Chapter 85: Taking the Initiative

 

“An eye for an eye!”

 

With just a few words, Jing Yi stirred up a sense of adolescent enthusiasm and lofty aspirations among the young men present.

 

Exactly! Why should we, who run an honest business, endure being beaten? This can’t stand!

 

“Husband! Why are you teaching them this!” Chuxia was a bit anxious, not because he was afraid of trouble, but because he felt these were half-grown kids. It was the time to instill a sense of right and wrong. If they didn’t learn properly now, what would happen later?

 

“Xiaxia, don’t worry. Our kids are reasonable and sensible,” Jing Yi reassured Chuxia. These kids are raised right; they won’t go astray.

 

“You’ve all studied ‘The Analects,’ right? ‘Repay injury with justice, and repay kindness with kindness.'” Jing Yi asked.

 

“Straightforwardly repay injury and kindly repay kindness!” Chen Jiawen, who had been doing well in his studies, immediately responded.

 

“We run a legitimate business and haven’t wronged anyone. Today, Big Brother is teaching you, as future men of the family, that you can’t be bullied for no reason, especially when it comes to your family! If someone doesn’t provoke us, we won’t provoke them. But if someone provokes us, even if we have to dig three feet into the ground, we will find them!”

 

This includes the steward of the Liu family, Jing Yi remembers that clearly. He will settle the score slowly.

 

“Yes, Big Brother!” The three young men shouted so loudly that someone might think some underground organization was going revolutionary.

 

“Good, calm down, everyone. Jiawen, tell us about yesterday.” Jing Yi gestured for them to keep their voices down.

 

“Big Brother Jing, Brother Chuxia, yesterday morning, as usual, I went to sell popsicles in the Alley…” Chen Jiawen slowly recounted.

 

Now that the weather isn’t as hot, popsicles don’t sell as fast as they did in the past two months, but with a bit more effort, the sales are still considerable.

 

Yesterday morning, Chen Jiawen went to the Yinger Alley as usual. When he was about to leave, there were still about ten popsicles left in the wooden box. He planned to shout and sell them on the way back to the store, and by the time he reached there, they would be almost sold out.

 

When he was about to leave Yinger Alley, a young man came and said he wanted ten popsicles but needed help delivering them to the store. Chen Jiawen agreed without hesitation, quickly carrying the wooden box and following the man.

 

But the further they went, the stranger’s behavior became stranger. He turned into a narrow alley, where most houses had walls surrounding their courtyards. Only a few backyard doors opened on this side, and they weren’t frequently used due to their proximity to outhouses, stables, and storage sheds.

 

Chen Jiawen is quite clever. As soon as he entered the alley, he sensed something was wrong, turned around, and tried to run. However, the remaining three attackers ambushed him and immediately started the fight without wasting words.

 

Chen Jiawen didn’t back down, but facing eight hands with just his fists, he eventually had to huddle his body to protect his organs and cover his head with both hands.

 

After the four thugs gradually stopped, the apparent leader said, “Search his pockets; let’s get out of here!”

 

Two of them went to grab the wooden box and money bag. Chen Jiawen, feeling indignant, held onto the wooden box tightly. However, someone smashed his head with the box, and he fell unconscious.

 

Later, after the four villains stopped, the apparent leader said, “He fainted just like that? Haha, really can’t take a hit! Open it up and see, why is this kid protecting it so tightly?”

 

“Brother Dao, it’s the popsicles! Hehe, let’s split the leftovers later!” Thug number one said.

 

“It’s Brother Dao indeed, let’s split them! That guy told us to rob, but he didn’t ask us to take these for him.” Thug number two chimed in.

 

“Alright, alright! Don’t just let you guys eat; since this kid is protecting them so much, leave him a few when he wakes up!” The leader threw four or five popsicles on the ground, stomped on them hard, making them dirty and unpleasant.

 

“Don’t be too careful; someone will come later! Let’s go, we’ll go back to get money from him!”

 

With that, the leader left with his three followers.

 

After Chen Jiawen finished speaking, there was silence in the hospital room for a while. This was not a small matter, and everyone was pondering.

 

“This matter is quite serious, and someone is clearly directing it from behind. To deal with this thug called ‘Brother Dao,’ we must ensure a direct hit; otherwise, they may not reveal the mastermind.” Jing Yi pondered for a while before speaking.

 

“Jiawen, trust Big Brother Jing; he will definitely help you get justice. I’ll go back and inquire about the plan first. Don’t worry; vengeance is a dish best served cold.” Jing Yi promised Chen Jiawen solemnly.

 

“I definitely trust Big Brother!” Chen Jiawen immediately responded. He firmly believed in Jing Yi’s abilities and the principles of the Jing family.

 

After Jing Yi returned from the clinic, he locked himself in his room, contemplating for a long time.

 

Although it seemed like a simple case of robbery and assault, Jing Yi felt it wasn’t that straightforward. The relationships among people in ancient times were intricate, and he didn’t dare to act recklessly.

 

A well-thought-out plan is a must before any action, with multiple backup plans for unexpected situations.

 

On the other hand, before taking action, he went to have a drink with Huang Second Brother, discussing the matter with him.

 

Although the incident wasn’t significant, if it was indeed related to the ice business, they would inevitably need to borrow Huang Family’s influence. So, notifying them in advance was a matter of courtesy.

