CHAPTER 603: EPISODE 321 YOU HAVE TO STAND AS A PUNISHMENT_2

"I won’t sell, are you satisfied now? Heartless, all of you!"

Chun Xi, leading the group of women, spit in his face again and sneered, "Don’t think you can deceive anyone here. With so many witnesses present today, we all have eyes on you. If you dare do such filthy deeds again, you won’t get away with it!"

Wen Huaren picked up the paper, carefully put it back into his chest, clenched his teeth, lifted his chin, and said, "I know today’s affairs are not right, and it’s inevitable that it will leave a bad name. If you are dissatisfied, you can go to the officials. I will confront you in the court, in front of the County Magistrate, and we will clarify everything. Even if I end up in jail, I won’t let you have it easy."

Before Zhou Qing could speak, he continued, "Furthermore, from today onwards, Zhou Yunyun’s earned wages are yours to take, and if not given, you are not to come knocking for them. She is now a part of Daoxiang Garden, and if you wish to trouble her, you must consult me first."

His words were forceful, and among the hundred or so onlookers behind him, some started applauding, loudly exclaiming, "Scholar Wen, well said, you are a real man!"

"...What do you mean ’like’ a real man, he clearly is, genuine and exchangeable if not as promised."

Behind a large tree not far away, Hua Xiaomai couldn’t help but mutter to herself.

Wen Huaren usually looked weak and appeared incapable of even trussing a chicken, yet at the critical moment, he could truly show courage and provide reassurance.

She felt that Wen Huaren’s seemingly fragile silhouette had suddenly grown taller, and after quietly admiring him in her heart, she turned her head only to see Zhou Yunyun’s face smeared with tears from sobbing.

"I know today’s event is rather improper, and if you reproach me, I would understand." She sighed, patted the girl’s shoulder.

Zhou Yunyun shook her head vigorously, "I know my master is looking out for my interests. I can’t thank you enough, how could I blame you? Without my master’s intervention, my father would have sold me off sooner or later..."

"It was all arranged by Great Saint and the others; I only spoke a few words." Hua Xiaomai smiled, "Alright, this matter is resolved now. From now on, you live peacefully in Daoxiang Garden, and try not to run home when there’s no need. Staying away from your father only brings benefits, not harm."

...

This whole commotion had the whole Fire Knife Village abuzz, with everyone discussing the incident, some cursing and some praising, even livelier than the Lunar New Year celebrations.

So, when Meng Yuhuai returned from Fuzhe County in the evening, it was effortless for him to learn the ins and outs of the whole affair, prompting him to rush back home with his black dog in tow.

Hua Xiaomai had expected early on that she wouldn’t be the one to inform him, so as soon as he stepped into the yard, she quickly passed the little walnut into Old Madam Meng’s arms and dashed into the room.

But no matter how fast she was, she couldn’t outpace Meng Yuhuai. Just as she dashed in to close the door, Meng Yuhuai’s foot blocked the entrance, and with a light push, the door swung back uncontrollably. Fortunately, she ducked quickly enough to avoid being hit squarely.

The little walnut chuckled twice before being carried by Old Madam Meng into the main room, clearly out of sight, out of mind.

Hua Xiaomai stood beside the table, grinning butteringly at Meng Yuhuai, "What’s wrong, are you going to eat someone? You look so fierce."

"Don’t play coy with me. Go stand over by the wall!" Meng Yuhuai frowned tightly, pointing to a corner of the room, "Stand properly and don’t move!"

"Are you punishing me to stand?" Hua Xiaomai couldn’t help but laugh, but obeyed and shuffled over to the corner, standing upright as told.

Meng Yuhuai wished he could give her a couple of smacks, stepping over, he said fiercely, "What did I tell you? I turned a blind eye for your sake, as you requested, but you ignored my warning not to overdo things. With today’s incident, Zhou Qing probably won’t dare to go to the officials, but at the end of the day, he’s still a scoundrel. What if he causes trouble for you, what then?"

"Don’t I have you?" Hua Xiaomai giggled, reaching to tug at his sleeve, only to be brushed away with a slap of his hand.

"Can I be with you at all times?" Meng Yuhuai, growing angrier, said, "What will you do if I can’t look after you for a moment?"

"No problem, I’ve got a stick, I’ll hit him!" Hua Xiaomai still had an "I did nothing wrong" face, cheerfully responding.

"Hua Xiaomai, take this seriously!"

Meng Yuhuai was really at his wit’s end, pinching the bridge of his nose.

Realizing he was genuinely upset, she rubbed her nose, approached to soothe his chest, speaking softly, "The idea was from Great Saint, at most I just went along with it. He’s your brother, so talk to him, don’t just scold me! Besides, was there any other solution to today’s issue? I know it was somewhat improper, but I had no choice, you can’t expect me to ignore Yunyun’s welfare, I can’t do that."

"Blaming him now?" Meng Yuhuai couldn’t help laughing and crying at the same time, silently cursing Sun Great Saint for his unreliability, and then softened his tone, "The situation has escalated to this point, and Yunyun can’t easily return home from now on. It’s equivalent to staying with you permanently, have you considered if you can take this responsibility? It’s fine for now, but what about when she needs to get married, what will you do..."

Hua Xiaomai hadn’t really worried about this, and immediately waved her hands dismissively, leaning into his embrace, "That’s not something for you to worry about. Just watch, that Scholar Wen is also working in Daoxiang Garden, once he saves enough money, this will naturally resolve itself. Besides, Zhou Qing doesn’t even dare to ask about Yunyun’s wages at Daoxiang Garden, it’s clear that he fears you. Do you think he’d really dare to cause trouble? I’ll have Qing You and the others keep an eye out, and as for the little walnut, I’ll do my best to protect him too. Don’t worry, I won’t bring trouble home."

"It’s not that I’m afraid you’ll bring trouble home. You’re just too reckless, I worry about you..."

"I know, no need to say it." Hua Xiaomai smiled slightly, hugging his waist and resting her face against his chest.

(To be continued. If you enjoy this work, welcome to Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket. Your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please visit m.qidian.com to read.)