第六章 余波 (Chapter Six: Aftermath)

Since his Baptism into the religion in Provincial Capital, Gu Tiancheng had been wholeheartedly determined to borrow the influence of Foreigner to take revenge on Luo Waizui and others. He returned to Tianhui Town and began exploiting his identity as a Christian convert to bully the local folk.

He first went to see Mrs. Zeng and through her connections secured the support of Foreigner. Foreigner then wrote a letter to the county Yamen, demanding severe punishment for Luo Waizui and his cohorts.

Upon receiving the letter from Foreigner, the county Yamen did not dare to delay. They immediately sent men to Tianhui Town to arrest Luo Waizui. But Luo Waizui had already caught wind of it and fled in advance.

Zhang Zhankui, Tian Changzi, and others were also implicated. Some were captured, while others escaped. The power of the member of the Gelaohui in Tianhui Town suffered a blow.

Cai Xingshun's Xingshun Shop was also affected. But due to her relationship with Luo Waizui, Sister-in-law Cai drew special attention from Gu Tiancheng.

Gu Tiancheng arrived at Xingshun Shop with bailiffs. Sister-in-law Cai was behind the counter. Gu Tiancheng arrogantly accused her of adultery with Luo Waizui and demanded she reveal his whereabouts.

Sister-in-law Cai showed no fear. Instead, she berated Gu Tiancheng for his ingratitude, reminding him how Luo Waizui had once helped him, and now he was biting the hand that fed him. Enraged, Gu Tiancheng ordered the bailiffs to search Xingshun Shop.

The search yielded nothing. Unwilling to give up, Gu Tiancheng threatened Sister-in-law Cai. He said if she did not disclose Luo Waizui's location, he would shut down Xingshun Shop. Sister-in-law Cai responded with a cold sneer.

At that moment, Cai Shazi emerged from the inner room. Normally timid and honest, he suddenly mustered courage upon seeing his wife bullied and argued with Gu Tiancheng.

Gu Tiancheng dismissed Cai Shazi with contempt and ordered the bailiffs to act. To protect his wife, Cai Shazi clashed with them and was injured.

Luo Waizui had not fled far. He was hiding at a friend's house outside the town. Hearing about the trouble at Xingshun Shop, he could not resist the urge to return and rescue Sister-in-law Cai.

Zhang Zhankui advised him against taking the risk. With Foreigner backing Gu Tiancheng, the authorities were hunting him. Luo Waizui hesitated, torn.

Liu Sanjin had already left Tianhui Town and returned to Neijiang. Feeling isolated, Luo Waizui missed Sister-in-law Cai all the more.

In the end, Luo Waizui decided to risk returning to the town. Disguised as a beggar, he slipped into Tianhui Town and quietly gathered information.

He learned that Cai Shazi had been injured and Sister-in-law Cai was under house arrest by Gu Tiancheng. Furious, Luo Waizui plotted to rescue her.

Luo Waizui sneaked into Gu Tiancheng's house at night and found Sister-in-law Cai. At the sight of him, she was both startled and overjoyed. She urged him to leave quickly and not worry about her.

Luo Waizui insisted on taking her with him. Sister-in-law Cai asked what would become of Cai Shazi if she left. And what of Xingshun Shop? She could not abandon everything.

Gu Tiancheng discovered Luo Waizui and surrounded them with his men. Luo Waizui fought Gu Tiancheng and the others but was outnumbered and captured.

To protect Luo Waizui, Sister-in-law Cai agreed to cooperate with Gu Tiancheng, on condition that he spare Luo Waizui. Gu Tiancheng agreed.

Luo Waizui was released but expelled from Tianhui Town. Sister-in-law Cai remained by Gu Tiancheng's side, in truth to safeguard Luo Waizui and Xingshun Shop.

The story ends with Sister-in-law Cai's complex emotions. She loves Luo Waizui, yet must face reality. Tianhui Town has regained its calm, but beneath the stagnant water, ripples are already stirring.