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

Chapter 91 Awe-inspiring righteousness
"Ha! You treacherous, black-hearted bastard have no right to say such things!" Su Changxi stepped forward sarcastically and stood next to Su Changfu.

Seeing their demeanor, Sang Rong knew that this was no ordinary matter, and immediately instructed Sang Xingchang, "Go find Master Ma and call more people over."

Upon hearing this, Shen Yi whispered some instructions to Su Tai and then secretly left as well.

A moment later, Master Ma appeared with a group of thugs. When he saw Su Changfu, his brows furrowed immediately. "Mayor Su, why are you always picking on us? We didn't even hold what happened back then, and you're pushing your luck?"

“Master Ma, what you’re saying is really funny! How are we going to cause you trouble? Anyone can do business, as long as they don’t steal or rob, and do it openly and honestly, what’s the problem? There are more than one cloth and food stall and innkeeper in town, why don’t they cause so much trouble? Besides, we were just setting up our stall peacefully today, and it was Sang Yong who came over for no reason to pick a fight and frame us.”

"You're distorting the truth and confusing right and wrong, isn't that inappropriate? What? You brought these people here now because you want to take action? Don't think we won't make a scene! After all, the highest-ranking official in Zhaohua County is still in the county government!" Su Changfu subtly reminded him, which was also a warning.

Master Ma knew that Dongmen Village had a reputation with the county magistrate, so he couldn't take the initiative to act. Instead, he had his thugs surround Shen Yi's stall and said with a forced smile, "Mayor Su, you've misunderstood. I'm doing this for everyone's good. Don't worry, our people are all reasonable!"

Upon seeing this, Su Chunlin immediately went over with the other villagers and surrounded Sang Xingchang's stall, saying, "We reciprocate with courtesy and understand the importance of etiquette."

Master Ma's face instantly darkened. He glanced at Su Chunlin and his group, then sneered twice, "Looks like Township Chief Su is determined to fight us to the bitter end today! In that case, I'll gladly oblige! But from now on, it won't be so easy for you Dongmen Village people to do business in town."

"Nothing much?" Zhao Tiechui's face was ashen as he walked over with a man in a scholar's robe, followed by Shen Yi.

Shen Yi nodded to Su Tai and silently retreated to her side.

Master Ma snorted in dissatisfaction, "This is our private matter, it's none of your business!"

“Master Ma, the entire Moshi Town is my territory. I can manage it however I want. Anyone who dares to cause trouble on my territory will be severely punished! No matter who it is!” Liu Tiechui’s sharp gaze swept over the crowd, showing no respect for Master Ma whatsoever.

Master Ma's face flushed with anger. "What? You think you can just arrest me? I'm your father-in-law!"

"Ma Rencai!" Liu Tiechui raised his voice and scolded, "Don't you understand the principle of putting righteousness before family? Who gave you the audacity to bully others? Don't think that just because you have a lot of wealth you can act with impunity! To put it bluntly, you're nothing more than a landowner! You can't circumvent the laws of the country! If you really cause trouble, I will absolutely not bend the law to protect you!"

Ma Rencai was so angry that he clutched his chest and couldn't utter a single word.

Liu Tiechui remained expressionless, turned to the scholar-robed man beside him, bowed and said, "Lord Lu, I intended to entertain you properly today, but I didn't expect you to witness such a farce. It was my dereliction of duty, and I apologize for making you laugh."

Lu Tong waved his hand, his expression gentle, "Township Magistrate Liu is righteous and awe-inspiring. It is a blessing for the people of Moshi Town to have a town official like you. However, in broad daylight, there are still such tyrants in the area. They cannot be tolerated and cannot be let off lightly!"

Liu Tiechui's expression hardened, and he became even more respectful. "What you say is absolutely right, sir. I will certainly investigate and punish you severely."

Lu Tong nodded in satisfaction and walked over to Shen Yi's fireworks stall.

Ma Rencai's thugs instinctively retreated far away, wishing they could shrink into a corner where no one would notice.

Lu Tong seemed oblivious, pointing curiously at the fireworks barrel, "These are the fireworks that Manager Li of the Jixiang Inn in Dahe Town set off?"

“Exactly! That day, Manager Li bought two, and it just so happened to be his wife's birthday. He set one off that night, and everyone in the town saw it.” Shen Yi recounted the events of that night in detail.

Lu Tong's smile deepened. "In that case, I'll buy two to take home and make it more festive."

Liu Tiechui immediately stepped forward and took the two firework barrels, paying for Lu Tong's expenses as well, refusing to let Lu Tong spend any money.

Shen Yifu was sincere and also gave him a few fireworks and a string of firecrackers.

Lu Tong didn't say anything, only glanced at the people around him, and smiled gently, "Make yourselves at home, I won't take up any space here." As soon as Lu Tong left, the people who hadn't bought firecrackers rushed over, even more excited than before.

Su Chunlin and his companions, disregarding their attempt to block the other party's stall, hurried back to help.

Shen Yi squeezed through the crowd and thanked Lu Tong and Liu Tiechui.

Lu Tong asked, "I came to see Magistrate Liu today to inquire about where you sell your fish. I heard that you buy your fish from you?"

Shen Yi nodded. "Exactly. Is that what you want, sir?"

Lu Tong nodded. "We need some fish for entertaining guests during the first month of the lunar year, preferably big ones, so they look nice on the table. Do you have any?"

Liu Tiechui kept giving Shen Yi meaningful glances.

Shen Yi lowered his eyes and said, "I will go back and catch them. I will keep the big ones for you to choose from."

"Then we'll wait for your good news." Liu Tiechui responded quickly, then turned to Lu Tong, patted his chest and assured him, "Lord Lu, rest assured, I will definitely handle this small matter properly for you, and I guarantee it won't delay your important business."

"Hehehe, you really are a clever and shrewd person!" Lu Tong laughed heartily.

After saying goodbye to them, Shen Yi returned to the fireworks stall.

By this time, Master Ma and his group had disappeared somewhere.

Sang Yong stood opposite him, his eyes bloodshot, staring at him fiercely.

Sang Xingchang and Sang Xingwang were slumped over as they packed up their things, seemingly not planning to continue running their stall.

Shen Yi was not afraid at all. After observing for a moment, he saw that Sang Yong and his group could only rage helplessly and dared not make any move, so he was relieved.

Su Tai took a moment to ask in a low voice, "Who is that Lord Lu just now?"

Shen Yi whispered in her ear, "The county magistrate is in charge of the county's money, grain, taxes, and household registration. When Liu, the town magistrate, goes to the county office, he has the most contact with the county magistrate, so he has to serve him diligently. Just now, Lord Lu asked me for fish, so I'll have to trouble you to get me some big fish later."

"Sure!" Su Tai replied without the slightest hesitation.

The two exchanged a smile and continued selling fireworks and firecrackers.

With Lu Tong having just graced the people with his presence, the locals paid no heed to Sang Yong's rumors and instead became even more enthusiastic about buying fireworks, with almost everyone wanting two or three strings of fireworks or three or four firecrackers.

Su Tai was making so much money that her hands were sore from collecting it.

Everyone was busy until after noon before they could finally relax.

Seeing that everyone's noses were red from the cold, Shen Yi quickly invited them to rest at a teahouse, bought them hot steamed buns, and gave each of them two strings of firecrackers.

"Thanks to all my uncles and brothers for their help today. If there is anything you need from Dongmen Village in the future, please don't hesitate to ask."

(End of this chapter)