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The sisters took off Zhang Lan’s shoes and socks, not caring about any potential foot odor. Each of them held up one of her heels and nibbled on it with their small teeth. Fortunately, the Wang family was quite hygienic, and Zhang Lan’s feet were clean and fair. Wang Qian didn’t notice any unpleasant odor from her mother’s feet.
After about five or six minutes of nibbling, Zhang Lan slowly regained consciousness. However, her padded jacket seemed to have been soaked in water and was completely wet.
“Zhenhe, why do I feel all wet? What’s happening to me?” Zhang Lan asked.
With red eyes, Wang Zhenhe lifted Zhang Lan and reassured her, “Don’t be afraid, I’m right here with you.”
The unexpected turn of events left the commune members somewhat dissatisfied. Those who knew the couple began to demand severe punishment for the culprits.
Yu Wanying found himself in a dilemma. He wasn’t sure about Huang Youcai’s relationship with the city’s leaders, and they had no authority to act against him. The special task force had the upper hand.
“Who allowed you to follow along? You’re all undisciplined and disorganized. Anyone can command you,” scolded a man.
“We have already given you a chance to make amends before, but it seems like you didn’t appreciate it. Big brother, Carry me over there. You guys take care of our mom,” said Wang Qian to He Zhengkui’ss son. He Shuman, glanced at his father then reluctantly carried the little girl to where Wang Mei and her husband were.
Without saying a word, Wang Qian raised her little arms and delivered four slaps to the couple.
“Aunt, I warned you before not to mess with my family. It seems like you never learn. Were you only going to stop when our family is killed by you? Fine, let’s settle this today. Otherwise, despite being my father’s sister, I won’t forgive myself if I don’t seek justice for my mom. I, Wang Qian, will feel ashamed as a woman,” declared the young girl. Her powerful words shook the onlookers. While some had hesitated when she slapped the couple earlier, her speech had won over the parents in the crowd. They hoped that if their children ever faced a similar situation, they would stand up for justice like Wang Qian. The commune members didn’t understand complex principles, but they recognized one thing: fairness.
The way a sister could treat her brother’s family indicated the kind of treatment the children in that family had likely endured.
Zhang Qiang, who was standing aside, didn’t care about any of that. Zhang Lan and her husband had always been kind to them. They even prepared special gifts for them when they went home for the New Year. They often invited them over and prepared delicious food. So, everything that Zhang Lan’s family had suffered today had made him angry. He was in charge of political work, and he knew when to call out what was necessary.
Yu Wanying glanced at Zuo Zhanshan and Wu Changyong, hoping they would offer some advice. He knew these two were not simple, which was why he had invited them to guide Ming soldiers.
“Minister Yu, take these two back for thorough interrogation. If there are issues, we must punish them severely. Even if the problem is minor, they need to be educated. Impersonating government officials is a serious offense, especially when it almost cost a life. We must handle this matter seriously. We can’t afford to wrong innocent revolutionary masses, nor can we let off malicious individuals seeking personal revenge. If we don’t handle this seriously, it may be difficult to appease public anger,” Zuo Zhanshan said meaningfully.
Yu Wanying, being astute, knew that Zuo Zhanshan was giving him a way out. He smiled gratefully. “Bring these two back for thorough interrogation,” he ordered.
Upon hearing that her daughter and son-in-law had been taken away, Zhu Qiyu began to wail and act aggressively towards Wang Deshan, pinching and biting him. Wang Zhenhai intervened to restrain his mother. He couldn’t just stand by and watch his father suffer.
“Zhu Qiyu, I can’t live with you anymore. Look at the children you’ve raised. They’re harming their own family. If you keep indulging them, you’ll see how serious it gets when they harm you. If you keep causing trouble, let’s just get a divorce. I’ve had enough. If you still want me, I’ll stay. I’m old and can’t work, but I can help with chores, feed the chickens, and do what I can,” Wang Deshan said pitifully.
Wang Qian couldn’t help but smile at Wang Deshan’s pitiful tone. “Grandpa, respecting the elderly is a traditional virtue. Bring your bedding over. Even if you can’t work, my parents will take care of you. You can rest assured. From now on, you’ll be under my care.”
With a wave of her little hand, the matter was settled. This family drama provided some entertainment for the commune members who didn’t have much excitement in their lives.
“Just a moment, I have something to say,” The Ming soldiers who were about to take Wang Mei away, stopped.
“Minister Yu, today’s incident was caused by this couple. My mom shouldn’t have been innocently beaten. Since the fault lies with them, they should take responsibility for their actions. I want them to apologize to my mom. If I’m not satisfied, this won’t be over. There’s no reason for unprovoked violence to go unpunished,” Wang Qian’s words drew the crowd back in, sparking discussions among the onlookers.
“Today’s been quite eventful. I wonder how this couple will apologize to earn forgiveness,” the crowd began to discuss.
Wang Mei and Huang Youcai looked at each other, surprised by the unexpected demand from the young girl.
Yu Wanying glanced at the determined and resolute young girl. He hadn’t expected such a clever idea from such a beautiful child. However, he realized that the request was reasonable. It wasn’t right to act as if nothing had happened after causing harm to someone.
“Alright, your request is reasonable. It’s only right to apologize when you’ve done something wrong. Both of you, go and apologize to them,” Yu Wanying ordered. The soldiers escorted Wang Mei and her husband to Zhang Lan and her husband.
Wang Mei had always been dominant in front of Zhang Lan. She had never been humble. Today, she found it difficult to apologize. However, when under someone else’s roof, one must show respect. If they didn’t apologize today, they probably wouldn’t be allowed to leave the compound.
With a pair of sulking eyes, Wang Mei glared at Wang Zhenhe and his wife and muttered, “I’m sorry.”
Wang Qian closely observed Wang Mei’s every move and was angered by her behavior.
“Is this your attitude for apologizing, Aunt? My mom almost died because of you. If your apology isn’t sincere, then you won’t be allowed to leave. I’m not afraid of death. You decide if you want to live or die. Give me a straightforward answer. I don’t have time to waste. If my mom faints again, you’ll see the consequences. You’ll have to decide if it’s worse to suffer while alive or to die in peace,” Wang Qian’s words shocked everyone present. This young girl was willing to risk her life for justice. It was a display of courage that left everyone’s hearts aching and moved.
“I’m sorry, sister,” Wang Mei said loudly, finally letting go of her pride.
Wang Qian sneered, “Aunt, I hear you saying sorry, but I don’t see any action. Brothers, help them out.”
Mingcheng and Mingyuan had been eager to act. They were ready to tear the couple apart. Upon hearing their sister’s words, they lifted their legs and kicked Wang Mei and Huang Youcai in the shins.
With a “thud,” the two of them knelt before Zhang Lan. Mingyuan and Mingcheng swiftly pressed their heads against the ground in front of Zhang Lan. Although Wang Mei felt resentful, she had no choice. If she couldn’t pass this test, there was no way for them to escape.