Li Youcai felt dizzy with pain, the metallic taste of blood filling his mouth.
His eldest son, Li Jianguo, hurriedly took off his coat and pressed it against his father’s nose, shouting, "Uncle Lin, what are you doing? Are you trying to beat my father to death? Neither of you has any humanity—one wants to kill my mother, the other wants to kill my father. You’re just bullying our family; there’s a limit to how far you can push people!"
Before the other party could respond, Li Youqing immediately tapped his eldest son’s arm, signaling him to be quiet. He had finally managed to regain a bit of control over the situation, and he couldn't let his son ruin it now.
"Li Youqing, this is the fine son you’ve raised. His elders are speaking, and a junior like him has no place to interrupt. They say a virtuous wife benefits three generations—your wife didn't have the time, but my wife has plenty of it; it’s a pity she couldn't help you teach Jianguo. At his age, if he isn't disciplined now, your Li family will rot to the core."
The atmosphere in the room shifted instantly. Young and impulsive, Li Jianguo couldn't tolerate such words. He rolled up his sleeves and started toward the old man, but Li Youqing pulled him back. Although he wanted to curse the old man to death, he knew he couldn't afford to offend him right now. His wife’s reputation was already in tatters; if their family started spouting more scandalous nonsense, the Li family would be truly finished.
After wiping his nose until the bleeding stopped, Li Youqing said calmly, "He is just a junior with little life experience; he certainly doesn't measure up to you, Uncle. If you are willing to take the trouble to teach him, I would be more than happy to accept it. But Jianguo works after graduating high school, and his family life is stable; his colleagues think very highly of him. As for Dequan, you didn't see it—he took a bamboo skewer and aimed it straight at someone’s neck. If he had killed someone, he would be a murderer, heading straight for the executioner’s bullet. As for me, I was just analyzing the severity of the situation for Dequan. It seems he misunderstood."
"Uncle, you know my character; I would never do such a thing. It was all a misunderstanding. Of course, I admit it was my wife’s fault for having a sharp tongue, which led to the subsequent trouble. I acknowledge that—you can do whatever you like. But look, today is the day my second son is being buried. Arguing here is unseemly and won't solve anything. How about this: when Youfeng is feeling better, we can sit down and discuss a resolution together. What do you think?"
Li Youqing only wanted to get these two from the Lin family out of his house as quickly as possible. They had already been a laughingstock enough for one day; he didn't want to provide any more fuel for gossip. This matter could be trivial or severe, depending entirely on Youfeng’s attitude. If she still cared about her family of origin, things could be managed; if not, he would just have to persuade her privately. He didn't believe Youfeng wouldn't stand on his side.
Across from him, Old Man Lin narrowed his eyes at Li Youqing’s veiled threats. He hadn't realized Li Youqing had a few tricks up his sleeve.
*Threatening me? Trying to kick me out? Very well.*
Old Man Lin’s fighting spirit was ignited; it had been a long time since anyone had dared to threaten him. He looked at Li Youqing with an indifferent expression and said, "Very well. I just hope you don't regret it."
With that, Old Man Lin left, taking his son, Lin Dequan, with him.
Li Youqing was startled by the look in Old Man Lin’s eyes; his heart skipped a beat. Just as he was wondering what it meant, his eldest son interrupted his thoughts.
"Dad, we’re in the right, so what are we afraid of? That little thing tried to kill Mom, and that old man hit you. We’re just going to let it go like that? I’m not satisfied."
Li Youqing hit Li Jianguo on the head with his pipe, raising a bump. "Can you stop spouting nonsense like your mother? You graduated high school—can't you think for a second? This matter is neither big nor small; as long as your aunt doesn't pursue it, no one can stir up a real storm. Your Grandpa Lin is our elder. Even if he hits us, we have to swallow our bitterness. But if we lay a hand on him, the neighborhood committee will be here to drag you off for 're-education' before you even reach your own front door, and you might end up rotting in jail for a few days. Enough. I have a handle on this. Stay out of it."
Li Jianguo pouted but obediently shut his mouth.
Seeing that no further fight was brewing, Ke Xiaohong rolled her eyes and a plan formed. "Dad, let me cook some red date porridge to take to my aunt. They probably haven't eaten well at the hospital, and it’ll be a good chance to let the second uncle come back and get some rest."
Li Youqing sat in his chair and watched his usually quiet and reserved second daughter-in-law, feeling very pleased by her initiative. He nodded. "Good! Go ahead. Make plenty, and bring enough for your Grandpa Lin, your uncle-in-law, and your second uncle. By the way, bring your second uncle back so you can take care of your aunt at the hospital today. I'll have your sister-in-law bring breakfast for you all tomorrow."
"Alright, Dad," Ke Xiaohong replied.
He glanced at his eldest daughter-in-law, who was standing idly to the side, and shook his head. She usually looked bright enough, but whenever something happened, she was useless—a total failure.
***
As soon as Old Man Lin dragged Lin Dequan out of the Li house, his son began to rant. "Dad, what are you doing? We’re the victims! You aren't even thinking about getting revenge for your grandson, and you’re retreating like a deserter halfway through. Do you have any conscience toward your eldest grandson? My poor son, you died so unjustly! Waaaah..."
"Enough of your sniveling," Old Man Lin snapped. "Do you think so little of your old man? That was my grandson, too; I love him just as much as you do. Just watch! If I don't tear a piece of meat off that Li family, my name isn't Lin."
He paused, tapped his son on the head, and continued, "You’re so stupid it’s unbelievable. Because of what you did today, even if we were in the right, we’ve lost the moral high ground. We have to wait two days—until Jiang Hongdou’s neck wound heals a bit—and then we talk. By then, it will just be about how she harmed our grandson. During this time, keep a close eye on your wife. Don't let her family brainwash her and turn against us at a critical moment; that would be a complete loss. Did you hear me?"
Lin Dequan rubbed his head and said aggrievedly, "I heard you, Dad. So, where are we going now? Are we going to the hospital to see Youfeng?"
Old Man Lin gave him another flick to the forehead. "You really are a fool. I have work to do. I need to go sit down at the residential complex where Li Youqing’s leader works and spread the word so they can put some pressure on him. And then there's the neighborhood committee and the Women's Federation—I have to visit them, too. We’re the victims; we can't let them hide the truth."
Lin Dequan nearly burst out laughing. His father was even going to ruin their jobs—he was truly ruthless. This would cut off every path of retreat for the Li family. If things went well, not only would he tear a piece of meat off them, but he might even land them in "a world of hurt."
The more he thought about it, the better it sounded. His father was truly a lucky star. He loved it! He had plenty of daughters; if nothing else, he could just bring in a son-in-law to live with them. As long as he had money, he could find anyone he wanted. Maybe he could even find a younger woman to bear him another son, ensuring the Lin family line would continue all the same.