Xu Ran saved the courtesy. "I walked in the back when we returned. You appeared out of nowhere and hugged and pushed me to the ground. Then you let out a loud yell. Your family members rushed out of nowhere as soon as you let out your first cry. Who'd think you didn't plan it ahead of time? Or did you expect I was going to molest Liu Piao? How could Liu Piao be alone outside if such was the case? Who can tell me what's going on?"
"Explain everything to me properly!" The last sentence was almost screamed out by Xu Ran, shocking everyone.
In an instant, all the cries stopped.
Xu Ran didn't give them the opportunity to respond. "Since you stated I molested Liu Piao, tell me how I molested him?" he continued. "I distinctly recall trying to get up when Liu Piao pushed me to the ground, but he pulled me back. He refused to let me go despite the fact that I had done nothing wrong. Would Liu Piao take off his clothes and crawl into my bed if I truly did something? What do you think?"
"Village chief, I believe you are the most knowledgeable about the residents of Liu Village. What are your thoughts on this family's Liu Village reputation? I recall that you are still occupying Tongtong's parents' land, but Tongtong has the land deed. What do you think would happen if I go to Yamen and file a land usurpation lawsuit against you?"
"Furthermore, you claimed that I molested Liu Piao. So, what exactly do you want me to do? Should I marry him? Or do you want me to make amends?"
Both conditions were incredibly appealing, and the Liu family was at a loss for what to do.
Liu Piao cried and said, "Brother Xu Ran, just take me. I will serve you nicely with my cousin."
"Who is your brother?" hissed Xu Ran. You had just alleged that I had molested you the minute before, and then you called me brother. Do you have any feelings of shame? From last year to this year, you must have been looking forward to this opportunity. Your family members had been waiting here early in the morning, as you had predicted that I would come for tomb-sweeping on New Year's Eve, and then you put on such a show. It's truly incredible." As he clapped his hands, Xu Ran said.
Xu Ran knelt down and with his palm raised Liu Piao's chin "It's a shame! I'm not fond of you. When I look at you, I feel filthy. Isn't it true that you've been engaged for a while? Why did you continue to try to seduce me? What a licentious idea!"
The remarks of Xu Ran were ruthless. This person had plotted against him, so he's not going to be merciful.
"Village head, I believe you have come to a conclusion regarding who is telling the truth and who is lying!" Xu Ran rose up and remarked to Liu Youcai. "Of course, if someone tried to blackmail me, I would not let him succeed. Don't blame me for worsening the matter and tarnishing Liu Village's name, or for oppressing you with my Xiucai title if you don't give me a proper explanation today."
Liu Youcai's brow was already furrowed when it came to Liu Village's reputation. He didn't remember his identify as a Xiucai until he heard Xu Ran remark that he would use his title to oppress them. If Xu Ran, Xu Village's sole Xiucai, was bullied in another village, the residents of Xu Village would not be so forgiving.
Furthermore, wasn't it because the Liu Piao family lusted after Xu Ran's money that they racked their brains to concoct such a ruse? Even Liu Youcai's heart was full of calculations.
He had to make a decision after auditing such a farce. He didn't want to offend Xu Ran. Many individuals in Liu Village were counting on him to help them with their Spring Festival finances. If he was insulted, he would most likely become an eyesore in the village in the future!
"Liu Dewang, you asked your family members to get up," Liu Youcai stated. "I've got a good idea of what happened today. You claimed to have seen Xu Ran holding Liu Piao, but you didn't observe how he molested him. Liu Piao himself was unable to provide a clear explanation. I also heard you didn't want to marry Liu Piao to a neighboring village's boor; instead, you wanted him to be Xu Ran's concubine. You planned everything to achieve that aim. You're even bold enough to perform such a farce in front of me now. Now I command your family to apologize to Xiucai Xu and imprison you for seven days in the ancestral hall."
Not one word was about the land of Liu Tong's parents that Xu Ran had mentioned. The village head was partial anyway.
After Liu Youcai announced the punishment, he turned to ask Xu Ran, "Xiucai Xu, what do you think of this ruling?"
