Chapter 101 I will not offend others unless they offend me.

Meng Yutang stood at the entrance of the He family's house, his back ramrod straight, his dark green military uniform perfectly starched.

The top button of his collar was tightly fastened, and the brown leather holster at his waist was stiff and sturdy, with a section of the gun handle inside showing a dark, glossy sheen.

A sudden flash of light in the early spring sunshine made the hearts of several neighbors who were peeking out from behind walls and doors tighten. They instinctively held their breath, afraid to even exhale, lest they disturb this soldier who clearly had an extraordinary status.

His gaze fell on Wang Cuiping, who was six months pregnant and slightly overweight.

His brows furrowed slightly, and his tone was firm and unwavering, leaving no room for negotiation.

"No, don't push yourself. The leaders have already explained to me that you should report to the investigation department after you give birth. Our department is currently in charge of maintaining order in the old city and investigating potential spies. The workload is so heavy that you're constantly on the go. With your big belly, you can't handle even sitting in the office for long periods, let alone doing fieldwork. If something were to happen to you, who could take responsibility?"

Wang Cuiping clenched the hem of her clothes, wanting to say a few more words to try and gain some leverage. She was used to handling guns and fighting, and to going undercover all her life, and she really couldn't stay idle.

Sha Zhu immediately stepped forward, slightly blocking Wang Cuiping's path with a hearty smile, and took the initiative to smooth things over.

"Aunt Wang, my Uncle Meng is right. You should stay home and prepare for childbirth. Work is not urgent. The baby's safety is the most important thing."

Upon hearing this, Meng Yutang immediately laughed, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes. He raised his right hand, which was covered in calluses, and slapped Sha Zhu hard on the shoulder.

That strike was powerful, carrying the toughness honed by years of military training, and clearly carried a hint of deliberate revenge—revenge for not being able to beat this seemingly ordinary cook in the arm-wrestling match at the door earlier.

Sha Zhu felt a sudden weight on his shoulder, as if a brute force had struck him. He grimaced in pain, and his shoulder was so sore and numb that he couldn't lift it for a long time. He cursed inwardly.

That old bastard is clearly holding a grudge from that arm-wrestling match! He resorts to underhanded tactics after losing; he's really petty!

Meng Yutang glanced at him sideways with a half-smile, his tone teasing.

"You've got a knack for playing the game, aren't you? You use people when you need them and then turn them away when you don't. I just spoke up for you and got you out of that awkward situation, and now you're all all smiles and calling me Uncle Meng. Otherwise, would you still be putting on airs and calling me Comrade Meng?"

Sha Zhu rubbed his sore and stiff shoulders, but his face showed no sign of yielding. He stood up straight, his eyes meeting Meng Yutang's gaze directly.

"Is it wrong of me to call him that? Should I then address him more formally—Section Chief Meng?"

Meng Yutang's face stiffened, the smile on his lips instantly freezing. He hurriedly waved his hands, his tone becoming increasingly urgent: "No, no, no, Uncle Meng is the best, Uncle Meng is the best!"

He was genuinely afraid that Sha Zhu would call him "section chief" in public.

Wang Cuiping was personally selected and specially assigned to the investigation section as deputy section chief by her superiors. Her background was so deep that even the section chief couldn't figure her out. All he knew was that she was an old revolutionary who had made outstanding contributions.

Sha Zhu calls Wang Cuiping "Auntie," but he calls her "Section Chief" all the time. Isn't that obviously creating distance between them, making him seem xenophobic, unapproachable, and abusing his position?

Besides, we'll be seeing each other all the time. Wang Cuiping will be coming to work in the department after giving birth. If things get too awkward and distant, how will we cooperate at work in the future?

Sha Zhu knew exactly what was going on.

He wasn't afraid of Meng Yutang reporting him behind his back, nor was he afraid of the other party using his official power to intimidate him. What he was afraid of was that trouble would keep coming for no reason, causing him and his family distress. So he simply went with the flow and gave the other party plenty of face.

Little did he know that Wang Cuiping's identity was far more frightening than it appeared.

The former captain of the Jizhong guerrilla force, a veteran Party member, had been awarded first-class merit several times. He had infiltrated enemy-occupied areas and worked under the nose of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics for three years. His hands were stained with the blood of Japanese devils and spies. He was a hero who crawled out of mountains of corpses and seas of blood.

How could a superior possibly assign such a person to just an ordinary clerk position?

Without even a second thought, there must be a powerful figure protecting her.

Wang Cuiping couldn't bear to watch the two of them working together, testing each other, so she coughed lightly, her voice clear and authoritative.

"Alright, you two, stop acting. We're all on the same side, no need to beat around the bush."

