Chapter 1244: Yan Jiefang pulled back the stool

"Are you here to ask for leave?"

Seeing Li Xuewu come to the office, Su Weide had thought he was coming to issue a challenge, but he didn't expect it to be a retreat.

"Please count it as vacation time for me."

Li Xuewu smiled and said, "I've been keeping watch throughout the New Year period; I need to go visit some relatives."

"Oh, that's only right."

Su Weide also reacted; he was the supervisor in charge of the Security Group, and Li Xuewu's work arrangements had to be reported to him.

It was just that he hadn't yet adapted, or rather, he hadn't expected Li Xuewu to be so observant of the rules, doing things by the book.

"Who doesn't have a few relatives?"

He signed Li Xuewu's leave application readily and said with a smile, "I should have thought of that. My apologies."

"Hi, look at what you're saying. Didn't we talk about this before the New Year?"

Li Xuewu smiled, put away the application without minding, and replied, "It's the same every year. Someone has to be on duty and standing guard, right?"

"Last year it was someone else; this year it has to be me."

He shook the application in his hand and said, "Just for these one or two days. My family has few relatives, but my wife's side has many."

"That would be Director Gu, right? Understood, understood—"

Su Weide easily pointed out the relationship in Li Xuewu's words, appearing to show off the situation he understood as if by accident.

The corners of Li Xuewu's eyes narrowed slightly, and he said with a smile, "I thought the leadership didn't know. Being all secretive about it just makes one look petty."

"Hey—I just heard it from others."

Su Weide waved his hand and said, "This is nothing. A son-in-law as capable as you—who wouldn't want one?"

"Isn't that right? Hahaha—"

Damn your horse! You're targeting me, aren't you!

Li Xuewu smiled slightly and said, "If only my father-in-law could hear you say that. It would save him from always saying I'm too radical."

"How do you say that?"

Su Weide asked with feigned confusion, "Where does this 'radical' come from? I actually feel you're too conservative."

"Is that so? You really do understand me."

Li Xuewu acted as if he had met a soulmate, sighed, nodded, and said, "It's all for the Red Star Factory."

"I am single-mindedly wanting to do some real work for the organization and the comrades, and talk less about those useless things, but my father-in-law doesn't understand."

He said very helplessly, "Every time we correspond, he reminds me to be cautious and steady, to unite with colleagues, to be open and aboveboard..."

Following Su Weide's lead, his mouth ran like a train, and he rattled off a whole bunch.

In Su Weide's view, wasn't this just pointing at the mulberry to curse the locust, insinuating things?

Good fellow, he had only tentatively bitten the hook, and he was already being dragged out for a public parade—and he was stuffing shit into his mouth!

So, you don't listen to my disparaging remarks, and instead, you turn around and brag about your own merits and talk about your hardships!

You, a cadre from the Security Division, talking about the organization and the comrades? You're the factory director!

The key is that what Li Xuewu said afterward was nauseating. Was this what his father-in-law said?

This was using his father-in-law's tone to talk about himself. You damn well want to be my father.

I don't unite, I don't do real work, I play with empty things, I damn well am not open and aboveboard enough...

Li Xuewu, oh Li Xuewu, you damn well don't even use dirty words when cursing people. Even Li Huai De hasn't cursed me like this!

"Look, the car is still waiting for me downstairs."

Li Xuewu had cursed to his heart's content, smiled, pointed outside the door, and said with feigned embarrassment, "Only today did I realize we share the same heart. I've said a bit too much; please don't take offense."

"No matter, no matter, we are comrades."

Su Weide had been cursed, yet still had to smile and be polite, saying, "In the future, we must communicate and talk more."

"Then I'll listen to you. I'm leaving."

Li Xuewu waved his hand, smiled, and walked out of the office, leaving Su Weide biting his back molars and smiling.

Gu Cheng, who had been peeking, felt his teeth ache. Deputy Director Su's cursing was truly stifling and truly pathetic.

He was a newcomer who didn't understand the rules of the Red Star Factory. When it came to the art of cursing, who could withstand Group Leader Li's verbal attacks?

Literally speaking, Group Leader Li spoke well, and the articles he wrote were even better.

Gu Cheng looked at Su Weide, who was so angry his face had turned white, and only wanted to remind him not to provoke Li Xuewu again, otherwise, he would write an article to curse him.

Li Xuewu had come directly from the factory to Li Deshan's house, which was the home of the matchmaker for him and Gu Ning in name.

