Chapter 45: Finding Someone to Back You Up

Chapter 45: Securing Support

Village Head Wang recognized Lu Xiang immediately and knew precisely why she had come.

The day before, many had witnessed the Lu family tearfully rushing Lu Ping to the hospital. Whispers turned to curses against Xue Shengli, branding him a scoundrel for nearly beating someone to death.

The village head’s heart ached for them. Lu Ping, the eldest daughter, had once been known for her exceptional capability. His own wife had even considered arranging a marriage between Lu Ping and her nephew. However, before any plans could be made, Old Mrs. Lu had already betrothed Lu Ping to someone else, and after her marriage, Lu Ping rarely returned to the village.

The Lu family were honest, down-to-earth people, now utterly bewildered by such a grave incident.

Yet, Village Head Wang still bore the responsibilities of the production brigade. He couldn't dedicate himself solely to mediating family disputes. Moreover, Lu Ping’s situation was complicated: her household registration had been transferred out of the village upon marriage, meaning she was no longer considered a village resident.

Having served as village head for many years, he had adopted a pragmatic approach: it was often better to avoid trouble than to seek it out.

Seeing Lu Xiang approach, Village Head Wang raised an eyebrow.

In her parents' home, Lu Xiang had been quiet and demure, rarely daring to meet anyone's gaze. Now, after her marriage and a significant confrontation with her in-laws, she seemed remarkably changed.

Lu Xiang began, “Uncle Wang, these are some braised duck parts I made myself. Please try them and offer your feedback.” As she spoke, she opened the lunchbox, and a fragrant aroma instantly filled the air.

Village Head Wang found Lu Xiang's words charming and difficult to refuse. “Is this what you sell at your stall every day?” Even before tasting, he could tell it was good; the scent alone promised authenticity.

Lu Xiang had also brought alcohol, hitting his weak spot perfectly. Village Head Wang disliked smoking but loved to drink. However, even as village head, he couldn't indulge daily.

At home, he might occasionally pour a small cup, savoring each sip. Now, his eyes were drawn straight to the bottle. Yet, his self-control was strong. Though an inner craving gnawed at him, his expression remained stern. “What's this for? You should take it back.”

Village Head Wang was no fool. The braised duck parts were one thing, but a bottle of liquor cost over a yuan! And Lu Xiang had brought a premium brand—the kind that didn't cause a headache. He himself couldn’t justify buying it at the store.

Lu Xiang explained, “No one in my family drinks this. It would just go to waste. If you enjoy it, Uncle Wang, then it’s perfect.”

Village Head Wang’s craving was practically roaring within him. “What brings you here today?” he asked.

He knew that people didn't visit without a reason. Lu Xiang had never sought him out before, so he had a good idea what this was about. Still, he wanted to hear it from her directly.

Lu Xiang said, “That beast nearly beat my eldest sister to death.” She then produced two injury reports from her pocket. “Xue Shengli wanted to have an affair, and when my sister refused, he tried to kill her to make room for another woman.”

She continued, “I don’t understand. We live in a society governed by law. How can he act like a local tyrant, thinking he can just kill someone? And his village is even worse—they all protect Xue Shengli. They believe my sister has no one to rely on, so they fear no repercussions.”

The village head’s brows furrowed deeply.

Lu Xiang pressed on, “Our villagers shouldn't be bullied like this. If word gets out, other villages will target us, and that would be disastrous.”

The village head paused, then said, “Xiao Xiang, I understand your feelings. But if we start a conflict with another village, we’ll face serious consequences.” Moreover, inter-village disputes could escalate rapidly.

Lu Xiang clarified, “We don’t need to fight. We just need to show support for my sister, to make that Xue fellow think twice, to let him know our village stands behind her.”

Her request was reasonable.

Still, the village head had reservations. She made it sound simple now, but once they left the village, events could easily spiral beyond their control. He wasn't willing to risk so much for some alcohol and snacks.

Lu Xiang knew that small favors wouldn't sway him. So, she played her trump card. “Village Head, I’ve heard there’s a secret method for composting. Our village has limited farmland, but if we properly cultivate the soil and boost yields, we can still surpass other villages.”

The village head was a practical man, deeply invested in the village’s crops.

In those days, villages often competed. He had heard rumors of advanced agricultural techniques but, as a low-ranking village head, lacked the connections to learn them. He diligently read newspapers daily, hoping to discover some secret method.

Hearing Lu Xiang’s words, his eyes suddenly lit up. “Really?”

What Lu Xiang described was common knowledge in later years, easily found online. Composting and high-yield crop techniques had already been developed by this era but remained largely unknown in rural areas due to limited information flow.

The village head asked, “How is it done?”

Lu Xiang replied, “I once read about it in an old book, but the book was later burned. After I sort out my family matters, I’ll write down everything I remember for you!”

The village head chuckled, “You’re sharper than your parents, girl.” She was clearly someone who wouldn't act without assurance. “Alright, I’ll gather some people and go to Xue Family Village to have a word.”

Lu Xiang said, “Thank you, Uncle Wang.”

The village head replied, “You can go back for now. I’ll notify you once I’ve made arrangements.”

Though his official position was modest, the village head had extensive experience. If he agreed to handle something, he possessed far more influence and means than Lu Xiang and her family.

Lu Xiang expressed her profuse gratitude and departed.

Only after she was gone did Village Head Wang break off a piece of duck neck with his hands and twist open the liquor bottle. After taking a sip and nibbling on the duck neck, he murmured to himself, “No wonder she can run a stall—this is really good.”

Lu Xiang’s culinary skills were unmatched by most in the village.

After convincing the village head, Lu Xiang immediately went home to set up her stall. She had already aimed to earn money and pay off debts, but with her eldest sister’s crisis, earning money became even more urgent.

Having money in hand was paramount.

Her little niece clung to her, so Lu Xiang brought her along to the stall.

Lu Xiang’s unique braised duck parts had garnered many loyal customers. Today, she arrived a bit later than usual, and her regulars were already waiting, complaining, “Why are you so late? We thought you weren’t coming today.”

“How could I miss a day? I’ll be here every day as long as it doesn’t rain.” Lu Xiang swiftly set up her stall and began selling.

With her steady clientele, the duck parts sold out quickly. After packing up, she stored her goods in the courtyard of the nearby supply and marketing cooperative. She informed Fu Qinhui and then headed to the hospital.

The hospital still reeked of pungent disinfectant.

Lu Xiang took her niece to the emergency ward. Her second sister, Lu Yu, said, “Eldest Sister woke up once but fell back asleep soon after.”

Lu Xiang nodded and urged her second sister to rest, noticing she hadn’t slept all night.

Second Sister Lu lamented, “How could I sleep after seeing Eldest Sister like this? I feel like killing that bastard!” She grew tearful. “We can’t let this slide.”

That Xue fellow was far too arrogant.

Lu Xiang said, “I was just about to discuss this with you.” She then explained how the village head had agreed to support them.

Second Sister Lu looked at Lu Xiang with newfound respect. “Your second brother-in-law may be disabled, but he has over twenty relatives—older brothers, cousins, and more. I’ll ask them to come along too.”

Lu Xiang said, “Good.”

Second Sister Lu had always worried that their mother had raised their youngest sister to be too timid, fearing she’d be easily bullied. Seeing Lu Xiang now capable and assertive finally put her mind at ease.