Chapter 43: Auntie, Don’t Be Afraid
In those days, there was no such concept as “overloading”—more than thirty people crammed into the van.
Many villagers who didn’t manage to squeeze in were visibly disappointed. A chance to ride a vehicle and get in a brawl? What a great deal! Who knew when such an opportunity would come again?
Old Man Su and Su Yongguo were also in the van.
Old Man Su felt like he had lived his long life in vain. All because of his pride, his eldest son got beaten up for nothing! And who knew—after they left, that beast Lü Xingwang might’ve hit Yufen again. From now on, to hell with saving face!
Unlike his father, who was busy wallowing in regret, Su Yongguo was boiling with rage. That bastard Lü family had bullied him just because they had the numbers. He swore he’d make them pay for it this time!
The other people in the van were all chatting animatedly. For many, it was their first time riding a small van, and they were thrilled.
“Su He, when we get there, just stand aside and enjoy the show. Leave those Lü family bastards to us!”
“Those folks from Xiangyang Commune always act so high and mighty—this time we’ll show them Huaihua Commune, and Huangxi Village, aren’t to be messed with!”
“Exactly! Su He, stand back later, or you might get splattered with blood!”
…
In this remote area, under the prevailing social conditions, villagers had little concept of the law. That’s why Su He chose to organize a group beatdown.
Sure, there were plenty of official ways to deal with the Lü family—pressuring them through Huaihua Commune, or going straight to the women’s director in Xiangyang Commune—but none would be as effective as beating them until their teeth were scattered.
Besides, this would help her establish authority in Huangxi Village, so no one would dare mess with the Su family again.
Su He addressed the villagers: “Once we get there, follow my lead. If I raise my left hand, that’s the signal to act. If I don’t raise my hand—no matter how fierce I sound—don’t make a move yet.
Also, when you do hit, keep it within reason. Don’t beat anyone to the point of crippling them.”
“Got it!”
“Don’t worry, Su He—we’ll do as you say!”
…
By the time the van entered Liushugou Village, it was dinnertime and every household was cooking.
As soon as someone spotted the van, the village exploded into chatter.
“Where’d that little van come from? Could it be some high-up leader?”
“Why are there so many people inside?”
“Look! It’s stopping right at the Lü family’s house!”
…
Inside, Su Yufen was cooking dinner. Lü Xingwang barked impatiently, “Why’re you so damn slow? Why’s dinner not ready yet? Always walking around with a face like you’re at a funeral—I must’ve had the worst damn luck in eight lifetimes to marry a lump like you! Look at that Xinghua—that’s what a real woman looks like!”
Old Madam Lü gave him a sideways glare, her triangular eyes narrowing. “That Li Xinghua isn’t a good sort either. You better lie low these few days, don’t let anyone catch wind of anything.”
Lü Xingwang and Li Xinghua were rumored to be having an affair. Gossip had already started spreading around the village, and Old Madam Lü had been terrified of scandal—which was why she had rushed to drag Su Yufen back to the house.
Unable to argue with his mother, Lü Xingwang redirected his anger at Su Yufen. He stepped forward and slapped her. “It’s all your fault for running your mouth! I’ll beat you to death today!”
Old Madam Lü glared at him. “If you’re gonna beat her, wait till after dinner! Everyone’s waiting to eat!”
Only then did Lü Xingwang stop, muttering curses.
Su Yufen was overcome with despair. What was the point of living like this?
She had once harbored hope of divorcing Lü Xingwang and escaping the Lü family. But now, her spirit was completely broken. The Lü family had strength in numbers—her natal family couldn’t fight them.
Seeing her elder brother bruised and swollen, and her father nearly fainting from the stress, she felt like her very existence was a burden.
If not for her young son, Tie Dan, she might’ve ended it all already.
At that moment, she heard Tie Dan crying from inside the house. Forgetting everything else, she rushed inside, stumbling.
The moment she entered, she saw several of the Lü family’s kids bullying Tie Dan. He had a huge bump on his forehead and red marks on his little cheeks.
Something inside Su Yufen snapped.
She scooped up Tie Dan and bolted toward the door like a madwoman. If living meant endless suffering, then she’d rather take her son and end it all. At least death would be peace.
Just as she ran out the courtyard gate, Lü Xingwang yanked her back by her clothes and threw her to the ground, beating her.
Tie Dan screamed, flailing his tiny arms, trying to protect his mother, but Lü Xingwang shoved him aside with a slap, and the child fell hard to the ground.
Old Madam Lü and the rest of the family just watched, completely unfazed.
Old Madam Lü even spat, “You can’t kill a whore, and you can’t sun-dry a chili pepper. Trash like her needs a beating to be obedient!”
Just then, Su He got off the van—and that was the scene she saw.
She snatched a stick from a nearby villager and swung it hard at Lü Xingwang.
Beast!
A beast who hit women should be torn to pieces!
Su He’s rationality vanished in an instant. She raised her left hand high and shouted:
“Hit them! Hit them hard! Smash everything! Smash it all!”
The villagers from Huangxi had been holding back their fury for long enough. The moment they saw how badly Su Yufen had been beaten, any man with an ounce of pride couldn’t sit back.
Dozens of people surged forward with sticks and hoes.
The Lü family was dumbfounded!
Old Madam Lü collapsed to the ground in fear. “Who… who are you people…”
But no one had time to answer her.
Some were beating people, others smashing things.
Su He lifted the still-dazed Su Yufen off the ground. “Auntie, don’t be afraid. I’m here now.”
Su Yufen stared blankly for a moment, then clutched Su He tightly and burst into heart-wrenching sobs.