Xu Ran said, "This is your village's affair, village chief. I'm not in the position to engage. Outsiders, on the other hand, are not permitted to bully the inhabitants of Xu Village. I believe I will have to return to our village chief to discuss this."
Xu Ran's comments caused Liu Youcai's forehead to sweat, even though it was January. He swiftly responded, "Don't do it, Xiucai Xu. Why not have them kneel for seven days and eat nothing for three days as a punishment?"
Xu Ran said, "There will undoubtedly be issues with their kneeling for seven days in the cold, according to the village head. They might also starve to death if they don't eat for three days. I believe it is preferable to have them kneel for three days and then starve for one day. But there's one more thing I'd like to ask."
Liu Youcai wiped his forehead. "Go ahead and speak, please." Even 'please' was used.
"It's not a difficult task at all. I just hope this family does not emerge in front of me on New Year's Eve when I go tomb-sweeping. 'A scorched child fears the fire,' as the saying goes. I'm afraid similar things will happen again, so I'm hoping the village head would agree to this small request."
Although the request was minor, it could not be justified in refusing to allow the family to stand in front of their own doorstep.
The Liu Dewang family wanted to respond, but they were forced to swallow their words by Liu Youcai's look.
They knew that they had no chance to make a comeback today.
Everyone in the village had heard about it as they grieved all the way. If the news got out, Liu Piao's chances of marrying the boor in the next village were slim. Liu Piao, on the other hand, would be on the shelf forever if the boor didn't want him.
Thinking about it, Liu Dewang Family cried even more pathetically.
Liu Piao, on the other hand, was still reeling from Xu Ran. How could Xu Ran face others in the future if he had seduced him and was licentious?
Even if he didn't want him as a concubine, he shouldn't have spoken to him in such a manner. He had obviously just hugged him.
Liu Piao felt so betrayed that he wanted to cry. He couldn't help but cry when he heard his father's sobbing. As a result, his already bulging eyes swelled considerably more.
Xu Ran was irritated as he listened to the cries. Tangtang and Guoguo, who had remained silent up to this point, began removing the two adults' clothing. Tangtang remarked, "When are we going back, Dad, Daddy? They've been weeping nonstop, which is quite annoying."
'Children and fools told the truth,' according to a proverb. Not only the Liu family, but also the village head's mood changed, and he turned an even more disdainful look at Liu Piao and his father and daddy when Tangtang and Guoguo, two innocent children, repeated it.
Xu Ran touched Tangtang's head and said, "We will go back when the village head agrees to my request. Be good, wait a little longer."
Xu Ran's words were obvious. He wouldn't leave until his request was fulfilled.
Liu Youcai hurriedly nodded "Don't worry, Xiucai Xu. I'll tell them to obey it, and I'll make sure you can go about the neighborhood without seeing them in the future."
Xu Ran saluted with his fist and palm. "Then I thank you for your generosity. I'll return first, as the village chief promised. I hope you can take care of the other problems, and I will return to Liu Village in the future."
After that, Xu Ran walked out with the youngsters hand in hand, rejecting Liu Youcai's farewell. Liu Youcai was ashamed to inquire as to why he had stated paying additional trips here in the future, and he was in no position to do so.
Because Xu Ran had fled, Liu Youcai did not spare the Liu family from punishment. He made them kneel for three days in the ancestral hall and fast for one day.
Liu Dewang didn't say anything, since he couldn't have the final say in this family.
Liu Tiezhu, on the other hand, was a different story. Liu Piao was the catalyst for the romance. They had to kneel in the ancestral hall as well, despite the fact that they had done nothing or said anything. They couldn't help but despise Liu Piao.
Liu Tiezhu, in particular, was counting on Liu Piao to marry Xu Ran and discharge Xu Ran's gambling debt.
If he kept stalling his debt, he would be beaten to death.
He became increasingly enraged as he stared at Liu Piao. He then took the initiative to leave the village head's house and stroll to the ancestral hall, as if he had made a decision.
The others couldn't stay any longer after seeing Liu Tiezhu leave. They had no choice but to follow him.
_____
Xu Ran was not in a better mood on the drive home. He just discovered that he has awful luck getting involved in love affairs. There were five of them when Zhang Yue was counted in. Xu Ran couldn't say anything.
