The entire courtyard is full of villains

"Okay, I got it, rainwater." Sha Zhu stood up and limped as he prepared to pack up.

"Brother," He Yushui looked at his legs, then couldn't help but ask, "why did you provoke Zhang Erhe in the first place?"

Sha Zhu blushed and said somewhat embarrassedly, "I didn't mean that... I just glanced at his wife that day."

"Was that just taking a second look?" He Yushui bluntly exposed him. "Your eyes are practically glued to Sister Zhang! But brother, you're a year older than Zhang Erhe, and his child is almost three years old. You should hurry up and find someone too, or you'll end up like our heartless father, marrying a widow!"

"No!" Sha Zhu said, his face flushed red and his neck stiff. "I want to find a proper, virgin bride to marry!"

"That's good." He Yushui stuck out her tongue, still feeling a bit shaken, then asked curiously, "But what exactly are they going to do in their meeting tonight?"

"What else could they be doing?" Sha Zhu sneered. "It's obvious the Jia family has their eye on Zhang Erhe's house and wants to seize it by force!"

"What? They dare to do that?" He Yushui's eyes widened in surprise.

"Rain, you wouldn't know this at school," Sha Zhu whispered, "Zhang Erhe is probably dead, otherwise how would they have the guts!"

"Oh dear," He Yushui sighed, "that's such a pity, Sister-in-law Zhang is such a good person..." She paused, looking at Sha Zhu with some worry, "Brother, you can't make a move on Sister-in-law Zhang, she's a widow now..."

Chapter 9 I'm in Charge

At 7 p.m., the Yan brothers ran to the Intermediate People's Court. They took a lamp from the room next to Yi Zhonghai's, ran the power cord to Sha Zhu's house, and then hurriedly carried out Sha Zhu's square table.

On the other side, Liu Guangtian, his face bruised and swollen, along with Liu Guangfu, also helped carry the official hat chairs. After all, one of them belonged to his father, so he deliberately carried it slowly, afraid of bumping or knocking it over and getting another beating when they got back.

Yan Jiefang looked at the bits of cornbread still stuck to Liu Guangtian's lips and asked enviously, "Guangtian, how many cornbreads did you eat?"

"Three." Liu Guangtian glared at him, annoyed. "Why aren't you envious that I got to eat 'stir-fried meat with a belt'?"

After a few people finally managed to set up the tables and chairs, the neighbors in the yard gradually gathered around. Yan Jiecheng quickly ran back to the front yard to inform his father, Yan Bugui.

Yan Bugui then leisurely changed into his beloved camel-colored overcoat, carrying a teacup printed with "Advanced Worker," and strolled towards the central courtyard. Just as he sat down, Liu Haizhong, who had been waiting at the back gate, also came out with his teacup.

Liu Haizhong first glanced at the "Advanced Worker" tea mug in front of Yan Bugui, and sneered inwardly: "How incongruous. A teacher carrying a worker's tea mug, who knows which student's parent he's trying to extort." He then unbuttoned his Zhongshan suit—it was an old one, and now that he'd gained weight, he was afraid the buttons would pop off when he sat down.

Once both men were seated, Yi Zhonghai, from the main room in the central courtyard, glanced out the window before slowly emerging. He tapped his teacup, which bore the inscription "Excellent Team," three times on the table, cleared his throat, and said, "Alright, enough talk, let's begin the meeting."

Yi Zhonghai glanced around at the neighbors in the courtyard, his gaze lingering on each person's face for a moment before finally settling on the front yard, and then slowly began to speak:

"I've gathered everyone here today because I have something important to discuss. Zhang Erhe from our compound passed away a few days ago due to an accident."

He paused, observing the crowd's reactions. Seeing the expressions of surprise or indifference on their faces, he continued:

"Now, only Guan Xue and her young, immature daughter remain in the Zhang family in the front yard. They're an orphan and a widow; their lives must be difficult. Our courtyard is a large family, a well-known and respected one in the neighborhood. We can't just stand by and watch them gossip about us, saying we're not united!"

As soon as Yi Zhonghai finished speaking, a murmur of discussion arose below. Yan Bugui immediately put on a smile and chimed in, "Uncle is right! We're all neighbors, we should help each other out. I think it would be better if we, as the head of the front yard, took care of helping Guan Xue and her mother!"

His words sounded high-sounding, but Yi Zhonghai sneered inwardly, remaining outwardly calm. Instead, he frowned and said, "Old Yan, your intentions are good. But you only have twenty-seven yuan and fifty cents a month. With a family of seven, can you really help them out?"

