As soon as Yang Milan reported the case, Chen Jianying's heart skipped a beat.
He didn't know how serious Milan's injuries truly were, but judging from the blood covering his face, mouth, and body, it looked severe.
Once word spread, whether or not his second son was actually sentenced, he would still face prison for some time.
And according to legal procedure, the police would definitely come to the village to investigate.
As the team leader of the production brigade, Jianying himself might also be implicated along with his son.
Thinking of this, Chen Jianying quickly said:
"Milan, this is just a little quarrel between young men. There's no need to alarm the public, right?"
Yang Milan sneered coldly:
"Captain Chen, you make it sound so light. But do you even know what happens if you assault someone?"
He then quoted:
"According to Article 234 of China's Criminal Law, anyone who intentionally injures another person shall be sentenced to imprisonment of up to three years, or subjected to detention or surveillance. If serious injury is caused, the punishment will be three to ten years in prison."
"In plain words—even minor injuries can land you in prison for up to three years."
Milan continued, his voice calm but sharp:
"My injuries may not be serious, but they are still at least minor. This time, I'll make sure Chen Gang goes to jail!"
Chen Jianying's face went pale. Though he was the brigade leader, he was just a simple farmer who had never seen much of the outside world. He was stunned by Milan's confidence.
He hadn't expected that Milan's goal wasn't just to argue, but to have his second son thrown into prison!
Chen Gang, flustered, shouted in panic:
"Milan, didn't I only punch you once? I even let you hit me back! Isn't that enough?"
But Yang Milan only looked at him with disdain, refusing to answer.
Li Tau, a seasoned soldier who had fought on real battlefields, could tell at a glance that his son-in-law's injuries weren't life-threatening—just a nosebleed.
Milan was clearly using this chance to frighten Chen Jianying and his son.
Realizing this, Li Tau said firmly:
"Since Milan insists on making this public, then let it be public. Let the police investigate. Jianguo, go to the commune and report it!"
"Don't involve the commune!" Chen Jianying cried out in panic.
Chen Jianying hurried forward, his thin body trembling, and pleaded:
"Secretary Li, this isn't a big matter. We can settle it within our brigade. There's no need to alarm the authorities!"
Li Tau replied calmly:
"Old Chen, one side is your son, the other is my son-in-law. If we handle this privately, people will accuse us of favoritism. Let the police take care of it, and no one will complain."
Chen Jianying grew desperate and said:
"Secretary Li, if outsiders hear of this, it will ruin the Maggie Brigade's reputation. How about this? My family will pay twenty yuan in compensation for Chen Gang's assault. Let's just forget about it, alright?"
Before Li Tau could respond, Yang Milan cut in decisively:
"Twenty yuan? Captain Chen, do you even know the compensation standards for assault? Twenty yuan is nothing!"
Chen Jianying faltered. "This…"
Milan continued smoothly:
"Since you don't know, I'll explain. According to the law, the one who assaults must compensate the victim for personal injury, medical fees, and lost income from missed work—including wages, nursing fees, transport, accommodation, hospital meals, and nutrition costs."
"Furthermore, regulations state that even for minor injuries, the responsible party still bears criminal liability. The public security bureau will open a case for intentional injury. Sentences can be up to three years in prison or detention. And aside from the criminal case, the assailant must still pay civil compensation."
"In short—whether Chen Gang is sentenced or not, he must pay up!"
Hearing this, both father and son were stunned.
In their view, village fights were normal. At worst, one side gave some eggs or canned food as apology, and the matter was over.
But now Milan was talking about both prison and heavy compensation—something they had never encountered.
Chen Jianying turned, seeking help from his third son, Chen Tie, who had been silent all along.
Chen Tie was better educated than his brothers—he had even studied in high school for a year. Though not truly knowledgeable, he was still considered "half-educated."
Seeing his father's questioning gaze, Chen Tie reluctantly nodded, confirming that what Milan said was true.
Even Chen Tie felt that Milan was speaking mildly. He remembered a case from his school years: two classmates got into a fight, one was badly beaten, blood spilled, and the aggressor was arrested.
Though everyone thought it was just a schoolyard brawl, that student was sentenced to ten years in prison!
The victim, meanwhile, returned to school after only three days' rest.
The principal even held a meeting afterward, using it as a warning: never fight, never fight…
With Chen Tie's confirmation, Jianying grew increasingly nervous.
After a long pause, he turned to Milan and asked carefully:
"Milan, just tell me straight—what must I do to let my second son go?"
Yang Milan thought for a moment, then said coldly:
"If you don't want this to go public, fine. Chen Gang must apologize to Mercy and me—and pay two hundred yuan in compensation."
At once Chen Gang exploded:
"Two hundred yuan? Why don't you just rob us?!"
"Shut up!" Chen Jianying roared, slapping his son hard across the face.
Gang staggered back, clutching his cheek. Seeing his father's fury, he dared not argue further, though his eyes burned with resentment as he glared at Milan.
Chen Jianying forced a bitter smile and said:
"Milan, I accept your terms."
Suppressing his anger, he ordered:
"Third Brother, go get the money from your mother!"
Chen Tie soon returned with twenty large unity notes. Chen Jianying handed them to Milan, saying:
"Milan, everyone is here as witness. We don't need to write anything down. How about we end it here?"
"Not yet." Milan's voice was calm. "I said he must apologize."
Chen Jianying spun on his son, shouting angrily:
"Apologize to Milan right now!"
Chen Gang's face twisted with rage. Though unwilling, after two harsh slaps from his father, he could only lower his head and mutter:
"I'm sorry."
"Did you eat lunch? I can't hear you!" Milan pressed coldly.
"Bang!"
Another slap landed, blood spilling from Gang's mouth. His father barked furiously:
"Speak louder! Apologies must be sincere!"
"I'm sorry! I was wrong!" Chen Gang shouted hoarsely, clutching his face.
Humiliated beyond words, he turned and ran out of the brigade office. But before leaving, he shot Milan a venomous glare, eyes brimming with hatred.