Chapter 120: Complications

She accepted the money from Jiang Qibin, but Song Ruize’s money felt like it was burning a hole in her hand.

"Give this back to him. I didn't bring him food to sell it to him. If he does this again, I won't come back."

"Sister, please don't make it difficult for me. Your brother didn't mean it that way. He just wants you to keep it safe for him. You know how it is in there—all sorts of people. It’s not convenient for us to keep so much money on us. I’m planning to have someone take my own savings home soon, otherwise, I wouldn’t feel at ease either."

"Really?" Qin Huiyin asked, half-doubting.

"Really, it’s just for safekeeping," Jiang Qibin assured her. "Look, your brother isn't back, and things are very strict inside now, so I won't invite you in to sit."

"Take these things inside then," Qin Huiyin said, handing him the basket.

"Wow, so much sauce and in such large jars! We’re in for a treat." Jiang Qibin took it eagerly. "Many thanks, sister. You really are a kind little fairy."

Qin Huiyin chuckled. "It’s still important to maintain good relations. You’re better at dealing with people than my brother is. Sometimes, offer him some advice. Don't be stingy when it comes to building connections."

"You got it..."

Qin Huiyin sat back on the ox cart and waved at Jiang Qibin before leaving the dam entrance.

Jiang Qibin didn't turn to leave until Qin Huiyin was out of sight. He turned to the guard who had acted as the messenger earlier and said, "Brother, thanks for your help just now. Take one of these and share them with the guys. My sister’s cooking is excellent; just one spoonful makes even the plainest steamed bun taste delicious."

The guard didn't decline and took one, becoming even warmer and friendlier toward Jiang Qibin. Naturally, since it was agreed that he would share with the others, the rest of the guards looked at Jiang Qibin with newfound friendliness as well.

Jiang Qibin carried the six jars inside. As soon as he stepped through the door, he shouted to Chen Yong, "Big guy, come here and take this! This stuff is really heavy!"

Chen Yong strode over and took the basket from his hands. What had been a struggle for Jiang Qibin to carry felt as light as a chick in Chen Yong’s grip.

Song Ruize looked at Jiang Qibin. "What did she say?"

"Nothing much. She just came to deliver the goods and asked why you didn't come. I gave her the excuse you told me and gave her the money. At first, she refused and even got angry, saying she didn't send food to sell it to you, and that if you kept doing that, she wouldn't come back. So I changed my tune and told her you were just asking her to keep it safe because there are too many people in here and it’s easy to lose things. I told her I’d be sending my money home soon too, and that’s when she finally accepted it."

"Brother Ze is right; in the future, such blatant lying should be left to you. No one else can do it like you," Jiang Qingnan said with admiration.

"That’s my talent," Jiang Qibin said, proud rather than ashamed. "But the sister is truly sharp and sensitive. She still suspects that something happened to Brother Ze. If I hadn't been tight-lipped, she wouldn't have left so easily. She even said that I’m better at social graces than you, and if there’s anything that needs greasing, she’ll help me handle it."

***

Song Ruize said calmly, "Foreman Yang should be back soon. Take two jars over—one for Foreman Yang and one for Brother Xiang."

When Qin Huiyin hurried back to their stall, she heard a commotion before she was even close. A large crowd had gathered, and Li Taohua’s sharp, distressed voice rose above the noise.

"Oh no, something’s wrong," Uncle Tang said, stopping the ox cart.

Qin Huiyin jumped off the cart and rushed toward the stall at top speed, pushing through the crowd. "Please, make way! My family is in there!"

Their mobile cart had been overturned, and the food was scattered across the ground. Li Taohua’s beautiful dress was stained with filth, her makeup ruined, and her hair disheveled.

A few thugs were still smashing their chairs and stools. Tang Dafu tried to intervene, but they pushed him aside violently, sending him crashing to the ground.

Tang Lüwu and Tang Yixiao were being held by a few of the ruffians. They struggled, but how could two thin, frail children stand a chance against several burly men?

Qin Huiyin was enraged. She dashed over, blocked Li Taohua, and shouted indignantly, "Who are you people? This is the county seat! Have you no respect for the law?"

"Your food killed someone! I suspect you poisoned the dishes. Since it’s lethal, it ought to be smashed. Isn't that right, brothers?"

"Smash it! It must be destroyed!" the other men echoed.

"You claim our food killed someone—where is the proof? Where is the dead person? We’ve never seen any of you before; I doubt you’ve even tasted our food!"

"I say you killed someone, so you killed someone." The burly man looked at her triumphantly, wearing the expression of someone who knew he was framing them and didn't care what they did about it.

"Everyone! These people destroyed our stall and injured my family. This is illegal! They should be sent to the authorities. Anyone who helps us capture these men, I am willing to pay fifty coins each. For those willing to testify for us, ten coins each! I beg you all to stand up for us!"

"Catch them! Take them to the magistrate!"

"That’s right! I’m a regular customer. I’ve bought from them since they first opened, and I’ve been perfectly fine! They are clearly framing these people!"

With a heavy reward comes brave men. The thugs were nothing more than shiftless hoodlums. They relied on their size and strength to intimidate ordinary people, making a living through extortion. Usually, when they met soft targets, the victims would pay them off to avoid trouble. This time, they had hit a wall.

The thugs realized something was wrong when the bystanders, who had been watching idly a moment ago, actually started moving against them. In no time at all, without Qin Huiyin needing to lift a finger, all eight thugs were tied up.

"Mother, are you okay?" Qin Huiyin asked, steadying Li Taohua.

Li Taohua said with grievance, "Daughter, they even took liberties with me—they touched me."

Qin Huiyin picked up a stool from the ground and marched over, her face dark with fury. She called out to the onlookers, "Move aside."

The crowd heard the coldness in her voice, turned around, and were startled, quickly clearing a path.

Qin Huiyin pointed at the men and asked Li Taohua, "Who touched you?"

Li Taohua had been holding it in, but the moment she felt she had someone to back her up, all her suppressed grievances boiled over.

She pointed at the ringleader and cursed, "It was that bastard."

Qin Huiyin stared coldly at the thug. "Which hand touched my mother?"

The thug looked at the young girl who was a head shorter than him. Her eyes were as sharp as blades, and an aura like a volcanic eruption radiated from her.

He knew he shouldn't show weakness—his brothers were watching. If he backed down now, how could he hold his head high in the future? And with so many townspeople watching, if he showed fear, who would be afraid of him anymore?

Yet, his back was cold, and his heart was trembling.

He was truly terrified.

"If you can't say, then both hands should be crippled," Qin Huiyin said, a savage light flashing in her eyes.

She raised the stool and swung it toward his right hand.

"Stop..." a stern voice rang out.