Chapter 21: The Wicked Mother-in-Law Takes the Blame for Her Grandson and Reaps What She Has Sown

Finding a scapegoat?

Chen Mo cast a side-long glance at Yi Zhonghai standing beside him. As expected of the "Paragon of Virtue," his calculations were indeed precise. He could shield Bang Geng, preventing the courtyard from gaining a shameful reputation for producing a juvenile delinquent, while simultaneously resolving the issue through his own "mediation," thereby reinforcing his prestige and authority as the First Elder.

Unfortunately, his calculations were flawed.

What Chen Mo wanted was never merely a scapegoat. He wanted those who committed evil to pay the most agonizing price; he wanted everyone in the courtyard to understand one truth—cross me, Chen Mo, and there will be no good end!

However, Yi Zhonghai’s proposal did offer him a new perspective. Sending Bang Geng away was problematic because his young age would inevitably invite gossip. But what if it were someone from the Jia family who was begging and crying to go themselves? That would be an entirely different matter.

"A scapegoat?" Chen Mo feigned hesitation, putting on a troubled expression. "First Elder, this is no trivial matter. Damaging state property is a serious crime."

Seeing an opening, Yi Zhonghai leaned in closer. "I know it’s serious, which is why Bang Geng cannot go! He is still so young; if he goes in, his life will be ruined! Chen Mo, look, Qin Huairu is a widow, and it hasn't been easy for her. Just show some kindness and leave her family with a future."

He began his usual routine of moral blackmail. Chen Mo chuckled inwardly but sighed outwardly. "Fine. Since you’ve put it this way, First Elder, I must show you this respect. However..."

His tone shifted, becoming stern. "Capital punishment may be avoided, but the penalty for the crime cannot be escaped! You want to find someone to take the fall? Fine, but it cannot end here. This person must turn themselves in to the Public Security Bureau. They will be sentenced according to the law and serve every day of their term! No entering today and leaving tomorrow!"

Chen Mo looked directly at Yi Zhonghai, enunciating every word. "Moreover, this person must be a direct relative of the Jia family! You cannot just pull any stray cat or dog to take the rap!"

Yi Zhonghai’s face stiffened. He had thought Chen Mo had relented and was looking for a way out, expecting him to just find someone to give a statement at the police station and be released after a couple of days of "education." He hadn't expected Chen Mo to demand an actual prison sentence!

This... how was this any different from letting Bang Geng go? No, the difference was vast! Bang Geng was a minor and would be sent to a juvenile detention center. An adult, however, would be sent to a real detention facility—a prison!

Aside from Qin Huairu, the only other direct relative of the Jia family was Mrs. Jia. If Qin Huairu went in, what would happen to Xiao Dang and Huai Hua? That left only...

Everyone’s gaze turned simultaneously toward Mrs. Jia. She felt a chill crawl up her spine and, stiffening her neck, shouted, "Why are you looking at me? I didn't puncture it! Why should I be the one to go!"

Qin Huairu’s mind, however, was racing. Sending her mother-in-law was far better than sending her son! Her mother-in-law was old and tough; she could survive ten or fifteen days, and once she returned, she’d be back to eating and drinking as usual. But Bang Geng couldn't! Bang Geng was the root of the Jia family! He was her entire life!

Qin Huairu reached a decision in an instant. She wiped away her tears, stood up abruptly, walked over to Mrs. Jia, and dropped to her knees with a loud *thud*.

"Mom! I beg you! Please, save Bang Geng!"

Mrs. Jia was startled by the sudden kneeling and took a step back. "You... what are you doing! Get up!"

"Mom! Bang Geng is your own grandson, the only legacy Dongxu left behind!" Qin Huairu gripped Mrs. Jia’s pant leg tightly, sobbing as if her heart were breaking. "If he goes in, his life is finished! Can you bear to watch the Jia family line die out?"

"Do it for Dongxu, for the sake of our family’s incense! Please, just endure this for once and take the fall for Bang Geng!"

"Mom! You love Bang Geng the most; you wouldn't watch him die, would you?"

Every word from Qin Huairu was like a spike driven into Mrs. Jia’s heart. It was true—Bang Geng was her lifeline! He was the hope for her later years! If Bang Geng were ruined, what would be the point of her living? Yet, the thought of going to prison... the image of those cold iron bars made her tremble.

