Chapter 33: Rumors Abound

The woman, Wang Xin, recognized as Mrs. Zhao, was the village's notorious gossip. If someone lost a couple of cabbage leaves, she could talk about it for half a day without repeating herself.

"It's me, Aunt Zhao," Wang Xin replied politely, not wanting to stir up trouble.

Confirming it was Wang Xin, Aunt Zhao dropped the clothes she was washing and ran to her, grabbing her hand. "Oh, it's been a year! You've become even more charming. Heard you were living with distant relatives. Why did you suddenly come back?"

"Not seeing my parents for a year made me anxious, so I came back to take a look," Wang Xin casually fabricated, though only she knew how much truth was in those words.

"I see. It's commendable for your filial piety. Will you be leaving again this time?" Aunt Zhao continued holding her hand, inquiring.

Wang Xin fell silent for a moment before replying, "I suppose I will."

Hearing this, Aunt Zhao sighed, loosening her grip on Wang Xin's hand. Wang Xin added, "Aunt Zhao, you're busy. I want to take a stroll around the village."

"Oh, sure, sure. Go ahead. If you have time, come to my house." Aunt Zhao said, releasing Wang Xin's hand.

"Uh-huh," Wang Xin responded, already moving away. Deep down, she didn't want to linger any longer.

Once Wang Xin was out of earshot, Aunt Zhao returned to her previous spot, continuing to wash clothes. Before she could even scrub the clothes on the stone slab a few times, she overheard a conversation between the women nearby.

"Is that the Wang family's daughter? Why did she come back?" a woman in blue coarse cloth asked.

"She said she missed her parents. Who knows?" Aunt Zhao replied without raising her head.

The woman in blue suddenly lowered her voice, leaning closer to Aunt Zhao. "Did you hear? Before dawn, the old man from the Wang family went to find Matchmaker Liu. My man overheard it when he went to fetch water."

"Oh? Is that so? She just returned," Aunt Zhao seemed intrigued, prompting further inquiry.

"That's what's strange about it. Who knows which family Matchmaker Liu is going to suggest, but that girl looks charming. I bet she won't have trouble finding a match."

Hearing this, Aunt Zhao rolled her eyes and retorted, "Your family doesn't even have a son. Why bother caring so much?"

The woman in blue, seemingly sensitive to the comment, huffed and left with her unfinished laundry. "Hey, Aunt Ji, don't be mad. I was just talking casually. Don't take it to heart."

Aunt Zhao immediately called after her, not getting up. Once Aunt Ji was far enough away, Aunt Zhao chuckled, shaking her head, and resumed washing the clothes in her hands.

Wang Xin spent the entire morning wandering around the village. Most of the village men were up in the mountains, and she only casually exchanged greetings with a few village women. Feeling bored, she decided to head back home.

Upon returning, Wang Xin found her mother preparing lunch. Seeing this, she offered to help.

"No need, no need. I can handle it myself," Wang's mother waved her hands dismissively.

"Mother, have I become a stranger to you?" Wang Xin thought for a moment and said.

"You silly girl, what nonsense are you thinking? Just take the dishes to the table," Wang's mother replied without looking at Wang Xin. As Wang Xin carried the dishes into the house, watching her daughter's back, her mother couldn't help but feel a twinge of guilt in her heart.

At noon, Wang Xin's mother prepared a simple meal with two dishes. After eating, she immediately went to their own vegetable garden, leaving Wang Xin alone at home.

Looking around the room, Mother forgot to tidy up her own living space. Wang Xin smiled bitterly. Since he had decided to leave, he might as well say goodbye. He lifted his foot and headed towards the vegetable garden.

But before Wang Xin could get close, he heard a dispute coming from the garden. He quickened his pace and, upon closer inspection, realized it was his mother arguing with Mrs. Ji, who had washed clothes together by the river in the morning.

On the way there, Wang Xin had already gathered from the women around that the dispute was related to a proposal for marriage. In the morning, after consulting Matchmaker Liu, Liu went to the village head's house. The village head had a son and a daughter, and the son, a robust young man, was of a marriageable age.

When asked about his preferences, the village head's son mentioned that he fancied the daughter of the Wang family. Coincidentally, at that time, Wang Xin had gone to visit distant relatives, and inquiries about her return suggested she wouldn't be back. However, now that she had returned, it created a twist in the situation.

As Wang Xin's mother sought a match, Matchmaker Liu naturally approached the village head's house first. However, Mrs. Ji, who had long set her eyes on the village head's son as a potential son-in-law, was not pleased with the idea. With three unmarried daughters of her own, she was determined to cause trouble.

During lunch, while everyone was working in the fields, Mrs. Ji seized the opportunity to instigate, spreading rumors about Wang Xin's alleged impropriety—living loosely with distant relatives. Whether it was true or not, it didn't matter to Mrs. Ji, and this caused the heated argument in the field.

"Enough, Mom, don't bother with her. Let's go back," Wang Xin intervened, pulling the two apart.

