"Nonsense, this is our family matter!"
The sharp-tongued old lady had lost a tooth in the scuffle.
Zhuang Zhixi said, "No family matter is above the law. Abuse is wrong. Maybe your daughter-in-law doesn't want us meddling, but that doesn't mean we're wrong. Our methods might have been impulsive, but in that situation, should we have waited for you to strike again? Auntie, I'm not afraid of trouble. If needed, we can take this to the police station."
"You!"
"That's unnecessary, really unnecessary…" The brigade leader didn't want to involve the authorities. Unlike Zhuang Zhixi and his group, who were familiar with the police station, most villagers preferred to avoid official involvement. The brigade leader especially didn't want things to escalate, as it would reflect poorly on his leadership.
"Let's not go that far. Both sides should calm down. I'll make the call—let's drop it."
"Brigade leader, my tooth…" the old lady protested.
