Three people stood in a row in front of Mr. Zhuang.
Mr. Zhuang stroked his beard while looking at them and said, "Copying books is something you're all used to, so I think we'll change the punishment today. Wait another couple of days until your 'ailment' has cleared up, then take a broom and go sweep the streets: just sweep our alley and a hundred paces in front of and behind the main street outside, until your end-of-year exam results are out and you return to your hometowns."
The three of them opened their mouths in shock.
Mr. Zhuang continued, "While sweeping, think over where you went wrong. If something like this happens again, will you still resort to fighting others so readily?"
Feeling guilty, Manbao asked, "What if we still end up fighting someone?"
Mr. Zhuang gazed at them with a profound look and said, "Do you think Kangxue Street here is big enough? If not, you can sweep over at Huanxi Street as well."
