n

n

nChapter 839: The Divorce Incident

nEditor: Henyee Translations

nThe young woman sobbed softly, “He had been drinking, and when I urged him to stop, he started hitting me, even punching me in the stomach.”

nShe cried louder as a thought struck her, “My previous child was also lost because he hit me.”

nHer cries filled the ward with sadness.

n“His parents don’t control him. Despite his age, they still spoil him. Whenever I slightly complain, they all start cursing and hitting me. I’ve been continuously injured ever since…”

nI ve been married into their family for seven years, enduring this life. I’m tired of living this way. Sister Qingzhi, I want a divorce. I want to live on my own. Is that possible?”

nThe young woman was one of Qingzhi’s subjects in her fief.

nQingzhi reassured her, “Of course, it’s possible. Our village has many vacant houses you can rent. Once you’re better, you can work in the workshop. Your life will definitely be better than before.”

nEncouraged by Qingzhi, the young woman’s resolve to divorce strengthened. “Sister Qingzhi, you’re so kind.”

nQingzhi comforted her, “We are the only ones who can help ourselves. Women are inherently in a weaker position, so we must become strong ourselves. Otherwise, even if others want to help, they won’t know how. Understand?” The young woman nodded, looking up at Qingzhi with admiration and envy in her eyes. “You’re an example for all of us girls. Living in your fief, we all feel incredibly lucky.”

nQingzhi smiled, “Since you see me as an example, then you must strive for a better life.”

n“I will.” The woman’s determination to divorce was now firm.

nQingzhi instructed Li Ziyun to inform Qin Yuming about this matter. As the manager of the fief’s population issues, his involvement, even leadership, in this case, was necessary.

nThe emerging issues in the fief were an opportunity for Qingzhi to assess their capabilities.

nUpon receiving the news, Qin Yuming immediately began preparations. This was the first significant issue he would handle, and he took it very seriously. Qingchen personally prepared the abortion drug for the young woman. After administering it, it didn’t take long for the woman’s body to react.

nThanks to the effective medicine from Qingzhi’s home, the woman suffered only a little before the issue was resolved, followed by bed rest for recovery. Qingchen gave her a pill to help her recover her health. Miscarriage can severely affect a woman’s body, potentially preventing future pregnancies if not properly addressed.

n“We’ll take care of your matter for you later. Don’t get agitated; your health is what’s most important. You’ll have children again in the future.”

nThe sadness was evident in the young woman’s eyes, but she nodded in understanding, “Hmm.”

nShe was from Xu’s village, and her husband was Xu Changfu.

nWhen Xia Zongxian went to find Xu Changfu, the latter was shivering in fear, not at all resembling a man capable of domestic violence.

nTruly embodying the phrase ‘a bully is always a coward at heart’!

nIn Xu’s village, Xu Changfu ingratiatingly asked Xia Zongxian, “Brother, can you tell me what my family has done wrong?”

nXia Zongxian kicked Xu Changfu, “Don’t you know what you’ve done?” Rubbing his leg, Xu Changfu asked even more obsequiously, “Brother, I really don’t know what I did. Please enlighten me.”

nWith arms crossed and an eye roll, Xia Zongxian looked down on such a man who would hit a woman. “You killed the child in your wife’s belly, don’t you know?”

nUpon hearing his child was dead, Xu Changfu was momentarily stunned, showing no sign of sorrow, “How would I know? The child wasn’t in my belly!”

nXia Zongxian, hearing such a statement, was speechless. Could a person actually say such a thing?

n“You’ve violated one of Miss Qingzhi’s taboos. You know what kind of person Miss Qingzhi is, so you might as well consider how you want to die!”

nHearing he had violated Qingzhi’s taboos, Xu Changfu turned pale and immediately fell to his knees.

nSeeing this, Xia Zongxian was utterly speechless. “What? Planning to kneel all the way to beg for mercy?”

nXu Changfu was terrified. Clutching at Xia Zongxian’s sleeve, he pleaded, “Brother, please save me. I didn’t mean to hit her. It wasn’t intentional.”

nWhether it was intentional or not, you can explain yourself to Miss Qingzhi. I don’t want to get involved.” Just the thought of Qingzhi could scare a person to paralysis, and he dared not provoke her.

nUnaware of the situation, Xu Changfu’s parents became enraged after hearing Xia Zongxian’s words.

nXu’s father furiously said, “What business is it of outsiders if he hits his own wife? How can Qingzhi interfere so much?”

nXia Zongxian was dumbfounded. Were they seeking death?

nJust then, three passersby, tall and intimidating men, overheard and turned around. One clenched his fist, “Are you speaking ill of our thousand households?”

nXu’s father quickly backed away, hurriedly saying, “Misunderstanding, all a misunderstanding! I misspoke just now!”

nThe man cracked his neck, issuing a warning, “Next time I hear you speak ill of our thousand households, don’t blame my fist for not recognizing people.”

nXu’s father scurried away like a frightened mouse, “I wouldn’t dare, I wouldn’t dare.”

n“Be careful!” The men then left.

nXia Zongxian thought to himself, Qingzhi’s influence truly ran deep; not a single bad word against her was tolerated.

nSeeing the men’s attitude, Xu Changfu trembled in fear. He couldn’t bear the thought of facing Qingzhi, overwhelmed by the pressure at just the thought of it.

nSo, he made a foolish decision to run away.

nXia Zongxian tilted his head, finding Xu Changfu’s stupidity amusing. With a flick of his foot, he sent a stone flying towards Xu Changfu…

n…who then spectacularly tripped and face-planted.

nXu’s parents rushed over like protective animals. “Changfu, are you alright?” Unable to take it anymore, Xu’s mother cursed, “Damn star of calamity, is it just about killing a child? Why cause such a stir and disgrace our family?” Xia Zongxian was speechless, witnessing the new low in human behavior. It was clear who was in the wrong, yet they had the audacity to blame others, and so vulgarly at that.

nHow could people be so shameless?

nHe approached, grabbed Xu Changfu by the collar, and dragged him towards

nQingzhi’s village, determined to punish such scum.

nHe suddenly felt a sense of responsibility.

nIn the Seal Office, Qin Yuming had already prepared the venue to publicly address this issue. It was a chance to set an example, warning others in the fief against domestic violence.

nThe venue was set up in the courtyard of the Seal Office, with chairs placed for Qingzhi and the elders to sit, while space was cleared for spectators to watch.

nBy now, quite a few people had gathered.

nAs the second major incident in the fief (the first being an assault case), it had attracted considerable attention. Especially now, in the winter, with little agricultural work to do, many were eager to watch the proceedings.

nQingzhi and Qingchen walked ahead, with Li Ziyun and Sun Xiaolan supporting the young woman (the victim) on either side, bringing her into the Seal Office and seating her on a chair.

nJust then, Xia Zongxian, holding Xu Changfu by the collar, arrived at the Seal Office’s courtyard and threw the man to the ground.

nXu Changfu’s fall elicited laughter from the crowd.

n