Chapter 42

Chapter 42

In the winter, a group of people were busily digging under a large tree deep in the mountains. Everyone's expressions were very solemn.

The captain of the Tiandong Brigade was smoking a pipe, his eyes fixed on the ground.

If one looked closely, they could see that his hand holding the pipe was trembling slightly.

"Everyone, be careful. Don't dig too hard."

Those who were about to use all their strength to dig heard this and lightened their actions.

The soil had frozen and was not as easy to dig as usual, but when they cleared away the thick layer of snow, it became evident that this area had been recently reburied.

"There's something! Ah! It's a hand, there's, there's someone's hand..."

Someone cried out in alarm.

The captain quickly moved the pipe behind him and pushed through the crowd to inspect.

A hand was exposed in the dirt, blue and purple, with the rest still buried.

The captain closed his eyes; the last bit of hope vanished.

"Keep digging!"

Knowing there was a person buried below, everyone slowed down their movements, afraid of damaging the body. Gradually, a woman's corpse came into view.

Due to the winter, the body had not decomposed much, and it was clear that the corpse was Wang Xianghong.

After lifting her out, they saw a hole in the back of her head, covered in dried blood.

This must have been the fatal blow, a heavy strike to the back of her head that led to her death.

As the captain passed by Cao Liang, he couldn't help but kick him.

"You scoundrel! What do you have to say now!"

Cao Liang, held by two strong men, broke his silence and wailed,

"Captain, I really don't know what happened! That day she said she was going to her parents' house, but complained that I didn't prepare enough things, so she didn't let me go with her. I, I don't know how she died; it has nothing to do with me!"

Tang Qingqing was stunned, understanding Zhai Hongyi's words—when someone is utterly shameless, they become invincible!

Evidence was right before them, and he had even tried to cover up his crime by attempting murder. Yet, he was still acting at this critical moment.

She understood better what her husband had said: criminals often cry and repent before their execution, not for their crimes, but because they regret not being more careful, which would have prevented their punishment.

Even now, Cao Liang showed no remorse and tried to deceive everyone.

Unfortunately, no one believed him anymore. Those who had previously defended him now wished they could slap themselves.

Wang Dahai, Uncle of Wang Xiaotie, kicked him directly, "Damn you, Cao Liang! Still lying at this point! Almost got my nephew and niece killed, and you're still talking nonsense!"

Wang Dashan had already taken the three children found in the cellar to the clinic. Although they seemed fine, Zhai Hongyi suggested it was best to check them out, given they had been trapped for so long.

Wang Dashan, caring deeply for the children, ignored those who said it was unnecessary and insisted on taking them for a thorough examination.

The fear of losing his children earlier made Wang Dashan dread any further mishaps.

On their way to the town, they could also report to the local police station.

Upon learning that Wang Xiaotie and Wang Tiantian almost met with disaster, the Wang family rushed over, each giving Cao Liang a kick.

The captain and other brigade officials did not stop them. In the past, they might have dealt with such matters without involving the police.

Such a morally bankrupt individual deserved severe condemnation.

At this critical juncture, he still refused to admit his mistakes, causing everyone present to despise him.

Cao Liang hastily added, "I really didn't mean to kill her. This woman wanted to run off with another man. I begged her not to leave, but she wouldn't listen and kept kicking me. In a fit of anger, I pushed her, and she hit her head on the back."

"I didn't want to kill her; she was the one who wanted to run away. I tried to hold her back, but missed and she hit her head."

"I treated her so well, why would she run? I lost everything just to keep her, regardless of what she did outside. I loved her wholeheartedly, so why did she still want to leave?"

Cao Liang burst into tears, crying bitterly.

Though his face was swollen from beatings, his cries were heart-wrenching.

Some women watching the scene felt a pang of sympathy.

"Oh, the Cao family is unlucky, encountering such an unfaithful woman."

"Indeed, if not for this, Cao Liang wouldn't have ended up like this."

"He was ruined by Wang Xianghong. I always said such women bring trouble. Choosing a wife based solely on looks leads to trouble."

