Chapter 17.1

When Liu Hechang mentioned breaking off the engagement, not only did Qin Caiyun’s face turn pale, but even Qin Lei, a man of strong disposition, became enraged. He shouted, “Dream on! You want to break off the engagement after having been with my daughter? Over my dead body!”

Qin Lei’s voice was loud, so loud that not only the villagers inside the room heard him clearly, but even those gathered in his yard to watch the commotion caught every word.

Qin Caiyun’s face turned ashen immediately upon hearing her father’s words.

Liu Hechang, also alarmed, quickly defended himself, “What nonsense! Who was with your daughter? I’ve done nothing improper with her! If you don’t believe me, ask your daughter yourself!” The reason Liu Hechang dared to suggest ending the engagement was precisely because he had never touched Qin Caiyun.

The villagers, including Zheng Guihua, instantly focused their attention on Qin Caiyun’s face.

At that moment, a single word from Qin Caiyun could determine the direction this matter would take.

Under the intense gaze of everyone, Qin Caiyun’s face alternated between red and white.

She felt bitter resentment, not only toward Liu Hechang for wanting to break off the engagement but also toward her father for ruining her reputation in front of everyone.

By bringing up such a matter publicly, whether it was true or not, she knew her chances of a clean reputation in life were over.

With gritted teeth, Qin Caiyun fixed her gaze firmly on Liu Hechang. “Comrade Liu, you let me stay at your house that night because you promised to marry me, so I stayed. Now, in my time of trouble, you want to end things. Aren’t you just forcing me to a dead end?”

As she finished speaking, Qin Caiyun threw herself into Zhu Hongxia’s arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Her tears were genuine.

She wept because of Liu Hechang’s lack of manly responsibility, because her father prioritized personal gain over his daughter’s well-being, and because of her own wounded scalp from being scratched by a goose. She worried whether her hair would ever grow back.

The thought of being left with a bald patch horrified her!

Her sorrowful sobs filled the room, and the sight of Zhu Hongxia and her daughter in such a pitiful state left Zheng Guihua, the village’s leading woman, with a dark, grim expression.

Although Qin Caiyun’s response didn’t directly confirm or deny whether anything had happened that night, the fact that a young, unmarried woman had stayed overnight at a man’s house was already inappropriate.

Liu Hechang’s attempt to break off the engagement couldn’t be easily brushed aside. Otherwise, Kaoshan Village would lose its reputation and respect.

Zheng Guihua, though annoyed at Qin Caiyun’s lack of propriety and self-respect, knew she had to step in and help clean up the mess.

After a few moments of contemplation, she spoke up, “This matter is not just a family issue for Qin Lei; it concerns the whole Kaoshan Village. Neither of you can decide on this matter alone, and I certainly can’t either. Although the village Party Secretary isn’t here, the Security Director is. Qin Jianming, go and ask the Security Director to come and ensure fairness in this situation.”

Liu Hechang might be the head of the farm workers’ union, but Kaoshan Village wasn’t a place that could be bullied without consequence.

Qin Jianming, quick to understand, immediately dashed out of the house as soon as he received Zheng Guihua’s instructions.

No sooner had he stepped outside than the villagers, who had been eavesdropping in the courtyard, surrounded him. With curious excitement, they began peppering him with questions.

“Qin Jianming, what’s going on? Your brother-in-law slept with your sister and dares not to marry her?”

“Jianming, did he really sleep with her, or is that just a rumor?”

“Your brother-in-law wouldn’t be one of those who’s after the prettiest girl in the Qin family, would he?”

“I think he’s dreaming! If he slept with her and won’t marry, we’ll break his legs.”

“That’s right, break his legs! Otherwise, some people will really think our Kaoshan Village is easy to bully. Coming here to insult our daughters?”

“We can’t let this old man off so easily!”

“Yes, don’t let him off!”

Although most of the villagers remaining in the settlement were elderly or those unable to walk up the mountains, many couldn’t help but think of their own daughters as they discussed Qin Caiyun’s broken engagement. They wouldn’t tolerate Liu Hechang trying to deny responsibility after taking advantage of a girl.

