Courtyard Houses: Starting with the principle of hard work paying off

Chapter 206 The Stick Causes Trouble, Jia Dongxu Suffers
Now, Bang Geng is five years old and can run around and play around all day. He's not completely clueless.

However, these words coming from Banggeng's mouth shocked everyone around him, and Chen's mother, who originally did not intend to argue with a child, couldn't help but turn cold.

It's one thing for adults to behave this way, but for such a young child to behave like this shows how Qin Huairu or Jia Zhangshi usually treat this child in a harsh and unruly manner at home.

"Bang Geng, what nonsense are you spouting?"

When Qin Huairu was publicly humiliated by the joke, her face instantly turned ugly, and she trembled with anger.

Not only will this matter be difficult to handle later, but also, given Bang Geng's actions, how will the people in the courtyard view Bang Geng and the Jia family?

In this regard.

Qin Huairu felt utterly helpless.

At home, Jia Zhangshi often spoke ill of Li Hongbing and his associates, especially in the last two days.

Even though Qin Huairu would secretly remind and warn her every time to avoid saying something that might cause trouble, she still couldn't hide it this time.

“I’m not making this up. Grandma told me everything. They bullied our family and drove her away…”

Faced with Qin Huairu's reminder and reprimand, Bang Geng not only did not restrain himself, but instead argued back defiantly and started to compete with Qin Huairu.

Qin Huairu did not hold a high position in the Jia family.

They're not even as good as Jia Zhangshi and Jia Dongxu, let alone Bang Geng.

Normally, Banggeng was Jia Zhangshi's precious darling. She never beat or scolded him, and she forbade Jia Dongxu and Qin Huairu to say anything about Banggeng.

It was naturally not Qin Huairu's place to interfere in matters of disciplining children.

Having witnessed Qin Huairu being bossed around by Jia Zhangshi and having no status at home, even though she was his mother, Qin Huairu held no authority whatsoever in the eyes of a young boy like Bang Geng.

With both Jia Zhangshi and Jia Dongxu away, Qin Huairu really had no way to deal with the situation.

"Stick!!"

Qin Huairu's expression immediately changed, and she shouted a reprimand.

Followed by.

Fearing that Bang Geng might say something outrageous again, Qin Huairu apologized to Chen's mother and quickly took Bang Geng and slipped away.

"Sigh, Qin Huairu..."

"You can tell what a person will be like at three, and what they will be like as an adult at seven. If Banggeng is already so young and doesn't learn anything good, what will become of him in the future?"

"This Qin Huairu is really something, she can't even take care of a child, she's just unbelievable."

"What can we do? That brat Banggeng has been spoiled rotten by Jia Zhangshi. Does Qin Huairu ever dare to say a word to him?"

"It's one thing for kids to be ignorant, but adults don't know any rules either, just running away like that?"

"..."

Seeing that Qin Huairu had actually left, the people in the front yard couldn't help but shake their heads.

If it were their own child, and they dared to do that, they would give them a good beating.

Children all have their moments of being ignorant, but whose child hasn't been disciplined at some point?

In this courtyard, it's probably just a big shot.

Hearing everyone's complaints, Chen's mother was in a bad mood, but she didn't say much.

If it were an adult, it would be fine, but with a five or six-year-old child like Bang Geng, there's really not much she can do.

Soon.

Qin Huairu, who had sent Banggeng back, returned with some money in her hand and said to Chen's mother, "Aunt Li, I'm so sorry. Banggeng was just being silly and didn't mean to do it."

I apologize on his behalf. I hope you can forgive him for being just a child. This is compensation for your broken glass.

Upon discovering that Qin Huairu was still making excuses for Banggeng as before, and not even daring to admit her mistake, Chen's mother's face turned cold, and she said, "Qin Huairu, you know in your heart whether Banggeng did it on purpose or not. Anyone can see that. You don't need to pretend here."

If you're going to apologize, show some sincerity. Don't just offer empty words. We don't need the money for this broken glass; you should take it back!

A piece of glass doesn't cost much, but what dissatisfied Chen's mother was Qin Huairu's way of handling things and her attitude.

Bang Geng was the one who did wrong. Chen's mother didn't intend to do anything to him, but at least he should admit his mistake and apologize in person. That would be the most basic thing, right?

