Chapter 102: Witty Retorts

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On the sixth day of the lunar New Year, the trial officially began. Contrary to expectations, Liu Dashan did not appear defeated; when he stood in the courtroom, he still carried an air of imposing presence.

Damn, does he think of himself as a tyrant? Many see a tyrant killing a handful of people and mistake it for grandeur, pitying the expendable pawns who become mere stepping stones for the tyrant's rise.

Jiangxi Wen did not share this view. After all, who provoked this tyrant? Had he not been reborn, his good brother Gong Xiang would have become one of those pawns, dying at the hands of this scoundrel.

Jiangxi Wen grew increasingly disgusted with Liu Dashan’s tyrannical airs. Passing by him, he stealthily pressed his foot down on Liu Dashan’s, and with a bit of force, the entire courtroom heard the tyrant’s sharp cry, shattering his imposing demeanor.

“You!” Liu Dashan finally recovered from the pain and for the first time looked Jiangxi Wen up close. This boy had repeatedly ruined his grand schemes, landing him in prison and facing life imprisonment.

“Oh, sorry, Uncle Liu, I didn’t mean to step on you,” Jiangxi Wen glanced at him and then turned to take the witness stand.

Jiangxi Wen looked around but saw no sign of Liu Fan; only Liu Dashan’s wife sat below. Perhaps fearing he might be harmed, his mother had kept him from attending.

Liu Dashan’s case was airtight; after the trial, it was the turn of Jiang Qi, Old Seven, and the other accomplices. All were sentenced to over ten years, except Jiang Qi, who, under his lawyer’s defense, was convicted of intentional injury and sentenced to two years.

Throughout the trial, Jiang Qi wore an indifferent expression, but after leaving the courtroom, his gaze swept from Ning Yu to Jiangxi Wen. A fierce glint flashed in his eyes before fading back to indifference.

Two years—that was Liu Dashan’s little scheme to protect Jiang Qi. Jiangxi Wen smiled inwardly. Handling Jiang Qi after two years would be easy. Confident in his own skills, he believed he could master the breathing techniques in two months. Those two years would be a breeze dealing with a guy simmering in prison. So, he was not afraid at all. At best, Jiang Qi was just a thug; what could he do once out?

Half an hour later, in a detention center somewhere in Yangjiang.

“Qi Zi, I’m about to be transferred to a prison in the west. We probably won’t see each other again. You’ll serve two years here and be released. Take good care of my wife and son for me. I’ve worked hard to get you only two years, and I hope you’ll agree to this.”

“Master Jiu’s kindness is as heavy as a mountain. Once I’m out, I will definitely follow his orders and look after his family. If there’s a way, I’ll get Master Jiu out too.” Jiang Qi’s eyes blazed. “Besides, I want to avenge Master Jiu.”

Hearing Jiang Qi’s last words, Liu Dashan fell silent. Just as a prison guard approached to scold Jiang Qi back to his cell, Liu Dashan said, “When Liu Fan grows up, tell him everything. Teach him to use his brain for revenge, not to be like you—calm on the surface but full of anger. Fists must always be guided by the mind.”

Jiang Qi said no more, simply nodded, glanced at Liu Dashan, and left. He understood that Liu Dashan’s words were not only for his son Liu Fan but also a warning to him, Jiang Qi.

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Of course, Jiangxi Wen could not know what had just transpired. At this moment, he was visiting Zhang Yong’s home with his father. The family had received an invitation from the elder Mr. Zhang, and on the day Liu Dashan’s case concluded, the two Zhang men reconciled their past differences.

Elder Mr. Zhang had long wanted to invite Jiangxi Wen over and also hoped to have a proper talk with Jiang Hong, whom he admired. They had met briefly before, but that was under the shadow of Zhang Ya’s disappearance. The elder had only exchanged brief greetings then.

Jiangxi Wen’s mother, Wang Yanan, had already accepted another friend’s invitation and declined this family banquet, which the elder Mr. Zhang did not mind due to his straightforward nature.

The atmosphere at the banquet was cheerful, especially for Zhang Ya, whose smile brightened whenever she saw Jiangxi Wen. The elder Mr. Zhang was also delighted, chatting enthusiastically with Jiangxi Wen.

Zhang Yong occasionally exchanged words with Jiang Hong.

It was clear that Qin Shu still did not much like Jiangxi Wen, though she did not openly show disdain; her smile was forced. Jiangxi Wen noticed that Zhang Ya and her mother barely spoke; they were clearly still in a cold war. The elder Mr. Zhang also paid little attention to Qin Shu, which made Qin Shu seem somewhat pitiful in this gathering.

