Li Shuying caught the glint of provocation in Wang Chunhua's eyes and understood at once, this was no mere scolding. This old woman was settling accounts. And just as she had expected, Wang Chunhua's next words were like oil poured over dry tinder, instantly stirring sympathy among the villagers.
"Aiyah… Heaven truly has no eyes!" Wang Chunhua wailed, her voice rising in a shrill lament. "These old bones of mine are already half in the grave, yet I still have to suffer such injustice!" She slapped her thigh hard, her tone turning aggrieved and theatrical. "Last week, that Chen Meilan snatched away the filial money my son Guoqiang sends every month! The very money I keep, bit by bit, to support my old age!"
Her finger shot out accusingly toward Chen Meilan, "And now look at her, using that same money to send her children off to Baicheng, buying all these fancy things like some rich household!" Her gaze fell sharply on Li Jianmin's feet, "Liberation shoes! From the city!" she scoffed loudly. "Tell me, villagers, are such things cheap? Can a poor family like ours afford such extravagance?"
Her voice grew harsher, more cutting. "If that money had been kept properly, if it had been given to the family, it could have fed us all for a whole month!"
With that, she suddenly dropped to the ground, sitting heavily as she began beating her thighs in exaggerated grief. "Aiya! Aiya! What sin did I commit in my past life to have such unfilial descendants?" she cried, her voice echoing across the open yard.
Then, with a sudden shift, her finger jabbed sharply toward Li Shuying, "It's all because of this little vixen!" she snapped viciously. "Who knows what poison Chen Meilan poured into her ears? This girl so young yet so cunning, turning her own grandparents into villains and snatching away the family's allowance!" Her lips twisted with disdain. "And now, instead of saving it, they squander it like water living grandly while the elders tighten their belts!"
Her words fell heavy, each one carefully chosen to incite the crowd.
As murmurs began to stir, Wang Chunhua cast a subtle glance toward Sun Guifeng.
Sun Guifeng caught it. For a moment, hesitation flickered in her eyes. She did not wish to step into this storm, especially not after what had happened last time.
But then her thoughts shifted. The things brought from Baicheng… If they were taken, her Xiaojun would benefit as well.
Suppressing her reluctance, she quickly stepped forward, her expression softening into one of feigned concern. She bent slightly, reaching out to hold Wang Chunhua's hands, stopping her from striking her thighs again.
"Mother… please, don't do this," Sun Guifeng said gently, her voice trembling as if on the verge of tears. "Why are you punishing yourself like this? If others see, what will they think of our family?"
Then she turned toward Chen Meilan, her expression shifting, no longer soft, but edged with reproach. "Chen Meilan," she said, her tone heavy with implication, "is this what you wanted? For Mother to sit on the ground and cry like this? For her to kneel before you in front of everyone?"
Chen Meilan's face turned pale, "No… no, that's not what I meant…" she said hurriedly, her voice trembling. She clasped her hands tightly, her gaze flickering between them in distress. "Sun Guifeng, please understand… these things… they were given by my husband to his children…"
Her voice faltered, thick with emotion, "For four years… my children have been wearing torn cotton shoes... shoes too small for their feet. Their toes would curl inside, their heels rubbed raw…" She glanced back at Li Jianmin and Li Jianguo, her eyes reddening. "This… this is the first time they've ever worn something proper… something that fits…" Her voice broke at the end, barely holding together. "Can you… can you please not take even this away from them?"
The plea hung in the air, soft and fragile. And yet, in the face of Wang Chunhua's loud theatrics and Sun Guifeng's calculated words it seemed unbearably small.
Sun Guifeng's expression hardened at once, "What are you implying, Chen Meilan?" she demanded, her brows knitting as if deeply wronged.
Without waiting for an answer, she turned back toward Wang Chunhua, her voice rising with feigned indignation, "Mother, did you hear that? She's crying again, just like always, trying to make us look like villains in front of everyone."