The matchmaker wasn't Li Deshan, but his wife, Zhang Shuting.

He had once participated in the investigation of the Great Hall case and, by a stroke of luck, got to know this family.

Because of his father-in-law's status, he had just gone along with the mistake and boldly asked Li Deshan's wife to serve as the matchmaker.

The two sides didn't visit each other frequently; one could even say there was basically no contact, except for gifts during festivals.

Especially after his father-in-law and mother-in-law's family had scattered to the four winds and gone far away, and Li Deshan had been isolated for investigation in the first half of last year.

When Li Xuewu came to the house, he wouldn't say much. He would call ahead to arrange the visit, bring four boxes of gifts, and chat about everyday matters.

It was still that large courtyard. When he came in, the guard recognized him; he really did have a very special appearance.

He had a height and a fierce appearance rarely seen in these years, and especially the jeep he rode in had a very recognizable paint job.

"Are you here to visit Director Zhang?"

The guard was actually very polite. Calling Zhang Shuting "Director" was also empty; ever since Li Deshan was investigated, she had been idle at home.

Li Xuewu handed over a cigarette, greeted him with a smile, and said, "We are truly fated. I wish you a Happy New Year!"

"You are too polite—"

The guard smiled, nodded, raised his hand to signal toward the courtyard, and said, "Go on in. Director Zhang is at home."

"Thank you, you've worked hard."

Li Xuewu didn't mind his status as a division-level cadre. Coming to do business meant doing business; there was no need to throw his weight around.

He didn't use Han Jiankun's help, carried the four gifts by himself, and stepped into the courtyard.

The guard stood at the entrance, looking at the things in Li Xuewu's hands, and clicked his tongue. This young man's strength was truly remarkable.

A bag of rice, a bag of flour, a bucket of oil, a bag of meat—truly *practical* four boxes of gifts.

"Four boxes of gifts" was an old saying. In the northern regions, people used to pay attention to this, mostly cigarettes, alcohol, tea, sugar, and boxes of pastries.

It was rare to see something as practical as Li Xuewu's. It didn't look like he was trying to climb the social ladder; it looked more like he was visiting his father-in-law's side.

"Xuewu, why did you bring so many things?"

Zhang Shuting had received news yesterday that he was coming to visit and had been waiting at home this morning.

As soon as she saw him enter the courtyard, she took the initiative to greet him. Seeing the things he was carrying, she was even more surprised and unexpected.

She really did appreciate this son-in-law of the Gu family. Agreeing to be his matchmaker earlier wasn't entirely because of the case.

Li Deshan and Gu Haitao's interactions hadn't been that intimate, but they were in the same organization and always knew each other.

And both were staff officers by background; even if they hadn't had contact, they now had dealings and connections.

"Three years of matchmaker, three years of guest."

New couples thanking the matchmaker paid attention to sending gifts for three consecutive years to express their gratitude.

Of course, most people only sent gifts for one year, just to keep up appearances. Otherwise, why would people say Li Xuewu was practical?

If one really wanted to talk about climbing the social ladder, at this time, it really couldn't be counted as such.

Although the Gu family had left, the people hadn't fallen, and the influence was still there. Her family had already encountered an accident and was precarious.

It would be good if Li Xuewu didn't distance himself; where would there be any talk of currying favor?

People always said that adversity reveals true feelings. Li Xuewu's down-to-earth nature was quite liked by Zhang Shuting.

Not too close, not too distant, without being deliberate—the way he handled the relationship was very comfortable for people.

"The factory arranged for me to be on duty during the New Year, and I didn't have time to go out and prepare gifts for you, so I just went with what was practical."

Li Xuewu said with a chuckle, "When I was leaving, my mother even scolded me, fearing that I would make you laugh."

"If everyone were as practical as you, the people receiving the gifts would really be laughing."

How could Zhang Shuting not understand Li Xuewu's intentions? Saying it like this was just to save her face.

Although the family retained basic treatment, in these precarious times, one didn't know when the treatment would be canceled.

Last year, she went to the countryside to labor for more than half a year, and the children were left to graze like sheep at home.

Returning during the New Year, she was truly worried and suffered, and still had to worry about Li Deshan's situation.

Looking at the rice, flour, oil, and meat placed in the room, she couldn't help but feel much warmer inside.

"Come, drink some water. You must be tired."

"No, it was just a few steps from the car."