Feeling the shift in public opinion, Tang Qingqing was furious.

A thought flashed through her mind: She lost her life, while he wore a green hat.

Even after Wang Xianghong was murdered, she was still slandered, and some sympathized with the perpetrator. It was truly unjust!

No matter what she did, it was never a reason for murder.

Moreover, if Cao Liang were truly kind, he wouldn't have secretly buried her body or tried to silence others.

How could these people forget that they almost died at his hands!

Not to mention whether Wang Xianghong is that kind of person; that's another matter altogether.

Tang Qingqing was fuming, wanting to lash out, but she was so angry that she couldn't even open her mouth, which only made her more anxious.

Zhai Hongyi narrowed his eyes and scanned the crowd of gossipy people before turning to the team leader:

"Why are your team members helping the murderer speak? Do they share the same thoughts and want to kill someone too?"

The team leader didn't know Zhai Hongyi's specific background; the introduction letter only mentioned that the three of them were there to assist in solving the case.

But judging from Zhai Hongyi's attire, demeanor, and accent, it was clear he wasn't from an ordinary family; he came from a big city.

The team leader frowned, "What nonsense are you spouting! It's easy for you to say since it's not your child suffering. You wouldn't feel the pain if it were yours."

An aunt muttered, "We're just saying what we think. Besides, if Wang Xianghong hadn't been so promiscuous, Cao Liang wouldn't have ended up like this."

Tang Qingqing couldn't bear it anymore and was about to speak up, but she was pushed aside by Huang Hui, Wang Dashan's sister-in-law, who raised her voice and started yelling:

"Oh, Aunt Zhang, according to your logic, if I don't like you today and decide to kill you, would that mean you deserve it? That you've made my life miserable?"

"How can that be the same?"

"Isn't it the same? If you make me uncomfortable and force me to take action, why can't the same logic apply to you?"

"I haven't stolen anyone."

"If you haven't stolen anyone, then why did your husband beat you? Why would he do that if you hadn't stolen anyone?"

"You're talking nonsense! Who stole anyone!"

"Oh, when it comes to yourself, you don't like it, but you enjoy talking about others! When you say Wang Xianghong stole someone, who did she steal? Did anyone see it?"

"The whole village knows she dresses provocatively all the time. What else could she be doing if not trying to seduce people?"

"Oh, so because her family conditions are good and she wants to dress nicely, that's illegal now? Go report the supply store and tell them not to sell such fancy fabrics!

Did she expose her back, chest, or legs? Why are you so concerned with her instead of keeping your men's eyes on their own business!"

A group of women started arguing, and the scene became chaotic.

The men weren't silent either, but they were more mindful of the team leader's reaction, so they dared not speak up.

However, they didn't stop their wives from engaging in the argument and watched coldly.

Many in the village disliked Wang Xianghong, finding her too flashy.

But there were also those who knew her character and thought she was easy to get along with. Moreover, since the victim had died, many felt that the deceased should be respected and spoke up for Wang Xianghong.

With Huang Hui leading the charge, the sympathy for Cao Liang quickly diminished.

Regardless of the cause, the moment he raised the knife, he was wrong and deserved everyone's condemnation. No reason could justify his actions.

The Wang family's voices were the loudest, insisting that anyone sympathizing with Cao Liang was against them, regardless of how Wang Xianghong was killed.

If Cao Liang were truly good, would he have mercilessly smothered the three children? Would he have taken out a gun to try to kill two outsiders?

How could someone be so heartless?

This person was a menace, merely pretending to be decent.

Such a person was even more terrifying and needed to be eliminated without any chance of redemption.

Due to Zhai Hongyi's instructions not to move the body to prevent the crime scene from being tampered with and affecting the investigation, the crowd stayed put.

Someone suddenly said, "You all claim Wang Xianghong is promiscuous, but who saw her seducing anyone?"

The scene fell silent.

When Wang Xianghong first married into the village, she often interacted with others, but mostly with people her age.

Later, she went out less and was considered antisocial.

