CHAPTER 132: CHAPTER 132: TESTIMONY

She was afraid that the Zhao Family would deny their claims later and think they had rehearsed their testimony in advance, so she chose well-known adversaries from the village.

They first questioned the eldest sister-in-law of the Dang Family.

The eldest sister-in-law of the Dang Family hadn’t collaborated with Mrs. Zhao at all before, so her answers were stammering and completely off the mark.

Mrs. Zhao, however, answered smoothly, though she wasn’t confident, fearing that the eldest sister-in-law of the Dang Family would say something different.

After both parties were questioned, the female director frowned with a complex expression.

"The first question, on what day was the dowry given? Sister-in-law Gui Fen said it was July 16th, while the Zhao Family said August 15th."

There was a whole month difference.

Chunya quickly said, "On August 15th, our whole family went to the big fair, and we ran into many acquaintances on the way. They can all testify for me."

"Yes, on August 15th, our commune’s big fair had the most complete selection. Half the village went, and all four members of the Fifth Uncle’s family went too. Dong Sheng couldn’t walk halfway, and Fifth Uncle had to carry him back!"

The four members of the Lin family were not home all day; just exactly who did the Zhao Family give the dowry to?

There was no need to delve into the remaining questions as it was already enough to prove that Mrs. Zhao was lying.

However, the female director still gave the answers to the next two questions, and it was obvious that the "testimonies" of both parties were completely different.

"Well... it’s normal that we can’t remember clearly since so much time has passed."

"Oh." Lin Xiang deliberately dragged out the sound, "A hundred and twenty yuan is a huge sum for an ordinary family. You supposedly gave away such a huge amount as a dowry, but can’t remember the details?"

Mrs. Zhao remained stubborn, "I’m getting old, and I can’t remember things clearly!"

Lin Xiang ignored her, "Alright, let’s just say both of you remembered wrong. You just said that the Zhao Family also gave Chunya a sewing machine and a radio? These items must be bought at the supply and marketing cooperatives. Let’s not mention the industrial coupons; such big items have limited stock each month at the supply cooperatives, and there would definitely be records of the transactions."

"We don’t mind going through the trouble; let’s go to the supply and marketing cooperatives now to see if there are any records of your purchase of a sewing machine and a radio."

"We didn’t buy them at the supply and marketing cooperatives, so there wouldn’t be any records even if we checked!"

"Oh?" Lin Xiang raised an eyebrow, "Not from the supply cooperatives? Then it must be from some illegal place, huh? Well, there really wouldn’t be purchase records, but engaging in speculative activities in prohibited areas is a criminal offense. It must be severely punished! Fifth Uncle, report it to the police!"

"Who said we bought it from such places? Don’t speak nonsense!" Mrs. Zhao lost her composure and started yelling at Lin Xiang.

Lin Xiang dug her ear with her finger, "It couldn’t have fallen from the sky, could it?"

"We... We bought it from the department store in the county town."

Lin Xiang almost wanted to applaud Mrs. Zhao.

Villainous schemes concocted with all their might can never surpass the sudden brilliance of a fool.

"Department store, huh? The registration at the department store is stricter than at the supply cooperatives. Let’s go to the department store to find out. Don’t worry, we’ll cover the round-trip fare. All you need is to send someone to verify it with us on site."

Mrs. Zhao had never been to the county town; being provoked by Lin Xiang, she revealed her true colors.

"So some people really are shameless, huh? Clearly never given a dowry but claiming to have done so, just to make a profit. No wonder Chen Chunshui ended up in prison at such a young age; bad family upbringing, huh! Tsk, your son committed a crime and went to jail, which already affects your family a lot."

"Now you’re fabricating things out of nothing. I wonder which good family with blinded eyes would be willing to marry their daughter into your family!"

Mrs. Zhao’s face turned so livid it seemed she could drip water.

But she dared not do anything to Lin Xiang because this was the Li Hua Team, not the Red Temple Team, and the people of the Li Hua Team were extremely united.

Mrs. Zhao suppressed her anger and deliberately acted nonchalantly, "Maybe I remembered wrong; it wasn’t Lin Family I gave the dowry to."

"Was it to the family of your elder son’s chosen partner? I wonder if they’d still be willing to marry into your family after all this."

"Young lady, don’t speak so harshly."

"Harsh words are better than some people doing ugly deeds, don’t you think?"

Mrs. Zhao left.

She left angrily with her two sons and some friends, in stark contrast to her proud demeanor when she arrived.

Lin Xiang’s mocking continued, this time aimed at the eldest sister-in-law of the Dang Family, "Fifth Aunt, how can there be such bad people in the world? They just can’t stand seeing others living better and try every way to cause trouble."

"Exactly. But these kinds of people tend to face retribution the most."

The eldest sister-in-law of the Dang Family’s face was a palette of colors, finally settling on red. Her face flushed, "Well, my brother’s still waiting for me to cook. I’ll head back first!"

The eldest sister-in-law of the Dang Family hurried away with such urgency as if a flood beast was chasing her.

The troublemakers left, and the onlookers consoled Fifth Aunt and Chunya for a while before departing as well.

"Girl, thank you today. Without your help, I wouldn’t know how to deal with the dowry issue,"

"Fifth Aunt, remember, never admit to things we didn’t do. If they pressure you too much, just report it to the police. After all, people who haven’t done anything wrong don’t need to feel guilty."

"Yes, I’ll remember this time. I’m planning to visit my parents’ home to seek justice for Chunya, so I won’t keep you. When we’re free later, Fifth Aunt will cook something good for you."

"Alright, I’ll head back now too."

Lin Xiang went back home, the bone broth was already flavorful, but to make a tasty soup with noodles, it needed to simmer a bit longer.

Lin Xiang scooped out the bone broth into an aluminum bucket, set it over a mud stove to let it slowly simmer, and freed up the pot to start cooking.

Thinking that Lin Yun needed good food to recuperate from his injury, Lin Xiang made carp soup for him and used the remaining meat at home to make meat-stuffed buns.

She made eight buns in total, gave two to Lin Yun, kept three for herself, and shared the remaining three with Mrs. Lin.

Mrs. Lin took a bite and casually asked Lin Xiang, "Are two buns enough for your brother, considering his appetite?"

"He’s been on bed rest these days, using less energy and not easily feeling hungry. Besides, lighter food is better for his recovery, fatty foods can hinder wound healing."

"Alright." Mrs. Lin began to eat her buns contentedly.

Lin Xiang packed a lunch box and went to the brigade office to borrow a bicycle.

She happened to see Huang Jiayun there discussing matters with the brigade leader. Lin Xiang didn’t disturb them; she got Accountant Xu to record it and rode the bike to the hospital.