This struck a nerve with Yan Bugui. His monthly salary of twenty-seven yuan and fifty cents was what he often used to plead poverty and beg for favors in the courtyard, but now it had become a weapon for Yi Zhonghai to attack him. Yan Bugui was immediately stumped and speechless.

"Old Liu, what do you think?" Yi Zhonghai turned to look at Liu Haizhong, trying to drag him into the mess.

"Me?" Liu Haizhong, following Liu Guangqi's instructions, spoke casually, "Uncle, I think this matter mainly depends on the opinion of the front yard. I'm in charge of the back yard, so you and Lao Yan should take care of the front yard matters. I have no objection."

Upon hearing this, Yi Zhonghai was secretly surprised: What's wrong with Fatty Liu today? He's speaking so logically. But this is good, one less troublemaker, so he can focus on dealing with Yan Bugui.

Yan Bugui composed himself and then came up with an idea: "Well, everyone knows my salary is low and my family is large, so I really can't offer much financial assistance. How about this: Guan Xue is widowed at such a young age, she must be feeling terrible. I'll have my wife take Jie Di to keep her company, help with some housework, and talk to her to comfort her."

Before he could finish speaking, Jia Zhangshi, who had been silent all along, could no longer hold back. She jumped up from the stool, and Qin Huairu, who was standing next to her, was caught off guard and almost fell to the ground. Qin Huairu gave her mother-in-law a resentful look, but Jia Zhangshi completely ignored her.

"Old Man Yan!" Jia Zhangshi pointed at Yan Bugui's nose and cursed, "Do you think I don't know what you're up to? You just want to take advantage of Zhang Erhe's death so your Yang Ruihua and the child can move in first, and then the house will become yours after a while! Bah! How can someone with such a filthy mind be worthy of being the Third Master? I think we should all dismiss you and let the First Master manage the front yard!"

Hearing this, Yi Zhonghai felt secretly pleased, but feigned concern, saying, "Sister-in-law, how can you say that? Old Yan meant well."

"Kindness?" Jia Zhangshi was completely unconvinced. "Who is Yan Bugui? He's the kind of person who'd even try to taste the saltiness of a manure cart passing by. He'd be so kind? I don't believe it! Do you all believe it?"

Enraged by Jia Zhangshi's public humiliation, Yan Bugui stood up abruptly, pointing his finger at her: "Jia Zhangshi! All you've said is that you think I want to take advantage of Zhang Erhe's family! But what right do you have to accuse me?"

"I truly deserve it!" Jia Zhangshi jumped forward two steps, standing in the center of the courtyard, her voice shrill. "That Zhang Erhe is my cousin, within five degrees of kinship! Guan Xue is my sister-in-law! Their family has suffered such a great calamity, and as their elder sister, I have to stand up and help them! So, Yan Bugui, just give up on that idea! I, Jia Zhangshi, will take care of the Zhang family's affairs! How to comfort my sister-in-law is none of your Yang Ruihua's business!"

"What?!" Yan Bugui exclaimed, "You're saying you're Zhang Erhe's cousin?"

"Of course! You can't write two 'Zhang' characters with the same stroke!" Jia Zhangshi proudly raised her head. "My maternal father and Zhang Erhe's father are cousins, within the fifth degree of kinship!"

"I don't believe it!" Yan Bugui retorted, regaining his composure. "I've lived in this courtyard for so many years, and I've never heard of any relationship between your two families!"

"Hey, don't you believe me!" Jia Zhangshi turned to Yi Zhonghai, "Old Yi, you tell Old Man Yan what he's made of!"

Yan Bugui immediately looked at Yi Zhonghai. Yi Zhonghai slowly nodded, his tone calm: "Old Yan, Old Jia told me about this before."

"See!" Jia Zhangshi glared triumphantly at Yan Bugui. "I told you, but you still didn't believe me!"

"Then... then why has your relationship with Zhang Erhe never been very good all these years?" Yan Bugui still wanted to make one last attempt.

"Old Yan, don't bring this up again," Yi Zhonghai interrupted him. "After all, Jia Zhangshi is Zhang Erhe's cousin. There may have been some misunderstandings over the years, but ultimately, they're still family. Since she's willing to help Guan Xue and her daughter, then I'll make the decision; it's settled."

He paused, looked around, and raised his voice: "Who disagrees?...Who disagrees?"

A deathly silence fell over the courtyard. Everyone understood that this was all pre-arranged between the Jia family and Yi Zhonghai. Even the Third Uncle Yan Bugui had been made a mess of things; who would dare to voice any objection?

