Trouble (2)
He Hao got a headache from the whole family’s behavior. He yelled angrily: "All stop!"
For a moment, even rascal old Third Chen was scared into silence by the normally easygoing. He stared blankly at He Hao who had an aura of dignity.
Naturally, the spectating villagers didn't say anything. After all, it wasn’t good to get involved with old Third Chen. If they can not get involved, it is best not to get involved.
"You’re already a few dozen years old and still rolling around throwing a tantrum. Don't you feel ashamed!" Irritated, He Hao scolded old Third Chen before turning his head to look at the two young men nearby: "Hurry up and support him! What does this look like!"
Old Third Chen, who was being lifted up, was only frightened at the beginning. He, who can anger his old father to death and then sell his own sister by marrying her off, was naturally an asshole. Grasping his dusty sleeves, he pretended to wipe away the non-existing tears from the corners of his eyes and said, "Elder Brother He Hao, as the village lizheng, you can't let outsiders bully our Wuliqiao folks! Look at how they beat me up. If they don’t pay me ten silver liang for medical expenses today, this matter will never end!”
"Brother He Hao! You have to uphold justice for our family! Our family of six/seven depend on our family head to live. If something happens to him, how will us orphans and widow live!" Old Third Chen’s wife stretched out her hand and pinched her already crying daughter. Crying and sobbing to make themselves look miserable.
The sharp cries of old Third Chen's wife and children annoyed He Hao to the max. His brows became more and more wrinkled. This family was truly one family. Each and every one were top-notch at playing tricks. After taking a deep breath, he said loudly: " Alright! Stop messing!"
This old Third Chen's family was a pool of muddy water. If he wasn’t the Lizheng, he didn't want to get involved in this matter at all. First, he turned his head to look at the tightly huddled together outsiders who looked at him with hatred: "Today's matter, each have their own say. You said he stole the money, but there is no evidence. There’s also you beating the other. This matter ah!"
When the five canal workers heard this, their hearts turned cold. They were in a foreign land and their strength was limited. Even if they went to report to the officials and said that they had slandered them, what could they do?
Seeing the bloodshot eyes of the few canal workers, He Hao sighed deeply. He turned to look at old Third Chen: "As for old Third Chen, you were the house owner. They lived at your place and lost money. You can’t escape from responsibility. You pay back the accommodation money paid by the five of them and this matter was over."
"Why! Let them live in our house for nothing these days!" Old Third Chen's wife was also a shrew. When she heard that they were to return the money they got, she immediately got counterattacked. She stood up and pointed at He Hao. "As Lizheng, you are helping outsiders. Not afraid of me reporting to the official and take off your lizheng’s black gauze hat here. See how you can still show off your power then!"
"Although I, He Hao, have not accomplished much, my conscience can be at ease with what I have done in my life. If anyone thinks that I am unfair, they can go to the Yamen to report!" His gaze landed on old Third Chen and stated: "The only thing I felt ashamed about this matter is that I can't get back the stolen money for the five of them. It's best to report to the official. Maybe the stolen money can be found and all those goddamn thieves will be arrested and sentenced to three to five years in prison!"
He Hao made it sound serious. Those thieves were naturally a little guilty. Old Third Chen glared at his wife angrily. Was she trying to harm him? Although each person refunded a few dozen wen, the total amount was nearly two yuan. But when he thought about the bulging money bag he had hidden, old Third Chen gritted his teeth and submitted: "Since you have said so, I, old Third Chen San can be regarded as a reasonable and loyal person and we can get together and part on good terms. Just treat it as making friends with the few of you."
He picked and searched his pockets for half a month's accommodation money for the five. Afterward, he even wanted to hook his arms on some sad and angry canal workers’ shoulder with a playful smile: "Brothers, if someday you want to come back and live at my place, you’re welcome to anytime!"
One of the younger generation heavily shook off the arm put on his shoulder and followed behind the leading canal worker. Fuming, the five of them left old Third Chen's house with the few old clothes they had and went to the west of the river.
This farce ended like this. The villagers dispersed when they saw that there was no more excitement to watch. He Hao looked at old Third Chen with a playful smile, sighed deeply, shook his head, and left.
After all the unrelated people left, old Third Chen's wife angrily complained: "Why did you agree to pay the money, you got injured! The money for the accommodation is what we deserve. We lost it in vain!"
Old Third Chen rubbed his injured chin and yelped. Then he angrily retorted: "You think I am willing to pay? That He Hao's face is black as coal. If we don't lose some money, what should I do if those outsiders really reported to the officials?"
After saying that, he viciously spat. He harbored resentment towards He Hao who favored outsiders.
Speaking of He Hao, old Third Chen kept grumbling: "He really thinks of himself as an official! Only know to bully us. Wait until my son is successful in the future and I’ll make them look good!"
