Hearing this, He Zifeng rushed to the old He family residence. As soon as he entered, he saw more than ten men from Fangjia Village, including his uncle.
Seeing He Zifeng, they made way for him.
His uncle said, “I had no idea you endured so much suffering here. Why didn’t you come to me?!” He then turned angrily to the He family, “As expected, with a stepmother comes a cruel stepfather! If Zifeng wasn’t clever, would you have driven him to death? You really think our Fang family doesn’t exist?”
Scoundrel Father He Donglai, ever since his son moved out, had become the village’s laughingstock. Without Zifeng and his wife, who were diligent workers, the household had fallen into chaos.
Adding to his frustration, Zifeng had hosted a feast with pig’s trotters, feeding everyone but the He family. He Donglai was furious, and his rage exploded now that Zifeng’s uncle had shown up. Ignoring the group of strong men, he shouted, “This is our family’s business! Who are you, an outsider, to come here and make a scene?”
The uncle retorted, “Even with me here, you dare to shout? If I weren’t here, who knows what further abuse you’d heap on Zifeng!”
In the village, collective strength was crucial. If outsiders came looking for trouble, the villagers would band together to resist. He Zifeng saw that the Fang men had come armed with hoes and spades. A brawl would leave lasting enmity between the villages.
“This is a family matter,” He Zifeng interjected firmly.
Hearing this, the villagers began to lower their tools, murmuring among themselves.
He Donglai sneered, “You’ve colluded with outsiders to attack your own father? You little beast! Should’ve gotten rid of you when I had the chance.”
“Shut your mouth,” He Zifeng snapped. His voice carried a weight that silenced the room.
The stepmother, Xiao Wanshi, jumped in, “No matter what, he’s your father. Is that how you talk to him?”
The uncle snorted coldly, “And who do you think you are? Your son lives in luxury while my nephew was driven to this state?”
He Zifeng was still covered in dirt from his work, looking disheveled, while Donglai was well-dressed and sleek. Seeing the stark contrast, the villagers whispered among themselves.
Xiao Wanshi, feeling insulted, screeched, “Nonsense! When I married in, he was just a child. Did he survive on wind and dew? If I’d known this would happen, I would’ve drowned him as a baby to spare myself the trouble!”
She rushed toward the uncle, her fingers clawing for his face. He Zifeng blocked her just in time. Her long, manicured nails—a rarity among rural women—glinted in the light as she shrieked.
“You hag,” the uncle spat. “Step back, or don’t blame me for what happens next.”
At that moment, Wan Hai, Zifeng’s half-brother, arrived. Hearing the uncle’s words, he sneered, “Touch my mother, and I’ll make sure you don’t leave this village alive.”
Xiao Wanshi smirked, emboldened by her son’s presence.
“Oh, really?” Zifeng said coldly. “She lunges at people like a madwoman, and yet you’re in the right?”
Wan Hai replied, his voice tinged with false concern, “She’s our mother. She’s older now; you shouldn’t stoop to her level.”
The uncle, enraged, declared, “My nephew has a mother—he doesn’t need yours forced upon him!” Then, turning to Donglai, he added, “You’re a scoundrel. After the divorce, you slandered my sister to cover your own shame. Let me tell you, our Fang family won’t let this slide.”
As tensions rose, the former and current village heads—Xu Ex Village Chief and Liu Village Chief—arrived simultaneously.
Xu, his authority diminished but still somewhat respected, frowned. “Fangjia Village, are you here to bully our people? Everyone, grab your tools! Let’s show them what we’re made of!”
“Who dares?” He Zifeng’s voice rang out, commanding and resolute, silencing even the former village chief.
Liu Village Chief intervened, “Old Xu, are you trying to start a war? If someone gets hurt, who’s responsible? This is clearly a private matter. No one should interfere.”
The uncle nodded, “Finally, someone reasonable. No wonder you’re the village chief.”
Xu’s face darkened at the thinly veiled jab.
The uncle continued, “Donglai, you’ve brought shame upon our family. Today, I’m here to settle the score. If anyone sides with him, they’re my enemy too!”
Donglai, seeing no one step up to help him, began to tremble. “You… you…” he stammered before calling out, “Wan Hai!”
Wan Hai hesitated but stepped forward reluctantly, knowing he had no choice.
Though the uncle was sturdy, facing two opponents would be tough. He Zifeng stretched his neck, ready to step in.
In front of the gathered villagers, He Zifeng struck swiftly—a hook punch followed by a sweeping kick. Wan Hai hit the ground with a heavy thud.
Xiao Wanshi screamed, rushing to her son’s aid, but three Fang men held her back. Not far away, the uncle pounded Donglai mercilessly, leaving him wailing in pain.
He Zifeng thoroughly thrashed Wan Hai, venting years of pent-up anger. Despite Wan Hai’s polished exterior, he had always condoned Donglai and Xiao Wanshi’s abuse of Zifeng and his family. This beating was long overdue.
Throughout it all, Xiao Wanshi’s shrill cries grated on everyone’s ears.
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