Li Xuewu politely took the teacup with both hands and nodded, "Gu Ning is at work today and couldn't come to see you together."

"I understand. It's all for work."

Zhang Shuting understood in her heart. It wasn't that she didn't know the personality of that girl from the Gu family.

Let alone her, the matchmaker, even her own aunt and uncle's homes weren't visited.

Li Xuewu was being polite, and of course, she didn't mind.

"The children are doing well, right?"

Zhang Shuting found him a cigarette, but he politely declined.

"They're doing well, just a bit naughty."

Li Xuewu held the teacup and drank slowly, introducing, "The big one is three and already starting to be sensible; the little one is almost twelve months old."

"He can stand and walk two steps by himself, and he crawls extremely fast. He turns over everything he can reach."

"Small children are all like that—"

Zhang Shuting said with a smile, "Have a little more patience, teach them slowly, and raise them slowly."

"Yes, my mother helped us raise them for half a year and just went back a while ago," he introduced. "The one in my eldest brother's family is a month older than him and is also a naughty kid. We can't keep an eye on them."

"How good it is to have parents helping out."

Zhang Shuting looked him over and asked, "Is your father-in-law's side doing well? I heard he's working at the academy?"

"Yes, the Jin Ling Military Academy."

Li Xuewu put down the teacup and said, "Although he's not as busy as before, his health is still not very good, and he still needs to recuperate."

"My mother-in-law went over also to take care of his health, worried that he would forget to take care of himself once he got busy."

"One should pay attention to one's health."

Zhang Shuting clearly understood and nodded in agreement, saying, "Health is the capital of revolution. Without good health, one can't do anything."

"You are right," Li Xuewu followed her words and added, "Isn't this the only wish of children?"

"Parents being present makes a home; if parents have regrets, children become children without a home."

The era was churning, and the wind and clouds were rising.

Li Xuewu had seen, heard, and handled many things with his own eyes and hands, and the pity and helplessness in his heart had all turned into sighs.

He had some understanding of Li Deshan's situation, but he had never rashly mentioned it, even at home.

When writing letters or making calls to Jin Ling, he only upheld one principle: do not talk about state affairs, and let family affection be the priority.

Only talk about family matters, not about the rights and wrongs of others.

He was a wave-rider who could barely protect his own family matters; how could he dare to touch the big winds and waves?

Everyone had their own fate, and everyone had their own cultivation.

The situation of Li Deshan's family wasn't something he could solve, nor was it something he could participate in.

It was precisely because he maintained this way of handling family affection that he was able to see Zhang Shuting, and Zhang Shuting was also willing to interact with him.

Today, it was mentioned at home, and he was also afraid that Zhang Shuting and her husband couldn't withstand the pressure, so he boldly said a word.

Whether she appreciated it or not, he didn't care. He only sat at home for the time it took to drink a cup of tea before he took the initiative to say goodbye.

Zhang Shuting saw him all the way to the gate, said goodbye very politely, and the guard at the entrance also watched from the side, his eyes full of satisfaction.

Conduct that was just right, making everyone get along harmoniously.

A young man who could have this level of cultivation deserved to rise steadily and climb higher step by step.

It wasn't just Zhang Shuting who thought this way in her heart. Li Xuewu visited many families today, and most of them thought the same.

After leaving Zhang Shuting's side, he went straight to the home of the marriage witness, Yu Huaiyou.

Yu Huaiyou was still at the Ministry of Public Security. When he arrived at his home, he wasn't there, but he had told his family that someone would come to visit.

Li Xuewu performed the etiquette of a junior, brought the genuine four boxes of gifts, chatted with Yu Huaiyou's wife and young son for a few minutes, and then came out of the courtyard.

Yu Huaiyou and Zhang Shuting were relationships he definitely had to thank every year; once the visit was done, it was done.

From the fact that Yu Huaiyou didn't see him personally, one could see that both sides maintained a cautious distance.

Li Xuewu himself no longer worked in this system, so seeing Yu Huaiyou wasn't that necessary.

It was the next few families that were enough to keep him running around.

Gu Ning's aunts and uncles, Gu Ning's uncles—this was the second year of their marriage, and Gu Haitao wasn't in the capital, so he always had to show something.

The old saying goes that good news doesn't leave the door, and bad news travels a thousand miles, but that was also biased; the news of his progress spread very quickly.

The treatment resolved before the New Year was known to everyone when he went to pay New Year calls after the New Year.