The couple had rolled on the ground and their bodies were dusty. Old Third Chen irritatedly kicked the eldest daughter who stood timidly by the side: "What are you looking at! Bring me water to wash up!"
Chen Xiao Hong, who was kicked, woodenly acknowledged before going to the kitchen to fetch hot water for her parents. She still heard old Third Chen cursing behind her: "Raised her for twelve or thirteen years and not at all promising. Ate my rice for nothing. Once I find someone who can afford the money, I will sell you immediately!"
As her eyebrow twitched, Chen Xiao Hong’s hands shook. She accidentally spilled some hot water, which happened to land on the feet of old Third Chen’s eldest son, Chen Da Cheng. Chen Da Cheng kicked her too. Chen Xiao Hong, who was kicked down with the basin, didn't dare to cry while listening to her parents and eldest brother berate. She hurriedly picked up the wooden basin and went back to the kitchen to fetch hot water.
***
Back to the five canal workers who came out of Wuliqiao Village. They looked at the dark surroundings. From time to time, a few dogs barking or howling wolves could be heard. The night wind was still a bit chilly.
The younger ones felt aimless for a while and looked at each other, not knowing where to go. The leading man hesitated for a while before saying in a deep voice: "Go. Let's go to the west of the river!"
Seeing the canal worker's dormitory on the west side of the river that was still slightly shining in the distance, the few people had no choice but to go there to try their luck. In fact, they had wanted to live in Su Family’s canal worker's dormitory at the beginning, but Su Family's side had long been full. The five people really had no choice but to go to the east of the river and lived in old Third Chen's house. Who would have thought that there would be so many moths all at once?
Uncle Wang, who was about to take a rest, heard a knock on the door outside. He signaled Han Li and Han Er Hua to sleep first. He lit a lantern, put on his outer clothes, and went to the front yard: "It's so late at night, who is it?"
"Sir, we are the canal workers who used to live across the river. We would like to stay with you for one night. Is it possible?" The leader of the canal workers cupped his hands and asked a little embarrassedly.
When Uncle Wang heard that they wanted to stay, he waved his hands, and replied, "We are full. No place left anymore!"
When they heard that there was no place left, they were a little disappointed and prepared to leave dejectedly. One young boy didn't give up. He begged once more: "Sir, we were tricked by old Third Chen's family on the other side of the river. He stole all our money. We really have no choice. So late at night, the city gate is also closed. We really have nowhere to go. Sir, please help us!"
As soon as he heard that it was the canal workers who lived in old Third Chen's house, Uncle Wang unconsciously frowned: "Why did you live in his house?"
However, his compassion bubbled up and led the five people to the side of the yard. Walking to a row of single rooms, he opened one of the vacant rooms with a key: "Why don't you live here today. The rooms here are all paid by month. I don't think it's easy for you, just give me the money for one night first."
Seeing how accommodating he was, the few people were naturally very grateful. They hurriedly scraped together the rent for one night and gave it to Uncle Wang. After gratefully seeing off Uncle Wang, they took a look at the single room. The kang could barely fit five people. There were tables, chairs and benches. Though it was small, it for one night.
In the early morning of the next day, Uncle Wang roughly explained the matter to You Jin who came to check the canal worker's dormitory at the daily fixed time: "Those canal workers lived in a single room for one night. You Jin lass, don't blame this old man for making the decision on my own!"
After listening to Uncle Wang's words, You Jin smiled and said, "Sir, you did the right thing. Our family taking them in for one night is a slight help of hand. But what happened at the east side of the river?" Su Family lived on the west side of the river. The advantage of being far away from the village was that it was calm and tidy. But the disadvantage was that they didn't know what happened in the village.
Speaking of this, Uncle Wang spat in disgust: "That old Third Chen isn’t a thing! The hard-earned money of several canal workers had been stolen. If Lizheng hadn't stepped forward and had him refunded the accommodation fee, those people were probably going to sleep on the streets!"
After listening to Uncle Wang's general account of what happened, You Jin frowned and asked: "Can’t those canal workers report to the officials? The officials can't ignore the loss of so much money, right?"
Uncle Wang sighed and said: "You Jin lass, your family had only moved here for less than half a year. So you don't know how powerful old Third Chen is. He is well-known in our area. It's not that he hadn’t been reported to the officials before. Just don’t know where old Third Chen hid the things after stealing them. The officials couldn’t find any evidence, so the sufferer could only let it go in the end and admit that they were unlucky!”
"Then it is really a disaster?" You Jin asked, feeling a sense of crisis. Most of her family members were helpless females. If old Third Chen set their eyes on them, there would be a catastrophe!
Uncle Wang helplessly shook his head. Who can say for sure?