Before going to Tianjin to carry out the undercover mission, she might not have been able to see through the intricacies involved. But the life-and-death experience in Tianjin, the days of dancing on the edge of the enemy's knife, had already hardened her character to be harder than steel. She saw through this little trick and test at a glance.

Meng Yutang stopped wasting words and nodded decisively, his tone regaining the crispness of a soldier.

"Then I'll be going now. If you encounter any difficulties, just have Comrade Xiao He come to the Military Control Commission compound and give me my name. Don't rush to work, focus on your pregnancy, and we'll talk after you give birth."

"I will report for duty as soon as possible! I will not delay my work!" Wang Cuiping nodded solemnly, her eyes full of eagerness for the job.

"Let's go!"

Meng Yutang waved his hand, and the two soldiers behind him carrying rifles immediately stood at attention.

The group turned and left, their steps steady and powerful, their imposing presence fading into the distance until they were completely inaudible.

The entire scene outside the courtyard gate was clearly seen by the people inside Old He's house through the cracks in the window.

Grandma He sat on the edge of the kang (a heated brick bed), initially looking surprised, her cloudy eyes wide open, muttering to herself.

"The Wang family girl... she's got an official position? This is a truly glorious thing for the family!"

Later, looking at the pistol at Meng Yutang's waist, his face gradually turned pale, his fingers tightly gripping the hem of his clothes, and he couldn't help but look worriedly towards the door, muttering to himself.

"Will Zhu Zi be alright? He's a government official with a gun. If things really escalate, how can we ordinary people afford to mess with him..."

Upon hearing this, Chen Lanxiang, He Daqing, and the others in the room all fell silent.

No one dared to speak, and no one dared to make a guarantee. They were just ordinary people, dealing with pots and pans, firewood and rice all their lives, at most arguing with their neighbors. Where had they ever seen such a scene as armed soldiers coming to their door?

If Sha Zhu, young and hot-blooded, were to get into a conflict with the soldiers and a fight broke out, his whole family would definitely suffer, with no one to reason with.

Only after Meng Yutang and his group had completely walked away and disappeared into the alley did everyone in the house breathe a sigh of relief. The anxiety they had felt for so long finally subsided, and cold sweat broke out on their backs.

Chen Lanxiang was so shocked that her heart was pounding and felt like it was about to jump out of her throat.

She never expected that her usually carefree son, who only knew how to cook, could be so calm and composed when facing soldiers, showing no fear or panic, and even calling them brothers.

When Sha Zhu later told her that the man surnamed Meng was actually a section chief who held a government position, her heart jumped into her throat again, and her legs went weak.

But when Chen Lanxiang saw Wang Cuiping's calm and composed demeanor, she suddenly realized that her sister from the Wang family was now of extraordinary status and could truly protect her son.

Otherwise, the scene outside wouldn't have been so peaceful and cheerful just now; it would have been chaotic and disorderly long ago.

Little did she know that the reason everything was so smooth was mainly due to Sha Zhu's own confidence and brute strength. If he had shown weakness just now, Meng Yutang might not have given him face so easily.

As soon as Meng Yutang and the others left, Chen Lanxiang quickly walked out of the house, her skirt fluttering in the wind. As soon as she saw Shazhu, her face darkened and she scolded him in a low voice.

"Zhu Zi! How dare you be so bold? That's an official, he's got a gun on his hip! You really dare to fight him? Don't you value your life?"

Sha Zhu smiled nonchalantly, patted the dust off his clothes, and spoke in a relaxed tone.

"Mom, it's alright. What's with all this talk about officials? Didn't you see they call everyone 'comrade'? This is a new society now. The old government's rules of oppressing the people don't apply anymore. We don't cause trouble, but we're not afraid of trouble either."

As he spoke, he turned to look at Wang Cuiping, his tone slightly coquettish and relaxed: "Isn't that right, Aunt Wang?"

Wang Cuiping quickly stepped forward, took Chen Lanxiang's hand, and explained gently with a smile.

"Sister-in-law, it's alright, I'm here for you. Besides, Zhuzi didn't do anything, he just had a little arm-wrestling match with Section Chief Meng, it was just for fun, Section Chief Meng didn't take it to heart."

At this moment, Old Mrs. He also walked out shakily, holding onto the door frame, her eyes looking up and down at Wang Cuiping, who was dressed in simple clothes but whose aura had changed drastically, her tone carrying a hint of probing and awe.

"Wang family girl, you... you've really become a government official? You'll be eating from the public purse from now on?"

Wang Cuiping quickly whispered a reminder, leaning close to the old lady's ear.

"Grandma, you can't say that now. In the new society, it's not acceptable to talk about officials' families. If people hear that we're getting special treatment, it won't be good."

"Alright, alright, I'm getting senile. What should I call it?" The old lady quickly corrected herself, her face full of embarrassment.

"Call me whatever you always have. If that doesn't work, you can call me Comrade Wang."

