Chapter 436: Chapter 423: Accusation

“Buttocks, back, arms, thighs, there is so much space. Anywhere other than the face, where it is most visible, can be hit. Are you all out of your minds?”

“When it comes to beating someone, there is a proper way to do it. You’ve only been skinning flesh. If you wrap the bamboo pole in a layer of cloth and then beat, what you hit is nerve and bone, and they would be bedridden for at least three days!”

Zhuang Jingye gestured furiously, waved his bamboo pole, and swung a demonstration blow at Zhao Ziping. “Can’t you see that this is how it should be done?”

Your way of beating is not acceptable!

It seems Zhuang Jingye didn’t come to stop the fight, nor to deter Zhuang Qingning. Essentially, he came to back Zhuang Qingning and let out our repressed anger.

Seeing Zhuang Jingye in action, those who were initially stunned by surprise were energized again. They beat the Zhaojiazhuang gang following Zhuang Jingye’s way of pounding.

The people of Zhaojiazhuang, who initially had been barely able to put up a fight, now with even more men fighting ruthlessly against them, couldn’t endure any longer. Zhao Qiancheng, unable to withstand it any longer, pulled Zhao Ziping and the others to run towards the village entrance.

As they ran, they cursed, “Zhuang Jingye, you will pay for this!”

“I guarantee I’m going nowhere!” Zhuang Jingye stood with hands on hips, holding the bamboo pole, and shouted, “Have the guts and come back! If Enji Village backs down to you Zhaojiazhuang, surely we’ll change our surname!”

“If you don’t have the guts, don’t just make threats. It’s just too embarrassing!”

Choked by his words, Zhao Qiancheng saw Zhuang Jingye and the others seemingly about to pursue them, hurriedly supporting each other, rushing back to Zhaojiazhuang first.

“A bunch of bastards.” Zhuang Jingye watched them flee, spit venomously.

Then he turned to the villagers who were still filled with righteous indignation and said, “These people of Zhaojiazhuang keep causing trouble out of nowhere. They think we’re easy to bully, so they come and create trouble casually. From now on, anyone from Zhaojiazhuang is strictly forbidden from entering our village.”

“Exactly, stay away from anyone who bullies our village!”

“Look at the behavior of Zhaojiazhuang. They treat people like disposable tools. Just a few days ago, those troublemakers came over to ask us for some beans, claiming they needed seeds. Now they are here looking for trouble.”

“Pah! A bunch of good-for-nothings raised by a bitch. From now on, whenever they come to our village asking for anything, nothing is available, even if we have it.”

The villagers started cursing in full fury.

Even though their words were coarse, Zhuang Jingye found it very soothing.

If they can point out the faults of Zhaojiazhuang unanimously, that proofs the unity of the people in Enji Village.

The unity of the villagers shows the authority and influence of him as the village chief.

Zhuang Jingye couldn’t help but straighten his back a little more.

“Thanks for your efforts, everybody. The workshop has caused you a lot of trouble,” said Zhuang Qingning, “Later, every family should come to our workshop to collect a pound of century eggs per household, to bulk up your meals.”

She had called everyone to fight without any discussion, but they obliged without hesitation. Zhuang Qingning felt that she couldn’t let them work for nothing. They needed to be rewarded somehow.

“What are you talking about, Ning? You provide us with sustenance, everything you ask is our duty,” said someone.

“Yes, it’s our duty. Don’t be so polite,” other people chimed in.

“I understand your thoughts, but these rewards must be given. Consider it as a token of appreciation for your hard work recently. Please enjoy the century eggs. If that’s not enough, how about adding two pieces of tofu?”

Zhuang Qingning laughed, “Century eggs and tofu make a good match, they taste great.”

Seeing that Zhuang Qingning was insistent, the crowd didn’t refuse any further. They dispersed one after another to attend to their own tasks.

“Uncle Chief, thank you for your hard work today.” Zhuang Qingning was very grateful to Zhuang Jingye for his clear support.

“You’re being overly courteous.” Zhuang Jingye hastily replied, “Even if you hadn’t taken up arms, I was thinking about having a proper tussle with the people from Zhaojiazhuang. They bullied us to our door. If we did nothing about it, then we’ll be bullied by anyone in the future.”

As the village chief, being conciliatory is one thing, but being firm when necessary is also essential.

We can’t be a pushover who lets people walk over us without uttering a word, or no one will listen to us in the future.

Zhuang Jingye was also considering a fight earlier. He was just thinking about choosing a more suitable time. He didn’t expect Zhuang Qingning to be ready for action without any hesitation.

But then again, wasn’t Zhuang Qingning the one who threatened Zhuang Ruman and Mrs. Song with a kitchen knife? Though she has been leading a peaceful life recently, and been nicer to others, one might forget that she has an iron will that doesn’t allow for any injustice.

“Zhaojiazhuang this time has been at a loss. Their wicked plan was in vain, but probably they won’t give up so easily. I reckon they would return. They might even spread rumors about this, which definitely will be disadvantageous to us.” Zhuang Qingning’s eyes darkened.

“Given Zhao Qiancheng’s dishonest nature, I fear he might resort to such measures!”

Just mentioning him made Zhuang Jingye boil with rage, “Even if they dare to spew filth, we will rip their mouths apart and teach them a lesson.”

“Just this might not be enough…”

Zhuang Qingning contemplated for a while, then said, “Uncle Chief, how about making a visit to the county government office and discussing the matter with Master Ding?”

“This…” Zhuang Jingye hesitated.

This wasn’t something we couldn’t discuss, especially since the people from Zhaojiazhuang were the ones who started it.

However, they were the ones who initially went wrong, and we just retaliated. Now it’s almost settled. If we still go to Ding Gaochang now, it seems like we aren’t doing the right thing.

This was really frustrating. If we file a complaint now, they have already been beaten and haven’t done anything more yet. But if we don’t complain now, considering Zhao Qiancheng’s character, he definitely won’t let it go. When the rumors spread throughout the sky and the reputation of Enji village is ruined, it will be too late if we try to explain everything then.

Zhuang Jingye found it more and more exasperating.

“Uncle Chief, are you worried about what to say?” Zhuang Qingning laughed, “It’s easy. Just tell Master Ding that the people of Zhaojiazhuang intend to have a share of our workshop, and unable to reach a deal, they’ve come to stir up trouble, intending to destroy our workshop.”

“What?” Zhuang Jingye reflexively responded, “This isn’t what happened…”

Did she want him to fabricate the story and label Zhao Qiancheng and the others falsely?

“Did anything like Sister Zhou’s case really happen?” Zhuang Qingning retorted.