Chapter 222 Mother and Son Standoff
Government staff rarely visit the courtyard, but their visits usually indicate that something big is about to happen.
So as soon as the staff from the educated youth office came in, everyone gathered around the Yu family to watch the excitement.
Everyone was wondering what the Yu family had done wrong, and a group of people were whispering among themselves.
Until the leading officer spoke up,
Everyone was startled.
Escaped educated youth?
"Escaped educated youth" refers to those educated youth who, during the Down to the Countryside Movement, left their rural locations without organizational approval and returned to the cities.
When the people from the educated youth office appeared at the Yu family's house, it was obvious who the "escaped" educated youth they were referring to were.
Everyone's eyes immediately turned to Ren Xiaosheng, who was standing next to Yu Junsheng.
"Good heavens, could it be that the eldest son of the Ren family really did sneak back?"
"No way, how could he be so bold?"
At the doorway, Yu Junsheng and Ren Xiaosheng exchanged a glance.
Ren Xiaosheng had a premonition.
Yu Junsheng was right; the Ren family wouldn't give up on sending him back to the countryside so easily.
Hearing the commotion, Cheng Jiajia couldn't help but come out and stand behind the two men. "Comrade, is there some misunderstanding? There are no educated youth who have escaped to our family."
Although Ren Xiaosheng was an educated youth sent to the countryside, he didn't sneak back.
Hearing a woman openly question his work, the leader spoke in an unfriendly tone, "What misunderstanding? The complaint letter has been sent to our office. It clearly states that it's your tenement, your home."
"Hurry up and tell the truth!"
His gaze shifted between Yu Junsheng and Ren Xiaosheng, finally settling on Ren Xiaosheng.
"Which of you is Ren Xiaosheng? Come with us right now to assist with the investigation!"
Yu Junsheng and Cheng Jiajia both frowned, feeling a surge of anger.
It's definitely the Ren family, no doubt about it!
The people outside the courtyard had no idea that Ren Xiaosheng lived in their house.
Aside from the Ren family, the neighbors in the tenement couldn't think of anyone else who would be so against Ren Xiaosheng returning to the city.
Yu Jun was furious and cursed, "The person who reported this will have a son without an anus, and he'll never be able to eat three dishes in his entire life!"
If it weren't for the Ren family's doing, he would have written the character "Yu" backwards!
What kind of person would be so cruel to their own son!
I wish he were dead!
Those damn Guan Ailian and Ren Wenhua!
The staff member from the educated youth office frowned and shouted, "What's all this noise about!"
With a stern face, he spoke harshly to Yu Junsheng: "Anyone who sees unhealthy tendencies has the obligation and responsibility to report them. This is the mission entrusted to us by the revolution! Comrade, I think there is something wrong with your thinking! Faced with reports, you do not repent but instead try to argue here. Do you also need to go to the farm for some reform?"
As soon as he finished speaking, two of his staff members stepped forward, and judging from their posture, they were really going to come forward and take him away.
The onlookers were stunned.
No, they're actually arresting people?
Yu Junsheng's heart sank.
Cheng Jiajia frowned and looked at Yu Junsheng with concern.
These people have come with ill intentions; things are likely to end badly.
He squeezed Cheng Jiajia's hand to reassure her that he had read Ren Xiaosheng's letter of introduction, so how could he possibly be fleeing back?
Even the office for educated youth cannot arbitrarily arrest people.
Cheng Jiajia felt somewhat relieved.
Then Yu Junsheng said calmly, "If it's true, then it's naturally correct. But if it's fabricated, then it's pure slander. We can't encourage this kind of unhealthy trend. Otherwise, if anyone who doesn't like something goes around making baseless accusations, wouldn't that create chaos?"
Even so, the leader-like man did not relax his brow, but instead said in a deep, displeased voice:
"You say the whistleblower report is slander, but it's clearly stated in the whistleblower letter. Would the whistleblower falsely accuse you?"
Yu Junsheng wanted to say that it was really slander. What stupid things wouldn't those heartless, rotten-hearted people who can't stand seeing others do well do?
But Ren Xiaosheng tugged at Yu Junsheng's arm, signaling that it was okay.
Yu Junsheng has already done enough for him; if anything really happens this time, he can't let it implicate him.
Ren Xiaosheng then took two steps forward and gave a self-deprecating smile, “Comrade, if you are looking for educated youth who have returned to the city, you are probably referring to me. However, I did not escape back; rather, I returned to the city through formal channels with a letter of introduction from the village.”
