“Since my wife isn’t the culprit, we won’t be afraid even if you go to the county office to report it. If you want an explanation, come back with the evidence.” Song Jingchen sneered, “Otherwise, I’ll sue you for defamation.”
The people who met Song Jingchen’s gaze felt a chill down their spines. There was an old saying that went, “If you don’t have the money, don’t try and start trouble.”
They did not have any evidence at all. Besides, everyone knew that the county magistrate of Anyang County was a muddle-headed official who preyed on the commoners. They were just trying to scare the Song family away by saying that they wanted to report the incident to the authorities.
Now, they were instead worried that Song Jingchen would really report it to the authorities if he was forced into a corner. Wasn’t there a saying that cornered animals are the most dangerous? If Song Jingchen fought them earnestly, no one would be able to escape unscathed.
Clan Leader Song had the same thoughts as most people. He also retreated a little.
Song Dajiang didn’t want things to end like this. He wanted to say something, but Song Maolin, who had been stunned since he saw Shen Yijia’s appearance, regained his senses and interrupted, “Cousin, you’re right. Since it wasn’t Sister-in-law who did it, we naturally won’t malign her.”
It had to be said that as the only person in Xiagou Village with a formal education, Song Maolin’s words carried some weight.
After the Song family’s demise in the capital, the people in Xiagou Village were still willing to humor Song Dajiang because Song Maolin was a scholar.
Chief Song was the most obvious example. Hearing that Song Maolin didn’t want to pursue the matter, he said a few polite words and asked everyone to go home.
Song Dajiang knew his son well. At this moment, he was also confused by his sudden change in attitude. It had clearly been his idea to convince everyone.
Song Maolin turned around and glanced at Shen Yijia meaningfully. He said in hushed tones, “Don’t worry, Father. I won’t let you suffer for nothing.”
He finally understood that these people were no match for Song Jingchen at all. There was no point in staying any longer. Besides, they didn’t need to get their own hands dirty to get their revenge.
After they left, Shen Yijia wrinkled her nose and said indignantly, “I’m not afraid of them. They can’t beat me anyway.”
Why did she have to waste so much time talking to them? She could have just beaten them into submission.
Song Jingchen shook his head helplessly. “I know you’re powerful, but not all problems can be solved by force. Besides, little devils like them are the most difficult to deal with.”
“Did I cause you trouble?” Although she asked this, Shen Yijia still felt a little aggrieved. They were the ones who had bad-mouthed her first.
Knowing that Shen Yijia’s thoughts were simple and that she might not understand many things, Song Jingchen didn’t explain further. He only comforted her, “No. Even if you did cause trouble, I’ll help you solve it.”
Shen Yijia’s mood improved slightly.
Bruiser walked into the courtyard with an honest-looking middle-aged man. As soon as he arrived, he said, “Sister, why were those people here just now? Don’t tell me they’ve found out.”
Before he could finish, Song Jingchen silenced him with a look.
Realizing that he had misspoke, Bruiser scratched his head and pulled the middle-aged man beside him over to introduce him. “This is Third Uncle He. He’s from Shanghe Village next door. Everyone in that village consults him before building houses.”
Shen Yijia brought over a short stool and asked Third Uncle He to sit down. Seeing that there was no seat for him, Bruiser ran to the central room to get a stool.
Shen Yijia didn’t understand how to build a house, so she quietly watched Song Jingchen and Third Uncle He discuss the details.
Thinking about how their courtyard had been broken into several times, Song Jingchen and Shen Yijia decided to build higher walls.