John Thompson's Domestic Tyranny

This little boy was the only son of Mrs. Thompson and John Thompson—Charlie Thompson.

Charlie Thompson fetched a thick stick for his father. When Mrs. Thompson saw it, her face went pale with fright, and she burst into tears, begging for mercy and admitting fault.

John Thompson said, "Good boy! This stick you found for me is just perfect!"

With that, he swung the stick and struck Mrs. Thompson squarely on her backside.

Mrs. Thompson cried out in pain, while Charlie Thompson watched with glee, clapping his hands and jumping around: "Dad, nice hit! Keep going, smack her right in the face!"

Lily Evans frowned at Charlie Thompson. Mrs. Thompson was his own mother, yet he acted like this? What a rotten kid!

John Thompson grew more enthusiastic with each hit. Some villagers worried he might actually kill her, so they sent someone to fetch the village chief.

The village chief arrived and shouted at John Thompson, "What are you doing, causing such a scene? Is this your house or a circus? Aren't you ashamed? John Thompson, do you want me to tie you up and haul you off to the magistrate?"

John Thompson was a bully at home, fierce when beating his wife, but he immediately wilted in front of the village chief. He hurriedly threw away the stick, put on a fawning face, and started flattering the chief, then untied Mrs. Thompson from the tree.

As soon as Mrs. Thompson was freed, she blocked John Thompson with a fierce glare and stared down the village chief. "Why are you threatening to haul him off? He's my husband! What right do you have to tie him up? Chief, if you dare take my man, I won't let you off! I'll make a scene at your doorstep every day!"

The village chief felt a headache coming on. He regretted getting involved and thought it might be better to let John Thompson beat Mrs. Thompson to death. "Fine, I meddled too much! You two sort out your own mess. If John Thompson beats you to death next time, don't come running to me for help!"

Mrs. Thompson suddenly grew bold, shielding John Thompson and Charlie Thompson behind her. "Who asked you for help? Did I call you here? Mind your own business! It's just a wife getting beaten—whose wife hasn't been hit before? What's the big deal?"

The village chief was left speechless by Mrs. Thompson and stormed off, shaking his sleeves in frustration.

Mrs. Thompson shouted at the surrounding villagers, "What are you all standing around for? Go mind your own business! Off you go, shoo!"

Charlie Thompson shot Mrs. Thompson a sideways glare, kicked her in the shin, and barked, "Lazy woman, I want noodle soup!"

Mrs. Thompson immediately changed her expression, smiling at Charlie Thompson. "Mama will go home and make noodle soup for her boy right away!"

With that, she led her husband and son home as if nothing had happened.

At dinner, Lily Evans told Margaret Evans about Mrs. Thompson. Margaret sighed, "Her husband beats her, and even her son treats her like this. Well, she brought it on herself—can't blame anyone else."

Lily Evans laughed, "You're right, Mom. If a person doesn't stand up for herself, no one can help her no matter how hard they try." Feeling that the topic was ruining her appetite, Lily switched to happier news: "Mom, the Savory House dividend is coming soon. I was thinking we could save up for a few months, and after the spring plowing, build a new house. This thatched hut is only comfortable in early spring. Once summer hits, it's going to be unbearably hot."

Margaret Evans smiled with meaning, "If we're going to have a big house with three courtyards, we'll need more people to fill it! Yuanbao, Lily, you two need to work hard and give me lots of chubby grandbabies."

Lily Evans blushed and glared at her mother, "Mom, what are you saying?" Margaret Evans just laughed and winked at her, then went off to busy herself.

Lily Evans shook her head, feeling both amused and helpless. The future was looking brighter, and her heart was full of hope.

End of Chapter 92.