The person entering the main hall was Xie Jiang—Division Commander Xie—a tall and burly man with specks of frost at his temples but a ramrod-straight posture.
His gaze, authoritative even without anger, carried immense weight when it fell upon Zhou Dahong.
“Comrade Zhou Dahong, do you truly wish for me to summon Director Chen from the Family Committee?”
Hearing the steady, penetrating force in Xie Jiang’s voice, Zhou Dahong’s arrogance immediately diminished by more than half. She then said with a cold expression:
“Division Commander Xie, you and my Lao Luo have been comrades-in-arms for many years, and we’ve been old neighbors for just as long. Is it necessary to strain our relationship over your family’s little maid?”
“Even a little maid is a person,” Huang Guilan, feeling bolstered by her husband’s support, immediately relaxed and spoke with utmost seriousness. “A little maid has personal dignity too; a little maid deserves respect. You falsely accusing Comrade Xiao Qiao like this warrants criticism and education.”
Xie Jiang had been worried that a neighborly conflict might arise over a bottle of soy sauce.
But coming over to see for himself, he realized this was no longer just about a bottle of soy sauce—it clearly indicated a problem with Zhou Dahong’s ideological awareness.
With a stern face, he declared, “Regarding Comrade Zhou Dahong’s false accusations against Comrade Xiao Qiao, I will prepare a written report and submit it to Director Chen of the Family Committee. Comrade Zhou Dahong, you can await your criticism.”
As he spoke, he picked up An An. “Guilan, let’s go home.”
Stepping over the threshold of Zhou Dahong’s main hall, Xie Jiang held the wronged An An in his arms and comforted her:
“Don’t be afraid, An An. From now on, if anyone dares to bully you three, Grandpa will stand up for you. Grandpa is a division commander—everyone in the compound is afraid of Grandpa.”
There was no trace of sternness left in Xie Jiang’s eyes, only the heartache and tenderness of a grandfather toward his granddaughter.
This was the first time An An had ever felt the protection and affection of an elder. Her little mouth quivered, and she wept with joy. “Division Commander Grandpa, before this, others always bullied me and Mommy. No one ever stood up for us. Division Commander Grandpa, you’re so good!”
“Don’t cry, don’t cry!”
Seeing tears stream from the little child’s eyes, Xie Jiang felt his heart breaking.
His calloused fingers quickly and gently wiped the tears from the child’s smooth, egg-like cheeks.
“From now on, Division Commander Grandpa will always stand up for you.”
Huang Guilan, walking beside them, added, “Yes, An An, from now on, Grandma and Grandpa will both stand up for you. Don’t be afraid—no one will dare bully you.”
“Grandma, Mommy didn’t embezzle the soy sauce money. This morning, Mommy really filled the soy sauce bottle to the brim. Granny Zhou lied.”
“Grandma knows, Grandma believes you. It’s Granny Zhou who loves to take petty advantages and emptied our soy sauce.”
Back at the Xie residence, Qiao Xingyue saw that An An was being carried by Division Commander Xie and quickly said, “An An, how can you let Division Commander Grandpa carry you? Come down quickly.”
Xie Jiang set the child down. “It’s fine. I enjoy carrying this child.”
Qiao Xingyue promptly took the soy sauce bottle from An An’s hands. “Why is it empty?”
Only then did Huang Guilan explain the whole story to Qiao Xingyue. However, to spare her feelings, Huang Guilan omitted the part where Zhou Dahong had called her a vixen.
“Comrade Xiao Qiao, this Zhou Dahong has always been fond of taking petty advantages for decades. Every time she steps into my main hall, it gives me a headache. Next time she comes to borrow something, don’t lend it to her. Just tell her it’s what I said.”
“Alright, Aunt Lan, don’t be angry anymore. It’s not worth making yourself upset.”
As she spoke, Qiao Xingyue took twenty cents from the pocket of her floral apron. “An An, quickly go buy a bottle of soy sauce for Mom. I need it to stir-fry the twice-cooked pork.”
“Okay!” An An took the twenty cents and skipped cheerfully outside.
The cheerful little figure disappeared in the blink of an eye.
But less than two minutes later, Jiang Beiyang’s mom could be heard shouting outside the small building, “Guilan, Comrade Xiao Qiao, come out quickly! An An has been beaten up.”
Outside, An An had already been stopped by Zhou Dahong.