She than turned to crowd, "Everyone, you all know what happened last time," she began, her voice trembling as though holding back tears. "I went to Chen Meilan's house only to ask for a small loan to buy study materials for my Xiaojun." Her eyes reddened as she continued. "I wasn't asking for charity. I said clearly I would repay it."
She paused, her voice breaking deliberately. "But before I could even finish speaking, this Li Shuying..." she pointed sharply toward the girl, "...she beat my Xiaojun black and blue, beat him until he couldn't even stand properly!"
Sun Guifeng pressed on, her tone growing heavier with each word, "The next day, what happened? Chen Meilan sent all three of her children off to Baicheng as if nothing had happened! But, that night, my Xiaojun was in so much pain he couldn't even sleep. His whole body was bruised… Everyone knows my son studies well. The teachers all say he has hope of entering university one day. So tell me… if Chen Meilan had just lent me that little money, what would have been lost to her? My Xiaojun could have had proper materials… he could have gone further…"
Her lips trembled, "And he would have remembered the favor for a lifetime."
The villagers, already stirred by Wang Chunhua's earlier performance, were quickly swayed. Murmurs rose, growing louder with each passing moment.
One of the older men stepped forward, his tone stern and reproachful, "Chen Meilan, this is not proper conduct," he said. "Just because your family has a bit of money now, does not mean you can treat your husband's family like this."
Another villager nodded in agreement, "That's right. In times of difficulty, helping one another is the greatest virtue. How can you turn your back on your own kin?"
A third man snorted, shaking his head, "Our elders used to say, 'When grain fills the granary, arrogance fills the heart.' Seems those words were not spoken without reason."
A woman nearby chimed in, her brows furrowed, "And what about this girl, Li Shuying? Why does she keep raising her hand against others? First Li Guofu, now Xiaojun…" She clicked her tongue in disapproval, "They are her elders. No matter what, there should be respect."
She hesitated briefly before adding, "Well… Li Guofu may act out of line at times, but Xiaojun? That boy is quiet, well-mannered, never provokes anyone. Such a good child, why would she beat him?"
The crowd stirred again, nods and murmurs spreading like ripples in water.
Widow He could no longer endure the tide of accusations. She stepped forward abruptly, "Enough! Do not believe whoever shouts the loudest and calls it truth," she said firmly. "I was present that day when Sun Guifeng came to ask for money. Her son, Zhao Xiaojun, did not come to borrow with sincerity. He came with threats. He said that if Chen Meilan did not hand over the money, he would spread rumors that her children were unfilial, ruin the reputation of her children and their future prospects."
Widow He's voice grew sharper, "So tell me, under such circumstances, why should Li Shuying not raise her hand? Should one bow their head and accept humiliation in silence?"
Lu Lingmei, standing beside her, nodded in agreement and stepped forward as well, "I was there too," she said clearly. "Zhao Xiaojun and his mother were not asking for a loan, they were coercing her. This was nothing but blackmail. Is this how one seeks help from family?"
Sun Guifeng's expression darkened instantly. Her lips parted, ready to retaliate, but before she could speak, another voice cut in.
"There is no way my elder brother would do such a thing."
All eyes turned. Zhao Hongmei stepped forward, her eyes already rimmed red, her voice quivering with emotion. Gone was the earlier hostility on her face; in its place was a fragile vulnerability that seemed almost genuine.
Li Shuying's gaze shifted to her, a flicker of surprise crossing her eyes. There was something… off.
Zhao Hongmei seemed different. Not merely pitiful, but strangely radiant, as though a faint, intangible glow clung to her presence. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, yet unmistakable.
Li Shuying felt a faint chill.
It was the same… as that day… She remembered the moment she had first awakened in this life, how Zhao Hongmei had seemed to carry that same elusive aura, the Protogonist halo.
Zhao Hongmei continued softly, "My brother… is the kindest person I know. Since childhood, he has always taught me to be honest, to be humble, to treat others with virtue and kindness." Her voice broke slightly as she turned toward the villagers. "Uncles, aunts… all of you have watched him grow. You have seen his conduct with your own eyes." Her gaze trembled, pleading, "Do you truly believe… that he could do something so shameless?"
