Chapter 240

Shen Yuchu watched as Du Xiaowa was beaten, feeling a sense of pity, yet she did not intervene. She was no saint; she was well aware of how the Du family had bullied her and her son over the past five years. Moreover, she was no match for them in a fight. Most importantly, every time a physical altercation occurred, Ren Qimin would face disciplinary action upon his return. They didn’t just tamper with Ren Qimin’s personnel file; they directly deducted his stipend and stripped him of his benefits. Even though they were all officers, when Ren Qimin first arrived, he could at least collect part of his stipend. It wasn't full, but at least it was something. Even things like vegetable, fruit, and grain vouchers—which they were entitled to—were eventually revoked entirely. Whenever Ren Qimin tried to argue his case, the response was always the same: Moli Island was poor and resources were scarce, so soldiers came first, and officers had to wait. After a while, he stopped asking. Song Shiyan would share part of his own stipend with them, but it was like trying to put out a burning cart of firewood with a cup of water. After all, Song Shiyan was only a Battalion Commander, and his own stipend was pitifully small. Remembering all they had been through over the years, Shen Yuchu felt no sympathy.