Zhou Dahong falsely accused An An of stealing the twenty cents from her family. Not only did she snatch the money from An An, but her fat grandson also bit An An. Moreover, Zhou Dahong said some very unpleasant things.
“You little slut born from a loose widow, how dare you steal my family’s money?”
Unable to swallow the injustice, An An ended up wrestling with Zhou Dahong and her grandson.
By the time Qiao Xingyue and the others rushed out, the neighbors in the compound had already surrounded the scene.
From within the crowd came Granny Zhou’s cries.
“Everyone, come and judge for me! This little bastard stole my money and even started hitting people. Is there no law and order anymore?”
Qiao Xingyue pushed through the onlookers and rushed to An An’s side.
An An’s face and neck were scratched.
There were deep teeth marks on her hand, stained with blood and dirt from the ground.
A small clump of her hair had been pulled out.
Qiao Xingyue’s heart trembled violently. Choking back tears, she pulled An An over and held her tightly in her arms, her heart aching.
“An An, let Mom see, are you hurt?Seeing her mother, An An’s aggrieved lips quivered, but she stubbornly refused to shed a single tear. “Mom, I didn’t steal the money.”
“Mom knows. First tell Mom, besides these superficial injuries, where else hurts? Where else did they hit you?”
“Mom, don’t worry. When I fight with others, would I ever let them take advantage? Anyway, I didn’t let them get the better of me.”
This resilient little appearance made Qiao Xingyue’s heart break even more.
Xie Jiang and Huang Guilan were also extremely distressed to see An An beaten like this. Huang Guilan pointed accusingly:
“Zhou Dahong, how could you and your grandson be so vicious to An An? Look at what you’ve done to the child!”
Unable to contain her anger, Huang Guilan stepped forward and pulled Zhou Dahong, who was sitting on the ground, wanting to demand an explanation. “Come on, let’s go see Director Chen of the Family Committee.Zhou Dahong collapsed in a fit, lying on the ground and throwing a tantrum:
“It was clearly your little maid’s illegitimate child who stole my money and beat me and my grandson.” My old back is broken. Huang Guilan, this maid is from your family, so you better compensate me immediately.”
Huang Guilan was dumbfounded. How could Zhou Dahong be so good at shifting blame? Seeing Zhou Dahong collapse on the ground like that, she really had no way to deal with her.
Qiao Xingyue watched Zhou Dahong’s tantrum-throwing behavior and thought it was quite comparable to Pang Ya’s mother, Zeng Xiuzhu.
The neighboring onlookers, having heard Granny Zhou’s earlier accusations against An An, took them at face value.
The crowd chattered noisily.
One person said one thing, another said something else.
“Children born to widows really have no upbringing.”
“Stealing things and hitting people, just like a wild child, lacking discipline.”
“Have you heard? This young widow not only seduced Aunt Lan’s son but also Division Commander Xie, Aunt Lan’s husband. She’s nothing but a seductive vixen who lures men.”
Upon hearing this, Huang Guilan clenched her fists.
She hadn’t expected Zhou Dahong to spread such baseless rumors throughout the entire Compound.
“Zhou Dahong, was it you who slandered Comrade Xiao Qiao behind her back and spread these false rumors?”
Zhou Dahong, lying on the ground, refused to admit she had spread the rumors. “What nonsense are you talking about? Hurry up and pay up.”
Qiao Xingyue tightened her fists.
No matter where she went, she lived cautiously with her two children, never picking fights with anyone, yet she was repeatedly pointed at and insulted, and even her children were dragged into such disgrace.
Her heart felt as if it had been shattered.
Holding An An’s hand, she stood up with her back straight, ready to settle the score with these people.
Suddenly, an angry shout erupted from the crowd of onlookers. “Watch your language!”
This shout came from Xie Zhongming.
Tall and imposing, he stood in front of the onlooking women like a wall, shielding Qiao Xingyue and her daughter An An behind him.
The women who had been gossiping earlier were startled by the ferocity in his eyes and shrank back.
He took a step forward, his military boots crunching over the gravel on the ground.
His voice was as cold as ice.
“Comrade Qiao’s husband died for our country; he was a revolutionary martyr. Aren’t you ashamed of yourselves for spreading such rumors about a martyr’s family and disgracing your own husbands?”