Wang Cuiping spoke gently and without any airs.

"Comrade Wang..." the old lady murmured, then frowned and shook her head repeatedly.

"That sounds too formal! It makes you feel distant. It's better to just call me that."

Wang Cuiping smiled, her eyes curving into a gentle arc: "Then you can still call me Wang family girl, or just Cuiping, it's fine with me, I like both."

"Then I'll call you Cuiping!" The old lady nodded immediately, her heart at ease, but she couldn't help but ask again.

"You really joined the Military Control Commission? That's the place that controls the entire city of Beijing!"

"Yes, that's how the higher-ups arranged it. They told me to stay in the city and work on the construction," Wang Cuiping answered truthfully.

"Then... Cuiping, isn't it dangerous for you to work in there?"

The old lady was still most concerned about this, and she held onto her hand tightly, refusing to let go.

Wang Cuiping found it amusing. Danger?

Could it be more dangerous than leading guerrillas to kill Japanese soldiers and infiltrating the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics to pass on intelligence?

Having survived those days of gunfire and explosions, now that I'm working in my own people's government, where is the danger?

She gently shook her head and patted the old lady's hand: "It's not dangerous, don't worry, ma'am. Everything is handled in the office, there's no need to go to the front lines."

"Grandma, let's go inside and talk. It's windy and chilly outside, don't let yourself get cold."

Seeing that the old lady was getting into the conversation and kept asking Wang Cuiping questions, unable to stop anytime soon, Chen Lanxiang quickly tried to persuade her to stop.

"Alright, alright, look at my memory! When I get old, I forget things when I'm happy! Cuiping, come inside and talk. It's warm inside, let's have a good chat, mother and daughter!" The old lady took Wang Cuiping's hand and walked happily into the house.

Wang Cuiping nodded; she understood as well.

If we don't explain the background and consequences of today's events, the entire He family won't be able to sleep peacefully all night. They'll definitely be filled with anxiety and fear.

Even she herself didn't expect that the organization would directly assign her to a core department like the Military Control Commission.

When she returned to Beijing with top-secret intelligence after completing her mission in Tianjin, she asked to see the leader codenamed "Farmer." She was immediately placed under special protection by the special department.

The person Sha Zhu met at the gate of the Military Control Commission that day was not an ordinary staff member, but a comrade from a special department directly under the central government. The guards were tight and the rank was extremely high.

Because at that time, the "farmer" was still handling important matters in another place and had not come to the capital.

As soon as Wang Cuiping met the staff, she grabbed their hands and asked if "Farmer" had arrived. Upon hearing that he hadn't, she was worried about the security of the intelligence and turned to leave, wanting to wait for "Farmer" to arrive before showing herself.

But it's not that easy for her to leave. The people in the special department know better than anyone how high-ranking someone is who knows the code name "Farmer".

Without top-secret intelligence, who would ask to see a leader of "farmer's" rank for no reason?

They immediately pressed Wang Cuiping for her code name and superior. Wang Cuiping didn't have a code name; she had always maintained a single-line contact and didn't even know Yu Zecheng's code name, only that he was her superior.

After rounds of rigorous verification, identity confirmation, and intelligence comparison, the special department personnel finally figured it out—Wang Cuiping was a comrade who worked with the top-level intelligence agent codenamed "Deep Sea," and had made great contributions during her infiltration in Tianjin, saving the lives of countless comrades.

However, the code name "Deep Sea" was top secret, and they couldn't tell Wang Cuiping a single word about it.

Finally, the director of the military control commission came to receive her in person. Wang Cuiping had never met the director in person, but she had heard his name countless times within the organization; he was a renowned revolutionary leader.

Upon seeing the other person, she instinctively raised her hand in a standard military salute. However, as her arm reached halfway up, she suddenly remembered that she was wearing ordinary civilian clothes, not a military uniform. She awkwardly lowered her hand, her ears burning, and her face full of embarrassment.

"Comrade Xiao Wang, hello! You've worked hard behind enemy lines!" The director warmly extended his hand, his palm broad and warm, full of friendliness.

"Greetings, sir! We're not tired at all!"

Wang Cuiping said it wasn't hard work, but her eyes welled up with tears. Years of pent-up grievances, tension, and excitement surged into her heart, and tears involuntarily fell, landing on her clothes.

After so many years of infiltration, struggle, and life-or-death situations, risking his life every day, he finally couldn't hold back anymore when he saw his own people, and all his strength turned into tears.

"Comrade Xiao Wang, don't cry. The Party and the people will always remember what you did behind enemy lines. You are heroes of the country!" the director comforted her gently, patting her shoulder softly.

After a brief chat, the director dismissed all irrelevant personnel, leaving only the core leaders of the special department.