Before he could finish speaking, a staff member behind him, with a dark expression, berated him:
"You think it's legitimate just because you say so? Whether it's legitimate or not will be determined after an investigation! Come back with us right now!"
The other staff members were also very impatient. Seeing Ren Xiaosheng dawdling, they planned to just take him away.
Yu Junsheng quickly stopped him, saying, "You have no right to speak without investigation. This matter hasn't been verified yet. It's too hasty for you to conclude that Ren Xiaosheng is an educated youth who escaped from the countryside based on just some one-sided statements!"
Ren Xiaosheng wasn't stupid. He glanced around at the people and deliberately spoke loudly, "We educated youth responded to the nation's call to go to the countryside and the border regions, all to contribute to the country's development. I have always actively participated and have never had any thought of disobeying the organization's arrangements. You've labeled me a 'runaway educated youth' based on baseless speculation, which is really hurtful to the hearts of many educated youth like me who have devoted themselves to the revolution!"
"If people who return to the city legally are labeled as deserters, who will dare to go to the countryside in the long run? Who will build up such vast rural areas?"
It's just labeling, it's not like only they can do that!
With the "Down to the Countryside Movement" in full swing, he didn't believe these staff members would dare let the rumors get out.
Sure enough, the staff members who had been so arrogant just moments before immediately panicked.
Staring at Ren Xiaosheng, she said, "No, that's not what we meant. Don't talk nonsense!"
If this gets out and affects the "Down to the Countryside Movement" policy, they'll be in deep trouble.
The neighbors who had been watching the commotion in the courtyard also joined in, loudly expressing their indignation:
"Leaders, Xiaosheng is right. The matter has not even been verified yet, and you have already labeled him as a fugitive. That is very wrong."
"That's right. We've watched Xiaosheng grow up. He's not the kind of cunning person who would sneak back."
"You come to take people away before the matter has even been confirmed? Is this how all your officials do things?"
"Bah! Those corrupt officials who only know how to oppress the people!"
Staff: "..."
No, if these people keep talking, they'll all become corrupt officials who treat human life like dirt.
The group exchanged glances, and the leader pressed his hands down, saying loudly, "Everyone, don't get agitated! We are absolutely not accusing anyone. We just received a letter of introduction and came to invite Comrade Ren Xiaosheng back for investigation. If the contents of the accusation are found to be untrue after investigation, we will let him go."
"Don't worry, everyone, we're not bullying anyone! If Comrade Ren hasn't made any mistakes, then no one will do anything to him!"
Yu Junsheng and the other two understood his unspoken meaning: if Ren Xiaosheng really escaped back, then what awaited him was only a labor camp.
However, this also relieved them.
The fact that this person could say such a thing at least proves that he is not the kind of person who would convict someone based on one-sided accounts.
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief: "So that's how it is!"
"That's more like it!"
“Cadre, let me tell you, Xiaosheng is definitely innocent.”
Seeing the shift in public opinion, a look of satisfaction flashed in the eyes of the middle-aged man who was in the lead.
"Comrade Ren Xiaosheng, come with us!"
"no!"
"no!"
Two voices rang out simultaneously.
Yu Junsheng had thought it through. If he were taken away by them, who knew what rumors would spread? Even if he was released after the investigation was completed, people would still think that he might have committed some crime.
This is detrimental to Ren Xiaosheng's reputation and may even affect his future return to the city.
Ren Xiaosheng thought so too, and the tall man stood motionless at the doorway.
Even though the middle-aged man in the lead looked displeased, he remained adamant in his stance:
"If any leaders have any questions, please ask them here. There's nothing that can't be known."
Ren Xiaosheng turned slightly to the side and took out a letter of introduction that he always carried with him from the inside pocket of his clothes: "Dear leaders, I am here in Beicheng on behalf of the local village to find a market for our mountain products. I will only stay in the city for a short time and will return to the countryside after this matter is settled. This is clearly stated on the letter of introduction."
"I don't know where I violated the policy of sending educated youth to the countryside, but it actually caused several leaders to come to my door."
After saying that, he handed the letter of introduction to the middle-aged man who looked like a leader.
The middle-aged man took it and examined it carefully, then his expression softened considerably.
"I'm sorry, sir, it's our fault for not doing our job properly..."
Before he could finish speaking, Guan Ailian jumped out anxiously.
