Chapter 35
Will Never Let Her Off
Zhao Chuchu let out a deep sigh. “If it wasn’t because I wanted my husband’s eyes to recover quickly, I wouldn’t need to put you in such a spot. But don’t worry, the magistrate said that the imperial court will reward me for my prescription since it’s been proven effective. I will definitely be able to pay for the labor costs.”
Niu Tongsheng said, “In that case, you can pay for the labor costs later. I will speak to the workers. But Chuchu, it’s been a difficult time for all of us. Try to pay the labor costs earlier.”
“Don’t worry Chief Niu. I will think of a way to earn some money.” Zhao Chuchu nodded.
Niu Tongsheng then asked Zhao Chuchu about the details of what she required for the renovation. After clarifying her specifications, he left the house.
It had been a long day. Finally, it was evening time.
News that the Xie family wanted to build a wall around the yard had spread through the entire village.
When Niu Tongsheng went to look for people to help Zhao Chuchu, many of the villagers were still sore about having to pay Zhao Chuchu silver. More than 70 percent of the villagers refused to let their male family members help the Xie family.
In addition, the majority of the people in Lengshui Village belonged to the Zhao family. Niu Tongsheng was the only one in the village who was literate. That was why he became the village chief.
“Zhao Chuchu has nothing to do with our Zhao family. Forget about getting us to help!”
“Chief Niu, get Zhao Chuchu to come to the ancestral hall of the Zhao family. Tell her to kneel and apologize to us. We’ll then consider helping her.”
“Isn’t she very powerful? Why did she have to ask you to beg us? Has she finally remembered us? Tell her to return all the grains and money she took from the Zhao family. Otherwise, forget about it!”
Not only did the Zhao family refuse to help, but they also made all kinds of unreasonable demands.
Niu Tongsheng’s face darkened. “Shut up, all of you. Help if you wish. Forget it if you’re not willing to help. Don’t think the wall cannot be built without your help.”
Madam Ma gave Madam Yang a knowing look. They had the same thought, “The wall must never be built.”
Otherwise, it would not be convenient for them to steal the Xie family’s grains.
Madam Yang was the first to speak up. “The wall cannot be built. Two days ago, I consulted a fortune teller. She said that nothing should be moved within the village. Otherwise, it may anger the gods, and the plague will return.”
“Really?”
“Of course, it’s true. Why should I lie to you? It’s the fortune-teller from Gao Village, south of our village. You can go and check with her if you don’t believe me.”
“That fortune-teller is always spot on in her predictions. We’ve managed to control the plague after so much difficulty. We cannot allow another plague to strike us. Otherwise, Zhao Chuchu will empty all our bank accounts.”
“Oh, now I see. I was wondering why Zhao Chuchu wanted to build a wall all of a sudden. So it’s her intention to cause us further harm.”
“We can’t let Zhao Chuchu build the wall. Chief Niu, you cannot endanger our lives.”
“That’s right. if Zhao Chuchu dares to build the wall, I’ll die in front of her. I won’t let her off even if I turn into a ghost.”
At Madam Yang’s instigation, the other villagers started protesting.
Niu Tongsheng was so angry that he took a few steps back.
Old Mrs. Chen retorted angrily, “What a load of rubbish! Zhao Chuchu’s prescription had saved us from the virus. If the fortune-teller is so capable, why did she almost die too? She recovered only after taking Chuchu’s medicine. She had not been telling fortunes recently, how did you manage to consult her?”
Madam Yang did not expect Old Mrs. Chen to shoot down her suggestion. Placing on hand on her hip, she pointed at Old Mrs. Chen with the other finger and scolded, “Who doesn’t know that you’ve been sucking up to the Xie family recently? What are you trying to do? Are you going to let your granddaughter marry Xie Heng so she can share a husband with Zhao Chuchu?”
Old Mrs. Chen was almost consumed with rage. “Old b*tch, I will tear you to pieces today!”
By the time Zhao Chuchu arrived, she saw Old Mrs. Chen and Madam Yang fighting.