A silence fell. Then something shifted. The villagers' expressions softened almost instinctively. There was a quiet sincerity in Zhao Hongmei's voice, something disarming in her eyes that stirred a protective instinct within the crowd.
One of the elders frowned and spoke up, "Widow He, how can you say such things about a child?" he said, his tone reproachful. "Do you think we have no eyes? We have all seen Zhao Xiaojun grow up, he would not behave in such a manner."
Another villager nodded in agreement, "That's right. And everyone knows that Chen Meilan and Widow He are close. Of course she would speak in her favor." She turned to the others, her voice gaining conviction, "If you ask me, what Chen Meilan and her daughter did to Wang Chunhua's family is improper. They should make amends and compensate for what has been done."
Murmurs of agreement spread rapidly. One after another, villagers nodded, voices rising in quiet support.
"Yes, that is only fair."
"Family harmony must be maintained."
"Compensation should be given."
The tide had turned once more.
Then, from somewhere within the crowd, a voice rang out, "Why not ask Brigade Leader Liu to judge this matter? Was it not him who handled the matter last week? If there was bias then, let it be clarified now in front of everyone."
Within the restless crowd, Li Changfu's narrow eyes flickered with calculation. He gave a subtle nod toward the man who had just spoken, a faint, knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his lips.
Leaning slightly toward the figure beside him, he murmured under his breath, "Now… this is our chance."
The man at his side was Li Changde, his cousin, of the same generation, yet markedly different in bearing. Li Changde was a man worn by years but sharpened by them, his frame lean, his posture upright despite age. Deep lines etched his face like carved grooves, and his eyes shrewd, watchful, and coldly calculating missed little. His features were angular, almost severe, giving him an air of shrewdness that made others wary even in silence.
Li Changde cast him a measured glance. "Will you handle this properly?" he asked in a low, even tone.
Li Changfu gave a slight nod, confidence evident in his expression, "Do not worry," he replied. "Your sister-in-law has already stirred half the fire. I only need to fan the flames a little."
Li Changde said nothing further. He simply followed.
By the time Li Changfu stepped forward, the smirk had vanished from his face, replaced by a carefully crafted look of sorrow and indignation. His movements were slow, deliberate, as though weighed down by years of grievance.
He approached Wang Chunhua, who was still seated on the ground wailing, and spoke in a voice tinged with weary reproach, "Enough. Do not waste your tears on matters that will only turn against you in the end."
Then he turned, lifting his gaze toward the gathered villagers, especially the elders of his generation, "Now you all see it clearly, do you not?" he said, his tone steady but heavy with implication. "The bias of Liu Zhenshen."
"What happened last week?" he continued. "Why did none of you step forward then? We are all old now. We rely on the younger generation to carry us forward. So tell me, what is wrong if I keep the money my own son sends as filial support?" He paused, then gestured sharply toward Li Jianmin and Li Jianguo, "And yet, look at this. That same money is now being squandered like water."
He let out a long sigh, shaking his head. "And what can one expect from Liu Zhenshen?" he added, his voice lowering, laced with bitterness. "Would he ever decide in my favor? After all, I once opposed his appointment as brigade leader." His hand shifted, pointing toward Li Changde, "And my cousin here, his direct competitor for that very position."
Li Shuying's brows furrowed slightly. Something felt off. Why was Li Changfu bringing this up now? This was no longer about shoes or money, it was drifting into something deeper, something more calculated.
But before she could grasp it fully a voice cut through the murmurs like a blade, "So this is what you think of me, Li Changfu?"
The crowd parted instinctively. Liu Zhenshen strode forward, his expression dark. He had heard everything. Earlier, someone had rushed to inform him of the commotion. Leaving behind the ongoing discussion with the commune secretary and county cadres, he had come at once and arrived just in time.
His sharp gaze swept over the crowd before settling on Li Changde, "So, Team Leader Li," he said, his tone measured but edged with steel, "do you support what Li Changfu has just said?"
