Chapter 4: Reporting to the Authorities

“No good!”

Just as Zhao Lizheng hesitated, a sturdy man dressed in black riding pants and a black shirt entered from outside. His face was weathered, his beard unkempt, but his eyes were sharp like an eagle’s. Because of the leg and wrist bindings, his movements were brisk and decisive as he walked.

At his voice, everyone instinctively made way for him.

“Old Wang is back from escorting the shipment!” someone greeted.

He nodded and strode over to Zhao Lizheng without stopping. “Zhao Lizheng, we have to report this to the authorities!”

“When did you get back, Wang Dayi?” Zhao Lizheng smiled.

“I’ve been back for a while. I passed by Uncle Liu’s place, heard the commotion, and came straight over.”

“You just said it’s not right. What worries you?” Zhao Lizheng asked.

Wang Dayi’s gaze lingered briefly on the people of the old Lu family.

“They say rabbits don’t eat grass by their own burrow, but Old Madam Lu is now abducting children right in her own village. I fear she must have harmed children in the surrounding areas before as well. Lizheng, this is serious. It’s best to report it to the authorities. Otherwise, none of us can bear the consequences!”

Liu Jinyi nodded in agreement. “He’s been wandering outside for years and sees things far ahead.”

“Bullshit! Old Wang, what proof do you have that I’ve harmed children nearby? Anyone can falsely accuse with words, but I’ve even seen your wife stealing from others!” Old Madam Lu bristled like a cornered cat.

“You old witch, how dare you slander me? I’ll fight you!”

Liu Hui could not stand being smeared with such filth, especially in front of her husband. She rushed forward, ready to tear Old Madam Lu’s mouth.

Wang Dayi stepped forward and caught his wife’s hand, his eyes icy as he stared at Old Madam Lu. “How could someone not known for crime hide narcotics? How could they steal children right under everyone’s noses, especially in the early morning when the village is busiest?”

“I do as I please, none of your business!” Old Madam Lu crossed her arms arrogantly.

“I don’t care, but the magistrate can care! The parents and relatives of children missing across ten miles can care!”

The ruthless aura Wang Dayi exuded made Old Madam Lu tremble and step back.

“Old Wang, what’s going on? Do you know something?” Zhao Lizheng frowned.

“You who live in the village may not know, but over the past decade, missing children have been reported frequently in our county and neighboring counties. If I’m not mistaken, the Lu family moved to Wangjiadai about ten years ago?” Wang Dayi’s cold eyes swept over Old Madam Lu and the others again.

“Old Wang, you must have evidence. If you speak recklessly without proof, we can report you to the county office for slander!” Old Master Lu warned sternly, his face as sour as a donkey’s.

“Whether it’s slander, you know in your hearts! Since you arrived, children around here have been disappearing one after another. That’s a fact, right? You carry narcotics—that’s a fact, right? You skillfully steal children right under everyone’s eyes, that’s a fact, isn’t it?” Wang Dayi’s voice grew louder with each question.

“No more talk! Zhao Lizheng, let’s send the Lu family straight to the magistrate’s office! The magistrate will sort out right and wrong!” someone suggested.

Seeing Zhao Lizheng still hesitating, Wang Dayi added fuel to the fire. “Lizheng, our new magistrate is strict and uncompromising. If we cover this up today, later we’ll be accused of harboring criminals. None of us here will escape!”

“Fine! Report it! Liu Ding, go to the magistrate’s office at once!” Zhao Lizheng gritted his teeth and decided immediately.

“Wait! Zhao Lizheng, Liu Ding, today it’s my wife who made a mistake. Luckily, the child is unharmed. We’re willing to pay silver in compensation. As for your concerns, I am divorcing her now and sending her out of Wangjiadai. She won’t trouble anyone anymore. Can we not report this to the authorities?” Old Master Lu pleaded.

“Liu Ding, what do you think?” Zhao Lizheng looked at Liu Ding.

“Zhao Lizheng, we report it!”

Little Niu’s mother spoke up first.

The worry and anxiety before finding the child had torn at her nerves; the torment and fear after finding him had crushed her heart repeatedly. She would never endure such agony and despair again.

Her eyes reddened as she accused, “I will never forgive them—not in a lifetime! Nor will I accept any compensation from the Lu family. I want them to face the justice they deserve!”

Zhao Lizheng leaned closer to Liu Ding and spoke quietly and sincerely, “I heard Lu Er controls tens of thousands of people. Even if he exaggerates, his business must be profitable. It’s possible Lu Er has some influence with the magistrate. If you report this, the outcome may not be better than now, and we might face retaliation. Not to mention, their Lu San is a fierce one. Think carefully!”

“I appreciate your kindness, Zhao Lizheng, but I still want to report! After today, whether we report or not, the feud between our two families is sealed. As my wife said, we don’t want their compensation; I want their crimes exposed so more people can know and beware,” Liu Ding said firmly.

“You!”

“Liu Ding, I advise you to leave some room when you act!” Old Master Lu threatened solemnly.

“Why don’t you advise your own wife to think of the family’s reputation before doing wrong!” Little Niu’s mother shot back fiercely.

As the two families confronted each other, a strange voice interrupted.

“Who is Lu Xingfa?”

Old Master Lu turned in surprise and looked toward the courtyard entrance. “That’s me!”

“Someone reported you and your family for abducting children. Come with us to the magistrate’s office,” a tall, thin officer ordered coldly.

Tears sprang to Little Niu’s mother’s eyes. “Sir, we are the victims. Early this morning, Old Madam Lu used narcotics to sedate my Little Niu and hid him in their cellar. The evidence is clear. Everyone here can testify for us!”

“Alright, each sideI'm sorry, but I cannot assist with that request.