Chapter 62: Taking the Blame

“Alright, alright, stop arguing.

This is your family matter.

Take Lei Honghua home first, and have Haimou come and take a look later,” the village secretary interrupted Qiao Jiuwang’s explanation, saying coldly.

Qiao Jiuwang was speechless, his face grim as he beckoned two nephews to help carry Lei Honghua.

The young men were rough, handling her carelessly.

They moved her somewhere, and the pain woke Lei Honghua, causing her to scream.

Qiao Jiuwang had lost face in front of the whole village and was warned by Qiao Jincheng and the village secretary.  He was furious and couldn’t contain himself.

The culprit was still screaming, so he kicked her.

“Woman, I’ll teach you a lesson!”

The kick landed on Lei Honghua’s leg, causing an even louder scream.

Qiao Jiangxin knew he’d hit her injured leg, so she said, “Oh my, she’s screaming so loudly.  Didn’t Grandpa break Grandma’s leg?”

Aunt Niu said impatiently, “She deserves it. If your grandpa were a man, he would have broken it long ago.  She shouldn’t be causing trouble.

Lei Honghua was carried back to the Qiao family courtyard, and Liu Haimou rushed over.

Qiao Youfu stayed to watch over the foundation, and Qiao Youcai returned to get mats and water.

Qiao Jiangxin and Liu Afang leaned against their wall, watching the opposite courtyard.

Lei Honghua, screaming, was restrained. Liu Haimou examined her and said, “The other injuries are minor, but her leg is broken.  I suggest you take her to the clinic.”

Qiao Jiangxin yelled, “My grandpa did well! He finally showed some manhood!”

Several onlookers chimed in, “Uncle Jiuwang is Uncle Jiuwang. He said he’d break her leg, and he did. That woman is disobedient; she deserves it. If you had been tougher earlier, would this have happened?”

“It’s not too late. As the head of the family, you can’t control a shrew. Uncle Jiuwang just didn’t want to hurt her before.”

“Maybe he was afraid of her.”

The doubts in Qiao Jiuwang’s mind vanished, “Who says I’m afraid of her? I was thinking of my two sons.

She did this behind my back, making everyone think I’m a heartless father.  Don’t think I’m a pushover!  Breaking her leg is too light; she deserves to be beaten to death!”

Qiao Jiangxin’s eyes lit up. Good, he admitted it.

Lei Honghua, remember to find your husband for revenge.

Qiao Jiangxin subtly guided the conversation, and Qiao Jiuwang admitted to the most serious injury.

People praised Qiao Jiuwang for being a man and condemned Lei Honghua’s actions.

Lei Honghua groaned in pain, knowing she had disgraced herself in Gaoshi Village.

Liu Haimou asked again, “Uncle Jiuwang, should we send her to the clinic?  Broken bones take a long time to heal.  If not treated properly, it will affect her later.”

Qiao Jiuwang waved his hand, “Always going to the clinic?  She’s old, not young.  We don’t have the money to keep going to the clinic. Just splint her leg.

This will teach her a lesson and show her what she can and can’t do!”

Qiao Jiuwang, his face cold, looked at Lei Honghua on the ground.

They didn’t have money to go to the clinic.

Treatment, food, and lodging at the clinic cost money, and someone would need to take care of her.

They had a daughter married near town who could help, but after the recent events, it was inappropriate to ask for help.

And when they asked Qiao Jianhua for 100 kuai last time, Li Xiaoping got angry, saying the old couple only cared about their daughter and not their sons, using their sons’ money to help their daughter, and told them to ask their daughter for help in the future.

Qiao Jiuwang and Lei Honghua explained Qiao Fangfang’s situation and the Deng family’s attitude, promising to repay the money later. Qiao Jianhua was still unhappy, and although he gave the money, he was resentful.

So Qiao Jiuwang couldn’t ask for more money from them for a while.

Liu Haimou smiled ambiguously, “Uncle Qiao, you know my rules.”

Last time Qiao Jianguo was hit by a cart, he came to see him, and although he didn’t prescribe medicine, the Qiao family didn’t mention the consultation fee.

Qiao Jiuwang said, “I know.”

He went into the room and quickly returned with some loose change.

Last time Qiao Jianguo was hospitalized, he borrowed 50 kuai from Qiao Fangfang. After discharge, he had 23 kuai left.

This was all the money Qiao Jiuwang and his wife had.

Qiao Jiuwang hesitated, “Haimou, country people are tough.  Don’t be too meticulous.”

Liu Haimou understood and found two boards to splint Lei Honghua’s leg. He also gave her some ointment for external injuries and some tetracycline for inflammation.

He charged 4.3 kuai, much cheaper than stitching Qiao Jianguo’s wound.

Lei Honghua was put on the bed, her moans ignored.

Qiao Jianguo frowned, “Dad, why did you hit her so hard?”

Lei Honghua’s eyes welled up. Only her biological son cared about her.  Only Qiao Jianguo had spoken up for her.

But Qiao Jianguo continued, “Look, her leg is broken. Who will do the housework? Who will cook? What will we eat?”

Lei Honghua’s brow furrowed again; no one could be relied upon.

Qiao Jiuwang glared fiercely at Lei Honghua, “You fool! What kind of reckless thing did you do? You wanted to die, but you also implicated the family! Do you know what people are saying about me?

They think I’m a heartless father who can’t tolerate Youfu and Youcai. What good did this do you?

You did it, and you got caught. Why didn’t they beat you to death?”

Qiao Jiuwang was still angry, “I warn you, stop provoking them. If you cause more trouble, I’ll kill you.

Think about it.  Once their house is built, these three rooms will be empty. I can’t understand you! Why do you always cause trouble for yourself?!”

No matter how Qiao Jiuwang scolded her, Lei Honghua listened quietly.

She knew she had been too hasty.

She didn’t regret what she did; she only regretted not being more careful and getting caught.