Wang Cuiping then carefully took out the top-secret intelligence that Yu Zecheng had left her from her inner clothes. The paper was warm from her body heat, but the handwriting on it was still crystal clear.

The director glanced at it, his expression immediately turning extremely grave. He promptly handed it to the head of the special department, saying in a deep voice, "This intelligence concerns the safety of Beijing, it's more important than your lives. Verify it immediately!"

The special department personnel immediately took the intelligence to the next room and repeatedly checked and confirmed it via radio. After more than half an hour of back and forth, they returned, simply nodded to the director and Wang Cuiping, and then hurriedly left with the intelligence, not daring to delay for a moment, heading straight to their superiors.

The director then looked at Wang Cuiping and asked, "Comrade Wang, would you be willing to stay and participate in the construction of the new Beijing? We need experienced and courageous comrades like you here."

Without the slightest hesitation, Wang Cuiping immediately straightened her back and said, "I'm willing! I will obey the organization's arrangements!"

The director immediately summoned the deputy director in charge of personnel and ordered him to send someone to Wang Cuiping's hometown to verify her organizational affiliation, complete the transfer procedures, and then arrange a suitable job for her.

The deputy director initially wanted to assign Wang Cuiping to the logistics department to manage supplies and distribute items, thinking that this kind of easy work was suitable for women.

When Wang Cuiping asked what logistics specifically entailed, and considering that she could barely read a few words and had never been to school, she immediately hesitated. She was afraid that she wouldn't do a good job, would hold the organization back, and would betray the organization's trust.

The deputy director thought she was being picky about her job, complaining that the logistics department was inadequate and lacked power and status. His face immediately darkened, and he was somewhat displeased, thinking that this comrade was too delicate.

Wang Cuiping didn't beat around the bush. Looking at the deputy director, she spoke directly and firmly: "Yes."

"Excuse me, is there anywhere I can handle a gun? I've been handling guns for over ten years; I can shoot, conduct reconnaissance, and do infiltration. I'm not good at sitting in an office writing, but I'm fine with fieldwork!"

Upon hearing this, the deputy director was stunned. His eyes widened as he stared in shock at the seemingly ordinary, even somewhat frail woman before him, unable to recover for a long time.

In all his years of working in human resources, this was the first time a female colleague had volunteered to work in a department where she could handle guns.

After a moment of silence, he slowly nodded, his displeasure vanishing and replaced by admiration.

"I understand. The public security investigation department is probably the best fit for you. You deal with law enforcement and spies every day there, and your skills will be put to good use."

He immediately took Wang Cuiping to the public security department. When the minister saw that it was a woman, he was initially not very happy. He frowned and waved his hand, thinking that it would be inconvenient for a woman and that she could not handle the high-intensity field work. He also felt that the investigation department was full of men and would not be able to cooperate.

As it turned out, Wang Cuiping only showed off a little – there was a training pistol hanging in the corner of the minister's office. She quickly stepped forward, drew the gun, loaded it, aimed, and fired rapidly.

His movements were fluid and crisp, his eyes sharp as an eagle's. He completed the entire routine in just three seconds, leaving everyone present speechless and dumbfounded.

The minister's eyes lit up immediately. He slapped his thigh and, without saying a word, demanded the man!

He immediately decided to assign Wang Cuiping to the investigation section and appoint her as deputy section chief.

But when the minister saw Wang Cuiping's big pregnant belly, he was troubled again, and his brows furrowed.

The investigation department has heavy workloads and high risks. They have to go out on fieldwork every day, investigate clues, and arrest spies. Let alone carrying out dangerous missions, even daily office work is not suitable for a pregnant woman. If something happens, no one can bear the responsibility.

After discussing with Meng Yutang and others, the minister finally decided that Wang Cuiping should go home and have a baby. Once her organizational affiliation is transferred, the baby is born, and she has recovered, she can return to officially report for duty. Her salary and benefits will be paid according to the standard for a deputy section chief, without any reduction.

This led to the earlier scene where Meng Yutang personally visited the person to persuade him.

In fact, if the "farmers" hadn't specifically ordered that Wang Cuiping be sent home to recuperate first, she would have been kept in the military control commission for a few more days of observation and investigation. The necessary organizational procedures could not be omitted.

Meng Yutang's personal escort of Wang Cuiping back was not entirely out of concern for his comrade.

There's also a little something going on in this—the Minister of Public Security's intention to get to the bottom of things, investigate thoroughly, and take preventative measures.

After all, Wang Cuiping has a special identity, a mysterious background, and has made outstanding contributions. It is necessary to find out about the people around her and her living environment to ensure her safety and prevent unrelated people from disturbing her.

Once inside, Wang Cuiping recounted her experiences in a calm and even tone, without a hint of self-praise.