Trouble (2)
He Hao got a headache from the whole family’s behavior. He yelled angrily: "All stop!"
For a moment, even rascal old Third Chen was scared into silence by the normally easygoing. He stared blankly at He Hao who had an aura of dignity.
Naturally, the spectating villagers didn't say anything. After all, it wasn’t good to get involved with old Third Chen. If they can not get involved, it is best not to get involved.
"You’re already a few dozen years old and still rolling around throwing a tantrum. Don't you feel ashamed!" Irritated, He Hao scolded old Third Chen before turning his head to look at the two young men nearby: "Hurry up and support him! What does this look like!"
Old Third Chen, who was being lifted up, was only frightened at the beginning. He, who can anger his old father to death and then sell his own sister by marrying her off, was naturally an asshole. Grasping his dusty sleeves, he pretended to wipe away the non-existing tears from the corners of his eyes and said, "Elder Brother He Hao, as the village lizheng, you can't let outsiders bully our Wuliqiao folks! Look at how they beat me up. If they don’t pay me ten silver liang for medical expenses today, this matter will never end!”
"Brother He Hao! You have to uphold justice for our family! Our family of six/seven depend on our family head to live. If something happens to him, how will us orphans and widow live!" Old Third Chen’s wife stretched out her hand and pinched her already crying daughter. Crying and sobbing to make themselves look miserable.
The sharp cries of old Third Chen's wife and children annoyed He Hao to the max. His brows became more and more wrinkled. This family was truly one family. Each and every one were top-notch at playing tricks. After taking a deep breath, he said loudly: " Alright! Stop messing!"
This old Third Chen's family was a pool of muddy water. If he wasn’t the Lizheng, he didn't want to get involved in this matter at all. First, he turned his head to look at the tightly huddled together outsiders who looked at him with hatred: "Today's matter, each have their own say. You said he stole the money, but there is no evidence. There’s also you beating the other. This matter ah!"
When the five canal workers heard this, their hearts turned cold. They were in a foreign land and their strength was limited. Even if they went to report to the officials and said that they had slandered them, what could they do?
Seeing the bloodshot eyes of the few canal workers, He Hao sighed deeply. He turned to look at old Third Chen: "As for old Third Chen, you were the house owner. They lived at your place and lost money. You can’t escape from responsibility. You pay back the accommodation money paid by the five of them and this matter was over."
"Why! Let them live in our house for nothing these days!" Old Third Chen's wife was also a shrew. When she heard that they were to return the money they got, she immediately got counterattacked. She stood up and pointed at He Hao. "As Lizheng, you are helping outsiders. Not afraid of me reporting to the official and take off your lizheng’s black gauze hat here. See how you can still show off your power then!"
"Although I, He Hao, have not accomplished much, my conscience can be at ease with what I have done in my life. If anyone thinks that I am unfair, they can go to the Yamen to report!" His gaze landed on old Third Chen and stated: "The only thing I felt ashamed about this matter is that I can't get back the stolen money for the five of them. It's best to report to the official. Maybe the stolen money can be found and all those goddamn thieves will be arrested and sentenced to three to five years in prison!"
He Hao made it sound serious. Those thieves were naturally a little guilty. Old Third Chen glared at his wife angrily. Was she trying to harm him? Although each person refunded a few dozen wen, the total amount was nearly two yuan. But when he thought about the bulging money bag he had hidden, old Third Chen gritted his teeth and submitted: "Since you have said so, I, old Third Chen San can be regarded as a reasonable and loyal person and we can get together and part on good terms. Just treat it as making friends with the few of you."
He picked and searched his pockets for half a month's accommodation money for the five. Afterward, he even wanted to hook his arms on some sad and angry canal workers’ shoulder with a playful smile: "Brothers, if someday you want to come back and live at my place, you’re welcome to anytime!"
One of the younger generation heavily shook off the arm put on his shoulder and followed behind the leading canal worker. Fuming, the five of them left old Third Chen's house with the few old clothes they had and went to the west of the river.
This farce ended like this. The villagers dispersed when they saw that there was no more excitement to watch. He Hao looked at old Third Chen with a playful smile, sighed deeply, shook his head, and left.
After all the unrelated people left, old Third Chen's wife angrily complained: "Why did you agree to pay the money, you got injured! The money for the accommodation is what we deserve. We lost it in vain!"
Old Third Chen rubbed his injured chin and yelped. Then he angrily retorted: "You think I am willing to pay? That He Hao's face is black as coal. If we don't lose some money, what should I do if those outsiders really reported to the officials?"
After saying that, he viciously spat. He harbored resentment towards He Hao who favored outsiders.
Speaking of He Hao, old Third Chen kept grumbling: "He really thinks of himself as an official! Only know to bully us. Wait until my son is successful in the future and I’ll make them look good!"