It's human nature to protect one's own, but Qin Huairu can't even distinguish right from wrong in the simplest sense. She just wants to smooth things over and get by. No wonder people don't feel comfortable with that.

"Aunt Li..."

Qin Huairu felt a pang of anxiety upon hearing Chen's mother's statement.

Chen's mother's refusal to accept money meant that she did not intend to let the matter pass so easily, and the situation became more complicated.

Before Qin Huairu could say anything, Chen's mother interrupted her, saying, "Qin Huairu, don't say anything more. If you really want to resolve this matter, then educate your son properly and let him apologize himself."

Chen's mother had some understanding of the Jia family's situation and Qin Huairu's circumstances within the Jia family. However, how they disciplined their children was none of her business, nor was it a reason for Chen's mother to be soft-hearted or give up the investigation.

same.

If the Jia family and Qin Huairu can't raise their children well, no one else has the right to spoil them.

"This……"

Hearing Chen's mother's request, Qin Huairu was in a dilemma.

Qin Huairu wanted to, but Bang Geng might not listen to her.

Seeing this, Chen's mother glanced coldly at Qin Huairu, shook her head helplessly, and said pitifully, "If you can't even do this much, you should go back!"

My request wasn't excessive; I just wanted Bang Geng to apologize, which was something he should do anyway, and it wasn't intentional harassment.

Although the two families had a falling out, it was an adult matter, and Chen's mother wouldn't take it out on a child.

But one thing is one thing, and another is another. Bang Geng herself did something wrong, so she can't pretend that nothing happened.

Qin Huairu had no choice but to leave.

only.

She left and never came back.

Chen's mother was neither surprised by this situation nor upset about it.

Most likely, Qin Huairu had no choice but to comply with the demands she made, so she was too ashamed to come over and had no intention of coming back to invite further insults.

Although Chen's mother had a slightly better impression of Qin Huairu than of Jia Zhangshi and Jia Dongxu, they were still family after all, and Chen's mother didn't have high hopes for her.

……

In the evening.

When Jia Dongxu returned from escorting Jia Zhangshi back to the countryside, he learned about the incident from Qin Huairu. He glanced at his son Banggeng and frowned slightly.

"Dongxu, you should persuade Banggeng to apologize to Aunt Li and the others before Li Hongbing returns, and settle this matter so that Li Hongbing won't come knocking on our door later..."

My words don't work, even if I coax him with kind words, Bang Geng still won't listen.

Today is the first day since Jia Zhangshi left, and Qin Huairu dares not lay a hand on Banggeng. If Jia Zhangshi finds out, she will definitely blame her, and then she will be completely helpless against Banggeng.

Now that Jia Dongxu has returned from outside, Qin Huairu finally has someone to rely on and secretly breathes a sigh of relief.

"What are you apologizing for?"

however.

As soon as Jia Dongxu finished understanding the situation, he heard Qin Huairu telling him to persuade Banggeng to apologize to Chen's mother, as if she was afraid that Li Hongbing would come to settle scores. He immediately frowned and said irritably, "Didn't you already apologize for Banggeng? You even offered to pay compensation, but they don't care and insist on picking on a child like Banggeng. Isn't this just making trouble for no reason?"

In Jia Dongxu's view, although Banggeng caused the trouble first, Qin Huairu had already done enough.

Chen's mother insisted that Bang Geng apologize in person, which clearly showed that Chen's mother was being petty and determined to make trouble for their family.

Qin Huairu looked worried and urged her son to apologize to Li Hongbing, fearing his actions would only fuel Jia Dongxu's resentment. His own mother had been sent back to the countryside by Li Hongbing; what was wrong with his son breaking a window?
Seeing that Jia Dongxu seemed determined to make things difficult for Li Hongbing, Qin Huairu had no choice but to feel extremely worried.

Without any choice.

After the family finished eating, Qin Huairu secretly approached Yi Zhonghai, hoping he could help persuade Jia Dongxu not to act impulsively.

"Huai Ru, I already know the situation. Don't worry too much. This matter may not be as serious as you think."

