Chapter 45: Reporting It to the Authorities

In the time it takes to finish a cup of tea, the Bing family had all gathered in Liang Shi and Old Master Bing’s room. Among them, Qian Shi and Bing Sanlang also arrived.

Although Bing Sanlang had been separated from the family, he still lived at home, mostly cooking for himself. Occasionally, when Qian Shi was especially hungry, she would join in for a meal.

After all, they were still their own sons, and with so much time having passed, Liang Shi’s heart had softened, looking the other way.

Bing Wengu wasn’t unaware, but he chose not to intervene. It wasn’t that he thought this was acceptable—rather, he considered the feelings of Liang Shi, Old Master Bing, and the rest of the Bing family.

Hearts and family ties are strange things. Right and wrong alone can’t sever them in an instant.

Liang Shi and Old Master Bing were parents who dearly loved their children. When Bing Wengu had driven Bing Sanlang out over the matter with Eldest Sister, Liang Shi and Old Master Bing, in their grief, had reluctantly accepted it. But afterward, they would inevitably regret it and even feel guilty toward Bing Sanlang and his wife.

For people of this era, cutting off a child was an extremely serious matter, no less severe than divorce. Once Liang Shi and Old Master Bing calmed down, they would surely feel they had been too harsh on their third son. Even if he had done wrong, separating the household would have been enough—why go as far as cutting him off?

With this guilt weighing on them, Liang Shi and Old Master Bing would inevitably favor Bing Sanlang and Qian Shi, letting the couple get away with more bit by bit.

Eventually, this would affect Bing Wengu. His intention in separating them wasn’t to make the Bing couple or the family feel guilty toward Bing Sanlang and his wife.

Rather, it was to make them see the couple’s true character clearly, to be thoroughly disappointed, and to willingly keep an eye on them, no longer treating them as family to be trusted wholeheartedly.

This would also prevent a situation where, after Bing Wengu became an official, the Bing family would indulge Qian Shi’s troublemaking and cover for her. He needed them all to understand the importance of being wary of her.

The best way to make the Bing family completely disillusioned with Qian Shi was to let them see with their own eyes just how much trouble she could cause even after being split from the family. If she could act like this now, imagine how much worse it would be if she hadn’t been separated.

Once Qian Shi’s actions had disgusted everyone, Bing Wengu’s goal would be achieved.

That was why he had allowed Bing Sanlang and his wife to continue living at home instead of driving them out. If they were gone, how could Qian Shi cause any more trouble?

Bing Wengu simply pretended not to see Qian Shi and Bing Sanlang, letting them stay without a word.

Bing Silang said impatiently, “Spit it out already! My friends are waiting for me to play.”

Liang Shi glared at him and scolded, “You’re acting like an old man, and all you know is playing!”

“Fine, fine, I’ll shut up, okay?” Bing Silang muttered under his breath, “Old? I’m not even married!”

Old Master Bing cleared his throat and addressed the family, “The reason I called you all here is because Eldest Son has an announcement. Eldest Son, go ahead.”

Bing Wengu nodded. “First, the houses.”

Bing Silang blurted out, “Big Bro, you promised the houses would go to us brothers?”

Bing Wengu acknowledged this. “That hasn’t changed. Whoever lives where now keeps it after the family divides. As for Father and Mother’s house, whoever cares for our parents gets their house.”

No one argued—this was village tradition. Generally, the eldest son would be responsible for the parents’ care. Since Bing Wengu had built these houses in the first place, even if they eventually returned to him, no one would dispute it.

“Second, my house will go to Eldest Sister in the future.” Bing Wengu dropped this bombshell.

“I can’t accept it!”

“Why her?”

Two voices rang out simultaneously—the first from Aunt Bing, the second from Qian Shi.

Aunt Bing waved her hands in protest, her expression panicked. “No, Eldest Son, I’m just thankful you let me come home.”

Qian Shi retorted, "Even if you don't want the house, Da Lang, you could divide it among the other brothers. Eldest Aunt is a daughter married out—since when does a daughter married out get a share of her natal family's property during a property division?"

Bing Wengu cast a cool glance at Qian Shi. His expression was calm, devoid of any strong emotion, yet it inexplicably sent a shiver down her spine, chilling her to the bone.

