Chapter 8: Arrogant Words Provoke Public Anger

Chapter 8: Reckless Words Provoke Public Outrage

Lady Cui had not expected Lang Jiuchuan to question her; she froze on the spot, her face filled with disbelief.

None of the juniors present possessed such audacity to question an elder in front of outsiders.

Lang Zhengping’s face turned as black as the bottom of a pot. He urged his son and daughter-in-law, "Take her away, quickly." He then stepped toward Elder Zhao with a conciliatory smile, saying, "Forgive us for this embarrassment. This child has been in poor health since childhood and was raised on the manor. Having just returned, she does not yet understand the rules of etiquette."

Elder Zhao remained silent, but his grandson, Zhao Yuancheng, glared sideways at Lang Jiuchuan with a cold expression. "Uncle Lang, this is no longer a matter of understanding etiquette; she has spoken insolently and cursed my grandfather."

"Brother Zhao, please calm your anger. This is a fault of our Lang family. Once my grandfather's funeral rites are concluded, we will certainly bring this girl to your home to apologize," the Lang clan members stepped forward one after another, cupping their hands in apology.

Lang Cailing and her sisters went even further, rebuking Lang Jiuchuan: "No matter how ignorant of etiquette you are, you should know what words are appropriate and what are not. Why haven't you knelt to beg for forgiveness?"

"Exactly, she's talking utter nonsense."

"This isn't the countryside. She can't just flap her lips and say whatever she wants like those ignorant village women."

"What a troublemaker. She hasn't even been back for long and she's already causing unrest."

The accusations and scoldings descended upon Lang Jiuchuan like heavy, water-soaked silk shrouds.

Lang Jiuchuan's eyes gradually reddened. Just as she was about to speak, Elder Zhao raised his hand and let out a heavy cough. "Enough. They are all just children who do not know better; there is no need to be so petty."

The hall fell silent.

Elder Zhao looked at Lang Jiuchuan and said, "As you said, I am two years older than your grandfather. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that one of my legs is already in the coffin..."

"Grandfather!" Zhao Yuancheng frowned. His grandfather was being far too lenient.

Elder Zhao patted his hand and said, "She is just a young girl. Why be so harsh on her?"

Zhao Yuancheng opened his mouth, thinking to himself that with a mouth as foul as hers, it would be difficult *not* to be harsh. Just look at her—she had incited the wrath of everyone present.

Lang Jiuchuan smiled and said, "Are you truly trying to bail me out, sir? In truth, you are clearly angry as well; after all, my tongue is indeed poisonous. You are merely feigning magnanimity, believing that because I am young and reckless with my words, I will one day suffer the consequences of my own mouth. Therefore, you feel there is no need for others to lecture me, and you will simply wait and see."

Elder Zhao was stunned.

In his heart, that was exactly what he thought. The girl was insolent; if she continued like this, she would eventually pay the price for her reckless words.

Seeing Lang Jiuchuan becoming increasingly brazen, Lady Cui barked sternly, "Do not be insolent!"

Lang Jiuchuan ignored her and stepped forward to stand before Elder Zhao. "I understand the importance of respecting the elderly and loving the young, but since I spoke as I did, I was not speaking without reason. A person has three fires. You have already extinguished two—the ones on your shoulders. The one atop your head will be completely extinguished within three days. Old man, the most important fire atop your head is the fire of the spirit. As the saying goes, 'a gentleman is open and magnanimous'; only by maintaining noble morality and a positive spirit can this fire remain vibrant. But clearly, you have taken a wrong step recently. You have realized your mistake yourself, otherwise, you would not be so restless and uneasy."

*This old man has almost extinguished all three fires; isn't he just one step away from death?*

Elder Zhao's expression shifted slightly. As he looked into her eyes, he felt as though he were looking into a whirlpool that intended to suck him in and tear him apart.

"You..."

"You are saving someone who shouldn't be saved. If you refuse to leave, then your descendants will have to leave in your stead." Lang Jiuchuan's eyes flickered, and a cruel smile curled at the corner of her lips. "This is called... a life for a life."

Elder Zhao followed her gaze. His eyes landed on his grandson, his pupils shrinking as the veins on his hand gripping his cane bulged.

*Slap!*

A crisp, loud slap startled everyone.

"You scoundrel!!"

(End of Chapter)