Chapter 18: Shot and thanked with drums and gongs

The Revolutionary Committee director sat on a stool in the truck, using a loudspeaker. “Neighbors, everyone come out and see!”  “Today is the public shaming of Yang Zhong, Li Yuhua, and six others. Their crimes are heinous and unforgivable. They not only engaged in illicit affairs but also conspired to seize their relative’s property, attempted murder, and were caught red-handed, protecting the people’s property and lives.  They will be paraded and then executed!”  After setting the tone, he handed the loudspeaker to a subordinate to repeat the announcement, creating a charged atmosphere.

People rushed out, throwing stones and mud. Some even threw urine and feces. The director, nearly overcome by the stench, discreetly shielded himself while letting the crowd vent their anger.  Seeing this, the people went wild, throwing various forms of waste.

Near the execution ground, Yang Mumu stopped at a pig farmer’s house, traded some candy for a wheelbarrow and a load of manure. She then dumped the manure over the eight criminals, turning them into eight manure-covered figures.  “You heartless people! I was so good to you, so trusting, and you plotted against me! I’ll drown you in filth!”

The onlookers were stunned, then excited.  “Mumu, more! More! Let me help!”  They rushed to the manure pit.  The director, seizing the opportunity, ordered a halt, allowing the crowd to thoroughly douse the criminals.  “Don’t take too much; four buckets will do. The farmers need it for their private plots.” The farmer, understanding the criminals’ actions, readily agreed.

The director himself got down and helped, ladling manure onto each criminal. Others followed suit until the manure was exhausted.

Li Yuhua, still dazed, seethed with hatred.  She couldn’t understand how she’d ended up like this.  She had been planning their scheme this morning, then they were caught. How had this happened?  She woke up at the parade, saw the photos—hadn’t Yang Mumu burned them?  Regardless, it was all Yang Mumu’s fault.  Li Yuhua glared at Mumu, who responded by throwing a ladle of manure.

Yang Zhong, enraged, felt he deserved everything, only to have his property taken by Mumu, who then reported him.  He regretted not killing her.  Yang Zhaodi ran from the crowd, throwing the final ladle of manure onto her father.  “Father, this is your day! You didn’t expect this, did you? I’ll live well, and you’ll go to hell! I reported you. I watched you, gathered your evidence, waiting for this day. I did it! And your favorite, Yang Jinbao, completely abandoned you—this is your karma!”

Yang Zhong, enraged, collapsed.  The director calmly ordered, “Time for the execution. Let’s go.”

Gunshots rang out, ending the criminals’ lives.  The sound echoed, leaving a lasting impression on the onlookers.  Zhaodi stared ahead, eyes wet, a look of relief on her face. Mumu calmly walked home.  At her doorstep, Zhaodi bowed deeply.

“Mumu, I know saying sorry is useless. I registered myself, my mother, and my brother to go to the countryside. I’ll atone for my actions. Thank you for saving me.”  She handed Mumu something—a new shirt she’d made, with an apology letter.  Mumu shrugged, put them away, and made four banners and two thank-you letters.

With Wang and Qian’s help, she paraded to the Revolutionary Committee, followed by onlookers.  “Comrade, we’re here to thank Director Liu for saving my life. He’s the people’s shield!”

“Wait, I’ll get him,” said the clerk.

Hearing the gongs, Director Liu peeked from his office, his face beaming at the praise.  He straightened his collar and waited, pleased with Mumu. He decided to ensure she was well-cared for in the countryside.  He wondered why the clerk was taking so long.