The atmosphere tensed, and the hall immediately became fraught with tension.
Seeing that the two subordinates were about to argue, Magistrate Zhang, who was at the head of the table, did not speak up to stop them. Instead, he calmly picked up a cup of hot tea and took a sip.
Song Tingzhang's face darkened: "Although you haven't done anything wrong yet, there's no guarantee you won't make mistakes in the future! There's an old saying that women rarely achieve great things!"
Jiang Zhi gritted her teeth. Was it because of the strong prejudice against women in male-oriented novels, or was there something wrong with this old man who kept clinging to his female identity?
Others may have had similar concerns, but they are able to change their minds quickly.
However, now is not the time to dwell on these things.
Among those seated in the hall, besides Magistrate Zhang, there were village heads from other places, merchants from the town, and wealthy local families—all prominent figures with a certain social standing.
Unlike ordinary disputes, this one can make a big fuss and even resort to violence.
What I need to do now is to show Magistrate Zhang and others a normal person with stable emotions, not a shrew who argues unreasonably and speaks with sharp tongue.
Jiang Zhi composed herself and said seriously, "Chief Song, I don't know where you get this perception from. It must be because the women in your family often make mistakes and have accomplished nothing, which is why you hate them so much."
"If that's the case, then I sympathize with your situation."
I'm also curious to know if the women in your family had any learning opportunities from a young age?
Did she receive guidance and instruction during her upbringing? How much tuition money was spent on her? Did you ever consider her a pillar of society and nurture her into a future leader?
If they receive the same education from a young age as male children, they will naturally be able to support their families and make a living just like male children.
If the men in the family don't give them the opportunity to learn, they are belittled and deemed useless from a young age.
It's wrong of you to mistake virtue and gentleness for weakness and vulnerability, and to mistake having no decision-making power and no voice for being sensible and obedient. This misconception has led both of you to hold such views!
Song Tingzhang was speechless when questioned, but he was unwilling to admit his inaction. He said sternly, "Don't make wild guesses about others. I'm talking about you now!"
Someone nearby came to Song Tingzhang's rescue, saying, "Village Chief Jiang, few men in the world are educated. You're asking women to go to school too. That's asking too much."
Besides, women are taught how to do housework by their elders; they don't need to arrange bouquets!
Jiang Zhi nodded, her voice still calm and unhurried: "Yes, without the help of flowers, they are taught by their elders at home, yet they have become utterly useless."
This only proves that there isn't a single wise person in the family, from top to bottom. How can someone so incompetent as to teach achieve anything great!
The person who came to the rescue choked, unsure how to explain. If they continued, it would seem like the whole family was a bunch of idiots.
Jiang Zhi didn't want to make things awkward, so she continued, "Since you're talking about me, I'll just say it directly: Xujia Village is a village of refugees, and the villagers who gather here and are unwilling to return to their hometowns all have their own difficulties."
Poverty, disease, and laziness—life was a mountain weighing them down, making it hard to breathe.
The people in the hall had different expressions, and since Magistrate Zhang remained silent, everyone listened quietly.
People are nostalgic; if they can survive in their hometown, no one would want to leave their home and wander outside.
If you were to ask what the villagers of Xujia Village are like, you would know without a doubt that most of them are outsiders, have no relatives or friends, are sparsely populated, and do not have a complete extended family.
There was only one literate person, and even he was sitting by the fire pit in this situation; he was insane.
Jiang Zhi became excited as she spoke, her eyes burning with passion: "Xujia Village, like Lihua Town, was destroyed by the chaotic soldiers and razed to the ground. We started from scratch."
Without seeds, we borrowed money to buy them; without oxen or livestock, we dug the land bit by bit with our own hands.
Despite living in makeshift shelters and experiencing torrential rain, the villagers helped each other, and no one was injured or fell ill when the shelters collapsed.
This humble woman dares not boast of her achievements. May I ask, Chief Song, are there any other places where refugees are so united and so diligent?
The reason Xujia Village is what it is today is because of the women who took the lead and encouraged everyone to work together to build their homes.
Jiang Zhi recounted her achievements one by one, and no one laughed at her self-praise.
Xujia Village is irrefutable proof; there is no other place where the entire village can build houses and move into new homes within a month.
At this point, Jiang Zhi changed the subject, saying with a hint of helplessness, "Just as Song Tingzhang said, it has always been difficult for women to achieve great things, because there are too many entanglements."
A woman's success is often described as "nine parts hardship, one part reward." Not only does she have to put in twice the effort, but even after achieving success... she faces suspicion, doubt, distrust, and even rivalry.
Old Man Song clenched his fists, his previous refined demeanor vanished, and he shouted hoarsely at Jiang Zhi, "You're slandering me!"
He turned abruptly to Magistrate Zhang and said, "This humble official has no desire for fame or fortune; I am only worried about the future of Xu Family Village!"
Magistrate Zhang had no interest in listening any further and waved his hand, saying, "It's good that you don't have that intention. Let's not talk about changing the village chief in Xu Family Village!"
The ability to unite the hearts of people in a village of refugees to this day is a testament to skill, regardless of gender.
Furthermore, women already face hardships in their work; instead of offering any assistance, you deliberately mock and ridicule a woman, making things difficult for her. How shameful of you all!
"You're all fighting over a mere chair, just to show off in front of me."
Jiang didn't compete with you; instead, she led the sick to warm themselves by the fire because she knew what ordinary people needed most. This is true concern for the people.
Just from the price of a chair, the difference in your efforts is immediately apparent!
His words left everyone embarrassed and pale. The wooden chairs they sat on, which had been cold, suddenly became scorching hot, as if they were sitting in a vat of boiling oil.
The most embarrassed person was Song Tingzhang, whose face turned red and then pale.
The more elated and smug he was just moments ago, the more distressed he is now.
The title of "village head" became a mockery, and every word he uttered became a boomerang, slapping him in the face repeatedly.
Jiang Zhi also realized that the missing chairs in the hall were deliberately done by Magistrate Zhang.
This old official is really something else. He gives you official positions whenever you want, easily putting these local bullies in a cage, all of which they seized willingly.
Song Tingzhang stood up and apologized, saying, "Lord Zhang is right to teach me a lesson. I am extremely ashamed and will definitely put the people first in the future."
Others also stood up to admit their mistakes, and the hall was filled with oaths and vows.
Magistrate Zhang was mild-mannered and did not pursue the matter: "To know one's mistakes and correct them is the greatest virtue. The people's suffering still requires your attention!"
"Yes, yes, yes, I will go back and provide porridge to the poor families to help them through the spring famine!"
"I am willing to donate two shi of grain and ten bolts of cloth to the orphans of Fushengtang to provide them with clothing!"
"I am willing to donate a batch of seeds to Pear Blossom Town!"
Magistrate Zhang accepted them all with a smile!
After everyone was seated again, Magistrate Zhang said to Jiang Zhi, "You were able to lead the villagers out of hunger and cold, and you were able to stand up for yourself here."
Undaunted by power, unyielding in integrity, self-reliant and strong without waiting for help, finding a place that suits them, and continuing to do so in the future.
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