Chapter 48: Sudden Change – Xu Nian Files a Complaint

Madam Wang gently patted Xu Nian’s hand. “You really know how to sweet-talk people.”

The people in the main hall were chatting happily when Uncle Zhang suddenly stumbled in, looking flustered.

“Young Miss, Second Master and Third Master are in trouble! Liu Wangfu smashed their stall and even injured them…”

Madam Wang immediately felt dizzy upon hearing this. What on earth had happened?

Madam Zheng and Madam Wang Jr. were also extremely anxious, insisting that they had to go and see for themselves.

Xu Nian quickly reassured the three women, especially since Madam Wang Jr. was pregnant.

“Uncle Zhang, did you see it with your own eyes? Are Second Uncle and Third Uncle seriously injured?”

“I was the one who took them to the medical clinic. They don’t seem to be in serious condition. The two masters told me to come back and inform you. This is all our family’s fault—if not for us, their stall wouldn’t have been destroyed.”

“Enough, Uncle Zhang, this is not the time for self-blame. Take me to the medical clinic right away.

Grandmother, aunts, please wait at home for news. Don’t worry, everything will be fine.”

After giving these instructions, Xu Nian hurriedly left for the county town with Zhang Tian, while Zhang Xiu’er quickly followed after her mistress.

Watching her granddaughter disappear into the distance, Madam Wang clutched her chest anxiously. “Dongmei, go to the fields and call the old man back! Something this serious has happened at home—who cares about those damned crops right now?”

Madam Li immediately responded and rushed to the fields to find the old master and Fourth Master. She was terrified that their family’s involvement had caused the masters to be injured. If they were truly resented for this, they would have no future left.

Meanwhile, on the donkey cart, Xu Nian finally noticed Zhang Xiu’er following along. The girl’s hands were trembling with fear, yet she stubbornly held on. Xu Nian smiled and comforted her:

“Xiu’er, you don’t have to come. Your father and I will handle this.”

Zhang Xiu’er shook her head frantically.

“I want to stay with you, Miss.”

Seeing her determination, Xu Nian decided not to dissuade her further and urged Uncle Zhang to hurry to the clinic.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xiu’er was thinking to herself—Miss looked like a fairy. What if that Liu Wangfu tried to disrespect her? If that happened… she would stand in front of her no matter what!

Upon arriving at the medical clinic with Zhang Tian, Xu Nian saw that Xu Fugui and Xu Youliang had only suffered minor injuries to their arms.

“It’s nothing serious, Nian’er. These wounds were just scrapes from blocking the sticks. The real problem is with Zhang Da and his brother. Those people really went in for the kill.”

Xu Nian finally noticed the two young men sitting nearby. Their wounds were wrapped, but the bloodstains on their clothes made it clear that their injuries weren’t light. At that moment, Zhang Xiu’er was standing by her brothers, wiping away tears, while Zhang Tian’s eyes were also red.

Turning to Xu Fugui, Xu Nian asked, “Second Uncle, I heard you’ve been feeling dizzy and nauseous since getting injured. Are you feeling any better?”

Xu Fugui was stunned. Dizzy and nauseous? When did he ever say that?

But when he met his niece’s unwavering gaze, a sudden realization struck him. Without hesitation, he started dry-heaving.

“Uncle Zhang, go call the physician!”

A confused Uncle Zhang immediately ran off to fetch the doctor. Could Second Master be suffering from something serious?

Xu Youliang, seeing his second brother dry-heaving, also started to feel nauseous and followed suit.

By the time the physician arrived, he was utterly bewildered. The ones who had been hit on the head seemed fine, yet the ones with only arm injuries were the ones feeling nauseous?

The physician rechecked both men’s pulses, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper. Their pulse signs were strong and healthy—there was nothing wrong.

“Physician, my second and third uncles were hit on the head. They didn’t pay much attention at first, but now they suddenly feel dizzy and nauseous. Could there be a serious problem?”