As they spoke, the crowd grew increasingly indignant.

“The Director asked me to fetch the Security Director; everyone, make way.” Qin Jianming kept his head lowered, avoiding the villagers’ eyes. At sixteen, he felt deeply embarrassed by his sister’s situation; the idea of her being with someone before marriage left him feeling ashamed.

“Step aside, everyone, let Jianming go get the Security Director. This matter can’t end here. The Security Director should come and set things right for the Qin family. We can’t let anyone bully people in Kaoshan Village.”

Zheng Guihua’s voice, though she was inside the house, was too quiet for those outside to hear. However, as soon as they realized that Qin Jianming was going to fetch the Security Director, the more perceptive among them quickly understood the gravity of the situation and moved to clear his path.

“Yes, yes, everyone, let him through. Jianming, hurry and bring the Security Director to deliver justice!”

Families with daughters yet to be married were especially eager to help him along, calling out in support.

Within seconds, the road that had been obstructed was cleared, and Qin Jianming, his face flushed with embarrassment, ran off in a hurry.

As they watched him disappear into the distance, the villagers exchanged looks, their expressions a mix of schadenfreude directed at the Qin family’s troubles and deep concern. If Kaoshan Village became known for such a scandal, it could have a significant impact on the marriages of other families’ daughters—an impact that would be far from trivial.

People muttered that Qin Caiyun was out of line, and that her parents, Qin Lei and his wife, weren’t much better.

As the sun began to set, none of the villagers returned to their homes. They waited, unwilling to leave without seeing the outcome. They tucked their hands into their sleeves to keep warm, huddling together in the courtyard of Qin Lei’s house, determined to witness how this would end.

Meanwhile, Qin Jianming encountered Security Director Qian Xiangyang halfway down the road.

The news of the wild boar attack on Zheng Guihua and the others had already caused a stir in the village by the time they arrived.

As Security Director, Qian Xiangyang had taken it upon himself to help, so he went straight to find the old hunter known for treating injuries from animal attacks and falls.

The old hunter, who had spent his youth hunting in the mountains, had become quite skilled in treating injuries from years of experience.

He specialized in treating wounds from animal attacks and bruises from falls.

As Qian Xiangyang hurried toward Qin Lei’s house, supporting the old hunter, they encountered Qin Jianming.

“Director, Deputy Zheng asked me to get you to come to my house right away.” Qin Jianming blurted out as soon as he saw them.

“What’s going on?” Qian Xiangyang, a shrewd man, instantly sensed something more. The moment Qin Jianming opened his mouth, he could tell this was something serious.

At the question, Qin Jianming’s face turned crimson. Glancing hesitantly at Qian Xiangyang and the old hunter, he stammered, unable to bring himself to explain the matter of Liu Hechang wanting to break off the engagement.

“Stop mumbling and speak like a man! Just tell me what’s going on!”

Qian Xiangyang, with years of experience and an instinct for village affairs, knew that if Zheng Guihua was calling him, it had to be important.

Without understanding the situation, he couldn’t make a decision, and seeing Qin Jianming stammering, his anger rose rapidly.

Scared pale by the scolding, Qin Jianming no longer dared to hold back and confessed everything about Liu Hechang and Qin Caiyun.

Hearing it all, Qian Xiangyang nearly sighed up at the sky in exasperation.

Zhu Hongxia, seriously injured and still uncertain whether she would survive, had already become a significant issue.

Now, her soon-to-be son-in-law was causing more trouble, making things even worse.

Though Qian Xiangyang thought to himself that this man really knew how to stir up trouble, he knew the situation had to be handled quickly. He turned to Qin Jianming and said, “Help Uncle Lin and follow me. I’ll go to your house first.”

“Yes, Director.” Qin Jianming quickly took over the task of supporting the old hunter and also grabbed the medicine box that Qian Xiangyang handed him.

Qian Xiangyang exchanged a brief word with the old hunter before hurrying towards the Qin family’s house.