While Xu Ran was still concerned about Liu Tong's reaction, Liu Tong consoled him first "Don't take it too seriously, Ran. Haven't you informed the village chief not to allow them show up in front of us again? Why are you angry by people who aren't visible?"
Xu Ran shook his head. "Tongtong, I was worried that you would be annoyed. It was my fault today. I was too careless."
For a brief while, Liu Tong was taken aback before recalling why Xu Ran was concerned that he might become enraged. With a shake of his head, he said, "I was also here today, Ran. Everything was visible to me. I can't say I blame you. Furthermore, it was due to my Ran striking out and attracting people's attention."
Tangtang and Guoguo, who were strolling in front of them, rubbed their hands softly, feeling colder than they had ever felt before.
Xu Ran tilted his head and glanced at Liu Tong a few more times after hearing his comments. He eventually relaxed when he realized he didn't have any rage on his face.
Xu Ran said, "I've never taken this family seriously before, but it's clear that today's incident was planned by them. They put up a lot of effort after a year of waiting."
Liu Tong smiled when he heard Xu Ran's words. "My uncle's family looks a lot like your parents'. However, because I am not their biological kid, they have treated me worse than your parents have treated you. In truth, I've always been grateful that they sold me to your house, Ran. I would not have met you if it hadn't been for their greed."
Xu Ran smiled and said, "Then I should thank them for giving me such a good Tongtong."
Liu Tong was a little shy at first, but he didn't say anything else. The family took a leisurely stroll back to their house. It was dark when they arrived home.
______
When Zhuo Yun saw them return, he inquired as to why they had been gone so long. Didn't they say that wasn't a long journey?
Xu Ran began to whine about Liu Dewang's strange family as soon as Zhuo Yun asked.
Hearing this made Zhuo Yun feel weird as well. He kindly squeezed Xu Ran's shoulder and remarked, "You've had a string of terrible luck, bro. Those three had just left, and now another one has arrived who is truly engaged. But I'm going to tell you something. This individual is really low-cost."
Xu Ran firmly agreed.
Xu Ran said, "Don't he ever look at himself in the mirror? Why the hell would I take him as a concubine? Dream on!"
According to Zhuo Yun, "I'm not sure what he looks like, but this type of person isn't good no matter what he looks like. That family, after all, is only interested in your money. He'd say he just wanted to be your concubine at start, but if they get what they want, your family is likely to be messed up."
Xu Ran nodded. "That's right, I think so, too, so I will never give these people any chance. I have to keep this family safe."
The two of them had a good chat before going to eat.
They had to remain up all night because it was New Year's Eve. Because they had to look after the young babies, Liu Tong and Qin Shuwen went to bed early. Xu Ran and Zhuo Yun sat in the living room, playing chess while warming themselves by the fire.
The two of them also talked about the plan for next year.
When it was almost twelve o'clock, Xu Ran said, "Go and tell your spouse happy new year?"
Zhuo Yun raised his eyebrows, "Of course."
The two men then went upstairs and into their own rooms.
With the child in his arms, Liu Tong slept well. Xu Ran knelt down and kissed him on the cheek before waking him up "New Year's greetings!"
Liu Tong replied to Xu Ran in a daze and then went back to sleep.
Xu Ran felt helpless as he touched his own nose. He thought he'd made Tongtong lazy because he'd never seen Tongtong be so obedient before. However, though he enjoyed seeing Liu Tong idle most of the time, it was not nice right now.
Xu Ran assumed Liu Tong was trying to sleep, so he didn't wake him up again. Instead, he proceeded downstairs, where he discovered Zhuo Yun waiting for him in the living room.
Xu Ran didn't inquire about Zhuo Yun's situation, but he sensed something wasn't right because Zhuo Yun was still sitting here.
They didn't bring it up and moved on to something else that had nothing to do with New Year's Eve.
After a few words, Xu Ran became aware of a presence behind him. When he turned back, he found Liu Tong standing behind him, staring at him.
Xu Ran stood up and patted his chest. "Why did you suddenly appear behind me, Tongtong? I was terrified." Xu Ran wanted to remark that he was terrified to death, but he quickly changed his mind because it was the new year and it was inappropriate to speak so.
