Chapter 192: The Dispute Between Concubines

Cheng Huazi’s shout stunned everyone present.

Cheng Jingmo’s expression was stern, and he looked down at Cheng Huazi with cold eyes. “Dad, if Third Brother’s wife doesn’t apologize today, this matter isn’t over!”

This was the first time Cheng Jingmo had shown such determination and force. The Cheng family was taken aback!

To them, Cheng Jingmo was usually quiet and had no temper; he never contradicted Cheng Huazi and Mu Huanzhen.

Facing Cheng Jingmo’s gaze, Cheng Huazi felt suddenly unsteady.

He mouthed but made no sound.

Cheng Shuan tried to stay calm and pushed Cheng Jingmo, “Why should my wife apologize? Your wife and your child both hit my wife. Even if an apology is needed, it should be from both of you!”

“Don’t lay hands on me—you can’t beat me!” Cheng Jingmo said, turning his gaze back to Zhang Hongli. “I’ll say it one last time: apologize!”

Zhang Hongli burst into tears and called out to Mu Huanzhen, “Mom…”

Mu Huanzhen was also intimidated by Cheng Jingmo’s aura, but she had always had a good relationship with Third Brother’s family.

At this moment, her most favored daughter-in-law was seeking her help, but she still stood her ground.

She said softly, “Brother Jianwa, let’s just forget about it. We’re family, and it’s not worth ruining the harmony. Third Brother’s wife did make a mistake, but your wife and child both hit her…”

Before she could finish, Cheng Jingmo interrupted, “No apology, is it?”

“Then I’ll report it to the police!” Cheng Jingmo grabbed Zhang Hongli’s shoulder and walked towards the door. “These few pieces of paper are worth at least one hundred yuan. She needs to be compensated properly!”

“What?!”

The Cheng family was shocked. A few pieces of paper couldn’t possibly be worth one hundred yuan!

Everyone was skeptical but didn’t want to escalate the situation.

Cheng Shuan stepped forward and grabbed Cheng Jingmo, “Brother Jianwa, don’t make a big deal out of this. I’ll talk to them.”

He glared at Zhang Hongli and said harshly, “Still not apologizing?!”

Zhang Hongli looked at Cheng Huazi and Mu Huanzhen.

Though Cheng Huazi and Mu Huanzhen looked pale, they said nothing.

When Cheng Shuan heard about the large sum of money, he immediately wilted.

Cheng Shuan added, “Third Brother’s wife, do you want to be taken to the police station?!”

Zhang Hongli, no longer in the earlier combative mood, dejectedly said, “I’m sorry.”

Cheng Jingmo pulled Zhang Hongli back to Yu Xiangnian, “Say it to her!”

Zhang Hongli bowed her head and said, “Sister-in-law, I’m sorry.”

Yu Xiangnian replied coldly, “Leave. I won’t forgive you.”

“Get out, all of you!” Mu Huanzhen hurriedly ushered everyone out.

The room was left with just the three of them.

Cheng Jingmo placed the manuscript on the table and carefully observed Yu Xiangnian’s face. “There’s a small tear. Are there any other injuries?”

Yu Xiangnian shook her head despondently.

“And Xiao Jie?” Cheng Jingmo asked again.

Xiao Jie gave a similar response.

Cheng Jingmo sighed inwardly. “Xiao Jie, go to bed for now. I need to talk to your aunt alone.”

Xiao Jie left, closing the door behind him.

Cheng Jingmo held Yu Xiangnian in his arms and, feeling guilty, said, “I’m sorry. You’ve been wronged.”

Yu Xiangnian didn’t return the hug, only saying, “I want to take a bath.”

“Okay, I’ll heat some water.”

Cheng Jingmo went to heat water while Yu Xiangnian sat dejectedly on the edge of the bed.

This afternoon, when she came home after getting out of the car and opened the door, she was startled.

Zhang Hongli was on her knees on the bed, rummaging through things.

Zhang Hongli was equally startled by Yu Xiangnian’s sudden return.

Caught in the act, Zhang Hongli sheepishly got off the bed, said nothing, and tried to leave.

Yu Xiangnian stopped her and asked coldly, “What were you looking for?”

Zhang Hongli tried to argue, “What was I looking for? I was just checking how well you made the bed and bedding.”

Yu Xiangnian snorted, “Was it you last time, too?”

Zhang Hongli played dumb, “What last time?”

Yu Xiangnian said, “Stop pretending to be clueless! How many times have you sneaked into my room?”

Zhang Hongli, infuriated, snapped, “Stop throwing dirt!”

Yu Xiangnian retorted coldly, “So me accusing you of sneaking around is throwing dirt? Can’t you have any shame?”

Zhang Hongli, furious and embarrassed, said, “Your room has nothing of value. What’s so special about it? So what if I came in?”

“Ha! You admit it!” Yu Xiangnian said assertively, “Your behavior is that of a thief!”

Zhang Hongli, enraged, shouted, “What have I stolen from you?!”

She saw the manuscript papers on the table, grabbed them, and waved them around, “I don’t even care about these worthless things!”

Yu Xiangnian, now angered, pointed at Zhang Hongli and said, “Put them down!”

“I won’t!”

Seeing Yu Xiangnian’s anger, Zhang Hongli felt more vindicated and continued to slap the papers around.

“I’m telling you one more time: put them down!” Yu Xiangnian said fiercely.

“Hmph!” Zhang Hongli felt even more satisfied seeing Yu Xiangnian upset. “It’s just a few pieces of paper. Even if I tear them up, what can you do about it?”

With that, Zhang Hongli tore the papers into three pieces.

Yu Xiangnian rushed over and slapped Zhang Hongli across the face.

Zhang Hongli was hit, threw the papers away, and started fighting Yu Xiangnian.

Xiao Jie heard the commotion and ran in to help Yu Xiangnian.

In the end, the Cheng family members arrived and separated them.

Even though Zhang Hongli was clearly at fault, Cheng Jingmo’s parents were inclined to avoid further conflict and hoped the matter would die down.

Fortunately, Cheng Jingmo returned.

Without asking for details, he stood firmly on Yu Xiangnian’s side based solely on the torn papers.

Earlier, Cheng Jingmo had stood his ground for her, not giving any face to Cheng Huazi or Mu Huanzhen, which warmed Yu Xiangnian’s heart.

It was Cheng Jingmo’s attitude that helped Yu Xiangnian endure the evening.

But she still regretted coming here!

When she received that telegram, she thought Cheng Jingmo’s family genuinely missed and cared for him.

After all, Cheng Jingmo hadn’t been home for ten years, and she wanted to live a good life with him. She thought it was right to meet his family and suggested going back with him.

She didn’t expect Cheng Jingmo’s background and family to be like this!

The water was ready, and Yu Xiangnian went to take a bath, not speaking a word to Cheng Jingmo afterwards.

Cheng Jingmo felt even worse than Yu Xiangnian.

He would rather suffer himself than let Yu Xiangnian endure any distress.

He took Yu Xiangnian back to her room and turned to leave, “I’ll go get some aloe to treat your wounds.”

Yu Xiangnian finally spoke to him, “Don’t bother, it can’t be applied.”

Cheng Jingmo: “…”

Their traditional remedy was to use aloe on wounds.

But since Yu Xiangnian said it couldn’t be applied, it surely meant it couldn’t be used.

Yu Xiangnian added, “You should go wash up. It’s getting late.”