However, her clothes were very bright, and she was exceptionally beautiful, having come from far away. Whenever she appeared, she became the center of attention.

Some aunts did see her interacting with men, but those men were known troublemakers in the village.

"I remember when Wang Xianghong married in, she didn't ask for much dowry and brought a lot of gifts, showing her sincerity towards Cao Liang, yet..."

There were also those who said, "She brought so many gifts, as if her family was afraid she wouldn't marry."

Huang Hui glared, "Is it wrong to have a low dowry and bring many gifts? No wonder your son can't find a wife. If the dowry is high, you say the girl is money-hungry. If it's low with gifts, you complain about the extra. What's wrong with you?"

Someone joined in, "Aunt Zhang, I'll remember your words. Next time you arrange a marriage, we'll tell the bride that a low dowry isn't acceptable, and you'll look down on her!"

The team leader couldn't take it anymore, "Stop the nonsense! Shut up!"

Their team already struggled with marriages; girls preferred to marry out rather than in.

If these words spread, the young men in the team might never get married, causing chaos.

Tang Qingqing pulled Zhai Hongyi aside, "Brother, I hate those words. I don't like them."

Clearly, Wang Xianghong was the victim, yet everyone focused on whether she was virtuous rather than Cao Liang's cruelty.

If Cao Liang hadn't attacked them, making him seem ruthless, the situation would have been even worse.

Tang Qingqing initially wanted to defend Wang Xianghong, but later realized that explaining this would only divert the focus of the case.

Even if Wang Xianghong had flaws in her character, she did not deserve to die.

Does this prove that Wang Xianghong, praised in every aspect, only deserves sympathy because she was murdered?

If someone is particularly annoying and dies, it does seem like they got what they deserved. If he wasn't so annoying, perhaps he wouldn't have encountered those terrible things.

Thinking about it this way seems logical; there's a cause for every effect. Otherwise, why would you be the one to encounter such distressing events? Yet, something feels off.

She couldn't sort out her thoughts, so she went to Zhai Hongyi to share her discomfort.

Zhai Hongyi was the person around her who knew the most, and she believed he could understand her confusion.

"This is a self-deceptive mentality."

Tang Qingqing was puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"When people see a tragedy, their first reaction, driven by self-protection, is to ask why this happened to him and how they can avoid such a tragedy happening to themselves."

Tang Qingqing thought seriously about it and found his words quite reasonable.

"But the actions of a madman are uncontrollable. Who could have known that someone like Cao Liang was a brutal murderer? Many people don't reveal their true nature until they commit a crime. How can people predict danger then?"

"How do they predict it?"

"Therefore, some people focus on the victims, trying to find out what they did to 'anger' the perpetrator. They think that if they avoid doing those things, they won't encounter these distressing situations."

"Isn't that quite logical?"

"It does make sense, which is why some people study why individuals commit crimes. Understanding the reasons helps them pay more attention to these groups and prevent such incidents. When similar people appear around them, they become more vigilant."

Tang Qingqing was confused. "Then why do I feel uncomfortable?"

"Because the words you hear all come from the constraints placed on the victims, inadvertently weakening the disdain and hatred for the perpetrators."

Tang Qingqing nodded; it was indeed the case.

"Why do people do this when the real culprits are the criminals?"

"Because these people don't believe that tragic events happen randomly to anyone. The unknown fear makes them prefer to believe that everything happens for a reason, that the victims themselves are at fault, and that they deserve it.

They believe that as long as they don't have these issues, they won't encounter such terrible things. Thus, they are more willing to criticize the victims, making themselves feel different and safe from harm.

When the purpose changes, the voices you hear become harsh. Moreover, such an environment leads to the victim being re-victimized, even preventing them from defending their rights. Meanwhile, the cost of committing evil decreases, making people think that the perpetrators aren't that bad, just pushed to their limits."

Tang Qingqing was stunned, finding these ideas truly remarkable.

"How can it be like this?"

"Some people are simply malicious. Deep down, they envy the perpetrators and agree with their actions, so they join in the frenzy, trying to exonerate the perpetrators by focusing more on the victims."