She pointed at Ren Xiaosheng and spat heavily, "Pah! Leader, don't be fooled by this ingrate! His letter of introduction is fake. I'm his own mother, don't you think I don't know what kind of person he is? What ability could he possibly have to find a market for people's mountain products? He's definitely lying to you!"
"That little ingrate has been a liar since he was a child. Boss, you can't let him fool you!"
With a loud bang, the entire venue erupted in a clamor.
The middle-aged man's expression suddenly changed, and he took back the letter of introduction that he had originally intended to return to Ren Xiaosheng.
His gaze toward Ren Xiaosheng turned sharp.
The staff behind him also began to look at Ren Xiaosheng with hostility.
Is this true?
Cheng Jiajia and Yu Junsheng looked at Ren Xiaosheng with concern; they hadn't expected Guan Ailian to be so ruthless.
Ren Xiaosheng didn't know what expression to make.
Even though Ren Xiaosheng had no expectations of his parents, his heart felt like it had been pricked by a needle at that moment.
Is this some kind of desperate attempt to drive oneself to ruin?
Guan Ailian couldn't possibly be unaware of what would happen if she were truly believed to have forged a letter of introduction and fled back to the city.
She truly didn't care at all whether she lived or died.
Ren Xiaosheng suddenly felt a surge of hatred.
Why treat yourself like this?
He's already far away from the Ren family, so why do they still have the audacity to come and disrupt his peaceful life?!
Originally, he only intended to keep to himself and the Ren family, but since Guan Ailian was pushing him to the brink, he wouldn't hold back.
Before Ren Xiaosheng could answer, the neighbors who couldn't stand it any longer spoke up for him.
"Guan Ailian, what nonsense are you spouting? Xiaosheng is the most honest child. When has he ever been the most prone to lying? If he were really that cunning, would you still be abusing him and starving him all the time?"
"I think the one who really loves to lie is the second son, isn't he?"
"Boss, you absolutely mustn't believe Guan Ailian. That woman is vicious. She disliked her eldest son when he was a child, not feeding him, not letting him go to school, making him do all the housework, and occasionally beating him. She just can't stand to see her eldest son doing well. I'm telling you, Xiaosheng just came back and she said he ran away and wanted to send him back to the countryside. She doesn't care at all how her child has been doing in the countryside all these years. I bet she's the one who reported him."
"Hehe, I think she's afraid Xiaosheng will come back and take over the house, so she's trying to find ways to send the child back to the countryside. Xiaosheng is such a pitiful child!"
"Boss, you can't trust this woman!"
Guan Ailian had almost incurred public wrath, and people began to criticize her.
There's no other reason than that Guan Ailian was simply too cruel.
"Look how high Aunt Guan is jumping, as if Boss Ren isn't her son. She really wishes her son were dead!"
“I could tell from a young age that Guan Ailian hated her eldest son and wished him dead. I remember one time…”
...
As he listened to these words, Ren Xiaosheng looked at Guan Ailian expressionlessly.
Guan Ailian, feeling guilty under his gaze, looked away. After a long while, she finally spoke, her voice hoarse, "Mom, am I really your son?"
Guan Ailian felt a pang of panic, followed by a surge of anger. Pointing her finger at Ren Xiaosheng's nose, she yelled, "You heartless bastard! I was just worried and confused, and I misunderstood you because I didn't know how you got back to the city. I raised you with my own hands and feet, and you dare to disown me! May you be struck by lightning!"
Ren Xiaosheng remained expressionless. "You care about me? How do you care? Do you want me to slap the label of 'escape' on me and send me back to the countryside as soon as I come back, or do you want to falsely accuse me at the educated youth office?"
"You're making baseless accusations about things you're not even sure about yourself. Are you trying to make me feel better off?"
"No, no, Mom didn't think that way, Mom just, just..."
For some reason, Guan Ailian felt uneasy looking at the cold face of her eldest son, whom she had always disliked, as if something was about to get out of control. She subconsciously began to explain.
Hopefully things can return to normal.
Ren Xiaosheng spoke on her behalf, saying, "You just want me to stay in the countryside my whole life, never come back to fight with your two sons for things, and preferably never amount to anything, right?"
Guan Ailian's secret was exposed, and she felt guilty and dared not speak.
Seeing her like that, everyone understood perfectly well.
They immediately started cursing.
"What a scoundrel!"
"I've never seen a mother harm her child like this, she's so cruel!"
