Chapter 30: Anxious Yet Happy

Chen Feng stooped to pick up the small iron shovel and shouted, “You want my family to pay one tael of silver? I’ll beat you to death first.”

Originally, she wanted to rush and strike Hu Laowu, but realizing her own physical exhaustion, she was sure she couldn’t win against Hu Laowu. It was better to first deal with the Er Bai, who had no fighting ability. She raised the small iron shovel and charged at the Er Bai, her eyes staring unnaturally wide, frightening the Er Bai, who cried and scrambled away, causing others nearby to dodge in fear.

Chen Gui hurried over to stop her, with Chen Gui seizing the iron shovel and murmuring reassuringly, “A’Feng, don’t worry, we won’t let them extort that much money.”

Grandma Chen also arrived, shouting, “A’Feng’s mental illness is cured, but now she’s been provoked by the Er Bai. How do we account for this?!” She was unafraid of Hu Laowu and yelled at him, “Hu Laowu, you have the nerve to extort from relatives. You’re really capable.” Seeing Mrs Hu standing there watching, she scolded her, “Daughter-in-law, have you finished the chores at home? The pigsty and donkey shed are so dirty. Instead of cleaning up, you’re here watching the show. You’re a lazy woman.”

Mrs Hu knew the old lady was venting her anger and, angry herself, didn’t dare to argue in public.

After that, Chen Ye and some relatives of the Chen family spoke up, expressing that they had finally seen A’Feng’s illness improve, but now she had been provoked into another illness by the Er Bai. They insisted that the Er Bai should compensate for future medical expenses.

Except for Hu Laowu, no one helped.

Gao Lizheng declared, “Feng has injured the Er Bai severely, but the Er Bai has also provoked Feng into an illness. Feng also needs medicine. When both are considered, it’s best to follow my previous decision. Chen’s family will compensate 100 copper coins for medical expenses. If anyone disagrees, they can go to the county office.”

He then instructed Chen Ming to go back and discipline Chen Feng properly, to prevent her from causing more trouble. If she maimed someone or caused a death, she would end up in prison or worse.

Chen Ming nodded in agreement, and the family returned home together.

The onlookers, looking at the stern-faced Chen Feng, were afraid and refrained from speaking loudly. They thought that although the fool’s illness had improved, she had become even more aggressive and fierce. It was best to keep their distance in the future and not provoke her.

Especially several men who had previously harbored intentions of taking advantage of the pretty fool now dared not approach her.

Some women quietly advised their children, “Stay away from that crazy woman in the future. It’s pointless to pick a fight with her…”

Among the onlookers were Chen Jue and Hu Cuicui, who, upon hearing the hushed discussions, also felt fearful. They realized that they couldn’t continue to torment the fool as they had before.

Upon returning home, Chen Ming handed 100 copper coins to Gao Lizheng’s son, who had come to collect the money.

Chen Feng felt deeply troubled and said to Chen Ming, “Father, I’m sorry. We don’t have money at home, and I’ve lost 100 copper coins.”

Chen Ming, feeling somewhat better, not only wasn’t angry but was also somewhat pleased. He straightened up unconsciously and smiled, “Daughter, you did the right thing. If anyone bullies you in the future, and you fight back like this, as long as you don’t kill anyone, your father is willing to pay.”

Seeing her adorable father, Chen Feng smiled.

Grandma Chen followed and, seeing her second son take out 100 copper coins, felt terribly distressed. Upon hearing her son’s words, her displeasure grew. She chided, “You’re really something. Where will you get so much money to compensate?” Then, scolding Chen Feng, she said, “You’re truly a fool. When fighting, you don’t know to hit where others can’t see, but rather focus on the head.”

Chen Feng knew that today, it was the support from grandma Chen and the Chen family that helped her escape Hu Laowu’s entanglement. She smiled and said, “Grandma, I intentionally aimed for the Er Bai’s head today. I wanted others to see his injuries so that they wouldn’t dare provoke me in the future.”

The old lady thought about it and agreed, saying, “Oh, this girl’s mental illness is truly cured. She’s so clever.” As she walked out, she said to Chen Ming, “I need to go back and deal with Hu. Her family wants to extort money from our old Chen’s family. It’s disgraceful.” Then, she hurried away.

The two little boys were obviously frightened and tearfully clung to Chen Feng.

Chen Feng, exhausted, comforted them for a long time before finally calming the two little boys down.

At noon, when Mrs Wang returned and heard about the incident, she too was in tears. She was not only upset that her daughter had been bullied but also worried that her daughter’s fierce demeanor would be observed by others, making it harder for her to find a husband in the future.

Chen Feng consoled her, saying, “Mother, I need to live well first before considering marriage. If I’m bullied to death, finding a husband won’t be the issue, I won’t even be alive. Don’t worry, if a suitable man comes along in the future, I’ll marry… Oh, no, I mean, I’ll find a husband. If there’s no suitable man, I won’t bother and will live well with Dabao.”

Chen Feng’s words made both Chen Ming and Mrs Wang blush, even causing Lu to blush and smile. Mrs Wang chided, “You’re a young lady, stop saying anything about suitable men, marrying, or finding a husband. If others hear, they will laugh at you.”

Although Chen Ming found Chen Feng’s words somewhat embarrassing, he believed she was right. He said, “A’Feng is right. She needs to live without being bullied before considering other matters.”

Mrs Wang felt relieved after hearing this.

Everyone was exhausted, and Mrs Wang made a pot of knife-cut noodles and added two eggs. This was a special treat for their family during the festival, and everyone ate heartily.

After lunch, Chen Feng cleaned herself up, and Mrs Wang helped her wash her hair before she went to rest in the eastern room with Dabao. She closed the door and coaxed Dabao to sleep, but the little boy was still frightened and clung to her, pouring out his little heart.

A child’s indiscriminate clinging and coquetry were quite annoying. Chen Feng felt quite exasperated.

In fact, from the time she returned home until now, Chen Feng had been anxious yet happy. That little swallow was so powerful, with its sharp beak creating holes. With this guardian spirit, she could walk with confidence in the future.

However, the swallow had flown away, and she urgently wanted to find out where it had gone and when it would return.

But with the whole family surrounding her and pulling her, she had to patiently wait until the afternoon break.

Seeing her mother’s worried expression, Dabao, who had been accustomed to her patience, became more nervous. He asked tearfully, “Mother, are you angry with Dabao? Are you angry because Dabao played too much and didn’t protect you by your side?”

Chen Feng took a deep breath, forced a smile, and said, “Of course not. Mother loves Dabao very much. I fought for so long this morning and felt so tired. I just want to sleep.”

“Oh.” Dabao, relieved, closed his eyes and soon drifted off to sleep.

This child was too sensitive, sensitive like a little girl. In the future, she would have to cultivate his character and make him a man.

Seeing him fall asleep, Chen Feng raised her left hand and examined it. Her palm and index and middle fingers were injured, especially the long wound in her palm, nearly half an inch long.