Chapter 70: Chapter 070: Not Even the First Stroke of a Character is Drawn
Translator: 549690339
Zhuang Ruman silently cursed Mrs. Song again in his heart.
But now, he was already enraged and felt somewhat discontent when he saw Zhuang Jingye taking such a confrontational stance.
“Does the village chief have issues?”
His tone was distant, not even addressing Zhuang Jingye as uncle.
His wife had done such a disgraceful thing, yet now, upon meeting the village chief, she showed no signs of apology, instead standing tall as if ready for a fight?
With such an audacious husband, no wonder Mrs. Song was so foolish!
Indeed, the commotion earlier was huge, but Zhuang Ruman didn’t step out to attempt mediation. It’s likely he encouraged Mrs. Song to make these demands, but retreated out of embarrassment when things went south.
This Zhuang Ruman!
“Of course there are issues!”
Zhuang Jingye’s tone somewhat indignant: “Just now, Mrs. Song made such a fuss, I thought you were simply deaf to it, but it turns out you were just comfortably at home?”
“I shall sermonize you properly, how can a husband let his wife act so recklessly in public, causing disgrace, and you just hide at home and do nothing?”
“Village chief, you can’t say that. If Mrs. Song were an animal, I could keep her tied at home or in a pen. However, she is a human being, a living person, what can I do? Should I tie her up, bind her, or confine her?”
Zhuang Ruman retorted irritably: “I understand this matter now. From now on, I will control it. There’s no need for the village chief to personally remind me of this.”
It was already a humiliating incident. Face was already lost. Everyone knew about it and understood how to deal with it later. Yet Zhuang Jingye insisted on coming over to confront him which felt like rubbing salt into the wound.
Zhuang Ruman was furious, unable to swallow this bitter pill.
Moreover, if Zhuang Yuanren could pass the examination this time and perform well in the next one, he would be a commendable scholar who wouldn’t even have to kneel to the county magistrate, and the family wouldn’t have to pay taxes. What could Zhuang Jingye possibly do then?
As a village chief, disciplining farmers was his customary duty. Now, there were clear wrongs in Zhuang Ruman’s family, yet he was being confrontational and giving no face to Zhuang Jingye, which greatly annoyed Zhuang Jingye.
“If you could control your wife and prevent her from causing trouble, no one would be willing to step into your house!”
Zhuang Jingye expressed his irritation: “If Zhuang Yuanren were at home, he would probably die of anger! He would feel extremely ashamed and think that he was cursed to have parents like you who only drag him down!”
When Zhuang Jingye mentioned Zhuang Yuanren, he saw that there was no fear on Zhuang Ruman’s face. Instead, a slight smirk suggested that Zhuang Ruman felt secure in something.
A matter that isn’t even certain yet is being paraded around so confidently. If Zhuang Yuanren becomes a scholar, would he dare to trample on Zhuang Jingye as the village chief?
Zhuang Jingye glanced at Zhuang Ruman and said sullenly: “Right, maybe your family doesn’t care that much. After all, he is just taking the exam. Whether he will pass or not is another story. Many people study; how many will see their fortunes rise as a result?”
“Zhuang Yuanren is just a bit more talented than the average child. Have you started to put on airs because of that? Is the scholar title really that easy to obtain? You’ve probably never visited the county or town to see how many old students are still wandering there. Do you think your Yuanren is definitely superior to others?”
“Even if he becomes a scholar, what then? There won’t be much rank or a good career path. Poor scholars remain poor scholars. How much better can it be? It’s just a more respectable title, after all, what do you think it is?”
“You dare to argue with me when the matter is not even certain yet. Arc you not worried about your current situation? I haven’t had much free time lately, I haven’t been to the town much. When the weather gets better, I must visit the town more often, especially the academy!”
Zhuang Ruman’s angry face suddenly deflated.
Yes, even if Zhuang Yuanren could pass the exam, that would be at least next year’s matter. And it’s still uncertain whether he will pass next year.
Even if he passes, he will only be tax-exempt, after all, he can’t secure a government position. Inside, they were still ordinary farmers, still under the control of Zhuang Jingye.
If he angers Zhuang Jingye to this extent, there will be more ways to punish him in the future, and life certainly won’t be easy.
“Uncle…”
Of course, Zhuang Ruman was not one of those people who thought that being principled could replace food. Although he was very dissatisfied with Zhuang Jingye’s speculation that Zhuang Yuanren might not pass the exam, his tone softened: “Aren’t you being too harsh with your words?”
“I was also very angry at that stupid wife of mine, Mrs. Song, and just scolded her a lot. I was still angry, so…”
“Ah, uncle, please don’t be petty with me. You know what I’m like usually, right?”
Of course, it was clear. Zhuang Ruman was a calculating man who would never go against his interests.
However, this type of person has his advantages, that is, he is very good at gauging the situation and will certainly not act recklessly without giving any face like some stubborn fools.
Zhuang Ruman smiled amiably, and Zhuang Jingye naturally met him halfway: “If I didn’t know what you’re like in daily life, I wouldn’t rest until I had a full account with you!”
“Remember from now on, control your wife more. Our village has always been peaceful and free of trouble. Don’t let your wife be the cause of any turmoil.”
“If you really provoke Zhuang Qingning to pull out a knife, even if you are the victim, it wouldn’t be a glorious thing. Let alone your children’s marriage, I think even Yuanren’s future would be ruined!”
“Yes, uncle, you’re absolutely right. From now on, I’ll make sure she behaves herself and doesn’t cause any more trouble.”
Zhuang Ruman’s eyes rolled around: “To be honest, today’s matter was caused by Mrs.Song. It’s my fault for not disciplining her well and allowing her to cause such trouble in public, let alone causing much inconvenience to Miss Ning. I should go to her and apologize.”
“Uncle, how about this, I’ll take a few eggs and go apologize to Miss Ning and Miss Sui, and you shall be my witness.”
“This…” Zhuang Jingye hesitated for a moment.
Zhuang Ruman was discerning of the situation and willing to make amends, which should prevent Zhuang Qingning from stirring up any more trouble, and would contribute to village peace. It was a great solution.
However, this approach seemed like giving too much face to Zhuang Qingning, making her think that he was taking her side and standing up for her. She might become even more reckless in the future.
Zhuang Jingye really didn’t want to see this little girl becoming too arrogant..
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