Tang Qingqing looked at Zhai Hongyi with admiration. "Brother, you know so much."

"Just read a lot of books."

"Do books talk about these things?"

"Yes, there are books specifically studying human psychology." Zhai Hongyi paused. "I used to wonder how shameless a person could be, so I read these books."

Tang Qingqing opened her mouth wide. "Wow, there are books like that? Can you read minds now? Brother, what am I thinking right now?"

"You're thinking how amazing I am."

"Wow!"

Zhai Hongyi rolled his eyes. "Silly girl, I don't need those books to know what you're thinking."

Tang Qingqing scratched her head, embarrassed. "But you really are amazing. No one has ever told me such things."

"In those books, they only discuss trivial matters."

"I'm just lucky to have access to many books." Zhai Hongyi's gaze darkened.

"My grandfather's house has a large room full of books, some of which libraries might not even have. Some are precious ancient texts, and some were brought back from abroad."

Tang Qingqing was envious. "Brought back from abroad?"

"Yes, many are original foreign editions. My mother knows English, French, and Japanese."

"Your mom is so impressive!"

"So what? She's a capitalist's daughter. If everyone had the same educational opportunities, they wouldn't be any worse than her."

"But in reality, she is impressive, not others."

Zhai Hongyi's expression softened slightly, and Tang Qingqing could see the pride in his eyes despite his words.

"Brother, do you know other languages too?"

"I only know English."

"Your 'only' is quite amusing."

Zhai Hongyi chuckled. "If you want to learn, I can teach you."

Tang Qingqing didn't know what use learning English would serve, but learning something new is always beneficial.

In case another conflict arises, if the enemy says they will fire or plot something, she could understand and take preventive measures.

"Sure."

"If you want to learn, you must keep it secret. Otherwise, if trouble arises, I won't admit teaching you."

"That's a must!"

The local police station received the news, and the old chief hurriedly led two security officers to Tiandong Brigade while also notifying the Public Security Bureau of the commune.

When the old chief learned that Tang Qingqing and her companions had almost lost their lives there, and that two local children had nearly died as well and were still being examined at the health center, he felt a wave of darkness wash over him.

Upon arriving at the scene and seeing Zhai Hongyi and Tang Qingqing, he couldn't help but say, "Your courage is too great!"

After seeing them hang their heads, he felt a pang of guilt.

After all, regardless of everything else, they had made a significant contribution, and it wouldn't be right to criticize only their recklessness.

"You've done a great deed. If not for your thorough investigation, the deceased would not only have been murdered but also labeled as a bad woman who ran away with someone, causing shame to herself and her family."

These words left everyone feeling deeply moved.

In the past, when someone's wife or any other person disappeared, people simply assumed they had run away and never suspected anything more.

Now they realized that some people had secretly killed others and then framed them as having run away.

The old chief took the opportunity to educate everyone: "From now on, if anyone in your family disappears, whether they ran away or not, you must report it. If the family doesn't report it, neighbors and brigade officials should report a missing person. Otherwise, how can you sleep soundly knowing there might be a murderer around?"

"If Wang Xianghong's relatives hadn't reported her disappearance, she would have died unjustly. She was beaten to death and falsely accused of running away with someone. How infuriating!"

After explaining everything clearly to the old chief, Zhai Hongyi and Tang Qingqing returned to Wang Dashan's home.

The Wang family still treated them warmly, without holding any grudge against them for almost indirectly causing the deaths of Wang Xiaotie and Wang Tiantian.

Instead, they admired their bravery and intelligence despite their young age, truly believing they were different because they were from the city.

Tang Qingqing felt this was incorrect and said:

"This has nothing to do with being from the city. As long as one reads more books, they won't be foolish."

During their conversation, Tang Qingqing sensed that Wang Xiaotie and Wang Tiantian both wanted to go to school, but their family thought it was useless and couldn't afford it, especially since the school was far away.

The siblings understood that going to school would burden their family, so they never mentioned it.

