A government officer had come to the Zhou family’s doorstep.
The sound of a child’s cry, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, left everyone somewhat stunned and exchanged puzzled looks.
Drip, drip, drip, drip.
The sound of beads hitting the floor brought everyone back to their senses; looking towards the source, they saw Old Lady Zhou’s wooden Buddha beads, which she had always held in her hand, had broken for some unknown reason. The beads scattered as they fell, causing a dripping noise.
Old Lady Zhou stared blankly at the Buddha beads scattered on the ground, her face deathly pale and her chest heaving violently.
The breaking of Buddha beads signified great misfortune and ill omen.
Anxiety, stronger than ever before.
One calamity after another, they truly couldn’t withstand any more blows!
The government officer had already entered the courtyard, loudly calling for Zhou Xuennian’s name.
Hearing the call, Zhou Xuennian was also in a panic, saying, "It’s nothing, probably just..." He couldn’t finish the sentence, it was unclear if he was comforting himself or his family.
Good luck or bad, if it’s misfortune, there’s no avoiding it.
Everyone hastily went outside.
Seeing the two government officers enter, one holding a pair of heavy shackles, Zhou Xuennian felt a chill in his heart and involuntarily swallowed hard.
He hurriedly clasped his hands and said with a forced smile, "What brings the officers here? May I inquire what matter involves Sun Cai?"
Nobody saw Zhou Xuennian’s legs trembling under his long robe, shaking like a sieve.
One of the government officers snorted coldly and pulled out a piece of paper, shaking it: "Upon investigation, you are suspected of involvement in a case of examination cheating and bribery this year. We are here by command to arrest you and bring you back."
Examination cheating scandal!
The arrival of government officers in the village was not concealed, and the villagers had followed to watch the excitement. They did not expect it to be the Old Zhou family; as soon as the officer spoke, everyone heard what Zhou Xuennian was accused of.
Examination cheating, an affair that those who had spent their lives toiling in the fields might not understand, but seeing the officers come to make an arrest, it was definitely a serious matter!
Zhou Xuennian froze, sweat breaking out on his forehead. By the time he collected himself, the government officer had already clasped the shackles around his wrists. Suddenly, his legs gave way, and he slumped to the ground.
"I’m wronged, oh, I’m wronged! Officers, I’ve been wronged!" Zhou Xuennian screamed.
"Whether you’re wronged or not, the Lord County Magistrate will be the judge. Come with us!" the government officer had no patience for his protests, locking the shackles with a click and pulling him away.
Nobody dared step forward, even the fierce Lu family did not dare to snatch him back upon seeing this.
It’s a joke, those were Yamen Runners. To the unarmed common folk, they were like the envoys of Hell itself; nobody dared to confront them head-on.
Zhou Xuennian was terrified, struggling and shouting, "Wronged. Save me, Mom, little brother, save me..."
He was dragged out of the Zhou family’s gate by the Yamen Runners, and the crowd of onlookers opened a path, daring not to block the way.
Two sounds of heavy objects falling rang out simultaneously.
Fainted on the ground were Old Lady Zhou and Madam Lu, both white as sheets, especially Old Lady Zhou, who looked like a corpse.
"Grandma, Mom." Zhou Xiuer and Yongyong started crying in terror.
Cries, calls, and steps; the Zhou family was thrown into complete chaos.
The crowd outside was buzzing with gossip.
"What a disaster, did the Old Zhou family offend the god of misfortune or what this year? Such bad luck."
"Perhaps it’s retribution."
Right or wrong, nobody knew; they only knew the Old Zhou family had fallen into a terrible plight.