The Sweet Litte Fulang (SLF)

Chapter 80 - Trouble in the Zhang's

Several households near the back of the village heard Old Mrs. Zhang's cries for help through the snowstorm. Her voice was usually sharp and shrill, but tonight, filled with fear and desperation, it became even louder. She used every ounce of strength to shout, waking the neighbor's child, who promptly began to wail.

The Shen family's dogs barked nonstop, their four voices blending into a cacophony that echoed through the cold night. The commotion caught everyone off guard, including Lu Gu, who sat up in alarm.

The woman's cries outside sounded heart-wrenching, amplified by the silence of the snowy night. Shen Xuanqing threw off the quilt and got out of bed first. "Don't worry," he said as he quickly dressed. "Get your clothes on, but don't leave the yard. I'll go check it out."

The door to the main room remained closed, but the dogs barked furiously just outside. Shen Yaoqing got up too, and even Wei Lanxiang came out, hastily throwing on her clothes. She looked toward the noise with a worried expression. "Whose family is it? Why does it sound like Old Mrs. Zhang?"

"Let's go see," Shen Yaoqing said as he followed Shen Xuanqing outside, with the dogs trailing close behind them.

"Be careful and don't act recklessly," Wei Lanxiang warned from the doorway. It's good that the dogs are going with them—if something dangerous comes down from the mountain, they'll help.

The barking and shouting drew more neighbors out of their homes. Several families from the surrounding houses bundled up and stepped outside, adding to the noise.

"Mother, could it really be the Zhang family?" Lu Gu asked as he quickly dressed and came out of the room.

"Oh, I don't know," Wei Lanxiang sighed, wringing her hands. When she saw Ji Qiuyue stepping out, she became alarmed and quickly urged her back inside. "What are you doing out here? It's freezing. Go back inside! Shen Yan, light the lamp and sit with your sister-in-law for a while."

"Got it, Mother," Shen Yan answered obediently. She had just taken out her braid to sleep, but with all the commotion outside, there was no hope of rest. She followed Ji Qiuyue into the room, determined to keep her company.

Outside, the night was dark, and the wind howled through the village. But as more people gathered and the barking began to subside, it became clear that a wild animal did not cause the disturbance. Despite the swirling snow, Wei Lanxiang lit a lantern and turned to Lu Gu. "Stay inside. I'll go see what's going on."

Wei Lanxiang wasn't afraid of what she might encounter—at her age, she'd seen plenty of unpleasant things. But Lu Gu, young and soft-hearted, didn't need to witness it, especially after being married for less than a year.

Meanwhile, back at the Zhang house, Li Wanyun stirred from her curled position in the woodshed. The loud cries outside startled her, and the sound seemed even sharper in the dead of night. Sitting up from her nest of hay, she listened to the chaos unfolding in the courtyard.

The incessant barking of dogs and the clamor of neighbors filled her with dread. She was terrified to go out alone, but she also feared the scolding she'd receive if she didn't show herself in time. Gritting her teeth, she stood and slowly made her way outside.

The night was pitch-black, illuminated only by a flickering lantern from the neighboring house. As Li Wanyun approached the gate, someone from next door called, "Is that you, Mrs. Zhang?"

The lanternlight fell across the snow, revealing two figures sprawled on the ground in front of the Zhang family gate.

"Oh, come help me! My right leg is pinned—I can't move!" Old Mrs. Zhang cried out, her voice cracking as tears and mucus smeared across her face. But as soon as she saw Li Wanyun step out from the door, her expression twisted with rage.