This year, whether it was aunts or uncles, the enthusiasm was even greater than in previous years. Those who didn't catch the mealtime wanted to keep him for a meal, and those who did catch the mealtime wouldn't let him leave—good dishes, good wine, and drinking until they were drunk.

Fortunately, Li Xuewu's alcohol tolerance was okay, and he walked out standing up. How many sons-in-law had been drunk under the table at their father-in-law's house? Raise your hands now!

Li Xuewu had never thought that one day he would also become "the child of someone else's family."

There was such emphasis last year, and there was even more this year.

But he also understood that since the elders emphasized it so much, his interactions with those in-laws were just like that.

How many young people weren't arrogant? It would have been fine if the elders at home hadn't mentioned it, but since they did, he became the target of public criticism.

Who do you think instigated the toasts at the dinner table? The wine toasted to him carried a bit of envy, jealousy, and hatred.

Li Xuewu couldn't make everyone satisfied, and he never thought about borrowing the connections of these relatives; he could only say it was up to fate.

He had also thought about it: they said it last year, they said it this year, but they wouldn't say it next year, because they couldn't catch up, couldn't chase, and saying it again would be cursing.

So when drinking, when people toasted to his career success, he would smile and say, "I'm working hard."

In his heart, he promised: I will work hard to progress and strive to make you unable to compare, and that way it will be good for us to let each other go.

If you are one level higher than him, he envies you; two levels higher, he is jealous; three levels higher, he will hate you; five levels higher, he will kneel—

Among relatives, people are more snobbish and more direct than among friends.

The meal that evening lasted a long time. Gu Ning's second aunt's husband was in heavy industry and pulled him to chat a lot about the Red Star Factory.

It was mainly listening to the introduction of the Red Star Factory's industrial planning regarding metallurgy, steel rolling, shipbuilding, aircraft, etc.

This aspect was Li Xuewu's responsibility, so he spoke in more detail, mainly because the second aunt's husband asked in detail.

It was five o'clock when he arrived at their house, and it was already seven-thirty when he came out. This was still after drinking to his heart's content.

The last time he came to the house, the second aunt's husband wasn't home, so it ended at a point, and it was over in five minutes.

This time was different. Hearing that he was coming to visit, the second aunt's husband specifically set this time, just to find him to drink.

Maybe these relatives who kept him for a meal didn't know his alcohol tolerance; the look in their eyes when he came out was different.

Gu Haitao's family actually didn't drink much; that was their family upbringing.

This time, they really found a son-in-law who was an immortal of wine, especially Li Xuewu's hearty personality and all-encompassing temper at the dinner table.

The second aunt's husband was a person of true temperament, but he also had a temper. This time, the invitation to drink also carried a bit of a test.

One could tell from the words asking about the Red Star Factory's business situation that this was also a pragmatic cadre.

It was worth mentioning that the second aunt's husband didn't comment on his report, let alone give him any opinions or suggestions.

Li Xuewu knew that this was a loyal and honest elder who was truly concerned about his growth.

Let alone talking about being married for two years, only then seeing his growth—perhaps in the eyes of the older generation, only when one reached Li Xuewu's position could one be considered a rising star, qualified to sit on equal footing and discuss major affairs.

When the two were talking in the living room, the children in the family, regardless of age, didn't have a chance to interrupt.

This showed the second aunt's husband's personality: serious.

When he came out, the whole family sent him to the car, and at parting, they urged him to work hard and come to the house to sit often.

This was passing the assessment, expressing approval of his progress, and also recognizing his rise as the Gu family's son-in-law.

Meeting again in the future, they would definitely treat him seriously.

Li Xuewu hadn't expected this process and experience; one could only say that everyone's growth had a process.

On one step, you meet corresponding people and have corresponding insights. If you don't have them now, it can only be said that you haven't reached that position yet. Forcing it won't work, because people won't look back.

Even if it were Li Xuewu himself, it would be the same. Now, if he were asked to guide and help comrades at the section member level, could he do it?

Just like parents treating children: at one year old, you teach them to walk and talk; at ten years old, you teach them to study culture.

But when they are twenty, they might not be willing to listen to your nagging and help. At this time, you have to learn to let go and encourage.

Managing in the same unit is the same. How many apprentices taught hand-in-hand are of one mind with you?

On the contrary, the rough-and-tumble people brought up by whipping and encouragement will become your capable generals. Isn't that ironic?

