Chapter 11: Reporting to the Authorities

“Lin Dayou, if you want to get rid of us relatives, then give us some money. Just like what your father said, give us thirty or forty taels, and we’ll be willing to cut ties with you,” said Lin Dagang, who stopped arguing after hearing his father’s words, and everyone echoed Lin Laotou’s (old man Lin’s) request.

The clan elder and the village chief, who were standing to the side, gasped as Lin Laotou made such an outrageous demand, asking Lin Dayou for more money than they had ever seen in their lives.

“Lin Jiyong, I think you’ve gone crazy for money. We’ve all seen how you’ve treated Lin Dayou over the years.

Don’t talk about any kind of parental love or debt to him; only someone as thick-skinned as you could say such things. Even I feel embarrassed hearing this.

As for any parental love, you only gave birth to him, you didn’t raise him. If it weren’t for the Lin family’s eldest uncle, Lin Tianyou would have already died when you cast him into the river, just because you resented him eating an extra mouthful of rice…”

The clan elder couldn’t stay silent any longer after hearing Lin Laotou’s words. In front of everyone, including the villagers who had gathered around Lin Dayou’s house to watch, he brought up how Lin Jiyong and his wife had treated Lin Dayou in the past.

“Clan elder, stop talking so much. If Lin Dayou wants to sever ties with us, then he needs to pay this much money. Otherwise, forget it,” Lin Laotou said, throwing all caution to the wind. He didn’t care about losing face; he just wanted Lin Dayou to part with money.

Lin Zhousheng didn’t expect Lin Laotou to make such a demand. He looked coldly at Lin Dayou.

If Lin Dayou had that much money, his son Lin Wentao wouldn’t still be lying in bed, waiting for death. Lin Laotou’s demand was a veiled way of pushing Lin Dayou toward death.

“Father, we’re going to report this to the authorities now,” Lin Wenqian said, walking over with a broom, his face cold and determined.

“Since the grandfather and uncle don’t want us to live, we’ll go to the authorities. None of us will have it easy.”

“Anyway, none of us are scholars or great officials in the future. We’re barefoot, so we’re not afraid of wearing shoes.”

“We still have a brother lying in bed between life and death. This is murder. I believe the officials will help us seek justice,” Lin Luoxi added.

“Alright, I’ll go pick up your brother. Our family will go and ask the officials for a way out,” said Lin Zhousheng, his eyes filled with hatred as he struggled to stand and walked towards the room.

The people outside who had gathered to watch were discussing among themselves, also feeling that Lin Laotou was really despicable. A moment ago, he made his granddaughter fight for Lin Luoxi’s engagement, and now, he had turned around and nearly killed Lin Dayou’s youngest son.

And now, he was demanding so much money from them. They had worked hard all their lives, and they had never seen that much money.

They were all well aware of how Lin Laotou and his wife had treated Lin Dayou’s family.

What kind of mother would force her own child to this extent? Only someone with a deep enmity would behave this way.

Now, hearing that Lin Dayou was going to report to the authorities, they were fully supportive and began to chant, saying they would help as witnesses.

The clan elder and the village chief looked at Lin Dayou’s determined back and then turned to look at Lin Laotou.

“Lin Jiyong, when Dayou goes to the authorities, you’d better pack up and leave Wutong Village. We don’t harbor murderers here,” the clan elder said after some thought.

“Why? This is our home; we won’t move!” Lin Laotou snapped when he heard the clan elder’s decision, giving Lin Laotou a look. Lin Laotou’s wife immediately jumped out.

“If Wutong Village has a murderer, how will the young men and women here ever have a good marriage?” The clan elder glanced at everyone, raising the stakes of the situation.

“That’s right, move out! Murderers, move out…” The villagers, who had originally intended to stay on the sidelines, immediately stirred up a commotion upon hearing the clan elder’s words. They were so angry that it seemed as though they wanted to force the old Lin family out of the village immediately.

Lin Dagang saw the villagers’ heated reactions and the resolute expression on Lin Dayou’s face. He quickly jogged over to the old man Lin and whispered.

“Fine, we’ll sever ties with them.” In the end, Lin Laotou, fearing that Lin Dayou would go to the authorities and implicate his precious grandson, reluctantly agreed.

Upon hearing Lin Laotou’s words, the clan elder quickly signaled to the village chief to bring out the severing ties document and have Lin Laotou sign it.

The action was swift, as they feared the shameless old man might bring up additional demands.

“You all wait for me. When my precious grandson passes the imperial examination, you won’t get anywhere near us,” Lin Laotou said, glaring at the clan elder and the village chief, who had sided with Lin Dayou. After causing so much trouble, they had not gained an ounce from it, and Lin Laotou was enraged, throwing down this harsh remark.

“Don’t worry, when your precious grandson passes the imperial examination, we will definitely stay out of your business,” said the village chief, Lin Zhousheng, carefully putting away the severing ties document and smiling with a calm demeanor.

The clan elder, having heard Lin Laotou’s words, relaxed his gaze for a moment. He looked at Lin Zhousheng, seemingly understanding something but chose not to speak.

“Move it already. Do you think anyone will want to stay for your meal?” Lin Laotou, having lost face and with no benefit to gain from siding with Lin Dayou, could only vent his frustration on his own people.

Without waiting for Lin Zhousheng to pull out the family tree, Lin Laotou angrily marked off Lin Dayou’s family from the genealogy in front of everyone.

“Zhousheng, from what you just said to the old man, it seems you know something about his eldest grandson…” The clan elder, rarely indulging in gossip, couldn’t help but bring up the topic.

“The boy is just out there every day with those rich young masters in the county, indulging in all sorts of pleasure. How could he have any time or interest in studying?” Lin Zhousheng shared what he had seen in the county, revealing his opinion of the boy’s behavior.

“You’re talking nonsense.” Lin Laotou, who was originally supposed to stay quiet, suddenly shouted angrily from the crowd.

“Believe it or not.” Lin Zhousheng, having been caught speaking ill of someone behind their back, felt momentarily embarrassed. However, upon seeing that the person who called him out was Lin Laotou, he quickly swallowed his embarrassment and turned the conversation.

When Lin Laotou saw Lin Zhousheng’s confident expression, he suddenly felt uneasy. He didn’t speak again and turned to leave.

Having been dealt with, Lin Zhousheng handed the severing ties document to Lin Dayou and, in front of him, marked off his family from the genealogy.

“Tomorrow at dawn, I’ll help you set up a new household registration in the county,” Lin Zhousheng said, having witnessed the shamelessness of Lin Laotou’s family. He decided to swiftly set up a separate registration for Lin Dayou’s family to prevent further trouble.

“Thank you, Brother Zhousheng!” Lin Dayou bowed in gratitude, showing respect to the village chief and the clan elder.

“Thank you, Village Chief, Clan Elder, and Grandfather…” Lin Luoxi and Lin Wenqian also respectfully bowed to express their gratitude to the village chief and the clan elder.

“You’re welcome. From now on, your family must strive for excellence. That will be the greatest reward to us,” the village chief and the clan elder said warmly, showing their care for Lin Dayou’s family and wishing them better days ahead.