Bing Wengu said with icy calm, "Qian Shi, have you forgotten that your branch has already been formally separated? You have no right to meddle in family matters. Besides, today’s discussion is our immediate family’s private affair. As the wife from a separated branch, your presence here is already overstepping."

Bing Sanniang asked Bing Wulang uneasily, "Did I do something wrong?"

She was the one who had called them over. Still young, she didn’t fully grasp the implications. She knew San Lang had been formally separated and understood that, strictly speaking, he was no longer her blood brother.

But since San Lang and his wife had continued living at home and occasionally joined meals, Bing Sanniang felt little had changed. Subconsciously, she overlooked the fact that they were no longer part of the family. So when Mother told her to call everyone, she had invited San Lang and his wife as well.

Bing Wulang patted her hand. "It’s not your fault. Just remember from now on that San Lang and his wife are no longer considered family. Our household matters don’t require their input."

Qian Shi flushed awkwardly. In her shock earlier, she had momentarily forgotten their separation. Still, she couldn’t let it go.

"Even so, there’s no precedent for a daughter married out inheriting family property. In our village, if a woman’s natal family has no brothers, the property still goes to male cousins, not her. So this does concern us."

Bing Sanlang quickly elbowed her, signaling her to stop.

Bing Wengu smirked faintly at Qian Shi. "How kind of you to fret. But our branch has plenty of brothers—there’s no chance a wife from a separated branch like you would ever inherit anything."

Bing Father’s face darkened. He had initially softened toward his third son and daughter-in-law, even feeling guilty for the harsh separation—something unheard of in the countryside without deep-seated hatred.

With a disappointed sigh, he said, "Bing Sanlang, Qian Shi, you’ve truly let me down."

Mother fumed. "When Wengu separated you, I thought he was too harsh. Now I see he was absolutely right. You’re nothing but a homewrecker—keeping you in this family would only bring chaos."

Qian Shi scoffed. "Me, a homewrecker? It’s your Bing family that’s out of your minds. Ask anyone in the village—they all say your family’s lost their minds, letting your eldest aunt divorce. Your family’s the laughingstock. I can’t even show my face when I visit my parents—people ask about my eldest aunt, and I don’t know how to answer!"

"You—you dare call me out of my mind?!" Mother was aghast that a wife would openly insult her.

Bing Silang glared furiously at Qian Shi, looking ready to strike. "Qian Shi, asking for a beating, are you? How dare you curse my mother!"

He refused to even call her "Third Sister-in-law" now, addressing her by name instead.

Bing Erlang, though mild-mannered, wouldn’t tolerate anyone insulting his mother. "Third Wife, how can you speak to Mother like that? She’s your elder—show some respect!"

Bing Father finally snapped. "Bing Sanlang, Qian Shi—get the hell out! Our family affairs are none of your concern!"

"Father, Mother, I’m sorry—Qian Shi runs her mouth—"

"Get the hell out! Now!" Mother clutched her chest, stunned that her third son still defended Qian Shi at this point.

Seeing their fury, Bing Sanlang hastily pulled Qian Shi away. "Forgive us, Father, Mother. Qian Shi was wrong. I’ll set her straight and make her apologize later."

Bing Wengu watched coldly as they left, saying nothing. He had known that as long as Qian Shi remained, even if formally separated, she would make waves as the family prospered.

Only when the knife cuts your own flesh do you feel its bite. One more scene like this, and Mother and Bing Father would sever all ties with them.

And this had to be settled before he secured his official post.

Mother collapsed onto the heated brick bed, weeping heartbroken. Bing Sanniang and Bing Wulang comforted her until she gradually calmed.

Bing Wengu spoke again. "This house I live in is mine to keep even after property division. What’s mine, I give to whom I please—it doesn’t shortchange anyone."

Bing Sanniang, moved by the stark contrast, teared up. "Wengu, I know you mean well, but I truly can’t accept the house."

Mother wiped her tears. "Wengu, you’re dutiful and principled. Your father and I didn’t waste our efforts raising you. But it really isn’t proper for your sister to take the house."

"Let’s not drive Eldest Sister away—you’re thoughtful," Father Bing added.

"Father, Mother, this house is less of a gift to Eldest Sister and more of compensation for her suffering."

"What kind of compensation?" Mother Liang asked.

"Father, Mother, the reason Eldest Sister had to return home after her separation isn’t just because the Sun family was despicable—it’s also because all these years, she kept taking from the Sun family to support ours. Otherwise, Old Lady Sun wouldn’t have resented her so much."