Looking at it from the other side, isn't it the same for Li Xuewu?

So his attitude toward the second aunt's husband was the same as his attitude toward other relatives: not happy with things, not sad with himself.

"You've been drinking?"

Yu Li came out of the inverted room and saw Li Xuewu's car enter the Bai Bai Xiyuan.

She and Shen Guodong, who came out together, went to greet him in the Bai Bai Xiyuan. Seeing him come over from the garage, she smelled the scent of alcohol.

Actually, it was just stained on his body. He didn't have an addiction to alcohol, and he didn't like the state of being slightly tipsy; he was a person with extremely strong self-control.

It could only be cheap for Old Li; it was all his!

"You haven't gone home yet at this hour?"

Seeing Shen Guodong was also there, he asked.

Walking toward the courtyard, he said, "Visiting relatives, drank a little, nothing much."

"Had a meeting with the neighborhood office today."

Shen Guodong also explained, "Ate here with Xiaoyan in the evening. Sister Yu brought back some yellow croaker, drank a little wine, and chatted for a while."

"Hmm, nothing happened in the morning, right?"

Li Xuewu entered the outer courtyard, glanced at the front courtyard, and asked Shen Guodong about the funeral situation in the morning.

Shen Guodong had a tight mouth and didn't say it at this time, signaling toward the room, wanting to call him into the room to talk.

Just as they were talking, the First Uncle and Yan Jiefang came out from the hanging flower gate.

Seeing them draped in cotton-padded jackets, one knew they had heard the car and come looking for him.

"You came back just in time; otherwise, I was thinking of looking for you."

The First Uncle didn't stand on ceremony with him and said bluntly, "I have to trouble you today to say a few words."

"Is it that serious?"

Li Xuewu looked at the two suspiciously and said, "I just came back and drank quite a bit of wine, and I'm a bit muddled."

"We all know your alcohol tolerance."

The First Uncle really wanted him to go, directly pointing out his intention to avoid it, not giving him a chance at all.

"This matter today, I can't decide it alone."

He looked at Li Xuewu seriously and said, "You are also a member of our courtyard. Just for the sake of peace and stability, what do you say?"

These words... since these words were out, what else could he say?

Shen Guodong's mouth twitched. He had come out to greet Li Xuewu just now because he was afraid the Yan family would come to invite him.

They had come twice that evening; if Li Xuewu hadn't come to the funeral in the morning, they wouldn't have had to wait until late at night.

He gave Li Xuewu a look and went to the inverted room.

Yu Li was even more direct; she didn't even enter the moon gate and went straight through the East Courtyard gate to go home.

She didn't want to hear a single word about the Yan family's affairs; it was disgusting.

The First Uncle was also disgusted, pushed by the neighborhood office, and held up by the Yan family, so he could only preside over this matter.

When walking to the Yan family's, the First Uncle also said that the Second Uncle from the backyard was there, as well as some men from the courtyard.

It turned out it was about the events of these past two days. Yan Jiefang also knew he was in the wrong, so he invited the people from the courtyard who helped to drink in the evening.

The First Uncle hadn't expected that this wine would become a Hongmen Banquet.

It was still yesterday's matter. The Yan family's money really exploded, and it also included the responsibility of the Jia family's bad kid, Banggeng, in this matter.

Otherwise, why would they invite Li Xuewu to preside? Qin Huairu was at the Yan family's with her son at this time.

Yan Jiefang and his wife were there with their children. The Yan family was all gathered together to talk about things before the funeral and things after.

In this courtyard, the one who could judge Qin Huairu—the First Uncle couldn't, the Yan family didn't believe it, but they couldn't make a scene at the neighborhood office.

Even Hou Qinghua understood that if this matter reached the neighborhood office, the nature would change.

When the time came to want to end it, it wouldn't be something she could control, and even the whole family would become a laughingstock of the neighborhood office.

So they sent Yan Fugui away and discussed this matter all day. Even if it was at night, they had to settle this matter.

"Alright, Director Li is here too."

The First Uncle invited him into the room. The men, women, old, and young in the room all stood up, with all kinds of expressions on their faces.

The seat prepared for Li Xuewu was also special—in the place of honor, to the left of the Eight Immortals table, clearly arranged long ago.

Li Xuewu hadn't thought about sitting in that seat. He hadn't thought about coming at all, but the First Uncle and Second Uncle supported him and pressed him into the seat.

