On the way back, they rode in an ox cart, as Xiaoxiao thought it wise for Yang Ming, with his injuries, to walk as little as possible.
Her use of preserved vegetables to repay a favor was also not without consideration. Since they were already discussing divorce, she wouldn’t be staying in this family for long, and the preserved vegetables wouldn’t last much longer either. Soon, she could withdraw directly and make long-term plans once she returned to her parents’ ho.
But as soon as they entered the village, they noticed people pointing and whispering about her and Yang Ming. What was going on?
Faint voices reached Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming’s ears.
"Did you hear? The child Yang Ming’s wife is carrying is his brother’s!"
"Look at them, acting as if nothing’s wrong!"
"The rumor has spread everywhere; it might be true. Who would make up such a story, described so vividly?"
"I knew it! I always saw those two coming and going together!"
"..."
"..."
Yang Ming hadn’t expected that this misunderstanding had just cleared up, yet it had still reached the villagers’ ears. Just as he was about to confront them, Xiaoxiao held him back. Thinking that they would do whatever his wife decides, the two of them went ho amidst the villagers’ pointing and whispering.
Who could it be? Who started this rumor? No one outside the family knew of this misunderstanding. After the argunt with his second sister-in-law that morning, could it have been her?
The mont they arrived ho, Xiaoxiao shouted into the house:
"Second Sister-in-law, co out here!"
At that mont, the second sister-in-law was cooking in the kitchen. Startled by Xiaoxiao’s yelling, she wondered what was going on. They had just had a row that morning, and now this!
Upon hearing the commotion, everyone in the family also ca out.
"Second Sister-in-law, did you start these rumors? I clearly warned you this morning."
Seeing the situation worsening, Old Master Yang imdiately stepped forward and asked, "Third daughter-in-law, what rumors?"
"They’re saying I’m carrying the child of my fourth brother-in-law!"
Upon hearing this, the family stayed silent, pondering. The secret was out; what to do now?
"Third Sister-in-law, it wasn’t who spread it. I love to gossip, and I talk with the family, but I never discuss our private affairs with outsiders!"
"Is it really not you?"
"Truly, it wasn’t . If I talked to outsiders, I’d be damned! I want to see who is responsible for this and trying to bla ."
As the second sister-in-law spoke, she made for the door. Xiaoxiao saw that she might have misunderstood her second sister-in-law and quickly stepped forward to stop her.
"Second Sister-in-law, don’t bother. It’s a non-issue; let them talk!"
A non-issue? The family beca even more confused upon hearing this. Old Master Yang then glanced at Yang Ming, signaling him to explain what was going on.
"Dad, Xiaoxiao isn’t pregnant; there’s nothing between her and my fourth brother."
"..."
Relief washed over the family. Thankfully, nothing had happened. The past days’ tension due to this matter had been a strain on them. Now, with nothing amiss, the young couple could continue living their lives in peace.
"Third daughter-in-law, what shall we do about this?" Old Master Yang was at an impasse.
"There’s always soone talking behind the scenes, and no one who doesn’t speak ill of others in front; there are rumors every day, which cease when ignored," Xiaoxiao left those words and returned to her room.
Yang Ming felt that his wife’s words were very sensible. He had indeed been mistaken before—narrow-minded and too concerned about his reputation. So he assured his family not to worry, and only then did they settle down.
The incident lingered for two days, but Hehua couldn’t sit still. She noticed that the spreading rumors hadn’t affected her Brother Ming or his wife, nor had the family suffered any consequences!
Feeling out of options, she had no choice but to seek out Zhong Xiaoxiao.
"Third sister-in-law, I have a favor to ask of you!"
"..."
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