Chapter 270 - 264: Refuse to Admit Death_1
As soon as Chunxi heard Zhao Jingui’s fury-filled shout of her name, her body trembled reflexively, and she shivered with cold. Just a few days ago, Zhao Jingui had beaten her, and the wounds had not yet healed. Now, seeing Zhao Jingui so infuriated again, she wondered what it was about this time. It couldn’t be that the You Family had spoken ill of her in front of Zhao Jingui again, could it? That malevolent woman was always stirring up trouble, seemingly eager to have Zhao Jingui beat Chunxi to death. Truly detestable—sooner or later, she would have to let the You Family taste this kind of humiliation as well.
Chunxi hardened her heart with these thoughts, but seeing Zhao Jingui’s fierce demeanor, she dared not approach him. She stood at the doorstep, shrinking back in fear. The sight of Chunxi looking so timid and acting oppressed only infuriated Zhao Jingui further, thinking she feigned her meekness when her actions were unbelievable, one after the other. Whom was she trying to fool with that abused appearance, intentionally causing him trouble?
When Zhao Jingui saw Chunxi did not come over, he strode towards her, picked her up, and threw her onto the open space in the yard, proceeding to punch and kick her. Chunxi, now seasoned by beatings, couldn’t care for anything else and curled up into a ball, shielding her head with her arms, not even pleading for mercy. She had learned her lesson; even if she begged, Zhao Jingui wouldn’t stop until he had vented his anger and would only become more violent.
The You Family came out upon hearing the commotion and saw Zhao Jingui chastising Chunxi. Judging by his look, he seemed to have encountered some irritation outside, "What’s the matter now? What has Chunxi done wrong to anger you, my dear brother?" The You Family only asked Zhao Jingui what the matter was, not intending to stop him from hitting Chunxi. Such a woman deserved to be beaten to death, saving them the trouble of her constant scheming—like having a venomous snake by one’s side, always ready to strike when you lest expect it.
"This shameless wretch, her deeds have become the talk of the village. On my way back, people pointed and made remarks about me—the number of them spitting behind my back, I can’t even count. I must beat this good-for-nothing dead," Zhao Jingui, realizing the You Family had come out, paused just long enough to answer her question, and spat on Chunxi disdainfully as he spoke.
Only then did Chunxi find the chance to defend herself. After all, she couldn’t take the fall for something she hadn’t done, "Jingui, it wasn’t me, I’ve been wronged! These past days, I’ve been working at home without a moment’s rest, with no time to go out. How could I have the leisure to do anything else? You must have heard wrong, or they are surely framing me. If you don’t believe it, ask sister You. She can testify that I haven’t been out."
After speaking, Chunxi looked expectantly toward the You Family. In her mind, despite how despicable and fond of stirring up trouble the You Family was, and how the You Family incited Zhao Jingui to abuse her, they had never fabricated anything from thin air. Indeed, she hadn’t been out these few days, except for that one time she went to the old Zhao Family house, and that was with the You Family’s permission. The You Family should tell the truth.
However, the You Family didn’t pick up on Chunxi’s words and instead turned to Zhao Jingui, "There’s more to this story? What has Chunxi done this time? Don’t tell me her promiscuous ways have led her to tempt men again; that is truly unforgivable. Otherwise, she won’t learn her lesson and will repeat the same behavior."