In truth, Old Lady Fan's demeanor was frosty. As Qiao Xuan took her seat, Old Lady Fan fixed her with a sneer. "Madam Shao, what brings you here to detain my two sons?"
Qiao Xuan maintained a composed smile. "Didn't Old Master Fan correspond with us, Old Lady? He elucidated the situation thoroughly. Our Lord has shown leniency by imposing a mere one thousand taels of silver as punishment. However, anticipating any misconceptions, I've come to clarify matters."
She extended a small token. "This is a gesture of our Lord's goodwill."
Fan Ruyin couldn't resist interjecting, "Madam Shao, you're correct. Our family's finances aren't bottomless. Isn't demanding nearly ten thousand taels a bit excessive? I speak plainly, Madam Shao, please don't take offense."
