Chapter 646: Chapter 644: Cursing Match

"You unfilial son!" Old Mrs. Su choked out two coughs, infuriated. "Are you trying to kill me with anger?"

"That’s right, Big Brother. Mom’s still sick, you can’t be so unfilial," Su Shengli said, leaning against the door. In truth, he was secretly pleased about Su Mei’s death.

’After all, he couldn’t be the only unlucky one in the Old Su Family, could he? Ever since his wife died, he had been on several arranged dates, but none had panned out. The moment the potential in-laws heard he was from the Old Su Family, they would shake their heads like rattle-drums. Forget about a young, unmarried woman—not even a widow was willing to marry into their family. To make matters worse, his own daughter had also died, and his only son, Su Lihui, was growing more rebellious by the day. He neglected his studies, ran around with a bad crowd, and was never home.’

’Seeing his older brother’s family so complete while he didn’t even have a wife to look after him made his blood boil. But now, things were looking up. Su Mei was dead. Finally, his brother’s family was experiencing some misfortune of their own.’

"Shut your mouth," Su Shengguo shot Su Shengli a vicious glare. ’I know exactly what you’re thinking, little brother.’ He usually let it slide for their mother’s sake, but for him to come looking for trouble on a day like this was too much.

Inside, Old Mrs. Su was still spewing vulgar curses. Su Shengguo decided to ignore her and focused on speaking with Zhao Youcai and the public security officer who had delivered the news.

A crowd had already gathered outside the Old Su Family’s home. They were all shocked by the news of Su Mei’s death. One person shook their head and whispered, "I never would have guessed. The Old Su Family had three granddaughters, and now, except for Su Qing, the other two are dead. And both deaths were tied to criminal cases. What a mess."

Someone else chimed in, "If you ask me, they had it coming. Remember how they all treated Su Qing? Good heavens, that poor little thing. She never had enough to eat or warm clothes to wear, and they made her work constantly. She was so frail, a gust of wind could have knocked her over. If Su Qing hadn’t finally managed to stand on her own two feet, that family would have worked her to death. This is just karma, I say. Serves them right."

These words earned nods of agreement from many in the crowd. Still, no one dared to speak too loudly. A granddaughter of the Old Su Family had died, after all. Whatever their private opinions, they wouldn’t stoop to pouring salt on the wound. Gossiping amongst themselves was one thing.

In the courtyard, Zheng Erlian was still wailing, pounding her chest in a display of unbearable grief. With a sorrowful expression, Su Shengguo confirmed the travel details with the officer—the number of people going to Beijing and the departure time. Under these circumstances, the family’s travel expenses would typically be reimbursed by the Beijing Public Security Bureau.

Once all the details were confirmed, Zhao Youcai sighed and patted Su Shengguo’s shoulder. "My condolences."

The officer who had delivered the news prepared to leave. Suddenly, Su Lidong, who had been quiet the whole time, spoke up. "By the way, does Su Qing know that my sister passed away?"

Zhao Youcai hadn’t expected Su Lidong to bring up Su Qing and frowned slightly. ’Honestly, Su Qing has already cut all ties with the Old Su Family. Given her personality, she probably wouldn’t care what happens to them.’

The officer heard Su Lidong and replied, "I’m sorry, I don’t know about that. The message from the Beijing Public Security Bureau was only about Su Mei."

"Alright then," Zhao Youcai said. "The tickets are for the day after tomorrow. Since all four of you are going, you’d better pack quickly. You’ll need to head to Bingcheng tomorrow to catch your train. And don’t forget to stop by the brigade office for a letter of introduction."

Su Shengguo nodded silently and saw Zhao Youcai and the officer out. After watching Zhao Youcai disperse the crowd of villagers, he walked back into the courtyard. He looked at Zheng Erlian, who was still sitting on the ground, her eyes red and staring into space. "What’s done is done," he said. "Once we get to Beijing, we’ll question the police thoroughly. We can’t let Meizi die without knowing why."

Zheng Erlian began to cry again. "My poor Meizi... why was her life so hard? It feels like my heart is being ripped out."

Zheng Erlian pounded her chest, her face a mask of utter despair.

Her older brother, who was standing to the side, pursed his lips. "We didn’t know where Meizi went before, but now we know she was in Beijing. She must have gone to find Su Qing. I refuse to believe Su Qing had nothing to do with this. Even if she didn’t know what was happening, Meizi went all the way to Beijing. She should have looked after her a little, shouldn’t she? Now that something’s happened to Meizi, Su Qing can’t escape responsibility."

Su Lidong frowned. "Big Brother, how can you blame this on Second Sister?"

"Second Sister? Second Sister? What Second Sister?!" Zheng Erlian erupted, jabbing a finger into Su Lidong’s forehead. "If it wasn’t for her, would your father have lost his job? You listen to me! She is not your sister! She’s our family’s enemy! Your brother is right. This whole business with your sister is probably tied to Su Qing."

Zheng Erlian’s eyes were bloodshot. "My Meizi is gone. That Su Qing can forget about ever having a peaceful day in her life."

"Mom, don’t be like that. What does this have to do with Second Sister?" Su Lidong said, exasperated.

Zheng Erlian was so furious she wanted to strike Su Lidong, but he was her youngest son, and she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Instead, she channeled her rage into cursing Su Qing.

Seeing that his brother’s entire family of four was going to Beijing, Su Shengli immediately objected. "Big Brother, this is unfair! Your whole family gets to go have fun in Beijing, and you just leave me and Mom here? I’m a man, and she’s bedridden! How am I supposed to take care of her?"

Su Shengguo’s brow furrowed. "Third Brother, what nonsense are you spouting? ’Have fun in Beijing’? Didn’t you hear them? Meizi is dead. We’re going to the Beijing Public Security Bureau to identify her body."

Su Shengli sneered. "Still, all four of you don’t need to go. I say, my sister-in-law should stay, and I’ll go to Beijing with you. That way, she can stay home and look after Mom."

"Get lost!" Zheng Erlian’s head snapped toward Su Shengli, her eyes blazing. "How dare you compare that old bag to my Meizi? I don’t give a damn if anyone takes care of her! I used to look after her because I have a good heart, but she can fucking forget about it from now on! She was just cursing my Meizi! Ptooey! That old crone."

With that, Zheng Erlian slapped her thigh and started wailing again. "My poor Meizi! She’s already gone, and she’s still being cursed by that damn old woman! Why doesn’t heaven just send down a bolt of lightning and strike the old hag dead!"

In her room, Old Mrs. Su was so enraged by Zheng Erlian’s words she practically fell over. She slammed her hand against the bedframe and shrieked, "You wretched harlot! The Old Su Family must have had the worst luck imaginable to end up with a troublemaker like you! It serves you right your daughter died! If heaven is going to strike anyone down, it’ll be someone as disloyal and unfilial as you! It’s what you deserve! This is your karma!"

The moment Old Mrs. Su’s words faded, Zheng Erlian let out a feral cry and charged into the room.

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