Li Changde did not flinch. His expression remained composed, his voice calm and deliberate, "Brigade Leader Liu," he replied, "this is not about what my brother thinks… nor what I think."
He lifted his hand slightly, gesturing toward the villagers, "It is about what the people think." Then, with quiet precision, he pointed toward Chen Meilan, "Last week, the decision you made, many felt it was biased. And now, the consequences stand before us for all to see."
A tense silence followed. Liu Zhenshen's gaze hardened. He turned slowly, letting his eyes pass over the gathered villagers, his voice rising with controlled authority, "Do all of you understand where you are standing?" he demanded. "County cadres are present in our village today. Is this the image you wish to present before them?"
No one dared to answer. Then his gaze snapped back to Li Changfu, sharp as a drawn blade, "And you," he said coldly. "If you truly believe my decision was biased, then why not take this matter to the Public Security Bureau?" His voice dropped, each word deliberate. "Let the law decide. Let us see whether it protects a military dependent… or the stubborn pride of your old bones."
In an instant the entire crowd fell silent.
Wang Chunhua, however, was not willing to retreat so easily, "Then what about the injustice my family has suffered?" she cried, slapping her thigh for emphasis. "This wretched girl, Li Shuying, has beaten my son and even my grandson! Brigade Leader Liu, why do you say nothing about that?"
Li Changfu stepped forward in support, his tone firm yet carrying a subtle edge, "Exactly, Brigade Leader Liu," he said. "Why does your sense of righteousness seem to apply only to others? When it comes to my family, you dismiss everything so lightly."
He clasped his hands behind his back, "Last time, during the discussion, you said Li Jianhua's education is of utmost importance, not just for his family, but for the entire village. On that, I agreed. My wife was indeed wrong to force him to abandon his studies."
He paused, then his expression hardened slightly, "But now tell me, Zhao Xiaojun merely asked for a loan to buy study materials. For that, Li Shuying beat him. How is that justified?"
Sun Guifeng immediately followed, her voice trembling with grievance, "That's right! My Xiaojun was beaten badly. You can still see the bruises on his body even now!"
The murmurs began again.
One of the villagers stepped forward, frowning, "Although Zhao Xiaojun may not be as outstanding as Li Jianhua, he does not top the county, he is still a promising student. He has a chance to enter university. He is also a hope for the village."
Another voice chimed in quickly, "If Li Jianhua deserves fairness, then Zhao Xiaojun deserves the same!"
"Yes, that's true."
"Exactly!"
"And more importantly," someone added loudly, "Zhao Xiaojun is her elder cousin in the family hierarchy. No matter what, Li Shuying should not have raised her hand against him."
Voices overlapped, agreement spreading like wildfire through dry grass.
For a moment, it seemed as though Li Changfu's words had found firm footing among the people.
Liu Zhenshen stood at the center of it all, his temples beginning to throb. His gaze swept sharply over Li Changfu and Li Changde, and in that instant, he understood.
This was no coincidence. This entire situation had been carefully steered. Years ago, when the position of brigade leader was to be decided, two names had been put forward by the commune secretary and the Party secretary, his own… and Li Changde's.
In the end, it was him who had been appointed, largely due to the Party secretary's favorable impression of him.
The Li family, led by Li Changfu, had opposed that decision fiercely at the time. But opposition had changed nothing.
Later, Li Changde had been appointed as a production team leader, and the matter had been set aside, on the surface.
Yet resentment had not faded. And now… His term was nearing its end. In less than half a year, the position of brigade leader would once again be open for selection, and this time, once again he stood a strong chance.
That's why he knew, today's chaos was no mere family dispute. It was a stage.
A carefully crafted spectacle, played out before the eyes of the villagers… and more importantly, before the visiting county cadres.
Li Changfu and Li Changde had seized the moment with precision, guiding the situation step by step into open conflict, so that every flaw, every crack in Liu Zhenshen's authority, would be laid bare for all to see.