In his haste, by the time he arrived at Qin Lei’s house, beads of sweat had formed on his forehead. Seeing the villagers squatting in the yard gossiping, his expression darkened even further, and he shouted, “Everyone, go home now! It’s freezing cold, and if you don’t go back soon, you might not make it through the winter.”

Winter in their region was bitterly cold, and the elderly and infirm were the most vulnerable to illness. Yet, despite the freezing conditions, the villagers’ curiosity had gotten the better of them. Qian Xiangyang couldn’t help but feel frustrated with them.

Hearing the shout, the villagers lowered their heads in embarrassment, but some still gathered the courage to speak.

“Director Qian, you have to stand up for Kaoshan Village. Don’t let outsiders bully us!”

“Yes, Director Qian, you have a daughter too. You must seek justice for all our daughters in Kaoshan Village!”

“Stop spreading rumors and go back to your own homes. Don’t make things worse!”

Qian Xiangyang’s face darkened with anger after hearing their comments. The situation was still being kept quiet, and yet they were already gossiping and causing trouble. If no one had made a big deal out of it, there wouldn’t have been any problems to begin with. It was frustrating how narrow-minded they could be.

Seeing that Qian Xiangyang was genuinely upset, the villagers quickly shrank back and began heading home.

Liu Sangunzi was among the crowd.

His eyes darted back and forth, first glancing toward Qin Qingman’s yard, then looking back at Qin Lei’s. In the end, he followed the crowd back to his home with a thoughtful look on his face.

Liu Sangunzi’s family was destitute. The only thing he had left was a small wooden house his parents had left behind. If it hadn’t been for the fact that his parents had passed away, the 32-year-old Liu Sangunzi wouldn’t have been in such dire straits, struggling so much that he couldn’t even find a wife.

Thinking back on what he’d heard in Qin Lei’s yard, Liu Sangunzi couldn’t stop his mind from turning.

He had once considered pursuing Qin Qingman, especially since both of their families were in similar circumstances after the death of her parents.

If it hadn’t been for his disdain for her being too skinny and unable to do much work, he would have already hired a matchmaker to propose to her.

But this hesitation had allowed Qin Qingman’s life to improve.

Now, thinking of the two hefty geese in the Qin family yard, Liu Sangunzi realized that Qin Qingman’s life had certainly become more prosperous.

Seeing how well she managed her household, he no longer minded her weight. In fact, he was now planning to hire a matchmaker to propose to her in a few days.

—o—o—o—

While Liu Sangunzi was lost in his daydreams, Qin Qingman was on her way home with Wei Ling.

The days in northeast China were short during the winter, and by 4 p.m., the sky was already darkening. As they approached Kaoshan Village, Qin Qingman felt it would be inappropriate to trouble Wei Ling any further.

They were standing at a perfect spot to part ways.

To the left was Kaoshan Village; to the right was the direction to the Military Camp.

“Comrade Wei, that’s Kaoshan Village. It’s safe here, so I’ll get off now. Thank you for bringing me down the mountain.” Qin Qingman said, pointing to Kaoshan Village, preparing to dismount.

“I’ll take you back.”

Wei Ling stopped her from getting off the horse. In this heavy snow, the horse would definitely get her there faster than walking.

Without his help, Qin Qingman wouldn’t make it back to the village before dark, but with him, they could reach her home in less than twenty minutes.

Having already been escorted by Wei Ling all the way down the mountain, Qin Qingman felt embarrassed to trouble him further. She quickly and politely declined, saying, “Comrade Wei, the Military Camp is farther, and it’s dangerous to travel in the dark. You really don’t need to send me any further. This is close to the village, and there won’t be any wild animals around here.”

Wei Ling fell silent.

He had been mentally preparing himself for this moment throughout their journey, but he still hadn’t figured out how to approach the situation.

“Comrade Wei…?”

Seeing that Wei Ling didn’t respond, Qin Qingman started to feel anxious.