"That’s true. For years, your Eldest Sister was beaten by that vicious Sun family matriarch for bringing things back to us," Mother Liang wiped her tears. "Now, you’re the only one who remembers her kindness. The rest have forgotten her goodness."

"Mother, don’t cry. It’s not just that—the bigger issue is that I didn’t bear a son," Aunt Bing replied honestly, not trying to paint herself as a victim to gain sympathy.

"Eldest Sister is still young—it’s not like she can’t have more children. If not for our family’s burden, Old Lady Sun wouldn’t have resented her so much," Wengu interrupted.

"Even if our family wasn’t the main reason for this, what about Eldest Sister’s marriage?" Wengu’s gaze swept over the Bing family. "No matter what, her marriage was affected by me. If not for my studies, our family wouldn’t have been so poor, and we wouldn’t have married her off to the Sun family just for a higher bride price."

Father Bing said guiltily, "It really was our family that held Eldest Sister back."

Aunt Bing panicked, "Father, please don’t say that. When the Sun family was arranged for me, we did look into their character beforehand. Old Lady Sun was strict with her daughters-in-law, but that’s how most mothers-in-law in the village are. The reason she treated me so harshly later was mainly because I didn’t give Sun Erlang a son."

"Even if the Sun family is eighty percent to blame, I still take twenty percent. So, I’ll give this house to Eldest Sister as compensation," Wengu declared.

Father Bing looked at Wengu seriously, "Eldest Son, are you really sure about this?"

"Yes," Wengu replied.

Mother Liang turned to Nan Jinping, "Jin Geer, what do you think?"

"Wengu already asked me. I have no objections."

In the past, Nan Jinping might have been reluctant, but now that she had plenty of silver, she truly didn’t care about one house.

It wasn’t worth straining her relationship with Wengu over something so trivial.

"You’re a good one, Jin Geer. Eldest Son is lucky to have you," Mother Liang said, looking at Nan Jinping and then thinking of Qian Shi and Third Brother, feeling a cold dread settling in her bones.

Nan Jinping felt a little guilty at the praise. After all, no one in the Bing family knew about that silver.

Father Bing said, "Since Wengu has decided, let’s proceed with this. Aunt Bing, don’t refuse—this is your eldest brother’s kindness."

Aunt Bing’s eyes reddened as she turned to the two little girls beside her, "Quick, bow to your eldest uncle. He’s giving you a house when even your own father won’t take care of you."

The two girls weren’t ignorant—they knew exactly what a house meant for them and their mother. Without hesitation, they knelt and prostrated themselves firmly to Wengu, their foreheads reddening by the time he and Nan Jinping helped them up.

"There’s a third matter—the family’s income. Father, Mother, from now on, the annual harvest from our fields should be split by headcount among my younger brothers. I’ll handle the household expenses," Wengu said.

Since he was already supporting the family, he might as well go all the way and let Eldest Brother be the good one.

Father Bing said, "Fine. We’ll split it by headcount. Si Lang, Wu Lang, and Third Sister aren’t married yet, so by rights, we as parents should support them. So Third Sister gets a share too."

Si Lang asked, "What about Eldest Sister? She can’t just have a place to live but no food. Should I give half of my share to her?"

"Would what you get even be enough for yourself?" Wengu actually had a good impression of Si Lang—he was the most loyal in the family. "I’m covering the whole family’s expenses—what’s one more mouth to feed?"

Father Bing looked at the Bing family, "We’re old and confused now. Your eldest brother is in charge of the family—whatever he says goes. Mother Liang, take out the money from selling the grain and divide it among everyone."

Mother Liang got up and rummaged through a cloth bundle on the kang, "Part of our autumn harvest was sold, and part was kept as reserves. I’ve turned our share into silver at market price."

The Bing family had no savings before. Whatever they got from selling grain was all they had—divided among the family, it came to a meager sum of two hundred wen per household.

Bing Dalang and Bing Erlang accepted their shares, but when it came to Bing Silang, Bing Wulang, and Bing Sanniang, Aunt Liang took back the silver.

"You're not married yet, so I'll keep the silver for you. It’ll go toward your weddings when the time comes," Aunt Liang said matter-of-factly.

