However, Han Yongfang acted as if it had nothing to do with him. He just presided over fairness that was presented with evidence. Hence, he did not interfere with things that were spoken without evidence.
They claimed that Lin Lan had taken 1,200 Yuan. Yet, no one had actually seen that sum of money, so who was going to be the guarantor for them?
If they decided to say that there was 10,000, would it put Lin Lan in the wrong then?
Hence, without evidence, it was treated as hearsay and nothing more.
The eldest brother Han also understood this truth. He knew that Lin Lan was not the one to blame for this matter since it was the old lady who shot herself in the foot.
Second brother Han said angrily, “Then you should also honour our parents. Since there was no separation between the family, how is that your money?”
Lin Lan said coldly, “7,500 Yuan. Let me ask you, shouldn’t my family get at least half of it? Even if we don’t split the family, how can you all squander it entirely? Besides, I’ve cut down the amount by 1,500 out of respect for the Secretary Head, father and mother. If they don’t pay it back, then we will meet at the Public Security Bureau first thing tomorrow morning. I will go to the County Public Security Bureau and report the case officially! Two youngsters wasted the money exchanged with the lives of their fellow revolutionary comrades, using the allowance my husband earned that was meant to support my family. The two younger siblings lived a luxurious life of the bourgeoisie all day long, but the soldier’s family weren’t fed nor clothed properly. The kids did not even have the chance to go to school! Not only was the younger son ungrateful, but he also held grudges because of the separation of the family. Today, he took advantage of the fact that his older brother, also my children’s father, wasn’t at home and came knocking on our door. He then smashed the items in my house to pieces and injured my child to the point where he almost died. This is both forced entry and abuse, which undermined the united fronts of the socialists. Hence, he must be severely punished!”
On the other hand, Han Qingyun said, “Eldest brother, second brother, this is not something said to merely frighten you. When I went to study, these were the rules. You’d have to sit in prison for around ten years and there’s a risk of shooting as well— they are all possible there..”
The eldest brother Han was terrified. Han Yongfang was the representative of justice in the village and had been a cadre for many years. Although he was domineering, he had never been partial or corrupt, so everyone believed in him. Since his son, Han Qingyun, carried himself the same way as his father, eldest brother Han didn’t think that he was lying at all.
“Old Master, brother and sister, don’t do this. Don’t… Let’s think of a way.”
“Since the eldest brother came in person, I will give a bit more leeway then. In this way, I will give the eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law another pardon. I’ll allow the youngest uncle and the aunt to pay 500 Yuan per person as the 170 Yuan will be ignored. Let them remember not to be ungrateful, because I have cut down the amount by such a vast amount at this point thanks to father, mother, eldest brother and eldest sister-in-law. If they still want to make a fuss about it, then I have no choice but to make an official complaint. By then, whether they rot in prison or become executed, I don’t care. The money would always end up in my hands anyways.”