Chapter 507

The chicken-stealing incident that used to be a famous anecdote in the Siheyuan was presented before the neighbors by someone with a motive in a teasing, playful manner.

He completely ignored the ugly expressions of Jia Zhangshi, Bangeng, and the others.

Afraid that You Fengxia wouldn't hear of Bangeng's past glorious theft exploits, he harbored the idea of making You Fengxia fully see through the true nature of the Jia family.

The neighbors who loved a spectacle and didn't mind big trouble deliberately shouted loudly several times toward Shazhu's house.

Bangeng could steal Xu Dameng's old hen, then he could steal the Jia family's roasted chicken as an answer, leaving Jia Zhangshi flustered, worried about leaving a bad impression on You Fengxia, unable to scheme about the He family's house; Jia Zhangshi wanted to say a few words to explain, but was preempted by the quick-talking Wang Yaxiong.

"I remember when Bangeng stole Xu Dameng's old hen, he was only twelve. A twelve-year-old child stole a neighbor's old hen, made it into beggar's chicken, thought beggar's chicken plain was not tasty, stole soy sauce from the Yagangchang, Bangeng could steal Xu Dameng's old hen, then he could steal your roasted chicken, Jia Zhangshi, after all it's just stealing chickens, you've found the right person in Bangeng."

"Bangeng didn't come back, your house didn't lose a chicken; Bangeng came back, your house lost a chicken—it wasn't Bangeng who stole it, so who did?"

"Jia Zhangshi, stop shouting \"catch the thief\" while being a thief yourself."

Shazhu inside the house.

After hearing these remarks.

He chuckled and told You Fengxia about Bangeng's chicken-stealing incident, which was just a side matter, and as far as possible based on facts, he told You Fengxia the Jia family's great achievements.

We can't be on guard against thieves all day, can we!

Some sordid things, Jia Zhangshi really can do.

Pure legal ignoramus.

Just make You Fengxia develop a dislike for the Jia family.

"Stealing chicken by Bangeng, this counts as a classic of our Siheyuan; Yi Zhonghai initially wanted to handle it internally, but he didn't expect it to almost cause a fatality." Shazhu began to narrate, "At that time the incident

Yu Li has heard of this incident.

However, because she didn't marry into the Siheyuan, the neighbors of the Siheyuan were also given a gag order by Yi Zhonghai, so they don't know the specific details.

This chicken-stealing anecdote is different from that one.

In the previous life.

Bangeng stole Xu Dameng's old hen, Shazhu helped cover for him, and the matter eventually came up at the Dayuan meeting; under Qin Huairu's pitiful expression, Shazhu dazedly took the blame for Bangeng's chicken theft, compensated Xu Dameng five dollars for the old hen, and also gave He Yushui the reputation of being the sister of a chicken thief; the marriage talks that were already underway were delayed by over a year.

The groom and his parents said that Shazhu stole the neighbors' old hen just because he disliked the neighbors, as revenge against them, his thoughts and behavior were flawed; they worried that if He Yushui married into their family, it would lower their status, and that Yushui and her partner could either stay together or break up.

He Yushui knew that the outcome of either staying together or breaking up meant that she, He Yushui, would find it even harder to marry; as the sister of a chicken thief, after being jilted, could she still find a good match?

She brazenly worked for someone else for over a year.

Through this diligent and uncomplaining effort, she successfully renewed their fate.

When she got married, not even Shazhu was notified; she directly went from the textile factory workers' dormitory to her husband's family home, and it was during the husband's family patrol that she encountered Shazhu violently beating Xu Dameng, only then realizing Shazhu was a reckless person, also appreciating Yushui's hardship; she took time to tell Shazhu her identity, saying he was Yushui's man, and the two of them... when they got their certificate.

After the narration, Shazhu finally learned that Yushui had relied on her own labor to save over a hundred dollars for her dowel, and outwardly claimed that her family had helped prepare it.

Shazhu wailed loudly, wanting to compensate but having no way to do so; he was ensnared by Qin Huairu.

This is the series of consequences triggered by Bangeng's chicken theft in the previous life.

In this life.

Because Shazhu didn't associate with the Jia family and had severed ties with Yi Zhonghai, although Bangeng still stole Xu Dameng's old hen, Qin Huairu couldn't make Shazhu play the fool.

Jia Zhangshi blamed Wang Yaxiong for stealing the chicken, saying Bangeng had seen it but couldn't stop it; now she's turning the tables, blaming Bangeng for stealing the chicken.

Yi Zhonghai also took sides.

Qin Huairu took the opportunity to lecture, saying things like 'a petty thief steals needles, a grand thief steals gold,' and urged Wang Yaxiong's parents to properly educate Wang Yaxiong.

Wang Yaxiong's parents, usually mild-mannered, the Siheyuan belongs to that kind of transparent existence; they go with the flow, and the big shots all donate money and goods to the Jia family, I'll also show some goodwill.

But regarding the chicken-stealing incident, they were exceptionally tough.