Though disappointed, Bing Silang didn't argue. Bing Wulang and Bing Sanniang were still young and hadn't expected to receive any silver in the first place.

Aunt Liang addressed the three of them, "I won't take this silver for myself. When it's time for your weddings, it'll be used as bride price or dowry. If it's not enough, I'll add some from my own savings, and we'll make do with what we’ve got."

She glanced at the gold hairpin on Nan Jinping's head and added, "Don't compare yourselves to your eldest brother. You’re my own flesh and blood, not his. His fortunes have nothing to do with you, and he has no obligation to provide bride price or dowry for you."

"Mother, I'm not that kind of person," Bing Silang sulked.

Bing Wengu had already prepared contracts and had everyone sign them, with each receiving a copy. Bing Dalang got a house and Bing Wengu's share of the land, also documented.

Bing Wengu handed his share to Nan Jinping for safekeeping and concluded, "Now that everything's been laid out, Eldest Sister belongs here—she's not living off anyone’s kindness. As for daily expenses, I'll cover them, so I owe you nothing. Household chores will continue as before."

Zhou-shi, who had hardly lifted a finger since Bing Dalang's wife gave birth, looked uneasy.

Bing Wengu continued, "Our parents have toiled all their lives—we can't expect them to serve us now, so they're exempt from chores. As for my household, since I'm providing for the family, I shouldn't have to serve you either, so we won't contribute labor. Any objections?"

"None," Zhou-shi replied. "Eldest Sister and I will rotate shifts like before."

"Every household rotates shifts, including Silang. Wulang and Sanniang are still young, so they'll continue tending to the poultry, cleaning, and helping with chores they can manage," Bing Wengu said. "I don't care if it's the men or women in your household who cook—just make sure someone pulls their weight on their day."

Zhou-shi glanced at Bing Erlang, sensing Bing Wengu's words were aimed at him, nudging him to cook.

No men in the village cooked, but remembering that Bing Wengu himself did, Zhou-shi realized this was typical of him.

"What? Since when do men cook?" Bing Silang whined.

"Men in the village also earn a living—can you?" Bing Wengu retorted.

"Of course! I'm one of the best farmers around—few can match me," Bing Silang bragged.

"With the little you earn, can you afford lavish meals every day?" Bing Wengu shut him down.

Defeated, Bing Silang whined, "Mother, hurry and find me a wife! Once I'm married, I won't have to cook."

Aunt Liang nodded. "Several families are already asking. They seem like good girls—I'll arrange meetings soon."

Bing Silang nodded eagerly, without a hint of embarrassment.

"Mother, let's put Third Brother’s matchmaking on hold," Bing Wengu interjected. "Wait until after my county exams."

"Why wait for you? It's not like you're the one getting married," Bing Silang grumbled.

"If I pass the exams, you'll have better matches outside the village," Bing Wengu explained.

"You? Passing the exams?" Bing Silang scoffed.

Aunt Liang clapped a hand over his mouth. "Enough of your jinxing words!"

Bing Silang yelped and darted around.

Ignoring him, Bing Wengu said, "Zhou-shi, since Fourth Brother can't cook, show him the ropes."

Zhou-shi nodded.

Bing Wengu concluded, "That's all—dismissed."

"Big brother, big brother..." Bing Sanniang rushed into Bing Wengu's room like a whirlwind. "Brother Nan’s here!"

Bing Sanniang had grown particularly close to Bing Wengu lately. Poor kids grow up fast. At her age, she already understood many things.

Previously, she’d looked down on him and treated him with indifference. But recent events—from Aunt Bing coming back from quarantine to Bing Wengu giving her a room—had completely changed her attitude toward him.

She saw him as dependable now, someone she could lean on, and naturally, she wanted to be closer to him.

In truth, it wasn’t just Bing Sanniang—the whole Bing family treated Bing Wengu way differently now.

Whether they agreed with giving a room to Aunt Bing or not, they all truly respected Bing Wengu for genuinely offering his elder sister a place to stay.

Nan Dalang trailed in after her. Bing Wengu said, "Sanniang, go play. I have things to discuss with your brother."

Bing Sanniang skipped away cheerfully. Bing Wengu asked, "Brother, why have you come at this hour? Didn’t you make tofu today?"

Nan Dalang peered around the door like he was sneaking, checking that no one was nearby before whispering cautiously, "Brother-in-law, my tofu came out bitter this morning. Why is that?"

