Shen Wen and Shen Wu knew why their grandfather had been exiled—they had overheard everything during their parents' argument.
Because of this, they harbored hatred toward the Lin family and Nan Sheng. People tend to be more forgiving toward their own relatives, shifting blame onto others instead.
They began spreading rumors about Nan Sheng among their friends, claiming that Lin Sizhe’s mother was a committee director who had committed many wrongs, even arresting her own relatives.
Since the Lin family had arrived later, their friends sympathized with the Shen siblings, who seized the opportunity to suggest teaching Lin Sizhe a lesson.
Of course, Shen Wen wasn’t foolish. He knew this couldn’t be hidden from the adults. Once he and his sister didn’t return home by nightfall, their family would quickly figure out where they were.
To avenge their grandfather, a beating was worth it—but now, it seemed they had brought even greater trouble upon their family.
Nan Sheng spoke with clear logic, and everything she said was true. Regiment Leader Shen couldn’t refute her, but he refused to accept the accusation of being complicit in wrongdoing.
Ding Xiang, married to him for years, understood his thoughts perfectly. With her own family already fallen from grace, she had to protect her husband’s reputation.
With reddened eyes, she said, "You’re right, sister-in-law. It was my uncle and father’s greed that led to their downfall. But I swear, I never knew about it before. You can’t just slander us out of anger!"
Nan Sheng wasn’t intimidated. She immediately turned the tables, using their own words against them.
"Oh, so your sons can slander me, but I can’t even make a reasonable guess? The Shen family certainly has its own twisted logic."
Regiment Leader Shen remained relatively calm. To clear his name, he decided to report the matter to his superiors.
"I will personally report this to leadership and request an investigation. Rest assured, sister-in-law, I, Shen Yuxing, walk the straight path. I would never stray into corruption."
Most people still believed him on this matter. A regiment leader’s salary was more than enough to support a family comfortably—there was no need to invite trouble.
Nan Sheng didn’t dwell on it. She revealed her second purpose for coming.
"Do whatever you want. I don’t care. What I care about is how you’ll handle the fact that Sizhe and Siqi were injured!"
By now, the Shen family had become a laughingstock. Seeing Nan Sheng’s relentless pressure, Ding Xiang raised her voice in frustration.
"What do you want? Should we tie Shen Wen and Shen Wu to a tree for hours too? Or beat them up?"
The two boys trembled at the thought. Another beating? That would be the death of them…
Nan Sheng knew it wouldn’t be appropriate to lay hands on children in front of so many regiment families. She wanted revenge but couldn’t afford to be seen as bullying the weak.
"Shen Wen and Shen Wu have already paid a price. I won’t lay a hand on them today. But my children are waiting for my answer—I can’t just do nothing.
"Here’s my proposal: you two discuss which one of you will take the punishment in their place. After all, ‘to spare the rod is to spoil the child.’ As parents, you bear responsibility too."
She deliberately emphasized the last words. Hua Fen nearly blurted out an expletive—was she really going this far?
If this escalated, the two regiments led by Deputy Regiment Leader Lin and Regiment Leader Shen would become sworn enemies!
She tugged cautiously at Nan Sheng’s sleeve, trying to warn her of the severe consequences, but Nan Sheng ignored her.
Hua Fen was frantic. She wished she could teleport home and fetch her husband, Zhang Hengyi—this situation was far beyond her control.
In fact, no one present had expected things to go this way.
Nan Sheng even played the victim card. "Everyone knows I’m a stepmother. It’s not an easy role—the slightest neglect invites gossip. So today, I must demand justice for my children. I’m sure Regiment Leader Shen understands my position, right?"
Ding Xiang thought she was hearing things. Was Nan Sheng out of her mind? "Aren’t you afraid the military leadership will hold you accountable for this? You’ll ruin your husband’s career!"
Nan Sheng scoffed. "Why should I be afraid? The fault lies with you. I’m only seeking justice for my children. The leadership is fair—they won’t blame me.
"I suggest you take responsibility willingly. Don’t force me to lose my temper—things will get much uglier."
"Fine. I’ll take the punishment in their place!"
Regiment Leader Shen appeared calm, but in truth, he had no other choice. From the moment Nan Sheng arrived, he had been on the defensive. She had prepared too thoroughly.
But he still had his pride. He would never let a woman lay hands on him.
So when Regiment Leader Xu was summoned and handed a heavy leather belt, he froze.
"What’s this for?"
Had his wife’s sharp tongue driven Regiment Leader Shen to self-flagellation?
"Come on, Shen, this isn’t necessary."
Regiment Leader Shen gave him a look. "Just do it. Don’t stop until sister-in-law is satisfied."
Sister-in-law? Oh, not his wife—Deputy Regiment Leader Lin’s wife was even fiercer.
By then, Regiment Leader Shen had untied his sons from the gate. He braced himself against it, bending slightly, his back to the crowd.
"Go on, Xu. Hit me!"
Regiment Leader Xu: Someone save me!
Why were all the other brothers hiding inside watching this spectacle? So annoying!
Seeing his hesitation, Nan Sheng eagerly offered, "Should I do it instead? If Regiment Leader Xu hits too hard and leaves you bedridden, I’d be at fault."
Regiment Leader Shen immediately turned his head, pleading silently with Regiment Leader Xu. "Save me some dignity. If she does it, I’ll have to resign tomorrow!"
With no other choice, Regiment Leader Xu swung the belt. Once, twice, thrice…
Ten minutes later, Regiment Leader Shen’s back was a mess of bruises and swelling.
Regiment Leader Xu was on the verge of tears. "Sister-in-law, should I keep going?"
"Try aiming somewhere else."
Nan Sheng’s suggestion was anything but merciful. Her children had suffered for hours—she wouldn’t let the Shen family off easily.
When Nan Sheng returned home by bicycle, Siqi was indeed running a fever, but thankfully, medicine was administered in time.
Zhang Hengyi asked his wife, "What took you so long? Did something happen?"
Hua Fen didn’t answer immediately. After bidding Nan Sheng farewell, she dragged her husband back home. "Something huge happened today. Regiment Leader Shen was beaten—can you believe it?"
That sister-in-law was truly leadership material. She never relented, forcing Regiment Leader Xu to keep swinging.
By the end, the entire Shen family was in tears…