She didn't utter a single word about things that shouldn't be said, things involving intelligence secrets or details of infiltration; she kept her mouth shut.

Zhao Cuifeng listened with her eyes shining and her mouth almost stretched to her ears. She couldn't help but step forward, tug at Wang Cuiping's sleeve, and look at her with envy.

"My goodness, he really has become an official! A deputy section chief! Does that mean he manages a lot of people, even more powerful than the factory director?"

Wang Cuiping smiled faintly, withdrew her hand, and said calmly, "Sister-in-law Xu, I don't know either. I haven't reported for duty yet, so I don't understand anything about ranks or anything like that."

"There's no mistake! That Comrade Meng just now, isn't he your section chief? I clearly saw him carrying a pistol on his waist. Can a low-ranking official carry a gun?" Zhao Cuifeng said with certainty and a confident expression.

Wang Cuiping calmly said, "We are all serving the people, there is no difference, we are all doing revolutionary work."

"How can there be no difference! Higher-ranking officials have more power, and with power, things get done more easily!" Zhao Cuifeng immediately retorted, her tone full of snobbery.

She is a materialistic and pragmatic person who spends her whole life dealing with trivial matters and family squabbles. What she values ​​most is status, position, and power, and she only cares about interests.

Otherwise, she wouldn't have instigated that mess between Xu Damao and Xiao'e back then, causing chaos in the courtyard.

The old lady felt uncomfortable when she saw the girl's fawning and obsequious manner. She immediately frowned and coldly rebuked her.

"Alright, you rich kid, are you ever going to stop? Cuiping just got back, and you're already bombarding her with questions. Never going to stop?"

Zhao Cuifeng was taken aback, then quickly smiled apologetically, her face full of embarrassment: "Grandma, I was just curious. I've never seen an official before, so I just wanted to ask a few more questions."

"What's there to be curious about? Didn't you see they were carrying guns? That kind of department is a state secret, it's not something you can just ask about casually. If you keep talking nonsense, you'll make a mistake!" the old lady said irritably, her tone full of warning.

"Okay, okay, I won't ask anymore, alright?"

Zhao Cuifeng shut up reluctantly, took two steps back, and dared not interrupt again, but her eyes kept looking at Wang Cuiping with fawning eyes.

Chen Lanxiang quickly smoothed things over, pulling Wang Cuiping to sit on the edge of the kang (heated brick bed) and saying warmly, "Cuiping, have you had lunch yet? If not, let Zhuzi make you something nice to eat. He's a good cook; he'll stew a chicken for you to nourish your body."

"I've eaten, sister-in-law. The military control commission provides lunch—four dishes and a soup, all you can eat," Wang Cuiping replied with a smile.

"Isn't that the same as working in a factory? They provide meals, nothing special," Zhao Cuifeng couldn't help but interject, her mouth never stopping.

The old lady immediately glared at her, her eyes stern.

"How can that be the same? A factory is where workers do their jobs, while that's the government! Do you even know what the government is? It's the government that governs us ordinary people. We're just common folk, how can we be the same? Don't talk nonsense here!"

Zhao Cuifeng muttered softly, her voice barely audible: "Those people are wealthy, unlike us..."

"I think you're just obsessed with money; you'll never escape that mindset your whole life!"

The old lady waved her hand impatiently, dismissing her. "Alright, go back now. You need to cook for the children. Don't waste our time."

This was supposedly to ask her to go back and cook, but it was really just a way to give her an out, a blatant way of kicking her out.

Zhao Cuifeng wasn't stupid; she could tell the old lady was unhappy, and Wang Cuiping didn't like listening to her vulgar talk either. So she immediately stood up, gave an awkward smile, and said, "Alright, I'll head back first. You two chat, you two chat."

As soon as Zhao Cuifeng left, the old lady quickly smiled apologetically at Wang Cuiping, took her hand, and explained: "It's over."

"Cuiping, don't mind her. That's just how she is. She's been materialistic her whole life, and she's shallow. She's not really trying to find out any secrets; she's just a gossip."

Wang Cuiping smiled and shook her head: "It's alright, old lady. People just don't understand the new government. As time goes by, they'll gradually learn the rules of the new society and they'll be able to change."

"Yes, yes! You're absolutely right!" The old lady nodded repeatedly and added her own words of advice.

"You must come to our house often in the future and tell me more about the new rules and policies, so that these people in the compound won't mess around and accidentally break a taboo, and suffer a great loss. It will be too late to cry then."

"No problem! I'll come over often to chat with you from now on." Wang Cuiping readily agreed, but she was also a little unsure of herself.

She herself hasn't fully grasped the ins and outs of the new government, nor does she know if the policies here are the same as in the old districts, so she can only learn as she goes.