Bing Wengu thought for a second. "You probably added too much brine. Use less next time."

Nan Dalang nodded and hurried off. Fifteen minutes later, he returned. "Brother-in-law, this batch isn’t as bitter, but it’s tough—not soft at all."

"Add the brine slower." Seeing Nan Dalang’s blank expression, Bing Wengu sighed. "Forget it, I’ll come check."

"I’ll go too," Nan Jinping said, setting down her brush.

"Let’s go. Did you sweat? Put on your hat." The Bings had heated *kang* beds and floor heating, making it warm inside. The sudden change from cold to hot could easily cause sweating.

Bing Wengu reached out to touch her forehead—it was dry. Nan Jinping also shook her head. "No sweat."

Nan Dalang watched from the side, secretly envious but not jealous. His younger sibling had suffered too much in their short life, drowning in hardship.

Now that life had improved, someone finally treated them with real care. Nan Dalang only wished this affection could last longer—much longer, ideally a lifetime.

But he knew that was too much to hope for.

The three walked out together. On the way, they ran into Miao Shi, who casually asked where they were going. Nan Dalang stumbled over his words, sweating bullets. Nan Jinping also grew nervous, unsure how to respond. Only Bing Wengu remained composed, quick with an excuse.

Though Miao Shi seemed suspicious, she didn’t press further.

Once outside the Bing residence, Bing Wengu took Nan Jinping’s hand and reassured her gently, "Don’t fret, husband. Since I dared to give your family the tofu recipe, I’ve got a backup plan. It’s my knowledge—I can share it with whomever I choose."

Nan Dalang listened nearby, shaking his head inwardly. The more he interacted with Bing Wengu, the more he thought the man had gone book-crazy.

Take the tofu recipe—no matter how you looked at it, there was no reason to bypass the Bing family and give it to the Nans.

Then his gaze fell on Bing Wengu’s hand holding Nan Jinping’s. He quickly averted his eyes, as if scalded.

This was downright shameless! Such clingy affection was unheard of in their village.

But he didn’t say anything. After all, his Jin Geer was different from others—a *Xiao Geer* who needed all this pampering from their husband.

When the three entered the Nan household, the entire family was already waiting at the door. Eagle-eyed Miao Shi spotted their linked hands immediately but acted like she hadn’t noticed.

"Dalang, is it cold outside? Come in and warm up." She ushered them inside, with water already on the boil. The moment Bing Wengu and Nan Jinping sat down, Miao Shi instructed Nan Little Sister to prepare a bowl of sweetened water.

Bing Wengu felt nothing unusual—in his past life, he had been a man of status, accustomed to flattery and respect wherever he went.

But for Nan Jinping, this was different. This was the home she had lived in for over a decade. In the past, she’d never have gotten treats like this. It wasn’t that the Nans mistreated her—their circumstances were simply too poor. Any delicacies were saved for guests, not family.

Now that he had returned, he was treated to sweet water and good food, which made Nan Jinping realize even more that she was married and no longer a member of this household.

Nan Jinping felt a mix of emotions, her heart heavy as she sipped the sweet water. Then she heard her little nephew making fussing sounds. Looking up, she saw the child in Gu Shi's arms drenched in drool.

Gu Shi, holding the child, quickly smiled ingratiatingly at Bing Wengu. "Young Master Jin knows our family's situation isn’t good. The child is just too eager. I’ll take him away now."

Nan Jinping stopped her. "Eldest sister-in-law, let the child have my bowl of sweet water. I can drink it often at home."

Bing Wengu handed his own bowl of sweet water to Nan Jinping, but the Nan family hurriedly tried to stop him. Bing Wengu said calmly, "Brother-in-law, if you have any questions, ask them now. Once we’re done, I’d like to go home and study for the county exams."

Only then did the Nan family hastily ask their questions, and Bing Wengu answered each in turn. He personally guided them through making tofu successfully before finally leaving with Nan Jinping. As they departed, they were given several pieces of tofu.

When they returned home, they happened to run into Liang Shi. Seeing the tofu in their hands, she asked, "Did the in-laws give this again?"

Bing Wengu nodded. "Let’s have tofu for lunch. Also, the Nan family will be selling tofu from now on. Mother, you can get it from them."

