Chapter 25: The Cheng Family’s War of Words

A short while later, the cook brought in the meal. As one of the most prominent landowners in Qingshui Town, the Gu family’s spread was exceptionally lavish, with a table full of chicken, duck, fish, and meat that would make anyone’s mouth water.

However, Cheng An merely took a glance at it, then cupped his hands to take his leave.

This only made Gu Changqing more satisfied. To be neither humble nor arrogant, neither impatient nor impetuous! Most importantly, at such a young age, he could resist temptation and understood propriety. Who wouldn't like a child like this? Gu Changqing subconsciously glanced at his two daughters, his gaze gradually growing deep and contemplative.

Du Qingqing rose to urge him to stay. "Xiao An, have something to eat before you go."

"No, thank you, Senior Sister. My mother must have already prepared dinner at home. If I go back too late, they will worry."

"Well..." Du Qingqing hesitated for a moment, then added, "I will come to find you later. Don't worry, this matter isn't your fault; I will go and explain everything clearly to your parents."

"This..."

"Let's just forget it, Senior Sister. It's too much trouble for you." He wasn't afraid of being scolded by his parents; he was worried that if Old Madam Han and his eldest uncle’s family came to cause a scene, it would only make them a laughingstock.

Du Qingqing straightened her expression, displeased. "How can that be? You were released under my watch. If I don't give your parents an explanation, my father will scold me for not knowing the rules when I return."

"Well, alright then..."

Du Qingqing accompanied Cheng An to the door, but to her surprise, Gu Changqing followed them out as well. Cheng An was somewhat flattered and repeatedly cupped his hands in gratitude.

After he had walked away, Gu Changqing smiled with profound meaning. Watching the small shadow in the distance grow smaller and smaller, he muttered, "But this is also good. The more chaotic the Cheng family becomes, the more they will need someone to rely on."

"Rely on what?" Gu Xiaoyue asked, looking confused.

But Gu Xiaorou, standing by her father's side, understood. Though she had just turned nine and did not yet fully grasp the complexities of relationships between men and women, she clearly understood the challenges the Gu family would face in the future. She subconsciously cast a few more glances toward the distance.

***

Hexi Village.

Before he even reached home, Cheng An could hear the sound of shouting and cursing coming from afar. He quickened his pace.

He arrived to find Old Madam Han sitting squarely in the middle of the courtyard, acting as if she owned the place. Cheng Xiaoyuan sat in her lap with a cloth bandage wrapped around his face, while the eldest uncle and his wife stood nearby like two henchmen.

Qin Dongzhi was in a rage, pointing at Liu’s nose and cursing, "Liu Cuiyun, you shameless bitch! You actually dared to incite your son to lay a vicious hand on his own cousin! See if I don't tear your face off!"

"Cut the crap!" Ever since leaving the Cheng family, Liu had become increasingly bold. She immediately retorted, "Which eye did you see my son hitting yours with? Besides... Master Du from the academy already said that since your son insulted others' parents behind their backs, he deserved it! Beating him was letting him off easy!"

Qin Dongzhi was used to throwing her weight around. How could she stomach such an insult? She lunged forward, reaching out to claw at Liu’s face. "I'll tear you apart!"

"That’s enough, sister-in-law!" Cheng Dashan pushed Qin Dongzhi back with a shove and continued, "It’s just a fight between children. If the adults get involved, it won't look good!"

"Third Brother!" Cheng Dahai roared, stepping forward. "Do you dare to lay a hand on your sister-in-law?"

"Does Eldest Brother want to throw a punch too?"

"I..." Cheng Dahai was instantly silenced.

Cheng Dashan remained calm. "We all know what's going on in this family! Eldest Brother, if anyone dares to use force today, don't blame your younger brother for showing no mercy."

"You..." Cheng Dahai stood there, stunned.

The second uncle's family, who were there to watch the show, stood by the entrance with smirking faces. Upon seeing the transformation in Cheng Dashan and his wife, their expressions shifted. How many days had it been? They hadn't expected their once-timid third brother to become so sharp.

Everyone finally realized that Cheng Dashan was no pushover! Especially since the family split, the third branch had been living more and more prosperously! They were raising chickens, growing vegetables, had reclaimed a patch of wasteland behind the house, and could even afford meat every now and then... Who wouldn't be envious?

The couple from the second branch exchanged a knowing look. Dividing the family! This matter could not be delayed another day. As long as they could win over the third brother and his wife, and keep Cheng Dashan as free labor, would they ever have to worry about the future?

"Good for you, Third Brother!" Old Madam Han could no longer sit still. She stood up shakily, raised her cane, and yelled, "It's only been a few days since you moved out, and now you’re rebelling? You dare threaten your eldest brother? Come on, if you have the guts, beat me to death, you old hag!"

*Thwack!*

Cheng Dashan took the blow of the cane squarely, and a bloody welt immediately appeared on his face.

"Husband!" Liu cried out in pain, rushing to embrace him. She turned back, furious, "You... you are all bullying us too much! I’ll fight you to the end!"

Cheng Dashan pulled his wife back. "Move aside, Cuiyun. A mother striking her son is only natural; no matter how much you argue, it won't change anything. You cannot strike back, or what will people think of you?"

"That won't do!" Liu sobbed, her heart breaking. "I don't care who she is, no one can beat my husband!"

"Mother!" Just then, Cheng An walked in quickly. Everyone in the courtyard froze.

"You beast!" Old Madam Han raised her cane to strike him. "How dare you come back?"

"Why wouldn't I dare?!" Cheng An raised his voice. "Since Cousin Xiaoyuan insists that I slandered him, let's let the magistrate decide who is in the right! Coincidentally, my teacher's daughter is also in Hexi Village; she is a witness! If that’s not enough, everyone at the White Horse Academy can testify!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the courtyard went dead silent. A master once said... those who wrong you know better than anyone else just how wronged you actually are!

Cheng Dahai and his wife went quiet, and Cheng Xiaoyuan backed away with shifty eyes. Old Madam Han began to see that something was amiss. Unfortunately, her favoritism was already deep-rooted.

"Second Brother!" Old Madam Han paused, waving her cane and shouting, "Are you two just going to stand there waiting to die? Why aren't you helping? Beat these unfilial beasts to death!"

"Mother, this..." Yao Chunhua naturally wouldn't lift a finger. She folded her arms, saying coldly, "Our third brother can kill a wild wolf! Besides, Xiaoyuan is the eldest brother's son; why don't you ask the eldest brother to do it?"

"You, Yao Chunhua..." Cheng Dahai’s face turned cold, but he was interrupted by Cheng Dahe.

"What does Eldest Brother want to do? My wife and I haven't provoked you, have we? What's the matter? Are you just going to be unreasonable now?" This statement didn't mention Cheng Dashan and his wife directly, but it invisibly helped them out of the situation.

Yao Chunhua seized the chance to mock, "Isn't that right? The boy cursed other people's parents, he deserved to be hit! Eldest Brother, you are in the wrong here!"

"Go to hell!" Old Madam Han glared at Yao Chunhua, incensed. "You bitch, you dare to speak up for the third branch? I’ve wasted all these years raising you! If you won't do it, then I'll do it myself!"