Seeing the young girl so worried she was nearly in tears, the physician quickly reassured her, “It might be a concussion caused by the head injury. I’ll prescribe a few doses of medicine to replenish energy and reduce internal bruising. Let them take it for a few days and see how they respond.”

Xu Nian repeatedly expressed her gratitude and let the physician go prepare the medicine.

Just as Xu Youliang was about to protest that he was fine and didn’t need any medicine, Xu Fugui gave him a hard pinch.

“Second Uncle, Third Uncle, stay in the clinic and rest. Do not leave until I return. Zhang Da, Zhang Er, how are you two? Can you still walk?”

The two brothers struggled to stand up but answered firmly, “We’re fine.”

After leaving the clinic, Xu Nian turned to Zhang Tian and instructed, “Uncle Zhang, go near the stall and find any eyewitnesses. If no one dares to step forward, offer a silver reward. Remember, I am not short of silver.”

Uncle Zhang’s hands trembled with excitement, his voice shaking as he asked, “Miss, are you planning to…?”

“File a lawsuit.”

After sending Uncle Zhang to look for witnesses, Xu Nian borrowed paper and ink from the clinic and began drafting the complaint. Since the plaintiff and defendant’s personal details needed to be stated at the beginning, and she was the only Xu family member present, she wrote herself as the plaintiff.

Once she had written the complaint in full detail, Uncle Zhang returned with an old man and a beggar boy.

“Young Miss, I asked many people, but only this elder and this young lad were willing to testify.”

Xu Nian nodded and asked, “Elder, do you have family at home? If you have any concerns, you may leave now. But once we enter the court, there will be no turning back.”

The old man waved his hand dismissively. “Young girl, I’ve lived many years and never learned the meaning of fear. Let’s go—straight to the county yamen.”

Xu Nian then turned to the beggar boy, who looked up at her and asked, “If I testify, will you give me silver?”

“I’m not paying you to testify. The silver is a reward for your courage.”

The beggar boy nodded hesitantly. He didn’t fully understand, but as long as he got the silver, that was enough.

With Xu Nian leading the way, the group headed toward the county yamen. Unexpectedly, upon arrival, they spotted Old Master Xu and Xu Weian.

“Grandfather, Uncle, why are you here?”

Old Master Xu looked anxious. “Your grandmother didn’t explain what had happened clearly, and I had no idea where to find you. I originally wanted to ask your father. How are your second and third uncles?”

Xu Nian leaned in close and whispered a brief explanation to her grandfather.

“Grandfather, go back home first, or Grandmother and the aunts will worry. Let Uncle stay to help me.”

Old Master Xu was reluctant to leave—how could a little girl be expected to face the courtroom alone?

“Grandfather, trust me. If I don’t make the Liu family fear us this time, we’ll never have a peaceful New Year again.”

After giving Xu Weian a long list of instructions, Old Master Xu finally left, turning back every few steps as he walked away.

Xu Nian handed the complaint to the guards at the yamen gate. The officers glanced at the document, surprised that the one filing the lawsuit was a young girl, and took a few extra moments to examine her.

It just so happened that Liu Wangfu had chosen the perfect day—today was an official court day, meaning there was no need to wait for a summons. The case would be heard immediately.

As Xu Nian and her group waited outside, Xu Yaozu suddenly stepped out.

“Nian’er, what happened? I heard you submitted a complaint.”

Xu Nian had no choice but to explain the situation again—though she carefully omitted the part about having her second and third uncles pretend to be seriously injured.

She knew that if only Zhang Da and Zhang Er were injured, she wouldn’t win the case. Worse, people might think she was being ridiculous for even trying.

“You’re just a child—what business do you have going to court? Go home. I’ll handle this.”

Xu Nian countered, “Father, how exactly do you plan to handle it?”

Xu Yaozu sighed, remembering County Magistrate Wu’s words.