Liang Shi said, "The Nan family actually managed to make tofu? I never knew they had this skill. Young Master Jin, did you ever hear about it when you were at home?"

The Nan family had never possessed such a skill—if they had, they would have used it long ago instead of living in such hardship.

Nan Jinping felt so guilty she didn't know what to do with herself and didn’t know how to answer. Bing Wengu took her hand and said, "Mother, the county exams are approaching. I need to hurry back and study, so I won’t chat with you now."

Liang Shi watched their retreating figures and muttered under her breath, "Is this necessary? Being so protective—I was just asking casually. It’s not like I’d demand their tofu recipe! Besides, that’s a family secret. It’s not something I could just ask for."

Nan Jinping whispered, "Wengu, is the tofu recipe really alright?"

"It’s fine," Bing Wengu replied casually. "Today, I’ll teach you arithmetic. You’ll need it sooner or later when your family starts doing business."

Though still somewhat worried, Nan Jinping nodded and asked, "Do we need an abacus? I’ve seen shops in town using one for calculations."

"No need. The method I’ll teach you allows for small transactions to be calculated mentally. Only when the calculations become too large should you use an abacus. For now, we’ll start with the basics."

Bing Wengu casually wrote the multiplication table on paper. Nan Jinping looked at it curiously, pointing at the Arabic numerals. "These characters look so strange. They don’t seem like the ones you taught me before."

"These are called Arabic numerals," Bing Wengu explained.

Fortunately, Arabic numerals existed then, though they weren’t yet widely used—but there was a traceable precedent.

Bing Wengu first taught Nan Jinping to recognize numbers from one to a hundred, then had her memorize the multiplication table.

Nan Jinping was quick to learn and didn’t take long to master everything. Just starting arithmetic, she was still in the novelty phase of this new knowledge, engrossed in practicing with paper and brush.

Watching her husband’s focused profile, Nan Jinping thought vaguely—this must be the peaceful happiness people long for.

Quiet moments, with the one you love...

The Nan family’s tofu business took off.

That morning, the Nan household was bustling like a marketplace. "Nan Dalang, put aside three pieces for me!"

"I want five..."

"Ten, put aside ten for me!"

"Don't take so many! There are still people behind you. If you take them all, what will we buy?"

The man chuckled. "I just want to send some to my father-in-law’s house. Winter offers few fresh foods—tofu is perfect."

"You sure know how to curry favor with your father-in-law."

The Nan family was a hive of activity, their first business venture leaving them in a flurry.

This spectacle had the villagers burning with jealousy. Li Shi remarked sourly, "If the Nan family had this skill all along, why didn’t they bring it out sooner? I thought they’d stay poor forever."

Her eyes rolled slyly, glinting maliciously. Shoving through the crowd with hands on hips, she shouted at the Nan family, "Miao Shi, where did your family get this tofu recipe from?"

At the mention of this, the Nan family grew uneasy. Miao Shi stammered, "What business is it of yours where our recipe came from?"

Li Shi sneered, "Oh, so I struck a raw nerve, didn’t I? Your recipe must’ve been obtained dishonestly. Admit it—what shady dealings did your family pull?"

Miao Shi flew into a rage. "Get lost! We won’t sell you any tofu, you shit-stirrer! You just can’t stand to see others do well."

"If your recipe was obtained fairly, why can’t you say so?" Li Shi pressed relentlessly.

"I won’t tell you, so what? Is it illegal? Go report me to the authorities if you dare!" Miao Shi snapped.

"Don’t think I won’t!" Li Shi huffed. "That recipe of yours definitely wasn’t gotten the right way. If it were, why keep it a secret? Your family dotes on that worthless little Shuang Er so much—if you had this recipe, why would you marry off that deadweight to the Bing family’s hellhole?"

But the Bing family was no longer a hellhole. With seven grand tile-roofed houses standing tall and stuffing themselves with rich food daily, they were now the envy of the village.

Li Shi knew this well but stubbornly refused to admit it. Otherwise, her own daughter’s broken engagement with the Bing family and subsequent marriage to an old man would become a laughingstock.

Miao Shi hadn’t expected the conversation to turn to her Jin Geer. Jin Geer was now part of the Bing family, and the recipe belonged to them. Overcome with guilt, she grabbed a broom and chased Li Shi away.

Li Shi scrambled away, still shouting threats of reporting them to the authorities.