After being jilted, the entire neighboring village was filled with deep regret.

Chapter 211 Singing in Harmony

Shen Yi pursed his lips, his expression serious.

Liu Tiechui chimed in, "Brother-in-law is absolutely right. Luckily, Shen Yi's wife and child are alright. Otherwise, I wouldn't care whether the person lying inside is my father-in-law or not, I definitely wouldn't let him off easily!"
Even if Shen Yi's wife and child are unharmed, this matter cannot be let off so easily! You must not only compensate the Shen family for the losses you have caused, but you must compensate them double! If there is a next time, I will show no mercy and will directly hand you over to the county government!

Ma Xingteng nodded like a grandson, "Yes, yes, brother-in-law is absolutely right. I was also very angry when I heard about this, but my father is covered in injuries. If you listen carefully, you can still hear his screams. As his son, I can't even find a good time to say a few words to him."

Shen Yi raised an eyebrow, his sharp gaze sweeping towards the backyard of the clinic. "What are the specifics of his injuries?"

Ma Xingteng spoke frankly and without reservation, "My head was ruptured, and I bled a lot. It was life-threatening, but my eyes were smeared with that powder, and they were burning painful. I couldn't open them at all. Doctor Li cleaned them and applied medicine, and I'm much better now, but I'll need to apply medicine for the next few days. I can't see anything."

He also broke his leg, saying it was from a fall, and no one knows how he fell so badly. It'll probably take him a year and a half to recover. In addition, he developed a rash all over his body, which was both painful and itchy. He kept wanting to scratch it, but Dr. Li was afraid that scratching would make it worse, so he simply tied his hands together.

Tsk tsk tsk. Let alone me, his son, anyone who sees him now would say one word: 'Miserable!' or even 'Terrible!'

His voice was loud enough that everyone inside and outside the clinic heard it, and it was estimated that within half a day, the entire town of Moshi would know about Master Ma's miserable situation.

Shen Yi was originally furious and wanted to cut off business ties with Ma Xingteng. But now that he saw Ma Xingteng apologize and do what Ma Xingteng had planned, Shen Yi felt much better and his expression softened.

"Since he has already learned his lesson, I will let it go, but there will absolutely be no next time!"

Ma Xingteng nodded frantically, "I promise, if it happens again, I... I'll take care of him for you!"

Shen Yi and Liu Tiechui both looked over in shock.

How can such treasonous words be spoken so recklessly?

After Shen Yi left, Ma Xingteng breathed a sigh of relief, his expression becoming more serious. "Brother-in-law, thank you so much for your help today. I will definitely come to thank you in person after this matter is resolved."

Liu Tiechui waved his hand, "It was nothing, but your father has caused quite a bit of trouble. I'm afraid you should plan ahead."

Ma Xingteng's expression turned even uglier.

Early the next morning.

While Su Tai was at home taking care of the children, the Ma family made a huge fuss by bringing two large truckloads of things to her door, saying it was an apology to Su Tai.

The villagers exclaimed how amazing Su Tai was, and even the village chief couldn't help but praise her several times.

Su Tai remained calm and composed upon seeing the gifts. After thanking the steward of the Ma family, she closed the courtyard gate again.

Shen Yi returned after noon.

Su Tai then said, "The Ma family sent a lot of things today, saying it was an apology. I accepted them all. There were many tonics, ginseng, bird's nest, lingzhi, and deer antler, all of which were gathered together. There were also eight complete bolts of brocade and two sets of pure gold and gemstone headdresses. I calculated that those things must have cost several hundred taels. I heard that Ma Xingteng's stepmother is not someone to be trifled with. They haven't separated the family yet, so it must have been difficult for him to bring so many things over. Since they are sincerely apologizing, let's forgive that old geezer this time."

Shen Yi smiled and raised the corners of his mouth, his face full of doting. "Okay, then we'll listen to you. Let's let them off this time. By the way, the strawberries will be harvested soon, and after a few days, it'll be the watermelons' turn."

Speaking of the fields, Shen Yi frowned unconsciously, "Xiao Tai, do you think the apples will still be able to sell in three or four years?"

Su Tai nodded without hesitation, “Apples can only be harvested in autumn or winter, so it doesn’t conflict with the fruits we grow. In fact, those families who grow apples can make a lot of money if they can afford to wait.”

After all, apples are easy to store; they can be kept at low temperatures all winter long, remaining fragrant, sweet, and juicy—absolutely popular, especially at the end of the year when they can bring in a large sum of money.

"Should we plant some too?" Shen Yi pondered, stroking his chin.

Su Tai thought for a moment, then shook her head and refused. "We've already attracted enough attention by growing strawberries and watermelons. Those people are making a fortune off apples. If we follow suit, we'll be suspected of trying to make money off them, and we'll inevitably be criticized. Let's just keep things as they are. It's the dead of winter, and everyone can have a good rest. We work hard all year and still have to worry about this and that. What kind of life is this!"

Shen Yi also felt that Su Tai's words made sense, so he stopped mentioning it.

After the watermelons were sold out, it was almost autumn. By then, the families who grew crabapples were certain that their fruit trees would not bear fruit this year. Many families panicked and went to the gate of the Ma family residence in town to cause trouble.

"Back then, Master Ma swore that apples were wonderful and that they could make us rich, so we started planting them. They're all liars, liars!"

"Waaaaah, we've worked so hard all year, and now we have no money, no food, I don't want to live anymore!"

"God! Why don't you open your eyes and strike that heartless bastard down!"

The troublemakers were unusually aggressive; the gatekeeper and thugs blocked the back door, all looking tense, with beads of cold sweat dripping down their faces.

"This can't go on, butler, what should we do?"

The steward was also at his wits' end, but he had to step forward to calm everyone down, "Don't worry, the young master has already sent people to allocate food, let's hold on a little longer."

In the backyard, Madam Sang was already packing her luggage, preparing to sneak out through the back door. However, she was stopped by Madam Bai and her men as soon as she stepped out of the yard. "Mother, where are you going?"

Feeling guilty, Sang's eyes darted around, and she quickly hid the bundle behind her back. "I...I have something to do and need to go out for a bit."

Madam Bai sneered, "Is Mother going out on business or is she in a hurry to escape? They say that husband and wife are like birds in the same forest, but when disaster strikes, they fly away separately. This is truly reflected in Mother!"

Enraged, Sang stopped pretending and said, "Yes! I'm leaving, so what? Don't you want to leave? Stop pretending to be so sentimental."

Madam Bai glanced at the corner of the eaves and sneered, "Mother, it's one thing for you to be greedy for life and afraid of death, but don't think everyone is as worthless as you. If I really wanted to leave, who could stop me, a woman of the Bai family? The Ma family hasn't fallen yet, and you're already so impatient to escape. If they really fall, will you turn around and kick them while they're down?"

Sang was both ashamed and angry, and shouted at the top of her lungs, "Get out of my way! I don't have time to waste with you. I'm leaving today, and let's see who can stop me!"