Chapter Thirty-Seven: Entering the Game

Three consecutive wins.

Liu Tie Niu suddenly felt as if he were floating, lightheaded with elation. He even imagined that if he won a few more rounds, he could afford to buy a decent little courtyard. Then, how would that troublesome wife dare to throw a tantrum again?

He silently recited this in his heart.

But who could have guessed, in the fourth round, he wagered half his winnings—and lost.

“Ah, what a shame!”

“Are you going to keep playing? If not, you should leave. You look like someone who can’t handle losing!”

“That’s right, only willing to play with small bets, but as soon as the stakes get higher, you panic.”

Clearly, these were instigators, most of them arranged by the Bai family. They manipulated the gamblers’ psychology, making them lose more and owe more.

“Who said I’m leaving? Let’s continue!”

Upon hearing of Liu Tie Niu’s brawl, Han Qing was furious. He had Er Zhuang find a few desperate men, and in a nearby alley, they beat Liu Tie Niu brutally.

His leg was ruined.

“Han Qing, the things your sister suffered in her husband’s house are my fault. I’ve let you down,” she sobbed.

Perhaps it was the times, but women had become conditioned to shoulder blame that was never theirs, as if every misdeed of the husband’s family was somehow their fault.

“This isn’t your burden to bear. The blame lies with that useless man. I hope you can see clearly and know how to decide,” Han Qing said solemnly.

He didn’t want her to cry for days and then return, reconciling. That would make his anger pointless.

“I’ve already brought back the dowry Mother gave me. There’s nothing left worth remembering.”

Now, she was like a reed adrift, pitiful, yet weathered, as if she could be swept away at any moment.

“Good, as long as your mind is made up.”

Han Qing decided to write the divorce letter himself and send it directly to the Liu family, detailing every clause and condition clearly.

When the Liu family received the divorce letter, they were instantly enraged.

“How do you discipline your wife? It’s rare for anyone to divorce a husband’s family. Isn’t this a slap in the face for the Liu family?” The old Liu patriarch growled angrily.

Yet he’d never uttered a word about his son’s reckless ways.

“Father, if she doesn’t want to stay, let her go. Why make a fuss?” Liu Tie Niu no longer cared. He couldn’t raise his head in front of the Han family anyway. Since they wanted a divorce, he might as well live separately.

“You think it’s that easy? Once word gets out, won’t it disgrace our family? I refuse to allow this divorce. And look at how the Han family is getting richer! Why don’t you try speaking a few honeyed words?”

Face wasn’t the main concern; he simply didn’t want to lose such a wealthy in-law. If trouble arose in the future, they might need the Han family’s help.

Hearing this, Liu Tie Niu perked up. The last time he’d lost over two hundred taels at the gambling den, he’d meant to leave once he won, but the instigators provoked him into borrowing more.

The gambling den had granted him only a week of grace.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he replied, “Understood.”

Shamelessly, Liu Tie Niu went to visit the Han family again. No one hits a smiling face.

His ingratiating manner was likely not just about avoiding divorce.

He limped as he walked.

“Tie Niu, how did you suddenly lose the use of your leg?” Han Qing asked coldly, stabbing straight at his heart.

“Brother-in-law, I tripped one night walking around. It’ll heal in a few days,” he replied, face shifting, quickly finding an excuse.

“No matter, as long as you could come. I had intended to visit and discuss compensation after the divorce, but since you’re here, let’s speak plainly.”

Compensation? Liu Tie Niu’s face darkened.

He had no idea such a thing was required.

“Brother-in-law, you must be joking. It’s just a minor marital spat, a little misunderstanding. After all, couples quarrel, but isn’t it said that pillow fights end at the bed’s edge?”

But—

“These charges have already been reported to the county magistrate, who has approved a proper divorce. And every penny of compensation will be paid in full.”

That—

Tie Niu was utterly bewildered.

“Please, don’t joke to scare me. I really do have something to ask of you.”

Liu Tie Niu could only steel himself and state his purpose.

“The compensation isn’t much. The small house you’re living in now will be given to my sister. Once this is settled, you can come to me for help if you wish.”

He knew exactly what mattered most.

“Fine, I won’t keep the house.”

“Bring the deed here first, then we’ll discuss what comes next.”

Liu Tie Niu closed his eyes, gritted his teeth, and steeled himself. There would be other ways to earn money in the future; losing the house was not the end. The urgent matter was to pay off his debts and save his own skin.

His sister wanted to intervene, seeing how he demanded so much, “I know you’re acting for my sake, but the favors he’ll ask of you later will be troublesome. What should I do?”

“It’s fine. Leave everything to me.”

He had Xiu Xiu lead her inside to speak more with their mother. Since she married out, she rarely saw her mother.

It seemed Liu Tie Niu was truly desperate.

In less than half an hour, he rushed back with the deed, even painfully giving up the house and signing the divorce papers.

“Brother-in-law, now you must help me, surely?”

“Go ahead, but let me remind you: from now on, address me as Master Han.”

There was no kinship left between them. Whether he would help was another matter.

“I’d like to borrow just over two hundred taels.”

“I can lend it to you, but what collateral do you have? If you want to borrow silver from me with nothing to pledge, isn’t that a bit ridiculous?”

He asked coldly.

Liu Tie Niu knew his situation was no longer what it once was. There was nothing in his home worth two hundred taels. Was he really to wait for death?

“The family has my parents’ residence, but it’s not worth that much.”

“You can work for me. If I’m not mistaken, your debt is owed to the Bai family’s gambling den. What you need is to earn the Bai family’s trust.”

What?

Tie Niu was stunned.

The Bai family’s steward had suggested a similar approach, not to waive the debt, but to buy him some time.

Why did both want to use him for their own purposes?