Chapter 57: Quitting the Job
Sun Mei coldly looked at Old Lady Wu and said, "Fine. If you say I stole it, then let me ask you: where would I hide such a large piece of meat after stealing it? Don’t tell me I ate it raw on the spot?"
Old Lady Wu was momentarily stumped before retorting, "You hid it yourself! How would I know where you put it? Perhaps you gave it to your daughter to take to the school."
At the mention of her daughter, Sun Mei became visibly upset and retorted angrily, "Nonsense! The mutton you gave me was only this much. You claim I coveted the mutton upon seeing it? It sounds more like you’re describing yourself—stealing what’s under your own care and then crying ’thief!’ Fine, since you’re determined to accuse me today, let’s call in Country Gentry Wei and report this to the authorities. We’ll see what the judge at the County Government Office has to say!"
No sooner had she finished speaking than a few students ran off to fetch Old Master Wei.
"What? Report to the authorities?" Upon hearing this, Old Lady Wu grew obviously nervous. She had thought Mrs. Sun was just a country bumpkin. She assumed Mrs. Sun would be easily intimidated by her threats and obediently hand over some money to avoid trouble. She never expected Mrs. Sun to dare to report to the authorities.
"Yes! Report to the authorities! Let’s go! We’ll take this to the court at the County Government Office!" With that, Sun Mei grabbed Old Lady Wu and started to drag her out.
Frightened, Old Lady Wu tried to yank her hand free, but Sun Mei’s grip was too strong. She struggled to break free, stubbornly insisting, "You can’t deny this! You think I’m afraid of you? Even... even if I stand before the judge, I’ll say the same thing! You stole the mutton!"
At this point, Zhao Zhitong’s eyes darted around, and he suddenly shouted loudly, "Wei Shulan, go quickly and find your uncle to report this to the authorities! We’ll protect the scene and make sure the thief doesn’t get away!"
Wei Shulan understood immediately and replied loudly, "Absolutely! How dare she steal mutton from my family! We’ll have the magistrate give her a good spanking!"
With that, she winked at Zhao Zhitong and dashed out.