Chapter 697: Chapter 697: Holding the Axe

During Zhu Hongyun's moment of hesitation, the sisters Qiao Zhaodi and Qiao Yindi had already entered Zhu Hongyun's room.

When Tong Er Lang married Zhu Hongyun, it was the zenith of the Tong Family's prosperity. Although Zhu Hongyun's dowry was meager, the betrothal gifts from the Tongs were considerable, including a set of silver head ornaments and a gold hairpin weighing three taels.

Zhu Hongyun kept these items locked away, never daring to wear them on normal days.

Beyond these items, her belongings were plain: a simple dressing table, a bed, a trunk, a table---no different from those in any other farmer's home.

Qiao Zhaodi and Qiao Yindi casually looked around, turning over pillows and coverlets, shuffling through the dressing table and under the bed. The only thing left was the trunk by the bed.

The two of them lifted the trunk out. It was locked and they couldn't open it.