“Every woman here who used words like ‘widow,’ ‘vixen,’ or ‘little bastard’ today will be reported to the Political Department. Let’s see whether the martyr’s family deserves to be insulted or whether you, who falsely accuse them, deserve criticism and re-education?”
His resounding words left the women present too afraid to even breathe heavily.
Neighborhood disputes were usually mediated by Director Chen, the family grievance officer.
But Regiment Leader Xie was directly involving the Political Department.
The Political Department was known for its severe methods. Once the truth was verified, none of the women who had falsely accused others would escape punishment. Not only would they face criticism, but their husbands would also be implicated.
Who would dare speak recklessly now?
The women’s faces turned from pale to red, and they mumbled incoherently, unable to utter a word.
At this moment, Qiao Xingyue looked at the imposing man before her with gratitude in her heart.
Since arriving in this era, many had tried to harm, deceive, or insult her, and many had helped her, but no one had been as awe-inspiring as Comrade Xie, who resolved her troubles with just a few words.
She thanked Comrade Xie gratefully.
Then she brought An An to him.
“Comrade Xie, could you please watch An An for a moment? She shouldn’t be wronged like this for no reason.”
She then walked over to Granny Zhou, who was lying on the ground. “You accused my child of stealing your money and breaking your back, and now you’re trying to extort money, is that it?”
Granny Zhou lay on the ground with a fierce expression. “What do you mean, falsely accusing your child? She did steal twenty cents from me and broke my back.”
“Broken?” Qiao Xingyue crouched down.
A silver needle pricked Granny Zhou, making her sit straight up from the ground in pain.
“Did your leg break too?”
As another silver needle was inserted, Granny Zhou jumped up from the ground, hissing, “Ouch, ouch! You little widow, what did you do to me? It hurts so much!”
“If your back was broken, how come you’re standing up and jumping around now?” Qiao Xingyue clenched her fist and snorted coldly.
How dare they frame and bully her An An like this.
Today, as her mother, she must seek justice for her daughter.
“Is it about these two mao on the ground?”
Qiao Xingyue picked up the green two-mao note from the ground. “You say this money is yours, so it’s yours? Then tell me, what distinguishing features does this bill have?”
“It’s just two mao, what features could it have? All money looks the same.”
“So you admit all money looks the same?”
“…”
“This two-mao note was given to me by Aunt Lan for living expenses. Below the words ‘People’s Bank of China’ on the back, I drew a faint straight line. This is Aunt Lan’s money, not stolen from your family by my child.”
Qiao Xingyue handed the money to Zhang Hongmei who was standing closest. “Aunt Mei, please take a look.”
Zhang Hongmei took it and turned the two-mao note over. “There really is a faint straight line under the characters on the back.”
Xie Jiang brought some people to check Zhou Dahong’s house.
It turned out Zhou Dahong’s two mao had fallen into the crack between the sewing machine and the wall.
This proved that Zhou Dahong had wronged An An.
“Comrade Zhou Dahong, you framed An An in this matter. You should apologize to An An and Comrade Xiao Qiao, and write a self-criticism.”
The speaker was Xie Jiang, his face serious.
Zhou Dahong raised her chin defiantly, full of resentment:
“Why should I apologize? Look what this damned girl did to my grandmother and me—scratching, biting? She should not only apologize to us but also pay for our medical expenses.”
Was there no justice left, with such unreasonable behavior?
Qiao Xingyue had nothing more to say to her and declared sharply:
“In that case, I’ll call the Civil Defense Team to handle this.”
No point wasting words on such scum.
If she didn’t teach this old woman a lesson, who knew how they might bully her and her children in the future.
Xie Zhongming supported her, “Dad, Mom, please stay and watch over An An, Ningning, and Comrade Qiao. I’ll go get the Civil Defense Team.”
Soon, the Civil Defense Team arrived. After understanding the situation, with both witnesses and evidence confirming that Zhou Dahong had framed and attacked the little girl first, they demanded that Granny Zhou apologize.
Zhou Dahong raised her chin, about to refuse the apology.
Qiao Xingyue stated firmly:
“Comrades, my child is covered in injuries. I demand that Granny Zhou compensate for medical expenses, nutritional costs, and my lost wages from staying home to care for her.”
She added:
“My daughter’s injuries will require at least three days of care. My monthly wage is 35 yuan, so three days’ lost wages would be three yuan. Including medical and nutritional expenses, I’m not asking for much—just ten yuan in total.”