Huang Hui asked, "Is education really useful?"

"Of course! In the city, if you haven't been to school, you won't get hired. Leaders are all educated; none are illiterate."

"That's true. Even the scorekeeper in our village must be literate."

Tang Qingqing didn't say more.

The people of Tiandong Brigade were too poor. Even if they had the intention, they might not have the means. Saying too much about sending children to school would only add to their worries.

It was enough to make them aware that education is beneficial. With this awareness, they might consider schooling for their children when they could afford it.

Wang Heizi and the others soon returned as well. The health center's conditions were limited, and they found no abnormalities, so they were allowed to leave.

As for going to the commune hospital for further examination, that was out of the question.

Not just the Wangs of Tiandong, even the Wangs of Rongshan Brigade wouldn't do such a thing.

When Wang Dashan and the others returned, Tang Qingqing, Zhai Hongyi, and Wang Heizi sincerely apologized to the Wang family.

"We came here with a purpose, not to hide things from you. We didn't expect to involve Tiantian and Xiaotie."

Wang Dashan waved his hand. "How could we blame you? We're grateful that you caught Cao Liang, the murderer."

"We deceived you to conduct a better investigation."

When the family learned of their true identities, although surprised, they didn't feel betrayed.

After all, underground party members had to keep their names hidden to accomplish important tasks.

The Wang family admired their young age and great abilities.

And it wasn't really deception; Chef Li's intentions were genuine.

Still, Wang Dashan said, "You mustn't be so reckless in the future. This time you were lucky; next time, you might not be."

This was mainly directed at Zhai Hongyi, who was the oldest and looked closest to adulthood.

Zhai Hongyi responded earnestly, "Uncle, I will definitely correct myself."

With no one hurt, the previous dangers were quickly forgotten. Everyone was more interested in how Tang Qingqing and Zhai Hongyi discovered that Wang Xianghong had been murdered and where she was buried.

Talking about this, Wang Heizi became fully awake.

"Uncle, Auntie, do you remember the theft case at the commune supply store..."

Wang Heizi narrated Tang Qingqing's heroic deeds like a storyteller, leaving the Wang family in awe.

They had always thought Zhai Hongyi was the main leader, with Tang Qingqing and Wang Heizi merely covering for him. They never imagined it was all due to Tang Qingqing!

"How did you become so capable, girl?"

Wang Tiantian looked at Tang Qingqing with admiration. "Sis, people always say boys are better than girls, but you're way better than any boy!"

Tang Qingqing patted her head. "As long as you're willing to learn and work hard, girls aren't inferior to boys. In fact, they can be even more meticulous and patient."

Wang Tiantian nodded vigorously, looking up to Tang Qingqing as if she were perfect.

Wang Dashan sighed, "If only there were more people like you. Our brigade's sheep went missing before, and we couldn't find them."

"Uncle, if something like this happens again, send someone to call me from our brigade."

Wang Dashan was very pleased to hear this. "That's great!"

In the evening, Tang Qingqing, Wang Heizi, and Zhai Hongyi did not return home but stayed overnight at the Wang family's place.

Although Wang Xiaotie and Wang Tiantian were somewhat angry with Wang Heizi for deceiving them about the snow worms, they put their dissatisfaction aside after hearing so much about Tang Qingqing and listening to the story of Journey to the West that Wang Heizi told them.

Perhaps because they had shared hardships, their relationship became even better than before.

The next morning, when Tang Qingqing and her companions were leaving, Wang Xiaotie and Wang Tiantian were particularly reluctant to see them go, asking them to visit whenever they had free time.

The Wang family also gave them a pile of mountain goods, all collected from the mountains.

Tang Qingqing and the others couldn't refuse; not accepting would be seen as looking down on their humble offerings.

With such words, they could only accept.

Tang Qingqing left her pencils and notebook with the siblings and instructed them:

"Even if you can't go to school, you should still learn more characters from literate people in the village. It will be useful someday."

Upon returning to the Public Security Bureau, the trio received warm applause.