With Zhuo Yun around, Liu Tong couldn't say anything else. He only said, "I slept enough and came downstairs to take a look."
Then he said to Zhuo Yun, "Zhuo Yun, go get some sleep. I'll stay up with him."
Xu Ran persuaded Zhuo Yun to go to bed after hearing Liu Tong's statements. Zhuo Yun consented since he thought this couple surely wish to enjoy some romantic moments and it was inconvenient for him to be here.
Liu Tong said, "I'll go and bring Baozi down first." Then he also went upstairs.
When only the two adults and the sleeping little Baozi remained in the living room, Xu Ran inquired as to why Liu Tong had suddenly awoken.
Liu Tong said, "Didn't you come up just now? You woke me up. After a while, I couldn't sleep, so I just came down to accompany you."
"Do you want to sleep for a bit longer?" Xu Ran asked.
Liu Tong shook his head. "No, I've also been sleeping for a long time. Plus, while I was pregnant with Baozi and in confinement, I slept for a long time. I've got my fill of sleep."
However, Xu Ran started dozing off as he spoke.
Liu Tong smiled, "Ran, why don't you lie on this summer bed for a while? I'll get you a blanket."
Xu Ran said, "No, you're here to accompany me. How can I sleep? Let's talk!"
Liu Tong nodded. "Okay, but what should we talk about?"
Xu Ran scratched his head, "Let me think about it!"
Then he did not think of anything...
Liu Tong said, "Then tell me stories, Ran. I'm not as knowledgeable as Tangtang and Guoguo. Explain 'Journey to the West' for me. That day, it piqued my interest."
'Journey to the West'! Xu Ran was very good at telling this story.
He recalls his family purchasing a color television when he was a child. Traveling to the West was a popular pastime at the time. It was being broadcast in nearly every TV studio. He almost watched it for two years to make sure he remembered everything.
Xu Ran hurriedly nodded and began telling Liu Tong the story. He even acted out the scene with his own body when he was enthusiastic.
The husband was relating the story to his spouse, who was attentively listening. Suddenly, the two of them are spending the entire night together.
Xu Ran didn't stop talking until dawn. He held Liu Tong's hand and said, "Tongtong, thank you for giving me a home and so many good family members. Thank you."
Liu Tong didn't say anything. He carefully protected Baozi and hugged Xu Ran.
_____
People would not go far on the first day of the new year. They'd simply wander around the town, passing out candy and sunflower seeds to neighboring families.
Because Xu Ran's family lived at the far end of the village, there were few visitors. The Ge'ers had to keep an eye on the kids at home, so going out was not an option. So Xu Ran took Zhuo Yun, Gao Quan, and the two kids on a stroll through the village.
Mr. Hu, on the other hand, was quite busy. The area was becoming huge with chess players. If anyone wanted to visit him, they'd have to schedule an appointment ahead of time.
Zhuo Yun and the others were not invited to Wu Mei's house by Xu Ran. After all, they frequently traveled there to avoid having to go somewhere else on the first day of the year.
Xu Ran visited the houses of their long-term employees and informed them of their plans to cultivate potatoes in the spring. Xu Ran went around to greet each of the more than ten households one by one. In the blink of an eye, the morning had past.
The last one to go was the village head's house, but Xu Ran went alone. He asked everyone else to go back first.
Xu Ran wanted to speak with the village chief about two issues: one major and one minor. The large issue was that he wanted to buy the mountain, and the little issue was that he wanted to build a stage in the villagers and have a group of youngsters perform Journey to the West on it, which would liven up the atmosphere.
The first thing Xu Ran mentioned was that the stage needed to be set up. The village chief overheard his grandchildren discussing it. He, too, was overjoyed, so he quickly added, "This is an excellent strategy. Last time, a large number of children visited. Later, I'll locate some folks and inform them of the situation. Allow them to assist in the setup of the stage."
Xu Ran said, "There were quite a few children present. Tangtang and Guoguo can help me talk to them. We don't have to force them if they don't want to. However, you must first clarify to the village chief that this performance is free and that there is no money to be taken. I'm afraid that until we make it explicit, someone will be irritated."
