The atmosphere was stifling.
Upon seeing Shi Yi, Liu Zhigao instinctively shrank back, though a flicker of defiance still burned in his triangular eyes.
Shi Zhongtian had seized the Shi family’s estate after Shi Yi’s father died, establishing himself as the leader of Shiniu Village. His word was law in the village, and his authority was not to be challenged.
Seeing Shi Yi return, he turned around with a stern expression. "Come here. I have something to tell you."
This was Shi Zhongyun—always speaking to everyone in the village with the tone of a commander. Shi Yi frowned slightly, abandoning the timid, deferential attitude he used to show his uncle. He set his supplies down to the side, but held onto the two oil-paper-wrapped cakes as he approached.
He said to Wang Zhijiao, "Third Uncle has been looking out for me; the furs and rabbit meat sold for a good price."
"I saw these cakes for sale in town, so I brought two back for you."
"You must be hungry. Eat them."
He placed the cakes in front of Wang Zhijiao. She looked at them but said nothing.
Watching Shi Yi openly ignore the village leader, Liu Zhigao was instantly incensed. "Shi Yi! Do you have any idea who you’re talking to—"
Shi Yi shot him a cold, piercing glare. "When did it become the turn of a mangy dog like you to speak about my family’s affairs?"
"Get lost!"
"You audacious brat, how dare you—"
"Will you shut your mouth?" Shi Zhongtian looked back at Liu Zhigao. In an instant, Liu Zhigao was bowing and scraping like a lapdog.
Having silenced him, Shi Zhongtian turned his gaze to Wang Zhijiao. Before Shi Yi had arrived, Shi Zhongtian had come over to see her, posturing as a dignified elder while interrogating her about various things. Unfortunately for him, Wang Zhijiao was cold and detached, refusing to answer three out of every four questions, which left him quite displeased. Deep down, however, he had developed a desire to take her as a concubine. Indeed, this uncle cared nothing for ethics or morals.
After putting Liu Zhigao in his place, Shi Zhongtian spoke. "Three days from now, Hu Mazi’s men are coming to the village to collect debts. It might turn out poorly for you."
"Don't bring harm upon this young woman. Have her pack her things and stay at my place."
It was clear that Shi Zhongtian had already received word that Hu Mazi intended to kill Shi Yi and wipe out his branch of the family. He had no intention of saving his nephew; he merely wanted to seize his nephew's wife after he was dead.
He turned to leave, expecting his instruction to be followed without question, just as his nephew had always obeyed in the past.
To his surprise, Shi Yi chuckled. "My family’s affairs don't require your concern, Second Uncle. Zhijiao isn't going anywhere."
"Hm?"
Shi Zhongtian finally realized something was wrong with his nephew. He turned back, staring at him. "Are you defying me?"
"Defying you?" Shi Yi sneered. "Second Uncle, did I say something wrong?"
Fury erupted within Shi Zhongtian. "You caused your father's death; do you want to cause hers, too? Shi Yi, you are a grown man. When your father was your age, he had already built a home and a career. Look at you—you’re neither human nor ghost. What kind of life is this?"
"Young lady, my place is—"
"I'm not going," Wang Zhijiao replied coldly. She walked away to continue scrubbing the remaining furs, not granting the village leader even a glance. It was as if she wouldn't look at anyone with respect, no matter who they were.
A glint of murderous intent flashed in Shi Zhongtian’s eyes. He looked at Shi Yi. "And you? What do you say?"
Shi Yi smiled. "Second Uncle, when a husband and wife are of one heart, they can cut through metal. My wife is willing to share in my joys and hardships; you don't need to trouble yourself."
Shi Zhongtian’s face darkened. "You don't know what's good for you. When Hu Mazi comes, you’re on your own. I won't say another word to help you."
Shi Yi struck back. "The only reason I’ve survived this long is thanks to my Third Uncle. It seems you’ve never put in a good word for me anyway. Second Uncle, if I may speak freely..."
"What? You want to lecture your uncle now?" Shi Zhongtian felt unsettled. In the past, this boy had always been so clingy and foolishly affectionate toward him. Why did he feel like he was bristling with thorns today? It was deeply uncomfortable.
Shi Yi stood up and bowed. "You are the leader of our village, the man in charge of seven or eight hundred people. I would never presume to lecture you."
"I only wish to remind you, Second Uncle, that serving as a dog for others will not buy you a path to survival. Please, do not forget why my father chose to resist Hu Mazi in the first place."
"Shi Yi! You have some nerve! You dare say this village acts like Hu Mazi's dog! I ought to slap you dead—"
*Boom!*
Liu Zhigao lunged forward to strike, but Shi Yi kicked him to the ground. Without pausing, Shi Yi grabbed the bench nearby and smashed it against Liu Zhigao’s body. Liu Zhigao screamed in agony.
Shi Zhongtian clenched his fists, his rage threatening to boil over. Just as he was about to strike at Shi Yi himself, a woman’s voice came from behind.
"My, my, Yi'er! What kind of luck did you have? Did you raid a rabbit warren? We haven't seen a haul like this in the village for a year or two!"
"Brother! You're back!"
Shi Qianqian came running over with her pigtails bobbing. Seeing her, Shi Yi’s rage instantly vanished. He hugged her as she threw herself at him.
Then, he turned to the plump woman walking over and smiled. "Hello, Third Aunt."
"Good boy."
The woman was Wang Guifang, Shi Kang’s wife and Shi Yi’s Third Aunt. She was incredibly stout and possessed natural, immense strength; most men in the village were no match for her. Her family hailed from the Zhao Family Village on Qingniu Mountain. There were hundreds of villages on that mountain, almost all of which had been trampled underfoot by Hu Mazi—he killed anyone who refused to submit. The only place he dared not invade was the Zhao Family Village, as its inhabitants were trained in martial arts for generations, and both men and women were formidable fighters.
Shi Zhongtian didn't dare provoke this fierce sister-in-law. Seeing Wang Guifang, he relaxed his murderous fists.
"Suit yourself," he said, before turning and stalking away.
Liu Zhigao scrambled to his feet, limping after him, staring at Shi Yi with murderous intent. *You bastard! You hit me twice! Damn you, if I don't kill you, I'm not a man!*
But then he noticed Wang Guifang watching him. He had been on the receiving end of her hand before. *Damn it, that woman’s strength is terrifying.* A single slap from her had sent him flying into a ditch and dislocated his jaw. He quickly looked away, feeling the urge to pee.
"Bah! And your big brother was so good to you back then!"
"Turncoat! Traitor! You're lower than a dog. I’ll settle this score for my brother sooner or later!"
Watching Shi Zhongtian’s departing back, Wang Guifang spat on the ground in disgust.