Having encountered danger on the mountain today and now being delayed until this late hour, she was worried about how Zhu Hongxia and the others would explain things to Chuchu.

If Chuchu became worried and came looking for her, it could cause even more trouble.

Qin Qingman’s voice seemed to pull Wei Ling back from his thoughts. Feeling the weight on his shoulder, he had a sudden idea. “Comrade Qin, you’ve earned half the credit for bringing down that wild boar, so I should share the meat with you.”

Thud!

Qin Qingman’s throat involuntarily moved as her heart skipped a beat.

She had long coveted the boar.

Such a large one meant countless servings of meat, enough for her and Chuchu to nourish themselves for a long time.

But she also knew that the boar had been killed by Wei Ling, and it was his prize. In fact, he had saved her life today. She felt too embarrassed to ask for the meat herself. Now that Wei Ling had offered, her heart couldn’t help but be moved.

She was deeply moved.

This was a time when everything was still rationed by tickets. Getting a meal of meat was no easy task, especially in the countryside, where life was even harder.

Qin Qingman’s silence was enough to show her interest.

Wei Ling let out a quiet sigh of relief and gently tapped the horse’s rear.

The horse, which he had long since developed perfect coordination with, began moving towards Kaoshan Village.

This action not only relieved Qin Qingman’s awkwardness but also gave Wei Ling a valid reason to continue accompanying her.

At this point, Qin Qingman didn’t try to be coy. After a moment of thought, she sincerely said, “Comrade Wei, my family really needs some meat to replenish our body. I won’t be polite about it. We don’t have money, and we can’t get tickets, but I can cook. If you ever have the time, come to my house for a meal, and I’ll make something for you.”

This was probably the simplest, most sincere form of gratitude in the countryside.

In exchange for half a boar and the chance to have someone cook for him, Wei Ling felt incredibly content. “Alright.” he said with a smile.

Out of Qin Qingman’s view, his lips curled up in a satisfied grin. He felt in high spirits.

Once they had come to an understanding, the two of them continued their walk towards Kaoshan Village in a comfortable silence.

—o—o—o—

Meanwhile, Qian Xiangyang had already spent some time trying to reason with Liu Hechang at Qin Lei’s house.

However, since meeting Qin Qingman in person, Liu Hechang had grown increasingly repelled by Qin Caiyun.

No matter what, he was determined to break off the engagement.

Liu Hechang was immovable, and Qian Xiangyang, now frustrated, began to speak in a more forceful tone. “Comrade Liu, marriage is not a trivial matter. You must think carefully. You are the chairman of the farm union, and your reputation is sometimes more important than anything else.”

Qian Xiangyang was not like Zhu Hongxia and her husband, who were easily swayed. He knew Liu Hechang well enough.

While some of the things people said about Liu Hechang were just rumors, as the saying went, “Where there’s smoke, there’s fire.” Liu Hechang had a bad reputation, and Qian Xiangyang wasn’t going to let him throw his weight around in Kaoshan Village. He needed to show Liu Hechang that he couldn’t just act without consequences.

Qian Xiangyang had the confidence to stand his ground because, although he lived in Kaoshan Village, he was the security chief of the Hongqi Brigade, not just Kaoshan Village. His authority extended far beyond the village’s boundaries.

Facing the increasingly tough Qian Xiangyang, Liu Hechang was also wary.

He had broken off the engagement with the Qin family, but it wasn’t to offend Qian Xiangyang. Helpless, Liu Hechang could only repeatedly emphasize, “Comrade Qian, I swear to Heaven, I really didn’t touch Qin Caiyun, I swear it’s true.”

This was the only reason he could use to break off the engagement.

Qian Xiangyang glanced at the old hunter who was tending to Zhu Hongxia’s injuries, then led Liu Hechang to the hall. He had Qin Lei, who had followed them, leave before he spoke in a low voice to Liu Hechang: “Comrade Liu, whether you touched her or not is no longer important. What’s done is done. You didn’t think things through back then, so don’t blame the Qin family for holding on to this now.”