The village head nodded. "Don't worry, I will make this clear. It is really not good to cause trouble at new year's time."
"Yeah!"
Xu Ran's demeanor immediately changed after discussing this minor subject. "I have some vital news to share with you, village chief. It is all about me."
When the village chief noticed Xu Ran's solemn expression, he assumed something was amiss. Xu Ran was calmed by him "Don't be concerned. Simply repeat it gently. If it isn't too much effort, we can all help you."
Xu Ran said, "It is a big deal, village head. I want to buy some lands at the back of the mountain. What do you think?"
"What did you say?" The village head was startled and immediately stood up. "You said you want to buy the mountain?"
Xu Ran nodded.
"I'm not trying to be harsh on you, Xu Ran. You are free to go up the mountain and do whatever you please. Why are you interested in purchasing the mountain? Do you have any idea how much a mountain would cost? What could you do with this mountain if you bought it?" The village chief appeared dissatisfied.
Hearing the village chief's statements, Xu Ran realized that buying the mountain was still a possibility, and that it was just an issue of money.
Xu Ran pulled the village head to sit down. "Don't be surprised, village chief. Last year, I considered doing something like this, but I didn't have the funds. I didn't tell you since I was building the house and expecting a baby. But I don't have someplace else to spend my money this year. I was hoping to borrow some funds in order to purchase a mountain. Village chief, can I buy this mountain?"
When the village chief sat down, he rested his hand on his chest and inhaled deeply. When he heard Xu Ran express this question, he replied, "This mountain can be purchased, but it is quite costly. The cost of this mountain is comparable to the cost of purchasing desert areas. It's measured in mu, and each mu would cost at least two taels of silver. How much do you want to spend on a purchase?"
Xu Ran paused for a time before responding, "I've decided on a place, village head. I'll take you to look around. I'm not sure how big it is."
"Tell me honestly, Xu Ran, what are your plans for this mountain? Your family has a lot of different fields. Even if it isn't ideal, at least you won't have to worry about food or clothing!"
Xu Ran shook his head, "Who said I shouldn't be concerned, village chief? At home, I have three children. How can I not be concerned? It's not like you're unaware that our farms are unable to cultivate grains, forcing us to purchase all of our foods. We have a number of sites where money is required."
"Why would you spend your money on a mountain, then? If you have this much money, why not put it aside and find your children's spouses later?" The village chief became more angry.
Xu Ran was well aware that the village chief's agitation was for his own good. Xu Ran got up and walked behind the village chief, giving him a gentle pat on the back. "Don't be worried, village chief. I'm no longer a fool. I'm not going to waste my money. Please let me know if purchasing the mountain is difficult. Is it possible for me to do whatever I want if I purchase the mountain?"
The village head sighed and knew that he could not convince Xu Ran.
He responded to Xu Ran's question by saying, "Buying a mountain is similar to purchasing a farm. It's only that one more witness is required. It will be like your family's crops in the future if you buy this mountain. You own everything on it. You are free to do whatever you want with it. Xu Ran! Have you given it much thought?"
Xu Ran said, "Of course, village head. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come to ask you for help at the first day of the new year!"
The village head said, "You are not asking for my help. You're here to wind me up!"
Xu Ran hurriedly waved his hand. "No, no, village chief. That's definitely not my intention. Don't you know me?"
His sleeves were flickered by the village heaving. "I recognize you, which is why I said you'd come to irritate me. Okay, let's get back to work. In a few days, I'll go ask around for you about this."
Xu Ran smiled and said, "Then thank you, village head. I'll come to wish you happy new year in a few days."
The village chief locked his gaze on him. "I didn't hear you utter anything nice today, you brat. It turns out that you still need to count down the days until you can greet me for the new year!"
"No, no, village chief, I'll greet you now." Xu Ran cupped his hands together and said, "Happy new year, village chief. I wish you great fortune and prosperity in the new year."
The village chief pretended he hadn't heard anything. Xu Ran had to force himself to keep going and say every blessed word he could think of. Before he was permitted to leave, he had to wait until the village chief was happy.
06.05.21