The couple had rolled on the ground and their bodies were dusty. Old Third Chen irritatedly kicked the eldest daughter who stood timidly by the side: "What are you looking at! Bring me water to wash up!"
Chen Xiao Hong, who was kicked, woodenly acknowledged before going to the kitchen to fetch hot water for her parents. She still heard old Third Chen cursing behind her: "Raised her for twelve or thirteen years and not at all promising. Ate my rice for nothing. Once I find someone who can afford the money, I will sell you immediately!"
As her eyebrow twitched, Chen Xiao Hong’s hands shook. She accidentally spilled some hot water, which happened to land on the feet of old Third Chen’s eldest son, Chen Da Cheng. Chen Da Cheng kicked her too. Chen Xiao Hong, who was kicked down with the basin, didn't dare to cry while listening to her parents and eldest brother berate. She hurriedly picked up the wooden basin and went back to the kitchen to fetch hot water.
***
Back to the five canal workers who came out of Wuliqiao Village. They looked at the dark surroundings. From time to time, a few dogs barking or howling wolves could be heard. The night wind was still a bit chilly.
The younger ones felt aimless for a while and looked at each other, not knowing where to go. The leading man hesitated for a while before saying in a deep voice: "Go. Let's go to the west of the river!"
Seeing the canal worker's dormitory on the west side of the river that was still slightly shining in the distance, the few people had no choice but to go there to try their luck. In fact, they had wanted to live in Su Family’s canal worker's dormitory at the beginning, but Su Family's side had long been full. The five people really had no choice but to go to the east of the river and lived in old Third Chen's house. Who would have thought that there would be so many moths all at once?
Uncle Wang, who was about to take a rest, heard a knock on the door outside. He signaled Han Li and Han Er Hua to sleep first. He lit a lantern, put on his outer clothes, and went to the front yard: "It's so late at night, who is it?"
"Sir, we are the canal workers who used to live across the river. We would like to stay with you for one night. Is it possible?" The leader of the canal workers cupped his hands and asked a little embarrassedly.
When Uncle Wang heard that they wanted to stay, he waved his hands, and replied, "We are full. No place left anymore!"
When they heard that there was no place left, they were a little disappointed and prepared to leave dejectedly. One young boy didn't give up. He begged once more: "Sir, we were tricked by old Third Chen's family on the other side of the river. He stole all our money. We really have no choice. So late at night, the city gate is also closed. We really have nowhere to go. Sir, please help us!"
As soon as he heard that it was the canal workers who lived in old Third Chen's house, Uncle Wang unconsciously frowned: "Why did you live in his house?"
However, his compassion bubbled up and led the five people to the side of the yard. Walking to a row of single rooms, he opened one of the vacant rooms with a key: "Why don't you live here today. The rooms here are all paid by month. I don't think it's easy for you, just give me the money for one night first."
Seeing how accommodating he was, the few people were naturally very grateful. They hurriedly scraped together the rent for one night and gave it to Uncle Wang. After gratefully seeing off Uncle Wang, they took a look at the single room. The kang could barely fit five people. There were tables, chairs and benches. Though it was small, it for one night.
In the early morning of the next day, Uncle Wang roughly explained the matter to You Jin who came to check the canal worker's dormitory at the daily fixed time: "Those canal workers lived in a single room for one night. You Jin lass, don't blame this old man for making the decision on my own!"
After listening to Uncle Wang's words, You Jin smiled and said, "Sir, you did the right thing. Our family taking them in for one night is a slight help of hand. But what happened at the east side of the river?" Su Family lived on the west side of the river. The advantage of being far away from the village was that it was calm and tidy. But the disadvantage was that they didn't know what happened in the village.
Speaking of this, Uncle Wang spat in disgust: "That old Third Chen isn’t a thing! The hard-earned money of several canal workers had been stolen. If Lizheng hadn't stepped forward and had him refunded the accommodation fee, those people were probably going to sleep on the streets!"
After listening to Uncle Wang's general account of what happened, You Jin frowned and asked: "Can’t those canal workers report to the officials? The officials can't ignore the loss of so much money, right?"
Uncle Wang sighed and said: "You Jin lass, your family had only moved here for less than half a year. So you don't know how powerful old Third Chen is. He is well-known in our area. It's not that he hadn’t been reported to the officials before. Just don’t know where old Third Chen hid the things after stealing them. The officials couldn’t find any evidence, so the sufferer could only let it go in the end and admit that they were unlucky!”
"Then it is really a disaster?" You Jin asked, feeling a sense of crisis. Most of her family members were helpless females. If old Third Chen set their eyes on them, there would be a catastrophe!
Uncle Wang helplessly shook his head. Who can say for sure?