A young officer sighed, "I've been in the Public Security Bureau for over a year and haven't handled any murder cases. You three youngsters actually solved one!"

"Young heroes indeed."

Tang Qingqing looked around, "Where is Comrade Song Weiguo?"

The young officer smiled, "He's writing a self-criticism."

Wang Heizi: "Ah, why?"

"Because his oversight almost cost you your lives. He must undergo criticism and education."

Tang Qingqing and Wang Heizi's faces immediately fell, and Zhai Hongyi's expression also soured.

Zhai Hongyi: "This incident was entirely my fault for being too arrogant. It has nothing to do with Comrade Song."

An older officer patted him on the shoulder, "It's not your fault. How old are you? Besides, you're not an official officer. There's no way you could have thought of everything. Don't feel sorry for Song Weiguo; he himself has recognized his mistake."

Although this small incident left the trio feeling somewhat unsatisfied, overall, they were still very happy.

After all, justice had been served for the victim.

When Wang Xiangzhi arrived at the Public Security Bureau upon hearing the news, he nearly knelt down before the trio but was stopped by them.

"Uncle, don't do this; it will shorten our lives!"

"If it weren't for you, my sister would have died unjustly and been despised. You are great benefactors to our family!"

Wang Xiangzhi, a grown man, burst into tears. When his family learned of Wang Xianghong's disappearance, they already had a bad feeling.

Especially his mother, who had a nightmare where Wang Xianghong appeared covered in blood, pleading for help, which terrified her. That's why they took it so seriously.

But when it was confirmed that his sister was dead and he saw her cold body, Wang Xiangzhi felt overwhelming sorrow, and his previous mental preparation was useless.

"That beast! I wish I could cut him into pieces! My third sister didn't mind his poverty and married him so resolutely, yet he treated her like this! Does he have a heart made of stone? How could he be so cruel!"

Wang Xianghong's body had already been transported back to the commune for a preliminary autopsy.

Wang Xiangzhi was notified immediately to identify the body, and he saw its external condition.

According to the forensic doctor's preliminary assessment, Wang Xianghong had multiple injuries from beatings, including rib fractures visible from external wounds.

It could be preliminarily determined that Wang Xianghong had frequently suffered physical abuse in the past.

As for internal injuries, further dissection was needed.

Generally, family members are unwilling to sign the autopsy agreement.

However, Wang Xiangzhi signed without hesitation, trembling as he did so. He had to know what kind of suffering his sister endured and ensure that Cao Liang would face severe punishment.

Cao Liang's beatings were always strategically placed under clothing, hidden from view.

Every part of her body bore bruises, but the exposed areas remained unharmed, except for the fatal injury on the back of her head.

Just as Cao Liang claimed, the injury on the back of her head was indeed accidental.

While beating Wang Xianghong, she accidentally hit her head during a kick.

Cao Liang attacked her simply because she mentioned visiting her family on the second day of the lunar New Year, which annoyed him, leading to another beating.

As usual, he kicked and punched her, but this time, she hit her head and died.

Wang Xiangzhi was indignant, "That man, being useless himself, blamed everything on my third sister. He acted well outside, pretending to treat her kindly, but at home, he beat her mercilessly!"

Cao Liang, influenced by his mother, dared not let others know about his habit of domestic violence.

Therefore, each time he beat her, he chose hidden spots and then knelt down to beg for forgiveness, promising never to do it again.

Wang Xianghong forgave him repeatedly, never telling anyone, and even cooperated by reducing her outings and cutting off ties with her best friends.

It is unclear when Cao Liang started beating Wang Xianghong, but according to him, it began after she miscarried during pregnancy.

He believed the child wasn't his but conceived through her infidelity.

Thus, he grew increasingly intolerant of her, lashing out at the slightest provocation.

Each time she cried and forgave him, she kept it secret, even cooperating to reduce her social interactions and severing ties with her closest friends.

This not only failed to earn Cao Liang's respect; instead, he became even more aggressive, thinking Wang Xianghong was easier to bully.

