Qingmei was originally sitting at the front of the cart, and completely caught off guard by Mrs. Liang's kick, she stumbled and fell directly off the cart. She rolled on the ground and her forehead struck a sharp stone, breaking it open into a large hole, as blood uncontrollably gushed out.
The villagers were stupefied, unable to fathom that their intention to ridicule Mrs. Liang with their words had led to her venting her rage upon Qingmei.
Mrs. Liang leapt down from the cart and, upon seeing Qingmei sitting dazed on the ground with blood streaming unchecked, was filled with rage. She kicked her and began to scream, "You good-for-nothing! Who are you playing dead for now? I've kept you well-fed and comfortable all year, only to end up feeding a dog! I knew, the moment I gave birth to you, that you would be a jinx. I should have strangled you then and there!"