He had realized it long ago; even before the marriage, Liu Hechang had already shown disdain for Qin Caiyun. Even if they had married, life for Qin Caiyun would not be any better.

It would be better to break up the engagement now, before things turned out like those unhappy couples, where Qin Caiyun might end up like Liu Hechang’s ex-wife, who died early.

Seeing that Qian Xiangyang’s words left some leeway, Liu Hechang, who was no fool, spoke up, “Comrade Qian, I was really tricked by the Qin family into agreeing to the engagement. None of my children agreed to it. I’m not criticizing Qin Caiyun’s injury; it’s just that I was never happy with this marriage. After all, I’m nearly fifty. How could I marry an eighteen-year-old girl?”

His words were smooth and convincing.

Qian Xiangyang didn’t comment on Liu Hechang’s words. Setting aside who was right or wrong, Qian Xiangyang knew very well what kind of person Liu Hechang was. Even after breaking off the engagement, he still tried to put a positive spin on things. Liu Hechang was not a good person.

What was unclear was which young girl he had his eyes on now, and what kind of schemes he was plotting.

“Comrade Qian, I know it’s not right to break off the engagement at this point. To show my sincerity, I’ll cover the medical costs for Aunt Zhu’s injuries, as an apology to Comrade Qin Caiyun.”

Liu Hechang had changed his address for Zhu Hongxia from “Aunt” to “Sister-in-law” and not only had the audacity but also knew how to offer some benefit. He continued, “Comrade Qian, I’ve arranged for my two nephews, Jianming and Jianjun, to work at the farm.”

He believed that the Qin family would certainly value this offer.

In his heart, Qian Xiangyang had to admit that Liu Hechang’s actions had shown some “sincerity.” With these gestures, no matter what Qin Caiyun thought, at least Qin Lei and his wife would be fully in favor of the broken engagement.

Sure enough, after hearing Qian Xiangyang’s message, Qin Lei was swayed.

Not only was Qin Lei moved, but even Zhu Hongxia, who had just woken up, was also pleased.

It was a great deal: two sons would have jobs without having to sell off their daughter, and the money for the treatment was taken care of. There was no better deal than this. It was certainly better than actually finding a terrible old son-in-law. Liu Hechang was no good.

As for whether their daughter had been wronged before, no one cared about that anymore, not in the face of such benefits.

“Dear, agree to it.” Zhu Hongxia, now awake, grasped Qin Lei’s hand tightly.

“Alright, I’ll have that Liu write a letter. If he tries to back out, I’ll take the letter to his workplace and make a scene.” Qin Lei, not lacking in cleverness, immediately thought of a backup plan.

“I don’t agree.”

Just as Qin Lei and Zhu Hongxia began to show some joy, a sharp voice interrupted from the side.

It was Qin Caiyun.

Seeing Qin Caiyun, Qin Lei and Zhu Hongxia were furious.

Back when they were forced into this situation, they hadn’t bothered to discuss Liu Hechang’s disgraceful behavior with their daughter, but things were different now.

At the time, giving away a daughter had only earned a job for one son, but now they didn’t need to marry off their daughter to secure jobs for two sons, plus the money for medical treatment was included. This was such a good deal that they couldn’t let Qin Caiyun ruin it.

Qin Lei glanced at his two sons and said, “Take your sister back to her room. If she has nothing to do, keep her there.”

They were essentially going to lock Qin Caiyun up.

“Dad, you can’t treat me like this. I…” Qin Caiyun didn’t finish her words before Qin Jianming stuffed a cloth in her mouth and, with Qin Jianjun, restrained her and took her to another room to keep her under guard.

When it came to their own interests, the two brothers didn’t show much respect for Qin Caiyun anymore.

Especially when feeling the fiery pain on his backside, which had been pecked at by the goose, Qin Jianming and Qin Jianjun forced down Qin Caiyun’s struggles.

“Sister, stop making a scene. That Liu Hechang is really nothing, and if you marry him, you won’t have a good life. As the saying goes, a melon that is forcibly picked isn’t sweet. You might as well find someone else and live a stable life.” Qin Jianming advised, his tone reflecting the fact that the job in question had been secured because of Qin Caiyun, and he couldn’t help but try to persuade her.

