Enraged, the villagers of Beixian County started shouting again.
Sun Chengen walked up to them, his voice icy. As soon as he appeared, the villagers' shouts subsided.
From his clothing and demeanor, the villagers could tell that he was no ordinary person.
"This courtyard was rented by the He family. If you don't want things to escalate, you'd better leave now!"
"Outsiders can't go beachcombing? We've lived on the South Island for years and have never heard of such a rule."
"If you had been more polite just now, perhaps we would have returned the fish and shrimp to you. But such domineering behavior is unacceptable to us!"
"Please leave immediately. There are patients resting in the courtyard. If you disturb their health and it gets taken to court, it won't be good for anyone..."
Upon hearing that there was a patient in the hospital, the people outside paused for a moment, then erupted in excitement.
Since we can't disturb them, they'll have to make a big scene; maybe then they can get even more money!
"A patient? Who are you people to send someone to Beixian County like this! If someone dies here, none of the houses around here will be able to be sold. Move out now!"
"Yes! You're not allowed to stay here!"
......
Before Xu Zhen could react, Ruan Meng heard the vicious words, pushed through the crowd, and slapped the person who was spouting nonsense twice across the face!
"Didn't your mother teach you to speak properly?"
"Why do you curse others when you're perfectly fine?"
"These two slaps will teach you a lesson. If anyone dares to say another word, I'll hit them too!"
Ruan Meng's imposing presence instantly intimidated many people.
The other party, a thug, saw that Ruan Meng was beautiful and looked her up and down with a lewd expression.
The second and third sons, along with the Song and Fan brothers, saw this and stood in front of Ruan Meng.
Sun Chengen ordered his guards, "Protect Miss Ruan!"
The guards lined up in a row, using their bodies to block the troublemakers from leaving.
Just as a fight was about to break out, Xu Zhen signaled to his men, who stepped forward and identified themselves to the villagers of Beixian.
"Gentlemen, I apologize for the intrusion. The family members of an ailing official reside in this courtyard. We originally did not wish to disturb the common people, but now..."
"If there is any misunderstanding, please resolve it properly. If it is a problem with the fish and shrimp, we can return them. Please understand and leave as soon as possible, as the sick person at home needs to rest."
The villagers looked at the thugs, understood their signals, and showed no weakness.
What high-ranking officials could there be on the South Island? The prefectural governor was stationed in the North County, and whenever mining officials arrived, they would first contact the prefectural governor...
Would officials secretly live in secluded courtyards?
It's obvious at a glance that this is some nobody, at most just some yamen runners and melon growers from the other three counties trying to show off.
The villagers looked at them with sneers. "Sir? Official's wife? What a show of power! Even if it were the Emperor himself, we wouldn't let him stay here!"
"What's more, it's someone with a disease! What bad luck!"
......
These people started arguing, and Sun Chengen signaled to A Yuan to lead the guards in giving the person who was spouting nonsense a good beating!
The thugs had a clear objective: to harm Sun Chengen. Ruan Meng stood in front of them, and the Fan brothers protected her, leading to a chaotic brawl.
Xu Zhen's eyes turned cold, and he beckoned his men to come closer.
Upon hearing the order, the subordinate ran towards the backyard.
Taking advantage of a moment when no one was paying attention, A Yuan ran away with a guard, but was discovered by the thugs and villagers. Fearing that they would call for reinforcements, he also left in several groups.
Ruan Meng stepped out and walked to Xu Zhen's side. "I'll give Madam acupuncture to help her sleep more soundly without disturbing her. Don't worry, sir!"
Xu Zhen cupped his hands in greeting.
After Ruan Meng came out of the house, Xu Zhen went in to check on her before coming out himself.
He stood on the inside of the courtyard, out of sight of those outside.
The He family's helpers arrived quickly, and the people arranged by the Sun family's steward also rushed over.
The surrounding villagers quickly approached, and the small courtyard blocked the entrance to the alley, leading to a standoff between the two sides.
Several constables rushed over, having been led there by the thugs.
Everyone who saw this frowned.
"So it's you who're causing trouble?"
As soon as the yamen runners arrived, they began to reprimand them arrogantly.
The capable stewards of the He and Sun families stepped forward and explained the situation. Upon hearing the names, the other party's attitude softened slightly, but they still sided with the villagers and the thugs.
"Officer, it's nothing serious. Why make such a big deal out of such a small matter?"
"Exactly! I don't think you're all such unreasonable people! Since you're staying here, how could you cause a conflict with the villagers? We villagers from Beixian are all very easy to talk to!"
......
On the way here, A Yuan had already explained the situation, and Sun Chengen had also stated his position. There was no need for them to wag their tails and beg for mercy. Even if the magistrate of Bei County made things difficult for them, the Sun family was not someone to be trifled with!
Moreover, there is a large Buddha statue in the courtyard. As long as they do what they should do, remain humble yet assertive, and distinguish right from wrong, someone will still be able to see it.
The stewards from the He and Sun families remained silent, and the atmosphere calmed down, becoming somewhat awkward.
The constables glared at them. If they didn't beg for mercy, how could they set a price?!
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