"I didn't want to come," he started by saying clearly, "The First Uncle has caused me trouble."

These words couldn't be more blunt. They were said to the Jia family, the Yan family, and the neighbors, and of course, they included the First Uncle and Second Uncle.

"My relationship with the Third Uncle is okay, but I didn't come to see him off."

Li Xuewu said in front of the people in the room, "He shouldn't blame me; he understands why I didn't come to see him off."

"This matter, blame me."

Yi Zhonghai sat beside him, letting Hou Qinghua sit in the seat across the table from Li Xuewu.

He sat close to Li Xuewu, nodded, and said, "Having presided over things in this courtyard for so many years, there are many things I haven't done well."

"First Uncle, please don't say that."

Yan Jiefang held the cigarette box and offered cigarettes to the men in the room. Some took them, some didn't.

Because Li Xuewu didn't take one, those who took them didn't smoke either.

"I still have to thank you for this matter of my father. Without your help and the help of everyone, wouldn't I, Yan Jiefang, have become a laughingstock?"

His eyes were bloodshot. Clearly, he hadn't slept well these past few days, especially since he had been angry and suffered.

He was originally a cripple, and walking around the room looked uncomfortable.

"You find a place to sit too, Jiefang."

Yi Zhonghai waved his hand and said, "Since everyone has been invited today, and Director Li has been waited for, let's make things clear today, make them thorough. Don't let family ugliness spread."

"No matter how difficult the matter is, it is handled by people."

He signaled toward Li Xuewu and said, "Let me say a word of being old and selling old: since Director Li still lives in our courtyard, he has the responsibility and obligation to handle this matter today."

Li Xuewu could understand his meaning. He just nodded at this moment and didn't say anything else.

Since he was here, he could avoid the first day, but he couldn't avoid the fifteenth.

If this little matter of the Yan family really made the courtyard restless, then no family would have a peaceful life.

"Then let's do it this way. Let's start."

After the First Uncle looked around, especially after looking at Hou Qinghua, he said, "Let's talk about one thing at a time. Once one thing is settled, we settle it. This matter won't go past tonight."

"Let's start from our side."

Qin Huairu suddenly spoke, "It can be counted as the cause. We don't have much involvement with the following matters, First Uncle."

Yi Zhonghai looked at Hou Qinghua and Yan Jiefang, nodded, and said, "That's good. Let's start from your side."

"Third Aunt, I won't talk about new hatreds and old grudges today."

Qin Huairu spoke, "I brought Banggeng here. My mother-in-law didn't come. You and everyone can see my attitude."

Hou Qinghua sat there pinching her hands, not looking at Qin Huairu, just tightly pursing her lips and not speaking.

"We don't deny that Banggeng was at the scene and brought influence to everyone. Here, I have to apologize to everyone first."

Qin Huairu stood up very readily and bowed to the neighbors in the room with Banggeng.

Banggeng's face no longer had a violent expression, only a child's timidity and confusion remained.

Where had a child experienced such an occasion? He understood even less why he had to do this.

After Qin Huairu sat down with the child, she continued, "I also asked Banggeng. The child doesn't understand things and treats the conflicts between adults as hatred. This is wrong."

"I, as a mother, didn't educate the child well. I can only mend the fold after the sheep is lost, and criticize and educate."

"It was your mother-in-law who taught him—"

Hou Qinghua suddenly spoke, "I don't believe a child could strike such a deadly blow..."

"Third Aunt," Qin Huairu was interrupted by her, and in turn, she interrupted her, "Either you talk to me today, or you go talk to my mother-in-law. If you want to say this, I won't talk."

Talk to Jia Zhangshi?

Don't joke. There wasn't a single person in this courtyard who could make things clear to Jia Zhangshi. She wasn't a confused person; she was an old stubborn one.

Hou Qinghua had fought Jia Zhangshi a few times and naturally knew she couldn't do anything to her. Being reminded by Qin Huairu at this moment, she could only snort and give up.

Yi Zhonghai nodded and signaled to Qin Huairu, saying, "Let Huairu finish her words. People came here to solve problems."

"First Uncle is right. We came to solve problems," Qin Huairu said neither humbly nor arrogantly, "But we must also make clear where the problem lies. If it's our problem, we won't evade it."

"Third Aunt said Banggeng pushed Third Uncle. We don't admit this. If you can produce evidence, you can even execute him."

