Chapter 427: Zhang Family Conflict

Chapter 427: Zhang Family Conflict

As the night gradually deepened, a few people emerged from the encampment after finishing their discussions.

Su Youyue had originally intended to visit Hua Qingyun, who had been a great help in this campaign, but the night had grown too late, so she had to abandon the idea for the evening.

As she and Xie Yuan left the camp, the Zhang family, who had been waiting at the entrance, lit up and hurriedly stood up.

"Lord Xie! Madam!"

As they drew nearer, Granny Zhang tentatively extended the basket she had been holding. "Today, as soon as Madam entered the city, we saw you. We know the camp is short of food because they are sharing rations with us commoners. We were worried that Lord Xie and Madam might not be eating properly, so we specially steamed some white flour buns for you. Both Xiaolian and I washed our hands thoroughly before kneading the dough..."

Su Youyue, aware that these people had spent most of their lives farming and would rarely indulge in fine rice or white flour, was about to refuse when Granny Zhang's eyes welled up with tears.

"If it weren't for Lord Xie and Madam’s help, my second son would never have cleared his name and would have remained a lonely ghost wandering outside. Madam, please accept it. It's our sincere gesture..."

"Yes, Auntie, please accept it!" Xiaohua also looked at Su Youyue with pleading eyes.

Realizing that the case of the Zhang family's second son had been resolved and that he had indeed died unjustly, Su Youyue sighed inwardly. Seeing the family's warm and eager expressions, she no longer refused and stepped forward to accept the gift.

"Thank you then."

"We should be the ones to thank Madam," Granny Zhang replied, wiping away her tears. If Lord Xie and Madam hadn't been willing to help her at that time, giving her the hope to clear her son's name, she really didn't know how she would have gotten through it.

Moreover, if Lord Xie hadn't helped in time to resolve her son's case, after the war, human lives would be worth less than grass. Even an upright official wouldn't have concerned themselves with their family's matter! Her son would have been permanently branded as a deserter!

After the buns were accepted, the Zhang family left happily, and Su Youyue, watching their backs, couldn't help but shake her head with a smile.

However, Xie Yuan spoke up. "Li Ying, check it."

Li Ying was startled but quickly agreed, though he scratched his head. He had assumed that since Madam seemed to have a good relationship with this family, their gift would be safe.

Gao Sheng, glancing at him, knew his straightforward-thinking comrade had missed the point. He couldn't help but add, "In these critical times, everything that enters the mouths of Lord Xie and Madam must be checked. Can you guarantee this family is safe, and can you guarantee the vendor who sold them the flour is safe?"

"Yes, yes..." Li Ying came to his senses, breaking out in a cold sweat.

Seeing how seriously the two men took the items for consumption, Su Youyue felt slightly more at ease.

In the distance, as the Zhang family walked away, Xiaohua, seeing that Madam had accepted their buns, felt a burst of joy. She had helped stoke the fire when the buns were made, so it felt like she had contributed.

She hoped Uncle Xie and Auntie would enjoy them.

As the family reached an intersection, they ran into Zhang Shuitong head-on.

"Oh, Second Aunt, are you here to curry favor with the nobles again?"

Zhang Shuitong's tone was dripping with sarcasm, making it unpleasant to hear.

At the sight of this granddaughter, Granny Zhang felt a surge of anger. What kind of person does County Magistrate Wang think he is? That Zhang Shuitong had actually gone to become his concubine—she had no backbone or sense, just like her mother, a perfect copy!

Their family had been farmers for generations, with no backing or support. How could they afford to antagonize the powerful? Where there are great benefits, there are also great risks.

Today, Zhang Shuitong might be young and beautiful, and County Magistrate Wang might favor her somewhat, but if she were to make a single misstep and anger him, given their family's background, Zhang Shuitong would be at his mercy!

Thinking of this, Granny Zhang tensed up a little. But since she had already decided to sever relations between the families of the eldest and second sons, she reasoned that even if something were to happen to Shuitong, it wouldn't involve Xiaolian and the two children. With that thought, she breathed a sigh of relief and, not intending to pay any attention to the insolent Zhang Shuitong, led her family away.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Shuitong became even more insolent. "Grandma, now that Lord Xie has successfully defended Jiuyuan Town, your family will soon become important people in Jiuyuan Town. When that day comes, don’t forget your granddaughter!"

Hearing this, Xiaohua was the first to lose her temper. Turning around, she pointed at Zhang Shuitong's nose and scolded, "Zhang Shuitong, if you want to be shameless, go ahead and shame yourself elsewhere. If you dare to act high and mighty in front of me again, I won’t hold back!"

Zhang Shuitong had never regarded Xiaohua highly. Now that she was considered a grown-up, while Xiaohua was still just a child, and especially since she was now a member of County Magistrate Wang's household, whereas the second uncle's family were still commoners, Xiaohua's threat seemed especially laughable to her.

However, this also humiliated Zhang Shuitong, and in a fit of shame and anger, she snapped, "Xiaohua, you fatherless brat, when I speak, you don't get a say in this!"

Her words were in the tone of scolding a maid.

As soon as Xiaohua heard her cursing her recently deceased father, her eyes turned fierce like a wolf’s, and with a loud curse, she lunged at Zhang Shuitong. Granny Zhang and Wu Xiaolian tried to stop her but couldn't in time.

Once she lunged, Xiaohua went at Zhang Shuitong like a crazed wolf cub, clawing, biting, and tugging. Zhang Shuitong was caught off guard and, finding herself unable to break free and in great pain, tried to hit Xiaohua. But A Dog, seeing this, also pounced on her.

The two children, who had grown up climbing trees, swimming in rivers, and roaming the mountains, were far from the pampered upbringing of Zhang Shuitong. In no time, Zhang Shuitong was beaten to a pitiful state. Her new clothes were ripped to pieces, her hands had several wounds, and her hair was a mess. Most importantly, her face was viciously clawed, leaving a bloody mark.

Feeling the injury on her face, Zhang Shuitong screamed.

Granny Zhang, who hadn’t really been trying to stop her grandchildren, was startled and quickly pulled them back.

The scratch on her face was superficial and not very deep, and in the countryside, it wasn’t considered a serious injury. Seeing it wasn't severe, Granny Zhang didn't scold her grandchildren. Instead, she turned to Zhang Shuitong and said, "Shuitong, now that the two branches of our Zhang family have severed ties, you'd better stay away from our family. If you provoke us again, I’ll do everything in my power to make your life miserable!"

Having gone through so much, Granny Zhang had always favored Xiaohua and A Dog. Knowing that Zhang Shuitong had insulted Xiaohua’s father and started the conflict, she felt Zhang Shuitong had brought it on herself and had no intention of scolding Xiaohua and A Dog.

She had only intervened to prevent Xiaohua from getting the short end of the stick.

The family turned and left. Lying on the ground, Zhang Shuitong, with blood on her hands, was both frightened and furious as she watched them leave without a care for her. Clenching her teeth in hatred, she shouted, "Just you wait!"