Looking at the dejected Yan Bugui, Yi Zhonghai pondered: In the future, he might need Yan Bugui, the "accountant," to help him take charge of things in the courtyard. If he pushed him too hard, things would become difficult later.

Yi Zhonghai softened his tone and said, "Old Yan, we understand your concern for Zhang Erhe's family. How about this, I'll go to the union tomorrow and ask. Zhang Erhe's funeral arrangements must be held in the courtyard. You have experience, so I'll trouble you to handle it. Purchasing supplies, collecting condolence money, and so on—that's all your responsibility."

Hearing this, Yan Bugui's mind immediately started working again. He thought to himself, "Buying things, there's a lot of money to be made in that!" Since Yi Zhonghai had given him a way out, he had no choice but to accept. So, he slowly nodded and said, "Okay, Lao Yi, I'll listen to you."

Seeing that Yan Bugui had made arrangements, Yi Zhonghai stood up again, looked around, and raised his voice to ask, "Then I'll ask one more time, is there anyone else who disagrees?"

Chapter 10 Is Your Ancestral Grave Peaceful?

"I disagree!"

A furious roar came from the direction of the hanging flower gate. Too far away, Yi Zhonghai squinted and couldn't make out who it was.

"Who?"

Liu Gen, who was standing by the hanging flower gate, quickly waved his hand: "Uncle, it wasn't me."

"It's me! Your own parents!"

A tall figure with bandages wrapped around his head strode in from behind the door, staring intently at Yi Zhonghai in the crowd.

"Yi Zhonghai? You old mule, you dare to spread rumors about me, saying I'm dead? Believe me or not, I'll send you to meet your filthy ancestors tonight!"

Yi Zhonghai's face turned bright red from the scolding. Pointing at the other person, he was so angry that he could barely speak: "You...you...Zhang Erhe? You...you..."

"What do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do you mean, 'what do you mean, ' what do you mean, ' what do you mean, ' what do you mean, ' what do you mean, ' what do you mean, ' ' ' '' (meaning 'asking for favors') 'You've really got some nerve,' Zhang Erhe strode to the table, slammed his fist on it, and roared, 'You've really got some nerve,' he said. 'You've ...

He continued cursing, spitting as he spoke: "You old scumbag, let me tell you, Yang Ruihua is too old, and Yan Jiedi is too young. When Yan Jiecheng gets married, send her over, and I'll 'take good care' of her for you!"

Yi Zhonghai and Yan Bugui were so angry by his sharp rebuke that their faces turned ashen and they couldn't utter a single word.

Liu Haizhong, standing to the side, secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking to himself: It seems I still have to listen to the boss. He pretended to stand up and greet him.

"Erhe..."

"Is that what you call me, Fatty Liu?" Zhang Erhe glared at him.

Liu Haizhong immediately shrank back, pinched his nose, and said with a forced smile, "Zhang...Zhang Erhe, since you're alright, let's just forget about it, let it go."

"Let it go? Why should we let it go?" Zhang Erhe sneered, suddenly reaching out his left hand to lift Yan Bugui off his chair, then plopped down himself, putting his legs up on the table. "Yi Zhonghai, who the hell do you think you are in charge here? Who the hell do you think you are in charge of?"

His gaze shifted, fixing on Jia Zhangshi in the corner: "Come here, Jia Zhangshi, step forward! Aren't you my cousin? Stand closer, let me see if I recognize you as a relative!"

Jia Zhangshi shrank back in fright and stammered, "Well...we're not out of the fifth degree of mourning yet, are we?"

“You’re within the five degrees of kinship.” Zhang Erhe’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “But why don’t you mention that your father kicked you out of the house back then and disowned you? Tell me, who stole the bracelet your mother kept hidden away? Hmm?”

His voice suddenly rose: "You two bastards, you and Lao Jia, secretly stole your own mother's dowry! How did you get caught and brought back? How did you two kneel in front of the ancestral hall, begging for mercy from the elders and children of the clan? Huh? You still deserve to have the surname Zhang?"

Finally, Zhang Erhe uttered a harsh threat: "If you really want to be surnamed Zhang, then tomorrow I'll go back to the village, invite all the elders of the clan, and make up for the family punishments you owed for decades, and then you can be surnamed Zhang again!"

"I'm not surnamed Zhang anymore! I'm not surnamed Zhang anymore!"

Madam Jia was terrified and waved her hands frantically. She had witnessed firsthand the clan's discipline when she was a child, how they would brutally beat a woman of loose morals to death. If her old bones were to receive such a beating, she would surely die on the spot.