She looked at this side and said, "Banggeng and my mother-in-law said it was because of the conflict the day before, and he felt aggrieved by being wrongly accused."

"He just watched the next day to see who exactly did this kind of thing. We also want a clear explanation."

"You say he didn't push, so he didn't push?"

Hou Qinghua pressed the table, pointed at Qin Huairu's side, and said, "If he didn't push him, could he have rushed so far from the steps?"

"If you're going to argue, we're leaving."

Yi Zhonghai was also annoyed by the arguing. These things had been argued about all day, and he had accompanied them all day.

At this moment, he said with a cold face, "This room full of people didn't come to listen to you argue. Are you going to let people speak?"

Hou Qinghua puffed out her cheeks and stared, breathing heavily as if she had suffered a great grievance.

Qin Huairu didn't pay attention to her either, and under the First Uncle's signal, she continued, "Banggeng said he didn't see Third Uncle fall. He ran back from the moment he squatted down to relieve himself."

"Cough, cough, hmm—"

Just as Hou Qinghua was about to refute, Li Xuewu interrupted her rhythm and asked Banggeng, "You really didn't see?"

"I really didn't see—"

Banggeng looked at Li Xuewu and said, "If I had seen it, I wouldn't have shouted 'Third Uncle pull'... I would have shouted 'he fell'."

Since he said that, everyone knew what he meant. What everyone heard at the time was indeed like that.

Li Xuewu asked just that one sentence, turned to Yan Jiefang, and said, "What I can tell you is that without witnesses and evidence, no one can speak nonsense."

"If you want to go to court, then it's whoever claims must provide evidence, especially for this kind of civil dispute case. Your family finds the evidence."

He pointed at Banggeng and said, "If you are determined that he pushed Third Uncle to his death, then report it to the police and go through criminal investigation."

"But I still have to say one thing: reporting to the police is your right, but whether to file a case depends on the station."

"Based on the situation I understand currently, in the situation where you can't produce other evidence, the possibility of filing a case is not high."

Li Xuewu said bluntly, "In the end, it still has to return to a civil dispute. Do you understand my words?"

"Understand—"

Yan Jiefang nodded very readily, looked at Qin Huairu, and said, "Qin Jie, please rest assured, I won't say that."

"Then let's go back," Li Xuewu tapped the table and said, "The problem you are tangled about now should be: since Banggeng didn't see Third Uncle fall, then it can't be determined if he was injured by Banggeng's sudden shout, right?"

Qin Huairu looked at Yan Jiefang, and Yan Jiefang didn't speak, making a default attitude.

Hou Qinghua didn't speak in front, and here she also admitted it.

"There are ways to solve this matter."

Li Xuewu said seriously, "You report it to the police, and I will ask friends from the criminal expert group to help and calculate the distance."

"From the position where he squatted, to the position where he fell, to the position where he crawled, calculate how he fell."

He tapped the table and said, "But there is one point: you must be honest about Third Uncle's illness. This can't be hidden anymore."

Li Xuewu spoke, and even if Hou Qinghua wanted to refute, she couldn't say anything. This was much more forceful than the First Uncle.

"No need to be so troublesome—"

Qin Huairu took the initiative to speak, "Regardless of whether Third Uncle was scared by Banggeng, since Third Uncle is gone, we all acknowledge it."

"It was wrong for him to make a scene in the middle of the night, whether it scared Third Uncle or scared the neighbors, he must bear the responsibility."

"Qin Jie—"

Yan Jiefang also hadn't expected Qin Huairu to be so straightforward.

Even Hou Qinghua's expression carried a bit of bewilderment and surprise.

"Banggeng is young, and it is my responsibility as a parent to do something wrong," Qin Huairu said, "I can't teach him to deny it in every way after doing something wrong. I will bear his mistakes and responsibilities."

After these few sentences were said, the neighbors sitting in the room were moved one after another, and the atmosphere in the room became active.

Once things were talked about, one side had to compromise first; otherwise, it would only be deadlocked, just like this whole day.

"Jiefang, you are the head of the family now."

Yi Zhonghai looked at him and asked, "What is your meaning?"

Yan Jiefang looked at his mother, then nodded and said, "I have nothing to say. Qin Jie has said so, I can't say anything else."

Actually, Hou Qinghua wanted to say it. Since the Jia family acknowledged it, let's discuss the compensation.