He directly took out a kitchen knife from inside the house, seized Wang Yaxiong in front of everyone, saying he believed in his own child; to prove innocence, he wanted to slit Wang Yaxiong's belly to see if there was chicken meat inside; if there was chicken meat, the whole Wang Yaxiong family would die in the Siheyuan; if there was no chicken meat, it would prove Wang Yaxiong was framed by Jia Zhangshi, Bangeng, Yi Zhonghai, and Qin Huairu acting together—each of them, every one, would have to fight them to the death.

The honest person lost his temper.

This frightened Yi Zhonghai and the others silly.

By the time they reacted, Wang Yaxiong had already been stripped of his upper clothing, tied to a stool, and was crying out heaven and earth, begging for mercy.

Seeing that the Siheyuan was about to cause a death, Jia Zhangshi worried even more that Wang Yaxiong's parents would chop off her dog's head, and thought about whether she should honestly confess the truth.

She didn't expect Bangeng to be even faster.

The fierce sight of Wang Yaxiong's parents wielding kitchen knives frightened Bangeng silly.

The thief, spilling the beans from his bamboo tube, explained everything, saying Huaihua was hungry, Jia Zhangshi wouldn't give money, saying that as long as the goods to compensate didn't starve to death it would be fine.

Feeling sorry for his sister, Bangeng saw Xu Dameng's old hen, then saw Lou Xiaoe taking a nap; with few people around, he quietly snatched Xu Dameng's chicken and took it to the Yagangchang to make beggar's chicken.

When stealing the soy sauce, Shazhu yelled and chased him away; the three ate that beggar's chicken without any side dishes, and brought back a chicken butt to present to Jia Zhangshi as filial offering.

Jia Zhangshi praised Bangeng as a good child, asked where the old hen came from; Bangeng said he stole Xu Dameng's old hen; Jia Zhangshi instructed Bangeng not to say he stole chicken, and if anyone asked, he must not say it; if anyone caused a deadlock, just push the blame onto Wang Yaxiong.

Wang Yaxiong's grudge against the Jia family.

That's how it came about.

As long as there is an opportunity.

He will always step hard on the Jia family.

When such an opportunity presents itself, he naturally won't let it pass.

Besides bringing up Bangeng's chicken-stealing anecdote, they also said Bangeng was like Chen Shimei, using the fact of Bangeng's second marriage to mock him.

"Bangeng was no good as a child, and even worse as an adult; a big group of people went to the countryside, only he stayed in the countryside and hooked up with a villager's widow, eventually sleeping with the widow and ending up married; seeing he couldn't return to the city, he insisted on divorcing the widow, came back pretending to be a dumb ox, saying our Bangeng is fine in the countryside, we didn't get married! Not married, how did Xiao Dang run off? I thought Bangeng would settle down after returning, but that very day he caused the fact that he framed us for stealing chickens; as for you Jia family, you paid money to invite us in, and we couldn't be bothered to enter."

"Wang Yaxiong, do you believe I'll rip your mouth to shreds?"

"Laoqianpo, do you believe I'll give you a few slaps? You once framed me for stealing chickens, and now you want to repeat the old trick? Too bad, the neighbors all know that your Jia family's Bangeng stole the roasted chicken."

"How could our Bangeng have stolen chickens? He was just with my old lady; how could he steal chickens?"

Everyone pondered.

Indeed it is.

Bangeng remained at the scene until someone smashed the Jia family's glass, then he turned back to look, and additionally discovered that the person who lost the Jia family's roasted chicken was Huaihua.

Who knows what you're up to; maybe you Jia family thieves are crying 'stop the thief'.

Wang Yaxiong, your argument doesn't hold up.

I scoff, my argument falls apart—wait, I get it now. You Jia family never had any roasted chicken; you assumed Party Xianghong wouldn't come to your place to eat it, so you deliberately made a fuss about not having bought any. Anyway, your idea, Jia Zhangshi, is to ruin Party Xianghong's reputation and make the neighbors think your family's Bangeng is involved with her. Jia Zhangshi, you really hatched a clever plot, trying to extort a roasted chicken from the neighbors. I tell you, no way.

Jia Zhangshi was so angry she felt like she might die.

Even though she bought roasted chicken, the neighbors didn't believe her, saying she was extorting with the roasted chicken and even trying to trick You Fengxia into marriage.

Seeing You Fengxia never come out the whole time, with just the two kids confronting her, Jia Zhangshi realized her plan had fallen through.

Xing Zhi Quan returned to the Jia family.

Looking at the broken glass shards covering the ground, the depression in his heart was indescribable for a moment; he swallowed his resentment, drank half a bowl of thin porridge, and ate half a steamed bun.

Seeing Bangeng sitting there foolishly, motionless.

A hint of conflict appeared on his face.

Bangeng, Party Xianghong refuses to come out—she's just blind. You're about to become a cadre at the steel mill. When you start, wearing the mill's uniform, just stand in the courtyard and properly spite Party Xianghong. A country girl, even if she gets a job, her place is to carry trays and fetch water, serving others. Our Jia family marrying her is our Jia family bestowing good fortune upon her; if she won't accept it, our Jia family's good fortune can only go to others. In a few days, Grandma will find a matchmaker and set you up with a female comrade who has a steady job, decent looks, and education, to spite Party Xianghong. You are the eldest grandson of our Jia family, the pillar of the Jia family; marriage must not be taken lightly. Your mother will handle the preparations, and Grandma is willing to help.