Chen Lanxiang hesitated for a long time, clutching the hem of her clothes, but still couldn't help but ask the question that was most worrying her, her voice trembling:

"Cuiping, Zhuzi was just like that... he got into a physical altercation with Section Chief Meng, is he really alright? Won't he hold a grudge?"

Wang Cuiping glanced at Sha Zhu, who was grinning and completely unconcerned, and couldn't help but laugh, her tone light and relaxed.

"It's nothing, what could have happened? We just compared strength, just messing around. But speaking of which, Zhu Zi, your strength is really something else. That Meng Yutang, he looks like a seasoned fighter, served in the army for over ten years, he's incredibly strong, most people couldn't beat him, yet you managed to beat him."

Sha Zhu chuckled, scratched his head, and looked smug.

"I'm only a little bit stronger than him. It's his fault for pushing me first. He didn't even care about me, a 'young man,' and he deliberately challenged me."

Wang Cuiping shook her head helplessly and tapped his forehead: "You should be more careful in the future. Don't fight with people so easily. If you run into someone with a bad temper and who is unreasonable, not everyone is as understanding as Section Chief Meng. You'll be the one who suffers in the end."

Sha Zhu, unfazed, scoffed, "What, is he really going to pull a gun on me? Does the new society think it can bully ordinary people?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Lanxiang's face changed drastically, and she was so frightened that her soul almost flew out of her body. She immediately raised her hand and slapped Sha Zhu on the back of the head with a loud "smack".

"You child! Can't you speak properly! You just listen to whatever your Aunt Wang says, and you've even learned to talk back! You're spouting nonsense, it scared me to death!"

Sha Zhu covered his head, looking aggrieved, and muttered, "I was just saying, it wasn't true."

Wang Cuiping quickly comforted him, "Sister-in-law, don't be angry. The child was just saying it casually. Of course, ordinary people wouldn't use guns so easily, but... those people who were retained from the old government are a different story. They're resentful, have strange tempers, and don't know their own strength when they use them."

"What?!" The old lady exclaimed in surprise, her voice rising several decibels, her face filled with disbelief.

"People from the old government? Those guys who oppressed the people, they're allowed to work in the new government? Isn't that like letting a wolf into the house?"

Wang Cuiping nodded and patiently explained, "Yes, I saw them today. They are currently undergoing intensive study and reform. Those who change their mindset and behave well will likely be retained, since the new government has just been established and is short-staffed."

The old lady immediately looked at Sha Zhu nervously, grabbed his hand, and solemnly instructed him, her tone full of worry.

"Zhu Zi, did you hear that! From now on, you must listen to your Aunt Wang and never act impulsively! We are commoners, and since ancient times, commoners have never fought against officials. If we really mess with those people from the old government, they are ruthless, and we'll have nowhere to seek justice if we suffer losses!"

"Understood, madam."

Sha Zhu nodded obediently, his face full of compliance. He always listened to these kinds of polite words without arguing or taking them seriously, so as not to worry his family.

But inwardly, he was sneering.

He doesn't cause trouble, but he's not afraid of trouble either; he lives his life peacefully and lawfully. But if anyone dares to bully him or treat him like a pushover, Sha Zhu isn't someone to be trifled with!

If you really piss him off, he'll beat the other person to a pulp. He's not Sha Zhu, he's never suffered such humiliation in his life!

Seeing that he agreed so readily, the old lady nodded in satisfaction and breathed a sigh of relief: "That's right! Living our own lives peacefully and safely is better than anything else."

As evening approached, the factory's closing whistle echoed throughout the alley, and people gradually returned home, pushing their bicycles and carrying their tools.

The events of the day spread like wildfire throughout the courtyard, and everyone shut their doors to discuss them, creating an eerie and tense atmosphere.

In the front yard of the Jia family's house, Madam Jia Zhang sat on the threshold, her face contorted with grief. She sighed and wept, tears streaming down her face, "The house...the house is truly gone forever! The Wang family girl is now an official; we can never get it back. What are we going to do?!"

Old Jia never thought the house would belong to his family, and he was already prepared for it. Upon hearing this, he simply sighed and resigned himself to his fate.

"Don't go to the Intermediate Court to cause trouble in the future, and don't provoke the He family. Just stay away. We can't afford to offend them, but we can at least avoid them. They have officials backing them up now, so if we go, we'll only be asking for trouble."

Hearing this from the side, Jia Dongxu was terrified, his face turning pale. He quickly stepped forward, grabbed Jia Zhangshi's arm, and whispered, "Mother, did they really come with guns? What do they look like? Are they as fierce as the soldiers in the plays?"

Jia Zhangshi was upset and recalled how timid she had been, hiding in her room during the day and not daring to make a sound.

Fuming with nowhere to vent her anger, she kicked Jia Dongxu away and yelled, "Get out of here! What's there to ask! Kids shouldn't pry into other people's business, or I'll break your legs!"