It was just that there was still a hurdle here today. She didn't give money for Yan Fugui's funeral, and the First Uncle and others only recognized her as a woman, not as the head of the Yan family. She was embarrassed now.

She could only speak from the perspective of a woman; she wouldn't be asked about decisive matters.

"Since you called me here, I will speak fair words."

Li Xuewu tapped the table and said, "Banggeng is not yet an adult, and there was a reason for making such a scene. If you don't have a count in your heart about how much responsibility he can bear, then go to court."

"I don't have much experience either. I say these reasons to urge the perfect solution to this matter as soon as possible. Think about it yourselves."

"Jiefang, Sister is sincere."

Qin Huairu took the initiative to speak, "We don't care about the past, only the future. We acknowledge Banggeng's mistake."

She looked at the First Uncle and said, "We will compensate Third Uncle with one hundred yuan for funeral expenses. See if that's okay."

"Alright, let's do it this way—"

Hou Qinghua just wanted to grab the chance to speak before the First Uncle, but she didn't expect her son Yan Jiefang to nod and agree without even thinking.

Regardless of his mother glaring at him, he looked at Qin Huairu and said, "This matter was originally headless and brainless, and the more we talk, the more there is."

"I don't want to be tangled anymore, because I have to remember the sentiment of Banggeng sending eggs to our house. Let's do it this way."

He said this last sentence looking at the First Uncle, and also looked at his mother to emphasize, "Give this money to you, I won't keep a single cent. In the future, you can't use this to argue anymore."

"Hmph—"

Hou Qinghua only felt it was a loss, slapped the table, turned her head away, and stared with angry eyes.

Qin Huairu had been prepared long ago, took Banggeng to the Eight Immortals table, counted it one by one, and it was exactly one hundred yuan.

"Cutting the Gordian knot, it's worth it."

Li Xuewu nodded, looked at Banggeng, and said, "This time it's because you are young. You have to use your brain more when doing things in the future."

Banggeng lowered his head and didn't speak. He also knew the taste of paying money was very uncomfortable.

Qin Huairu nodded to the neighbors in the room and said, "Then Third Aunt, everyone is busy, we'll go back."

She only left this sentence, and under the escort of Yan Jiefang and Ge Shuqin, she left the room.

Hou Qinghua didn't know if she felt it was a loss or if she was embarrassed, but she didn't touch the one hundred yuan in the first instance.

After Yan Jiefang and his wife returned, the First Uncle began the second matter of mediation.

"As mentioned before, Jiefang has separated to live alone. It's understandable to handle the funeral, but there are differences in funeral expenses. This has to be said, and there is also the matter of dividing the family."

He said, "I made it clear to Jiefang and Jiekuang. Jiefang wants to handle the funeral alone, then this family must be re-divided and re-judged, because Jiekuang hasn't yet established a family or career."

"Furthermore, there is the issue of your mother's support, and the issue of raising the younger brother and sister. This has also been made clear here."

"First Uncle, let me say a word."

Yan Jiefang looked at this side and said, "I don't want the money for my father's funeral anymore. After all, I am the son."

He signaled toward Ge Shuqin's direction and said, "Shuqin also told me that the past is the past, and now it must be seen this way."

The neighbors in the room also cast approving glances one after another, only feeling that Yan Jiefang had truly matured and grown up.

Li Xuewu and Yi Zhonghai didn't speak, because it was clearly heard that Yan Jiefang had words within words.

Sure enough, after he finished saying this, he looked at his mother again and said, "I don't know how much money was left in our family, and I don't know how much the funeral expenses given by the school were."

He pointed to the money on the table and said, "I only know that my father's life is worth more than this one hundred yuan. You calculate it clearly in your heart."

"In the future, you live your life, and I live mine. I will be filial to you, but there is no relationship in terms of money."

As soon as these words came out, everyone in the room raised their eyebrows, and Hou Qinghua looked over in disbelief.

"I won't touch your money, and you don't stop me."

Yan Jiefang said bluntly, "The younger brother and sister have also grown up. In two or three years, they will be able to make something of themselves."

"If I have the strength, I will help; if I don't have the ability, don't blame me. I'm just a scrap collector."

The one who was dumbfounded first in the room wasn't Hou Qinghua, but the First Uncle, because he hadn't expected Yan Jiefang to pull back the stool.

If it were really judged this way, then the support of the Yan family and the elderly care would really have nothing to do with Yan Jiefang.

Who gave him this idea? It's truly high!

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 1245 =====