Before Qin Huairu arrived, Yi Zhonghai had already learned about the matter from Wang Guihua and understood the specific details of what happened. Now that he knew Jia Dongxu's attitude, instead of stepping forward to help persuade him, he comforted Qin Huairu, saying, "Li Hongbing is not someone to be trifled with, but Banggeng is just a child after all. Li Hongbing wouldn't cause trouble for Banggeng, otherwise he would give people something to talk about and lose face."

Qin Huairu was surprised by Yi Zhonghai's attitude and immediately said nervously, "But Uncle Yi, Aunt Li has already said that Bang Geng should apologize and admit his mistake in person. I'm afraid this matter will not be so easy to get over."

Upon hearing Qin Huairu's words, Yi Zhonghai frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Don't worry, if they really come looking for us, we're not just decorations. You've done everything you could. If Li Hongbing really makes a mountain out of a molehill and keeps harping on the matter of the stick, he'll only lose face..."

What could have been resolved with an apology was instead left to Jia Dongxu's unwillingness to back down, so Yi Zhonghai let him have his way.

Obvious.

Knowing Jia Dongxu's reaction and attitude, Yi Zhonghai did not want to be too "soft" in the first place, lest Jia Dongxu feel uncomfortable and think that he, as his master, was useless.

The key is.

This is not a big deal.

As he just said, Li Hongbing is now a person of standing and influence, and he is unlikely to lower himself to do something that would be degrading and subject to criticism just for a joke.

Yi Zhonghai is not afraid of Li Hongbing doing this, because he can then accuse Li Hongbing of bullying the weak and taking advantage of children.

The Jia family wasn't in the right, but what could they do when Banggeng was just a child?

At worst, we can just have Bang Geng apologize to him in person. Would Li Hongbing dare to lay a hand on a child?
This is the source of Yi Zhonghai's confidence.

……

night.

When Li Hongbing returned home from get off work at Fengzeyuan, Chen's mother had no intention of hiding anything and took the initiative to tell him about the incident of the stick breaking the glass.

A family should be honest with each other.

Chen's mother knew that Li Hongbing didn't like to hide things, even if it was under the guise of doing what was best for the other person.

Li Hongbing is currently the head of the family, and this matter involves the Jia family. It is no longer just a small dispute, but also involves past grievances and issues of face. It is necessary to inform Li Hongbing.

Moreover, in the morning, she publicly demanded that Bang Geng apologize, but the Jia family has not responded. This matter needs to be decided by Li Hongbing.

Upon learning of this, Li Hongbing didn't say much, but went back into the house to check on Chen Xueru and his two sons.

Faced with Li Hongbing's concern, Chen Xueru simply smiled and reassured him, "Don't worry, I'm fine, and Jianwu and Jiwen are both doing well."

"It's good that you're alright, but that kid Bang Geng needs to be taught a lesson."

Although Chen Xueru and her two children were unharmed, Li Hongbing was not prepared to let it go.

The incident of a stick breaking glass may seem like a trivial matter, but it is actually quite serious.

Chen Xueru was still in the house recovering from childbirth, and her two sons were also there. If they were accidentally injured by a stick hitting the glass, Li Hongbing would absolutely not tolerate or forgive it.

Even if Bang Geng smashed the room used as a kitchen today, if he doesn't learn his lesson, there's a 100% chance he'll do it again.

At only five or six years old, Bang Geng already has the air of a master thief from the original series. If he isn't disciplined, what will become of him in the future?
Upon hearing Li Hongbing's next plan, neither Chen Xueru nor her mother uttered a word to stop him.

No matter what decision Li Hongbing makes, Chen Xueru and her mother will never be the ones to hold him back, especially since Li Hongbing is standing up for them this time.

Moreover.

Li Hongbing is a sensible person who always handles things well and never causes any worry.

soon.

Li Hongbing went out and led Chen's mother directly to the central courtyard, while Chen Xueru stayed in the house to take care of the two children.

"Hongbing, where are you headed?"

Seeing Li Hongbing's actions, Yan Bugui, who had been paying close attention to the situation, sensed something was wrong and quickly caught up with him, attempting to probe the situation.

"Uncle Yan, you don't know what happened this morning, but you should also know what I'm going to do next."