She's already lost enough face today. Do you expect her to tell me how she threw a tantrum and caused trouble, only to be so scared that she hid inside when the government officials with guns arrived, not daring to even show her face?

The reason she dared to tell Lao Jia about this was because after Meng Yutang and his group left, she secretly slipped to the Moon Gate and peeked through the crack in the wall.

Seeing with her own eyes that Wang Cuiping was safe and sound, and hearing laughter coming from the He family's house from time to time, she realized that they hadn't come to arrest her at all, but rather to support Wang Cuiping. The He family was now completely out of their depth.

The Yi family of the Intermediate People's Court.

Li Guihua didn't dare to go out all day. She peeked through the crack in the door the whole time, even while cooking, afraid of missing the slightest sound.

When Yi Zhonghai returned, exhausted, she immediately pulled her husband into the inner room, locked the door, and told him everything that had happened in the yard, leaving out not a single detail.

When Yi Zhonghai first heard that Sha Zhu was fighting with the soldiers, he secretly gloated and smiled, wishing that Sha Zhu would be arrested and given a good beating so that he could vent his anger.

But when he heard that Sha Zhu was perfectly fine and even fraternized with Section Chief Meng, the smile on his face vanished instantly, leaving him feeling utterly disappointed.

Then I heard that Wang Cuiping had actually become a member of the Military Control Commission, had an official title, and was even the deputy head of the investigation section.

Yi Zhonghai's face immediately darkened, turning as black as the bottom of a pot. His eyes were sinister, and he exuded a menacing aura, frightening the air in the room into a frozen state.

His desire for revenge instantly cooled down, completely.

He had originally planned to take revenge on Lao Zhao when he returned, to repay the humiliation he had suffered tenfold. Even if Lao Zhao died outside, he would still vent his resentment on Wang Cuiping. This is called transferring hatred.

But now, Wang Cuiping has an official position, backed by the government and armed soldiers, making her someone he simply cannot afford to offend.

Forget revenge, he doesn't even dare to get close to Wang Cuiping or Sha Zhu now. If he really angers them, they can arrest him on any pretext, accuse him of being a spy, and his life will be over.

Seeing Yi Zhonghai's gloomy and terrifying face, which looked like it was about to explode at any moment, Li Guihua was so frightened that she quickly shrank back and hid in the corner of the kang (a heated brick bed), not daring to breathe loudly.

She was terrified that Yi Zhonghai would vent his anger on her.

Yi Zhonghai is now eccentric and unpredictable, prone to outbursts without warning. She knows this is largely due to his loss of testicles; his body is crippled, and his personality has become twisted.

She was already married, so what could she do but swallow her anger?

In the backyard of the Xu family home, Xu Fugui and Zhao Cuifeng, a married couple, were having a heated discussion behind closed doors. Their voices were low but full of excitement.

Xu Fugui became more and more excited as he listened, rubbing his hands together, wishing he could immediately take eggs and brown sugar to the Intermediate People's Court to curry favor and cling to Wang Cuiping's coattails.

But then she rolled her eyes and held back.

He heard that the new government was very disciplined, would not take a single needle or thread from the people, and strictly prohibited the practice of giving gifts and currying favor. Giving gifts rashly would easily cause trouble and lead to being arrested as a speculator.

With a change of heart, he immediately set his sights on his two children, feeling that interacting with them would be the most natural and wouldn't arouse suspicion.

"Da Mao, take your sister to the Wang family in the Central Courtyard to play with Xiao Man more often. Go every day without fail," Xu Fugui said in a low voice, solemnly instructing his son.

Xu Damao was taken aback, scratched his head, and looked puzzled: "Dad, why? I'm not familiar with Xiaoman, what would I do there?"

"Don't ask why, just go! Would your father harm you?" Xu Fugui whispered, trying to tempt you.

"That little girl from the Wang family, Xiaoman, has tons of comic books, several complete sets, including Romance of the Three Kingdoms and Water Margin. Don't you want to read them?"

Xu Damao's eyes lit up, and he instantly perked up, nodding repeatedly.

"Yes! Of course I want to! I dream of reading the complete set of Romance of the Three Kingdoms comic books!"

He doesn't like anything else, he just loves reading comic books. He'd go every day for comic books.

Xu Fugui sneered inwardly, his face full of calculation.

He had no designs on Xiaoman. He knew perfectly well that Xiaoman had long been designated as Shazhu's daughter-in-law, and the He family was fiercely protective of her. Besides, his son, Xu Damao, might be able to act tough outside, but when he saw Shazhu, he was like a mouse before a cat. He would listen to whatever Shazhu said, and even if he had ten times the courage, he wouldn't dare to steal Shazhu's woman.