 

“Damn it! These bastards are playing dirty tricks! Jing Yi, my brother, go ahead and handle it. Don’t let them think we’re scared. Otherwise, you and I won’t be able to stand in Fuyang Town and Anchang County in the future! Letting people take advantage of us!”

 

“For heaven’s sake! If they’re really targeting the ice business, do they think I, Huang Yansen, was banished to Fuyang Town?! Do they really think I’m not in charge of things in the Huang family anymore?!”

 

Although he had previously considered distancing himself from Qingzhou Prefecture due to pressure, now the Huang family valued Jing Yi. The importance of him continuing to stay in Fuyang Town was self-evident.

 

“Second Brother, calm down. I’ll go ‘inquire’ first,” Jing raised an eyebrow, indicating that this “inquiry” was not ordinary.

 

“You go ahead! If something happens, I’ve got your back,” Huang Second Brother said, his expression turning serious towards the end. Handling the local thugs was one thing; beating them to a pulp was another.

 

“Not necessary. Making them have an unforgettable experience is the best hospitality,” Jing Yi smirked. If someone dared to lay a hand on his people, they wouldn’t leave unscathed.

 

Huang Second Brother: ‘Brother, stop smiling. I’m scared for my life.’

 

Five days later, in a large courtyard on the outskirts south of Fuyang Town.

 

This courtyard, originally occupied by a few farming families with fields to the south of the town, caught the attention of Brother Dao. He forcibly bought it at an extremely low price, moved in with a few cronies, and idled away his time. They’d steal a chicken from the Zhang family, a fish from the Li family, or harass and flirt with the nearby young ladies and gers. These actions made them hated by all but no one dared to report to the officials, fearing retaliation.

 

That night, miserable cries echoed from the thugs’ yard. Nearby residents, initially concerned and thinking they might have intensified their abuse, hesitated but decided to ignore it. However, they soon realized it was the thugs wailing.

 

Wait a minute! Why does it sound like those hooligans?

 

No doubt about it! They’ve finally kicked the iron plate!

 

The locals joyfully closed their doors and windows, went to bed contentedly, looking forward to another beautiful day tomorrow.

 

In the evening, Jing gathered his troops, including Steward Tong, Jing Ming, Jing Renhe, Jing Renyi, and three young lads. Then, serendipitously, Jing Feng and the sturdy lad Lin Xinsheng insisted on joining. In total, ten people.

 

Most were strong, tall men, and the few young teenagers were already as sturdy as young men. To deal with the men under “Brother Dao,” they were more than enough.

 

When night fell, the operation began.

 

Jing took the lead, showcasing his impeccable skills. Running, supporting, and leaping, he effortlessly scaled the courtyard wall. Silently opening the courtyard gate from the inside, he waited for the others to enter. Once everyone was inside, Steward Tong carefully closed the door, securing the latch.

 

Steward Tong: ‘The master instructed not to let anyone escape.’

 

Jing carefully observed the people in the courtyard and inside the house. Seeing “Brother Dao” and his gang drinking in the main room, he thought it would be effortless. Signaling the others, they charged inside.

 

Being cautious due to the weapon control in Da Yuan, each of them carried a wooden stick for self-defense. Before the operation, they emphasized the primary task – ensuring their own “Don’t just stand there. As discussed before, everyone take action. Two of you, come over and help me tie him up!” Jing stepped on Brother Dao’s shoulder, not bothering to look back as he instructed.

 

This command awakened the remaining thugs, and they began picking up whatever they could find to resist. However, Jing Yi’s group was well-prepared. Although Jing Yi himself was safety comes first.

 

“Bang!” The dilapidated wooden door of the main room was kicked open and crashed down.

 

“Who’s there?!” The drunken thugs inside the room squinted and looked towards the sound.

 

“It’s me, your grandpa!” Dongshan and Xiao An followed behind Jing Yi and Steward Tong, entering like two monkeys. Upon hearing the questions, they quickly and simultaneously replied, having heard enough stories.

 

At this moment, Jing Yi was a man of action, few words but leading the way. He quickly reached the leader of the thugs, throwing powerful punches, each one more forceful than the last.

 

Brother Dao was already slightly drunk, and the successive heavy punches confused him. Initially resisting, he soon couldn’t hold his ground, staggering backward until he was sent flying.

 

Jing Yi efficiently dealt with the leader. Front and back, not even ten seconds had passed. Not to mention the remaining four thugs were dumbfounded; even their allies were somewhat stunned.

 

But quickly recovering, every man admired Jing Yi for swiftly subduing the opponent.

 

barehanded, the others came armed.

 

While the fight lacked any formal technique, the numerical advantage ensured they easily subdued the enemies. Each person had some injuries except for Jing Yi.

 

After the scuffle, the four thugs were tied up. Jing Yi kicked one of them down next to Brother Dao. His three younger brothers imitated him, creating a pile with the remaining thugs.

 

Now it was time for the interrogation. Xiao An cleverly brought a chair for Jing Yi and even wiped it with his sleeve, flattering, “Big Brother, please have a seat.”

 

Jing Yi glanced at his second brother inexplicably, wondering what kind of flattery this was.

 

Little did he know that the men present were quite impressed by the spectacular and swift fighting scenes just witnessed.