“If Granny Zhou refuses to apologize or pay, you should transfer her directly to the Public Security Bureau.”
“Framing and assaulting others constitutes a violation of citizens’ personal rights. The Public Security Bureau has the authority to detain the perpetrator for three to fifteen days.”
Qiao Xingyue spoke with clear reasoning and evidence, and even Xie Zhongming beside her admired her clarity of thought and exceptional wisdom.
An ordinary woman who had suffered such bullying would never have remained as calm and composed as she was. Moreover, she was quite knowledgeable about public security regulations, unlike someone from a rural background.
But Xie Zhongming recalled Comrade Qiao’s earlier explanation—her family came from a long line of traditional Chinese medicine practitioners. Though she had followed her parents to the countryside for re-education and missed the chance to return to the city, she had learned much from her educated, medically trained parents.
So he dismissed his doubts.
Captain Zhu of the Public Security Brigade looked at Zhou Dahong and asked, “Aunt Zhou, will you apologize and pay compensation, or come with us?”
As he spoke, Captain Zhu took out a pair of handcuffs. “If you refuse to apologize and pay, you’ll have to come with us.”
“Why the handcuffs?”
“Comrade Qiao made it very clear. By falsely accusing, framing, and assaulting others, you’ve violated citizens’ personal rights and broken the law. That means you’ll be handcuffed and taken away.”
“If I apologize and pay, I won’t be handcuffed?”
“That depends on your attitude.”
“I’ll pay! I’ll pay!”
Soon, Zhou Dahong fetched a stack of money and reluctantly handed it to Qiao Xingyue.
Qiao Xingyue counted it—several one-yuan notes, many five-mao, two-mao, and one-mao bills, a thick stack totaling exactly ten yuan.
Holding the money, she declared firmly, “Now apologize to my daughter.”
Though resentful, Zhou Dahong dared not refuse. An apology was better than being taken away by the public security officers. “An An, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have falsely accused you of stealing.”
That’s more like it!
With the matter resolved, the Public Security Brigade lectured Zhou Dahong on maintaining good neighborly relations and dismissed the crowd.
Qiao Xingyue, Xie Zhongming, and the others returned to the Xie residence.
Night had fallen completely.
Entering the main hall, Xie Zhongming pulled the cord to turn on the light bulb.
It was well past dinnertime. Qiao Xingyue quickly fetched iodine and gauze. “An An, apply this to your wounds. Mama will go fry the last dish.”
“Okay!” An An nodded obediently.
Xie Zhongming took the supplies. “Comrade Qiao, you go ahead. I’ll tend to An An’s wounds.”
The room was lit only by a 15-watt bulb.
Warm, yellowish light enveloped tiny dust motes, falling on An An’s dirty little face stained with blood and grime.
Xie Zhongming’s heart tightened. “An An, Uncle will be gentle. Don’t be afraid.”
“It’s fine. I’m not scared of pain.” To his surprise, An An snatched the gauze, poured iodine onto it, and swiftly dabbed each wound.
Her movements were fluid and efficient, much like Comrade Qiao’s. When she finished, she looked at Xie Zhongming. “Uncle Zhongming, see? It doesn’t hurt at all.”
Xie Zhongming held An An’s small hand, his fingertips brushing against the child’s warm, soft skin. A strange ache suddenly welled up inside him—this child was resilient, unafraid of hardship or pain.
Huang Guilan wiped away tears of heartache and said earnestly, “Zhongming, you have to admit, An An’s temperament is just like yours when you were little. There’s something else I haven’t had the chance to tell you. While you were at the military base today, Ningning had an asthma attack. The special medicine Comrade Xiao Qiao gave Ningning is exactly the same as the one your father used.”
Xie Zhongming couldn’t hide his surprise. “What? Ningning has asthma like Dad?”
How could it be such a coincidence? An An has a peanut allergy, Ningning has asthma—why do they both share the exact same hereditary conditions as our family?
Xie Zhongming gazed at An An, whose little face was smudged with dirt yet whose eyes sparkled like morning dew, then turned to look at Ningning, pale-faced but obedient and well-behaved.
Could these two children be his?
Huang Guilan whispered in his ear, “Old Fourth, your mother wants to know—back when you were away all those years, besides Pang Ya, did you mess around with anyone else?”