Chapter 251: Chapter 238: Half Mad with Anger

Translator: 549690339

A person facing death doesn’t have many options. Some people look at him as if he were an ant to be stepped on at will. In that case, he may as well let them know that even an ant, when provoked, can deliver a painful bite.

Du Yingwei clenched his fists.

At the round table in the Magistrate’s residence’s backyard, Chu Jinnian was peacefully appreciating the moon while sipping his tea.

The moon bathed the scene in a dizzying glow. The tea was also excellent, with a fresh, crisp fragrance that was utterly delicious.

“Sir,” Jing Zhao, who had hurried back, said, “Magistrate Du has something to report to you.”

“I see,” Chu Jinnian said, lips curled. “Bring Magistrate Du to the backyard.

“Yes, sir,” Jing Zhao bowed in agreement, wearing a smile. “I suspected something was off with the prison guard and kept an eye on him. If Du Yingwei failed to notice, I could stop him immediately, but I didn’t expect Du to be so alert and detect the anomaly.”

“Du Yingwei is always wary of Mr. Wei, and he’s constantly strategizing in his heart. He came from a humble background, and his sole ambition was to rise above. Unfortunately, he strayed down the wrong path and was enlisted by Mr. Wei. He’s been working diligently for Mr. Wei, always aspiring to make progress.”

“Looking at Du’s modest lifestyle, it’s evident that all his earnings go to Mr. Wei. A man as ambitious and calculating as him, with such deep-rooted political strategies, is likely to make even Mr. Wei wary. This would explain how Du earned his keep but was never entrusted with any real tasks.”

“Du Yingwei has been working for Mr. Wei for many years and, surely, must suspect something. He probably just doesn’t want to acknowledge it. When I mentioned this, he became even more thoughtful, grasping the situation.”

Chu Jinnian responded, “Bring him here first. I want to hear what he has to say.”

“Yes, sir.” Jing Zhao left to carry out the order.

The situation in Shouchun seemed to be progressing smoothly.

Some people’s self-perceived cleverness was playing right into his hands.

Chu Jinnian reached out and drained the tea from his cup.

Early morning, at the first hint of dawn.

Zhuang Qingning got up as usual, washed up, cleaned the courtyard, and began preparing breakfast.

The moment she opened the courtyard door, Zhuang Jingye came running enthusiastically, “Qingning, Qingning, do you still have seed beans?” “Building chief, are you implying that your house has already distributed all its beans?” Zhuang Qingning raised her eyebrows.

“Yes!” Zhuang Jingye nodded vigorously, a wide grin on his face. “We didn’t just run out, we still owe several households.”

“After the bean seeds were distributed yesterday, they sprouted roots. The thick leaves and sturdy roots imply good prospects. All those who were hesitant before are no longer in doubt, and those who had already taken their seeds thought about getting more. This lead to a shortage of seeds.”

“The bean seed project is going well because of your effective method,” Zhuang Qingning said with a complimentary smile.

“It wasn’t my method that proved effective but your idea of testing the seeds, Zhuang Jingye chuckled. “If we are to give credit where it’s due, it’s mainly because someone was helping us from behind.”

“Someone helped?” Zhuang Qingning looked surprised.

Zhuang Yonghe and Zhuang Sifu had definitely helped her, but she knew about that already, and it was all above board. As for who might have been helping behind the scenes, Zhuang Qingning couldn’t figure out who this might be.

“Yes. You might not believe it if I told you, but we have Zhuang Ruman to thank for this.” Zhuang Jingye detailed how in the past few days, Zhuang Ruman has been rushing around the village, plotting to sabotage him and Zhuang Qingning. However, this had the reverse effect, making people wary of being jinxed by Zhuang Ruman. Instead, they had voluntarily sought out Zhuang Jingye for seeds.

“Tell me, Zhuang Ruman shot himself in the foot with his scheming and ended up helping us instead. Doesn’t this count as providing significant help from behind the scenes?”

Zhuang Jingye laughed uproariously while telling the story, barely able to catch his breath.

He had seen people trip over their own machinations before, but never someone who unwittingly helped another. This was simply too amusing.

It just goes to show that one should not always be plotting against others. It could end up being a big joke, as it did for Zhuang Ruman, who aimed to harm others but inadvertently helped them instead.

Zhuang Qingning’s face turned to one of surprise after hearing this.

These past few days, she was busy preparing to sell tofu skins and thinking about the situation with Zhang Yongchang. She didn’t have the brain space to consider much else. With everything seeming quiet on the surface, she assumed Zhuang Ruman had learnt his lesson and wouldn’t cause any trouble. Especially since Zhuang Jingye had taken the lead on this project, there was no way Zhuang Ruman would kick up a fuss.

Unbelievably, Zhuang Ruman pulled this kind of stunt. Even more surprising was that others had seen right through him. They weren’t easily fooled by Zhuang Ruman. On the contrary, they were afraid he might affect their profits.

It appeared that wrongdoers always got their due, and that the villagers weren’t fools after all.

Zhuang Qingning managed to suppress a burst of laughter, “In the end, his theft failed and he lost his own crops.”

“Exactly! Not only did he lose his crops, this would cost Zhuang Ruman a full pot of rice. Just think, his reputation in the village is thoroughly tarnished. Nobody will take him seriously anymore. Instead, they’ll be looking for opportunities to teach him a lesson!”

Zhuang Jingye was full of energy, his words flowing freely, “And Zhuang Ruman! When he sees everyone else planting the new seed in autumn while he wasted all his energy for nothing, won’t he be furious? Later, when others have a good harvest and his yield is poor from the old seeds, won’t he be furious again?”

“This time, you don’t even have to lift a finger, Qingning. Zhuang Ruman will be miserable all on his own. However, I know you’ve been frustrated with Zhuang Ruman causing problems behind your back. I know you may want to settle scores when the opportunity arises, but even if there’s justification, it’s not good for your reputation. Don’t worry about it, I’ll take care of it. Just wait and watch how I deal with that scoundrel!”

Zhuang Jingye’s words were spoken from the heart.

Apart from Zhuang Qingning working for her own interests, she’s done much for the village, making him look good as the building chief in the process. Now look at what Zhuang Ruman has done! Always causing trouble and pulling others down. If such a person isn’t disciplined, none in the village will know peace. More importantly, he could ruin Zhuang Qingning’s business. He has to be taught a lesson!

“Then I’ll have to trouble you, building chief,” Zhuang Qingning sincerely thanked him.

As Zhuang Jingye said, she could confront Zhuang Ruman, but it would affect her reputation. Although she, as a modern person, doesn’t care about such things, she had to consider Zhuang Qingsui.