"Absolutely! It was terrifying!"
Chang Dafeng, who had always disliked Guan Ailian's pretentious act, had just watched a good show and was now adding fuel to the fire.
“Guan Ailian, you’re not like this with your two sons. You dote on them and plan for their future. Maybe this eldest son isn’t even your biological son. He doesn’t look like you and your wife at all. This child is so handsome, with such a pretty face…” Chang Dafeng’s words drifted off-topic, her mind wandering to other things, but fortunately, no one noticed.
Everyone's attention was focused on her first two sentences.
Ren Xiaosheng and Guan Ailian don't look alike, and considering how the Ren family has treated Xiaosheng all these years...
Oh my god!
Maybe it really is true!
Everyone was startled by their own thoughts, and then they realized that Guan Ailian had personally witnessed her going to the hospital to give birth. If Ren Xiaosheng was not her child, then where was her biological child?
...
Ren Xiaosheng ignored Guan Ailian and turned to the middle-aged leader, speaking sternly:
"Sir, you can check the official seal on the letter of introduction. It can't be faked. Also, if you still have any doubts, you can call or send a telegram to the village committee to verify the authenticity of this letter of introduction."
Now that things have come to this, Ren Xiaosheng is much calmer. Since the facts are as they are, he has nothing to be ashamed of.
"If it is proven that my letter of introduction is legitimate, shouldn't this act of arbitrarily slandering someone also be punished?"
The middle-aged man gave Ren Xiaosheng a deep look before saying, "Comrade Ren, I need to verify the letter of introduction before returning it to you. We will also contact the village."
Then, he changed the subject.
"However, you have a point. We should also take away and educate those troublemakers who arbitrarily report and slander others. Otherwise, as that comrade just said, if everyone learns to do this and arbitrarily slander and report others just because they don't like them, wouldn't that create chaos?"
Then, the people from the educated youth office questioned Guan Ailian with dark faces.
"You're the one who reported this, aren't you? You're just smearing others for your own selfish desires, adding to our workload!"
"No, it wasn't me!"
Guan Ailian refused to admit it to the death.
Anyway, they have no evidence, so what can they do to themselves?
Unexpectedly, Yu Junsheng suddenly spoke up, "Sir, do you still have that letter of complaint? We should be able to find the whistleblower by looking at the handwriting, right?"
Guan Ailian's expression changed.
Oh no! How could she have forgotten that!
She glared fiercely at Yu Junsheng.
Damn it, you're such a troublemaker!
You little brat, just you wait!
Yu Junsheng raised an eyebrow smugly.
I did it on purpose, so what?
She gritted her teeth and argued, "What handwriting? Doesn't everyone write the same way? How can you tell who wrote it?"
"And what's this about? You're the leader, yet you carry around those whistleblower letters all the time!"
Unfortunately, the middle-aged man ignored her and directly took out a complaint letter from his pocket. "I happen to have brought this complaint letter with me. Could you please help me identify if this is this old lady's handwriting?"
Guan Ailian's face stiffened.
No, how could this person carry a letter with them at all times?
Although everyone was fully aware of Guan Ailian's accusations, they still read the letter for a while.
Having lived in the same courtyard for decades, I am still familiar with Guan Ailian's handwriting.
They nodded vigorously, "It's her, it's her! Guan Ailian, that vicious woman, even harmed her own child!"
The middle-aged man's face darkened, and he looked at Guan Ailian as if she were a piece of garbage. His tone was also very unfriendly: "This lady, you're slandering others for no reason and interfering with our normal work. Come with us."
Guan Ailian panicked. Why were they taking her away?
She shook her head vigorously, "I'm not going, I'm not going!"
She's not stupid; she knows what a good place this could be.
This is not something Guan Ailian can control.
The two staff members behind the middle-aged man, their faces dark, grabbed Guan Ailian from either side and dragged her out of the compound, ignoring her cries and screams.
...
The staff of the educated youth office left, but Ren Xiaosheng's mood remained heavy.
It wasn't because Guan Ailian reported him that he had long since given up on Guan Ailian and knew that she had no maternal feelings for him. Her decision to report him did surprise him, but it wasn't that surprising.
What bothered him was that when he questioned Guan Ailian about whether she was his biological daughter, her eyes flickered and she avoided his gaze, clearly looking guilty.
Ren Xiaosheng now has a deep doubt in his heart: does he really care about Liansheng?
Or rather, is he really a child of the Ren family?
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