Cannot Afford to Offend Everyone
Niu Tongsheng was pacified when he saw that Zhao Chuchu was now speaking to him in a more subservient
tone. Soon, his anger dissipated.
Likewise, he also did not want to antagonize someone like Zhao Chuchu, who possessed excellent medical skills. He might need her help one day.
Furthermore, Zhao Chuchu had helped to control the plague. She was now highly regarded by the government authorities and the Weisuo. A tiny village like Lengshui Village could no longer push her around.
Since Zhao Chuchu treated him with such deference, Niu Tongsheng also softened his stance. “Alas, you are too bad-tempered. I know you are capable but the arm will never be able to twist the thigh. Your ability is limited if you continue to do things alone. Do you think the Zhao family will help you if you need them in the future?”
“Chief, you know very well how the Zhao family has been treating me all this while. I have nothing against Zhao Zhizhi yet she was bent on killing me. She even accused me of being an evil spirit and wanted to burn me alive…”
Zhao Chuchu’s eyes reddened, and she started to choke back on her tears. She looked sorrowful and dejected.
“All right, all right, all this is history now.”
“Chief, they will definitely try to drive me away again. You must help me.”
Xie Heng was speechless when he saw how Zhao Chuchu’s face was rigid with distress.
Niu Tongsheng, however, was completely taken in by Zhao Chuchu. He thought that Zhao Chuchu was putting up a strong front earlier.
“Take the silver. Think carefully before you do anything the next time.” Niu Tongsheng returned the silver to Zhao Chuchu.
Zhao Chu Chu, however, refused to accept them. “Chief, you’ve offended these people because of me. Please take them. I could have given you more but I’ve found a way to cure my husband’s eyesight. I need the money to buy the medicine. I can only give you this much as an appreciation of your hard work.”
As soon as he heard that Xie Heng’s eyes could be healed, Niu Tongsheng immediately said, “Then you should keep these silver. Save some silver, Ah Heng’s eyes are very important. Try to cure him quickly so he can take the next Provincial Examination.”
“I’ve got enough money to treat his eyes. Chief, you must accept these silver.”
A blind scholar was only exempted from paying tax for his land.
However, a scholar who was not blind would have a bright future ahead of him. Niu Tongsheng would be a fool if he offended these people.
Niu Tongsheng finally accepted the silver when he saw how insistent Zhao Chuchu was.
Since he had accepted the money from Zhao Chuchu, Niu Tongsheng had to return the favor. He said, “In the future, look for me if you run into any trouble. As the village chief, I will not allow anyone to bully your family.”
“Thank you, Chief. I know that you are a fair and just village chief. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have helped me to get the money back from the villagers.”
“Your house is in such a mess. I’ll ask my wife to come over and help you later. I’ll leave first.”
“Take care, Chief.”
Zhao Chuchu immediately wiped away her tears after sending Niu Tongsheng off.
Xie Jun was dumbfounded. : “Sister, how did you make your tears fall on demand?”
Zhao Chuchu explained, “Showing weakness at the appropriate time is better than using force. Although your brother is a scholar, we are still living in Lengshui Village. We may need the village chief’s help next time. We cannot afford to offend everyone here.”
Xie Jun seemed to understand.
Xie Heng gave a knowing smirk when he heard what Zhao Chuchu said.
When Zhao Chuchu was walking back to the room, her eyes met Xie Heng’s eyes.
“Sister, can you really cure my brother’s eyes?” Xie Jun ran after Zhao Chuchu to ask her. “Does that mean my brother will be able to continue with his studies?”
“I will try but there is no guarantee. I will definitely try my best.”
“Great! Brother, did you hear that?”
“Yes, I did.”
Xie Heng patted Xie Jun’s head affectionately.
Many things had unexpectedly steered off track and seemed to be moving in an unknown direction…