Qin Caiyun, whose mouth was blocked, was so furious that her eyes bulged.

Liu Hechang’s situation was not something the family could hide. She had already known part of it when Qian Aimin told her, and later, when she arrived at the family housing area of the farm, she heard more. She had long known what kind of person Liu Hechang was.

What she valued in marrying him was not the man himself, but the power that Liu Hechang held.

“Wuwuwu…” Qin Caiyun struggled with all her might. She didn’t agree to cancel the engagement. Her father’s loud cry today made it clear that even if the engagement was called off, she might not find a better match. In the end, people would still talk behind her back, calling her a worn-out shoe.

“Bang!”

With a loud crash, Qin Caiyun didn’t even have time to roll her eyes before she lost consciousness.

Qin Jianming stared at Qin Jianjun in astonishment, as though he didn’t recognize the other man.

Qin Jianjun calmly put down the stick in his hand and explained, “Sister is just a little tired. She’ll be fine after a nap.” Although he wasn’t old enough to work yet, in these times, having a job was a big deal, and there was no way he would let Qin Caiyun ruin things for him.

In the past, Qin Caiyun had gotten married, and he didn’t benefit from it, but now that the engagement was being called off, he could benefit, so he naturally supported Liu Hechang without hesitation.

Hearing Qin Jianjun’s explanation, Qin Jianming understood the key point.

In his excitement, his face turned red.

In the living room, Liu Hechang and Qin Lei reached an agreement. In the presence of Qian Xiangyang, the neighborhood director, the two parties signed an engagement cancellation agreement. The agreement did not clearly state the work arrangements for Qin Jianming and his brother; instead, it used a metaphorical form of compensation.

Since Qian Xiangyang was involved in the cancellation, Liu Hechang dared not fake the compensation.

The agreement was made in triplicate, with one copy for Qin Lei, one for Liu Hechang, and the last one kept by Qian Xiangyang, the witness.

“Big Brother, why don’t you let me treat you to a meal at my place?”

Liu Hechang’s ‘grand’ cancellation of the engagement had earned him practical benefits, and Qin Lei wasn’t stingy either.

Liu Hechang glanced at the few injured women lying on the kang (a traditional bed-stove), feeling somewhat embarrassed to stay. He politely declined, “Eldest Brother, I won’t stay today. The village is far from the town, and I need to go back to see the children. I’ll come by another day to disturb you.”

Qin Lei took a look at his own situation, then sighed helplessly.

Today, many people from the Old Qin Family had gone up the mountain, and he was the only man left at home to look after the children. However, the wives of the other families had been hit by wild boars. Now, hosting guests would be a bit inappropriate, so he just let it slide and said, “Alright then, Little Brother, it’s getting late. I won’t keep you. Come over again when you have time. I’ll have my wife cook you something nice.”

Having received his share of benefits, Qin Lei spoke politely and kindly.

“Big Brother, you take care of Sister-in-law. We’ll sit down together when we have time.” Liu Hechang, now free after canceling the engagement, lifted the curtain of Qin Lei’s house to leave, though he had other thoughts. The Old Qin Family would definitely have to come back later.

Just as he lifted the curtain, he saw Qin Qingman and Wei Ling walking toward him, leading a horse.

In the dim light, Liu Hechang could barely make out the faces of Wei Ling and Qin Qingman, but he knew that Wei Ling was a man.

This was a problem!

“Qin Qingman!” Liu Hechang couldn’t help but shout out.

Upon hearing the shout, Qin Qingman turned to look.

When she saw it was Liu Hechang, she immediately felt as though she had swallowed a fly, suppressing her disgust and ignoring him.

She led Wei Ling onward toward her home.

Wei Ling, noticing that Qin Qingman didn’t respond to Liu Hechang, remained silent, though his gaze toward Liu Hechang was filled with coldness.

—o—o—o—