The reason Wang Xianghong wasn't allowed to contact Zheng Ying was the fear that she would be swayed by Zheng Ying and run to the commune to find a man to cuckold him.

However, based on the experience of the Public Security Bureau, Cao Liang must have been physically abusing Wang Xianghong much earlier.

After hearing Wang Xiangzhi and the interrogating officer's account, Tang Qingqing felt very distressed.

Moreover, after investigation, the rumors about Wang Xianghong having poor personal conduct did not hold up to scrutiny.

Many of these rumors lacked evidence; people simply assumed that since she dressed well, she couldn't be a decent person and thought she often flirted with men.

In reality, no one could point out any specific shameful acts she had committed.

There were indeed instances of her interacting with men, but it was usually because those men wanted to take advantage of her and wouldn't let her go.

Later, when someone saw this, they claimed for face that Wang Xianghong had seduced them.

After branding Wang Xianghong as a woman of ill repute, everything she did took on a sinister meaning.

Many in the village believed that such a good-looking girl would never marry a penniless man unless there was something wrong with her.

She didn't even ask for a dowry and brought her own wedding gifts. If there wasn't something wrong with her, why would she suffer such a fate?

Under this assumption, prejudice arose.

All these factors combined led to the tragedy of this woman.

Cao Liang's murder was confirmed, and later, he even attempted to harm Tang Qingqing and others. He certainly deserved his punishment.

Such a person deserved death, but unfortunately, Wang Xianghong's life could not be restored.

"Why are there such ungrateful people in this world?"

Tang Qingqing couldn't understand why Wang Xianghong, who never looked down on Cao Liang, was not only unappreciated but also harmed by him.

That woman, who once threw herself into love without hesitation, now seemed so pitiful.

Zhai Hongyi showed a mocking smile: "Physical disability leading to inferiority and arrogance, finding pleasure in oppressing others."

Wang Heizi said, "Isn't that just being despicable! Such a person should be paired with an equally vicious wife to teach him a lesson."

Having solved such a major case and encountering danger along the way, the Public Security Bureau's grant for this case was even more generous than the last.

Not only were there prizes but also real money—fifteen yuan in total.

When Tang Qingqing and Wang Heizi learned they would receive money, they were astonished.

"Wow! So much money!"

Song Weiguo, however, said apologetically, "The bureau's funds are tight, so this is all we can offer."

Dividing it among three people, each got only five yuan, which hardly matched their contributions.

But for Tang Qingqing and Wang Heizi, this was already a considerable amount.

Moreover, this wasn't just money; it was a reward!

In addition to the fifteen yuan, there were notebooks, pens, water cups, towels, toothpaste, soap, and a bucket of oil—all practical daily items.

Wang Heizi grinned widely, no longer envious of the things Tang Qingqing had brought back. Now he had his own!

Tang Qingqing raised her hand. "I'd like to make a suggestion."

Wang Heizi and Zhai Hongyi looked at her.

"Can we share this fifteen yuan with Wang Xiaotie and Wang Tiantian? They worked with us all day, and solving the case was partly due to their efforts."

Wang Heizi exclaimed excitedly, "I was thinking the same thing!"

Zhai Hongyi agreed and even offered to give up his share, but Tang Qingqing and Wang Heizi refused.

Dividing fifteen yuan among five people made sense, giving each person three yuan.

The three handed over six yuan to Song Weiguo, hoping he could deliver it to Wang Xiaotie and Wang Tiantian when he visited Tiandong Brigade.

They also divided some of the rewards and asked Song Weiguo to bring those items to them.

Song Weiguo accepted the money but declined the items. "I'll get those from logistics; you don't need to give up your share."

Tang Qingqing worried, "Won't that deplete the Public Security Bureau's funds?"

Other officers didn't receive such generous treatment for solving cases.

Song Weiguo laughed. "Don't worry about that."

Wang Heizi added, "Uncle, could you bring some of Chef Li's buns when you visit?"

Song Weiguo was taken aback.

Wang Heizi scratched his head, embarrassed. "Even though they're related to Chef Li, they've never tasted his cooking. I told them how delicious his pork buns are, so I promised to bring some next time I visit."

