I kind of like how old man alchemist comes out slapping in this latest chapter. It's kind of cathartic when the corrupt officials get slapped down at the peak of their arrogance, while making a sympathetic family fear economic ruin. It seems to release the tension, but also add humor that I'm not sure the author intended. If (s)he intended it, I think (s)he could have capitalized on it better with exaggerated expressions and multiple slaps, like in the linked clip...oh well.