"No! I... I’m afraid..." Mrs. Jia’s voice shook.

"Mom! It’ll be fine!" Qin Huairu quickly added. "You’ll just be staying there for a few days, getting some education, and then you’ll be out! Think about it—you’ll be inside, you won't have to do any chores, and they’ll provide your meals. Isn't that better than being at home?"

She began painting a picture for Mrs. Jia. "Think, if you don't go, Bang Geng will have to! He’s so delicate—how could he survive in there? What if the bad kids inside bully him?"

This remark struck Mrs. Jia’s weakest point. The thought of her precious grandson being bullied in prison made her heart ache as if it were being sliced by a knife. Besides, Qin Huairu did have a point. It was just a few days, right? What was the big deal? With her constitution, who would dare bully her?

"Then... how long would I have to stay?" Mrs. Jia began to waver.

Everyone looked at Chen Mo.

Chen Mo held up two fingers and said coolly, "Damaging the transportation of a key state official is a grave matter with terrible influence. Considering this is a first offense and someone is volunteering to take the blame, I will be lenient. Fifteen days of detention and manual labor—not a day less."

Half a month! And manual labor! Mrs. Jia’s face drained of color. In her entire life, aside from some farm work back in the village, she hadn't lifted a finger since marrying into the city. Make her do manual labor? That would be the death of her!

"No! That’s too long! I’m not going!" Mrs. Jia shook her head like a rattle.

Seeing things going sideways, Qin Huairu hugged Mrs. Jia’s legs and sobbed even harder. "Mom! Half a month will pass in the blink of an eye! Just pretend you’re staying with relatives in the countryside! I’ll pray for you every day, asking the Bodhisattva to protect you!"

"If you don't go, Bang Geng is truly finished! Mom!"

On one side was her precious grandson’s destruction; on the other, half a month in prison. Mrs. Jia’s mind was locked in a fierce battle. The people in the courtyard watched in silence; no one spoke. This drama of a mother-in-law taking the fall for her grandson was more gripping than any movie.

Ultimately, her doting love for her grandson overcame her fear of prison. Mrs. Jia gritted her teeth, stomped her foot, and squeezed out a few words: "Fine! I’ll go!"

She glared at Chen Mo with a gaze so venomous it seemed she wanted to tear him apart. Chen Mo, however, didn't care at all; instead, he offered a kind smile.

Go ahead, go ahead. The "big sisters" in the detention center would be sure to teach you how to behave.

"Excellent! Since you’ve agreed, it’s settled!" Chen Mo clapped his hands and said to the driver, "Sir, take her away. Send her straight to the Public Security Bureau. Tell them she is turning herself in and confesses to being jealous of the factory leadership and intentionally sabotaging the official vehicle."

The driver, having never seen such a scene, was stunned for a long moment before nodding. "Right, alright."

He walked up to Mrs. Jia, still looking a bit uncertain. "You... you should come with me."

Mrs. Jia looked at Qin Huairu and Bang Geng, two streams of murky tears flowing from her aged eyes. "Huairu, once I’m inside, the family is in your hands. Bang Geng, Grandma is doing this for you—you must make something of yourself in the future!"

With that, she puffed out her chest, looking like a martyr heading to the execution grounds, and followed the driver out of the courtyard.

Watching Mrs. Jia’s retreating figure, Qin Huairu collapsed to the ground, torn between grief and relief. She was relieved that her son was safe, but grieved at the thought of how this family would survive in the future.

The crowd in the courtyard slowly dispersed, leaving behind a scene of chaos and sighs. Shazhu walked over to Qin Huairu, wanting to offer comfort, but he didn't know what to say.

"Sister Qin, you..."

"Get out!" Qin Huairu snapped her head up, her bloodshot eyes filled with hatred. "All of you, get out!"

She hated Chen Mo, she hated everyone in this courtyard, and, perhaps, she even hated herself.

Chen Mo watched it all with a heart that remained completely calm. He turned around, walked back into his room, and closed the door, shutting out the weeping and resentment of the courtyard.

[Ding! Detected that the target of punishment, 'Mrs. Jia,' has suffered significant losses to her reputation and freedom. The beastly behavior has been severely punished!]

[Reward Issued: 500 Punishment Points! Ancient Strengthening Decoction Formula (Improved Version)!]

A corner of Chen Mo’s mouth curved upward.

Mrs. Jia, your suffering has only just begun.