Qin Huairu, holding a steamed bun, eating dinner.

His mood suddenly worsened.

I had thought Jia Zhangshi would say she was preparing Bangeng's wedding supplies, but the old hag switched her tone and dumped the responsibility on this widow.

He said nothing.

He continued to wrestle with the steamed bun.

After Jia Zhangshi finished instructing Bangeng, she began lecturing Qin Huairu.

Huairu, our Jia family now relies on you; go early and return early—don't delay Bangeng's work.

Also Jia Family, Bangeng.

Qin Huairu nodded.

What could she say?

Anyway, I've already cleared it with Deputy Factory Director Li; just go to his place and pick up the factory entry permit.

…… (ellipsis) No names.

Northeast.

Kaoshan Village.

The village where Bangeng went to the countryside.

After dinner, Shi Jiahong leaned over the table and wrote a letter.

They were Liu Guangfu of the Liu family and Yan Jiekuang of the Yan family.

He had no other thoughts.

He simply wanted to inquire about Bangeng's situation.

On the day Qin Huairu took Bangeng to leave the county town, Shi Jiahong, who had fallen for the Jia family widow's bitter scheme and divorced Bangeng, instantly regretted it.

The turn of events exceeded Shi Jiahong's expectations.

In Shi Jiahong's heart, she was the one who wanted to bring her children to the city with Bangeng to enjoy prosperity; even if she couldn't get into the city, she had to ruthlessly extort a sum of money from Bangeng using the divorce as leverage.

Even a horse can stumble.

A big domestic violence drama.

It gave Qin Huairu leverage over Shi Jiahong, which she then used to threaten Shi Jiahong in return.

Either they divorce with a lump-sum payment, or Qin Huairu has Shi Jiahong and Shi Jiahua taken away; the mother also cries and wails, but ultimately Qin Huairu gets her wish, and they divorce without receiving a single penny.

He knew that Liu Guangfu and Yan Jiekuang were on bad terms with Bangeng.

She was also Bangeng's ex-wife who had dumped him.

He guessed those two wouldn't lie to her.

If Bangeng really followed Qin Huairu's account and became a cadre at the steel mill, Shi Jiahong might indeed have to bring the children and stage a grand 'thousand-mile search for husband' drama for him.

As for the divorce,

Shi Jiahong had already devised a counterplan.

She would play the ignorant country woman, mistakenly believing the false lies fabricated by Qin Huairu and Bangeng, agreeing to their proposal that they divorce first, Bangeng returns to the city, settles everything, and then brings Shi Jiahong's mother and four others to the city to enjoy prosperity, after which she divorces Bangeng.

When have the barefoot ever feared the shod?

Even if she couldn't remarry Bangeng, she would still demand a sum of money from the Jia family.

…… No names.

Siheyuan.

Ten thirty at night.

Qin Huairu went to Deputy Factory Director Li's place to run errands for Bangeng's job.

He returned to the Jia family with a dejected expression.

The situation took an unexpected turn she hadn't anticipated.

Just a little over ten days.

Deputy Factory Director Li is no longer the deputy factory director; he isn't even a low-level apprentice anymore, and at the very least apprentices don't have to study all day.

Qin Huairu originally wanted to ask why.

Deputy Factory Director Li told Qin Huairu to go home and ask Jia Zhangshi.

Although she didn't know what had happened, Qin Huairu still felt Jia Zhangshi had botched the job; combining Jia Zhangshi's harsh evening remarks to the neighbors—telling them Bangeng would become a steel mill cadre—she roughly guessed the answer. Jia Zhangshi's words upset some people, who reported the Jia family; moreover, because Deputy Factory Director Li had granted Qin Huairu leave, they traced it back to him and came down hard on him.

Qin Huairu had worn out Jia Zhangshi's patience.

Damn old hag.

He blurts out whatever comes to mind.

Something that hasn't even a single stroke of the eight characters.

Just keep talking nonsense.

The matter wasn't resolved, and I even offended several people.

Jia Zhangshi did get to satisfy her craving, but she prevented Bangeng from entering the factory and ruined Qin Huairu's backing. Qin Huairu was still planning to wait for Bangeng to get into the factory, then use her own connections with Deputy Factory Director Li to transfer herself out of this lousy Cleaning Section to another department.

Came in high spirits, left in disappointment.

When I left, everything was fine; when I returned, my hopes were dashed.

I paused at the doorway for over ten seconds.

Only then did Qin Huairu step inside.

Jia Zhangshi, who had been anxiously waiting for Qin Huairu's news indoors, saw Qin Huairu return, glanced at the table clock without showing any emotion, and noted that nearly an hour had passed from her leaving to her return.

Couldn't be bothered to care what Qin Huairu had done.

As long as Bangeng can become a cadre at Yagangchang, that's enough; then we'll let the neighbors see that the Jia family also has its moment of glory.