Everyone knew that meeting again would be difficult due to the distance and travel required.

Walking wasn't an issue for farmers, but taking multiple buses was costly and unreimbursable.

Song Weiguo ruffled his hair. "Sure, I'll get them."

"Didn't make any mistakes, right?"

"You're only thinking of this now."

Wang Heizi chuckled foolishly.

Wang Xiaotie and Wang Tiantian, who were still immersed in their disappointment, soon received an unexpected surprise, and the family was delighted for a long time.

It was also the first time the family had tasted such delicious meat buns. Even years later, when they no longer lacked for buns, they would remember that unforgettable flavor.

The trio stayed overnight at the commune and set off back to Rongshan Brigade early the next morning.

Tang Qingqing once again skillfully took out some of the prizes, planning to take the rest to her master's house.

Wang Heizi, suppressing his desire to show off, handed the three yuan to Zhai Hongyi, taking only the prizes home with him.

"If we take this money back, we definitely won't get it back."

Zhai Hongyi still placed everything at Old Liu's house, not taking a single item back to the educated youth settlement.

Tang Guizhi was still at home, and upon seeing Tang Qingqing bring back a pile of things, she was quite surprised.

"Where did you get all these things?"

"They were given by the Public Security Bureau as a reward for helping solve a case."

Upon hearing Tang Qingqing's voice, Grandma Wu and Zhao Dahua both came out of the house.

Grandma Wu, upon seeing those items, especially the large can of oil, smiled widely, showing only her teeth.

"We'll fry eggs tonight!"

Oil was a precious commodity; their family used only one can a year, adding just a few drops to their meals on regular days.

Especially during winter, when there was less work, Grandma Wu watched over the oil closely, using more only when there was heavy labor involved.

To save oil, they usually boiled vegetables, but today, they were going to fry eggs, which showed how happy Grandma Wu was.

Zhao Dahua was also delighted. "Your father's towel is worn out, so now he finally has a new one."

"Why use such a good towel? It's fine to make do. Keep this one; it's perfect for giving as a gift when someone has a celebration."

Currently, gifts at banquets were usually items, and people gave whatever they wished, depending on their preferences.

Tang Qingqing did not participate in their distribution and never expected to have any say in it.

Tang Guizhi was curious and couldn't help wondering what kind of case Tang Qingqing had helped solve.

"It was a murder case."

"Ah?!"

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, who had been examining the prizes, were immediately drawn to this statement.

"What happened? Where did someone die?"

"Oh my goodness, you must have been near a dead body! We need to burn a fire to dispel the bad luck!"

Upon learning that Tang Qingqing had helped solve a murder case, not only the women in the family but even Tang Jianjun crowded around, eager to know what had happened.

"It was a murder case, specifically a wife-killing case."

Zhao Dahua stammered, "K-k-killed his wife?!"

Tang Guizhi's face turned pale.

"Yes, initially, the murderer was like your uncle-in-law, always beating people and then apologizing afterward. The victim endured it, and her family didn't know the situation. Eventually, he became addicted to beating her, and this time, he beat her to death!"

Everyone in the room looked grim, especially Tang Guizhi, whose face was deathly white.

Tang Qingqing continued without stopping: "At first, the murderer lied, saying his wife had gone to her parents' house on the second day of the lunar new year. He even wore her clothes in front of others. When her family realized their daughter hadn't returned, he changed his story, claiming she had run away with another man."

Zhao Dahua was furious. "This man deserves to die! He committed evil deeds and then blamed others!"

Tang Qingqing's gaze inadvertently swept toward Tang Guizhi. "I heard many men say their wives ran away with others. I wonder if those wives really ran away or were killed. If the family doesn't pursue it, the victims die in vain and are even cursed."

Tang Guizhi's face turned deathly pale, and cold sweat broke out on her forehead.

Tang Jianjun glared at Tang Qingqing irritably. "There aren't that many bad people. That woman must have done something wrong herself, which led to her being beaten to death."