Jiangxi Wen had promised Zhang Ya he would help ease the tension between her and her mother. After the meal, Jiang Hong and Zhang Yong chatted in the living room, while the elder Mr. Zhang called Jiangxi Wen into the study. Since their last meeting, they had not talked again. This time, the elder was happy to speak openly.

Jiangxi Wen was witty as ever, and the elder grew fonder of him. Seizing the opportunity, Jiangxi Wen brought up the issue with Qin Shu and suggested that Zhang Ya join the conversation.

The elder’s expression changed. “Little Qin is stubborn; let her be. If she’s wrong, why should we cater to her?”

“Old sir, is she a woman?”

“Yes.”

“Is she your daughter-in-law?”

“Yes! Xiwen, if you have something to say, don’t beat around the bush; it’s not like you.”

“First, men shouldn’t stoop to petty disputes with women. Second, harmony at home brings success in all things. So, I think you and Zhang Ya should take the initiative to talk with Aunt Qin. No matter how wrong she is, her mistakes are for the family’s sake. Zhang Ya is her daughter; everything she does is for Zhang Ya’s good, though her idea of good may be misguided and self-righteous. Also, I’m not sure if I should ask—after marrying Uncle Zhang, has she been unfilial to you?”

The elder Mr. Zhang grew angrier as he listened, but Jiangxi Wen’s words were reasonable, leaving no room for rebuttal. After a moment’s silence, he tried to see things from Qin Shu’s perspective. He had opposed her coming into the family from the start and was indeed somewhat harsh on his daughter-in-law. Qin Shu had not had it easy.

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“Well done, boy. People say even a fair official can’t settle family disputes. Yet here you are, meddling in my affairs and making me accept your advice willingly. I’m impressed.”

“Old sir, you’re wise. Had this been anyone else, they’d have been kicked out for what I just said.” No matter how direct Zhang Song’s nature was, he was old and had served decades in both military and local government. Jiangxi Wen knew when to flatter and how. The elder’s airs in front of strangers revealed his vanity and pride.

Nobody dislikes hearing praise; the key lies in timing and appropriateness.

Jiangxi Wen himself did not deny he enjoyed compliments. But having been reborn, he knew only a master could flatter him subtly enough to benefit from it.

Flattery isn’t inherently bad; often, it can be used to achieve good ends. Such was the case now. Upon hearing Jiangxi Wen’s words, the elder’s earlier gloom vanished. He called Zhang Ya into the room, and she immediately agreed. Though she disliked her mother, she cared deeply for her. Moreover, her mother was no longer demanding that Fang Siang take Jiangxi Wen away. The recent cold war had made Zhang Ya feel awkward as well.

The three quietly planned a surprise for Qin Shu, with Jiangxi Wen cautioning them not to reveal the idea came from him.

With family, once the other party shows understanding, Qin Shu could open her heart and live harmoniously. But with outsiders, her personality was what it was—if she disliked Jiangxi Wen, she disliked him. No need to force it.

Besides, Jiangxi Wen didn’t care much about Qin Shu’s opinion of him. The elder was equally broad-minded; her attitude would not affect his admiration of Jiangxi Wen. Only Zhang Ya was displeased, subconsciously hoping every family member could have a close bond with Jiangxi Wen.

This family plan would be put into action after Jiang Hong and Jiangxi Wen’s father left. Before that, the elder wished to fulfill one desire: to talk with Jiang Hong.

Before Jiang Hong entered the study, the elder reminded everyone that no matter how fierce their arguments, they should ignore them.

Once inside the study, the elder’s face turned stern. “Jiang, aren’t you nervous? Curious why I warned everyone beforehand?”

“Not nervous at all. I’m just here to talk with you. I’ve always believed in conducting myself properly at work. I heard you did the same back in the day, so I’m sure you won’t find fault with me—unless the rumors about you are false.” After Zhang Ya’s disappearance, Jiang Hong had learned about the strained relationship between Zhang Song and Zhang Yong. Though surprised, he had never considered befriending them for that reason. His words were sharp and clever, pleasing Zhang Song. Apparently, Jiang Hong was not only skilled with words and theory but also socially adept.

Jiangxi Wen was not worried that his father and Zhang Song would clash. He knew his father and understood Zhang Song. This old man was quick-witted, likely having learned many unconventional tactics during wartime. It seemed he intended to test Jiang Hong by feigning conflict.