract and the letter from Chunlan's hands, and left the inner hall.

Once he was gone, peace returned to the Li family's residence.

"Why hasn't lunch been served yet?" First Madam Li Tongshi asked with a hint of irritation. "It's already past noon."

She frowned slightly, wondering if the servants and maids were becoming too lax under her leniency.

"Xinghua left for the market this morning and hasn't returned yet," a maid whispered.

"What? Xinghua still hasn't returned?" Master Li Yaozu, who had just walked over to the dining table, froze for a moment.

His expression darkened instantly. But in the next second, his body stiffened, and a chill ran down his spine as he seemed to realize something.