If he dares to do anything reckless, Sha Zhu could sell him out, and he'd still have to help count the money. He's incredibly stupid.

Xu Damao was unaware of his father's scheming and opportunistic plot. He only knew that he could read comic books at the Wang family's house, so he immediately agreed and couldn't wait to run to the Intermediate People's Court.

Compared to the undercurrents and hidden agendas in the other families, the He family was quite calm. The family members cooked and tidied up as usual, without any panic.

He Daqing has traveled all over the country in his life, and has worked as the head chef at Tianjin Weida Restaurant. He has seen more of the world than everyone else in the courtyard combined, and he has a very clear understanding of people and things.

He simply offered Wang Cuiping a congratulatory greeting, without excessive flattery or the slightest fear, and then said calmly, "No matter what kind of government office it is, you must first learn, observe, and then act. Speak less, do more, observe more, listen more, and speak less; that's always the right thing to do and will save you a lot of trouble."

Wang Cuiping felt a warmth in her heart, knowing that this was genuine experience from someone who had been through it all, heartfelt words without a trace of pretense.

She quickly bowed sincerely to He Daqing and said thank you, "Thank you for reminding me, Brother He. I'll remember it."

After dinner, the family chatted for a while about everyday matters, then Wang Cuiping got up, said goodbye to everyone, and went home.

As soon as everyone left, He Daqing immediately put down his pipe, his face instantly turning serious. He looked at Sha Zhu with sharp eyes and said, "Zhu Zi, what do you think about your Aunt Wang's matter? Don't try to fool me."

Sha Zhu pretended to be stupid, looking blank and scratching his head: "What do you mean, how do you see it? It's a good thing that Aunt Wang became a government employee, we should be happy for her."

"You brat, you dare to play dumb with your old man?" He Daqing glared at him, picked up his pipe, and was about to hit him, his face full of disappointment.

Chen Lanxiang quickly stepped forward to stop him, snatched the pipe from him, and scolded, "He Daqing, speak properly! Zhuzi is still a child, what does he know about officialdom? Don't scare the child."

"He understands? If he doesn't, then no one in our family does! This kid looks carefree, but he's shrewder than anyone else!" He Daqing said irritably.

He knew his son too well. He looked honest and simple, but he was actually very shrewd and insightful, more so than most adults.

Chen Lanxiang looked at Shazhu with some skepticism, then took his hand and said, "Zhuzi, do you really know? Don't hide it from your mother."

Sha Zhu touched his nose, chuckled, and stopped pretending to be stupid: "I know a little bit, I'm not hiding anything from you."

"Then hurry up and say it! What are you pretending for? You're driving me crazy!"

Chen Lanxiang immediately reached out and poked Sha Zhu hard on the head with her finger, her face full of urgency. At this moment, the couple were completely on the same side, both wanting to know their son's thoughts.

Sha Zhu had no choice but to speak. He knew that his little scheme could not be hidden from his father, who was experienced in the ways of the world.

He lowered his voice, leaned close to his parents, and said earnestly, "Aunt Wang Cuiping is not an ordinary clerk, much less a nobody."

"She was able to directly become the deputy head of the Military Control Commission's Investigation Section, and even a skilled section chief like Meng Yutang personally came to escort her to her home, treating her with utmost courtesy. She must have a powerful background; she must be an old revolutionary who has made great contributions and has powerful connections."

He Daqing narrowed his eyes slightly, nodded, and gestured for him to continue.

"When Meng Yutang first came, he wanted to put me in a superior position, establish his authority, and see what kind of people were around Aunt Wang," Sha Zhu said calmly, his eyes full of certainty.

"But I arm wrestled with him once, letting him know that I'm not a pushover and can't be easily bullied. Plus, Aunt Wang intervened and gave him a way out, so he naturally took the opportunity and started calling me brother."

"He's not afraid of me, he's afraid of the people and power behind Aunt Wang."

"Now that Aunt Wang works for the government, and is the deputy head of the investigation department, in charge of public security and espionage, who in this compound will dare to bully our family anymore? Who will dare to cause us trouble?"

He Daqing gave his son a deep look, his heart filled with shock, but his face remained expressionless.

He originally thought his son was just strong and hot-tempered, but he never expected him to be so thoughtful, insightful, and so adept at understanding human relationships.

"It's good that you know," He Daqing said in a deep voice, his tone full of admonition.

"Try to control your temper in the future, don't cause trouble, and live a peaceful life. But don't be afraid of trouble either. We won't bully others, and we will never let others bully us."

"With Wang Cuiping around, plus your own skills and strength, as long as you don't make any big mistakes and work diligently, no one in Beijing can easily mess with you, Sha Zhu."

Sha Zhu grinned, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, radiating confidence: "Dad, I understand."

"I will not offend others unless they offend me."

If someone offends me, I will retaliate!