"Hmph, don't be like that." Zhang Erhe gave a forced smile. "Aren't you my cousin? Come on, since you have a son now, how about we give him the family punishment instead?"

These words stirred something in Jia Zhangshi's heart, but she immediately shook her head vigorously: "No, no, no! From now on, I'll be called Jia Zhangshi, not Zhang Cuihua! Erhe, your family's house... it really wasn't me who coveted it, it was all Yi Zhonghai's doing! He said that since you're gone, he was afraid your house would be taken over by the people in the courtyard, leaving you without any descendants, so he made me step in. Otherwise, how could I dare!"

"This isn't right, Jia Zhangshi." Zhang Erhe narrowed his eyes. "Given your personality in the courtyard, wouldn't you cry, make a scene, and threaten suicide to get Old Jia to step in? Why don't you let Old Jia come up here and 'have a chat' with me?"

"No, no, no! My husband Jia wouldn't dare!" Jia Zhangshi quickly waved her hand.

Zhang Erhe abruptly pulled his leg back from the table, stood up abruptly, and strode over to Jia Zhangshi. Suddenly, he kicked her hard, sending her flying.

"You blind, heartless old shrew, how dare you covet my house!"

Having been kicked away, Jia Zhangshi scrambled to her feet and kowtowed twice, pleading, "Zhang Erhe, we were in the wrong! Please forgive us!"

Jia Dongxu, who was standing nearby, could no longer hold back and roared, "Zhang Erhe! How dare you hit my mother!" He made a move to rush forward.

Zhang Erhe stood with his arms crossed, coldly waiting for him to approach. Unexpectedly, Jia Zhangshi suddenly grabbed her son tightly: "Dongxu! Don't be impulsive!"

She turned around, forcing a fawning smile: "Erhe, Dongxu is still your nephew, please forgive him this time."

Jia Dongxu was completely baffled as to why his mother had suddenly become so timid, and even wanted to argue. Jia Zhangshi quickly leaned close to his ear and whispered, "I'll tell you when we get back!"

Seeing that the Jia family had stopped making a move, Zhang Erhe turned his gaze to Yi Zhonghai: "Old Yi, come on. Didn't you think I was dead? What's next?"

Yi Zhonghai's face turned ashen; he had truly lost face today. But he dared not retort, for Zhang Erhe was indeed capable of violence. He secretly gave Tan Saihua a wink.

Tan Saihua understood immediately and turned to walk towards the backyard. Zhang Erhe saw this but didn't take it seriously, continuing to mock Yi Zhonghai.

"Who is it? Making such a racket so late at night, what's wrong?"

Sure enough, a short while later, Tan Saihua helped Old Lady Long, who lived in the backyard, out. Seeing Yi Zhonghai's livid face and Zhang Erhe standing aggressively beside him, Old Lady Long narrowed her eyes and said angrily, "Zhang Erhe, it's you again! Old Yi was being kind, but you took it all for granted. You're such a troublemaker, you have no good character whatsoever!"

"Oh, who do we have here? It's just that old deaf man from the backyard!" Zhang Erhe sneered. "What's this? Came here to stand up for your godson?"

"What godson?" Old Mrs. Long raised her voice. "I just can't stand you bullying the people in the courtyard!"

"Bullshit! I bully the people in the compound?" Zhang Erhe retorted, his neck stiff. "Even a good dog knows to protect its neighbors! If Yi Zhonghai were a good person, would I talk to him like this? Putting aside everything else, ask any of the young people in the compound over the years, which one hasn't received my protection? And you still call yourself..."

"Bang!" Yi Zhonghai slammed his hand on the table and roared, "Zhang Erhe, that's enough! It's one thing for you to insult me, but you shouldn't insult our ancestors like that! You're so young and don't know how to respect your elders. I think it's because your parents died early that they raised such an unfilial child!"

"Hey, hey, hey, Yi Zhonghai, if you're going to talk about me, talk about me, don't drag my parents into it!" Zhang Erhe's face changed drastically. "Also, I'll acknowledge anyone here who talks about filial piety, but you're not qualified! There's an old saying, 'Of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is having no offspring.' You don't even have a single egg yet, I bet your wicked ancestors are cursing you to death right now!"

He pointed at Yi Zhonghai, his tone becoming increasingly sharp: "You still have the nerve to say I'm unfilial? You're the most unfilial one in the whole compound! You don't even worship your own ancestors, but instead choose a brothel madam to worship as your ancestor! Why don't you go back to your hometown and see if all the graves of your ancestors have been blown up?"

Chapter 11 Revealing the Truth