Hearing Li Hongbing say this, Yan Bugui was startled and quickly advised, "Hongbing, don't be impulsive. This matter... how about Lao Du and I call everyone in the courtyard over and have a courtyard-wide meeting to discuss it and get an explanation for you?"

"No need to bother."

Knowing that Yan Bugui was worried that he might act impulsively and cause trouble, making it difficult for Yan to explain to the neighborhood committee, Li Hongbing smiled and refused, saying, "Uncle Yan, I want this explanation myself!"

Seeing that Li Hongbing had made up his mind, Yan Bugui had no choice but to follow him to the Intermediate People's Court.

"Jia Dongxu, get out here!"

Li Hongbing's words startled everyone in the Intermediate People's Court.

Not long after.

As Jia Dongxu emerged with a gloomy face, many residents from the front and back yards quickly rushed over.

"Li Hongbing, what are you trying to cause trouble for now?"

Jia Dongxu didn't want to come out, but he knew he couldn't escape it. If he kept hiding in the house like a coward, he would only be laughed at by the people in the yard. So he had no choice but to bite the bullet and come out.

"Enough with the nonsense. Shouldn't you give me an explanation for what happened this morning when your son smashed our window?"

As soon as Li Hongbing uttered those words, no one present was surprised. They had clearly already guessed what this was about, and all eyes fell on Jia Dongxu's face, wanting to see how he would respond.

“Li Hongbing, it was wrong of our family to break the window, but Huai Ru has already apologized to your family and even offered to pay for the replacement of the window. It was your mother-in-law who refused to accept the money. What exactly do you want by coming to our door at this time?”

The Jia family was in the wrong when the stick smashed the glass, but Jia Dongxu had already prepared a story to imply that Li Hongbing was making trouble for no reason.

"Where's Bang Geng? He broke the glass. If anyone should apologize, it should be him. You adults can't even understand this basic principle, can you?"

Upon discovering that Banggeng hadn't even shown his face, clearly being hidden inside by Jia Dongxu and Qin Huairu, Li Hongbing couldn't help but sneer.

Regardless of the circumstances, Bang Geng will definitely have to apologize.

Although this request came from his mother-in-law, if they didn't even comply with this reasonable request, it would be a blatant provocation and a complete disregard for Li Hongbing.

“Li Hongbing, Banggeng is still a child, and you are an adult. Why do you have to be so petty with a child? Huairu has already apologized on Banggeng's behalf. Is it necessary for you to be so aggressive? I think you are just taking this opportunity to get revenge!”

After criticizing and labeling him, Jia Dongxu stepped forward in front of everyone, took out a fifty-cent coin from his pocket, handed it to Li Hongbing, and said righteously, "It's just a piece of glass, isn't it? I'll pay for it, okay? Is fifty cents enough? That's enough for your family to buy more than one piece of glass, isn't it?"

Making Bang Geng apologize is not an unreasonable request. If it were someone else's family, Jia Dongxu would probably have done it already, even if it was just to make Bang Geng pretend.

But unfortunately, the opponent was Li Hongbing, and Jia Dongxu was unwilling to show weakness.

Fifty cents isn't much, but for a piece of glass, it's more than enough, even including labor costs.

Everyone in the courtyard knew that Li Hongbing was not short of money, and even more so that he was not short of this little bit of money, but Jia Dongxu could also afford it, obviously wanting to use this five cents to shut Li Hongbing up.

Snapped!
When Jia Dongxu took out five cents and said those words, he was met with a resounding slap from Li Hongbing.

Looking at Jia Dongxu, who was stunned by the slap, Li Hongbing sneered and mocked him on the spot: "It's one thing for a child to be ignorant, but for an adult to be unable to distinguish right from wrong, Jia Dongxu, you've wasted all these years."

Jia Dongxu's actions just now were undoubtedly a provocation in Li Hongbing's eyes, so how could Li Hongbing be polite to him?

"You dare to lay a hand on someone?"

Feeling a burning pain on his face, Jia Dongxu glared angrily at Li Hongbing.

Snapped!
Another slap landed.

At the same time, Li Hongbing's disdainful voice also followed.

"If a son is not taught properly, the father will also be held responsible. Consider that slap you just took for Banggeng; this second slap is from me..."

(End of this chapter)