Upon seeing Wang Xin, her mother's immediate reaction was to hide her from Mrs. Ji. She scolded, "What are you doing here? Go back!"

"Hey, Ah Xin, your timing is perfect. Your mother said you were living with in-laws. Why did you suddenly come back? Is something wrong with your health?" Mrs. Ji inquired, seizing the opportunity.

Wang Xin only gave her a cold stare, filled with an aura of ruthlessness acquired during her time at the Merciless Pavilion. Ignoring Mrs. Ji, she took a deep breath and pulled her mother towards their home.

"Hey, why did you come? Is there something wrong with your health?" Mrs. Ji stammered, intimidated by Wang Xin's icy gaze.

Wang Xin remained silent, focusing on pulling her mother away. Her expression was cold, revealing the hardened demeanor she had developed during her time at the Merciless Pavilion.

As the mother and daughter left, the onlookers dispersed, leaving Mrs. Zhao to comfort Mrs. Ji. "It's over. Let it go. What's the use of arguing with her?"

Mrs. Ji replied, "After this commotion, I doubt the village head's family will dare to propose to her. Thanks to Mrs. Zhao's suggestion. If things work out, you'll certainly benefit from it."

Mrs. Zhao covered Mrs. Ji's mouth and said, "No need for such formalities between us. I have my own interests in this matter."

With that, the two women left the field, heading back to their homes.

However, before evening fell, the village buzzed with gossip. Rumors spread that Wang Xin was behaving improperly outside, hence the rush for a marriage proposal. Some even went further, claiming that Wang Xin was already pregnant and returned seeking a hapless husband.

As soon as Wang Father descended from the mountain, he was bombarded with these baseless rumors. A group of gossiping women pointed fingers at him, and his anger grew. His pace quickened towards home.

Upon entering, Wang Father immediately slapped Wang Xin, berating her, "Look at the mess you've made! You've disgraced me. Why did you come back? Better off dying outside!"

Wang Xin touched her slightly swollen face, her eyes sharp and piercing, staring at Wang Father with an intensity that could cut like a knife.

Thinking that Wang Xin was challenging his authority, Wang Father prepared to scold her further. However, an untimely knock on the door interrupted them.

"Wang Family's elder brother, it's me, Mrs. Zhao."

Realizing that it wasn't suitable to scold Wang Xin in front of others, he dragged her aside and gestured for Wang Mother to open the door.

As soon as Mrs. Zhao entered, she noticed Wang Xin's swollen face but casually remarked, "Wang Family's elder brother, ignore those dirty words. I think this girl, Ah Xin, is excellent."

The implication in her words was evident to the three people in the room. Seeing that the proposal with the village head's family was unlikely to happen, and with rumors circulating in the village, Wang Xin's prospects for marriage were dim. Mrs. Zhao, by visiting, was clearly expressing an intention to discuss a potential alliance.

Wang Mother immediately took Mrs. Zhao's hand, tears in her eyes, and said, "You understand the situation. This child has grown up under your watchful eyes, a well-behaved girl."

Mrs. Zhao comforted, "Of course, I know. Otherwise, I wouldn't have come here."

Now, Wang Father stepped forward, feigning ignorance, and asked, "What does Mrs. Zhao mean?"

"What does that mean? You have a daughter to marry, and I have a son to marry. The two have been playing together since childhood. Isn't this a match made in heaven?" Mrs. Zhao said with a cheerful smile.

"Yes, yes, a match made in heaven," Wang Mother immediately chimed in.

"But..." Mrs. Zhao suddenly hesitated.

Wang Father interjected, "But what? Speak up, dear prospective in-law. We can discuss anything."

Upon hearing Wang Father's address, Mrs. Zhao understood that the situation was almost settled. However, she still pretended to be reluctant.

She spoke, "It's just... I know Ah Xin is a good girl, but rumors can be harmful. If my family marries her now, aside from the reputation, we can't afford a lavish betrothal gift. I'm afraid your family might not be satisfied, and it would be unfair to Ah Xin."

Wang Father's expression soured upon hearing this. Mrs. Zhao was clearly trying to take advantage of the situation. Considering Wang Xin's lack of accomplishments, Wang Father glared at her harshly.

He then said, "What does the betrothal gift matter? The most important thing is that the two children live harmoniously. The rest are just formalities."

"I told you, Brother Wang is the most reasonable person in the village," Mrs. Zhao said, now openly pleased. She then called out, "Yang, come in. Meet your future in-laws."

With that, a man called Yang walked in from outside, carrying several gift boxes. He smiled foolishly at everyone.

Wang Xin was puzzled. Yang had been her acquaintance since childhood, and there was no animosity between them. Why did he now seem abnormal, almost as if he were mentally challenged? Was this something that happened during the year she was away?

Mrs. Zhao immediately pulled Yang to stand in front of Wang Father and Wang Mother, instructing, "Call them father and mother."

"Father, mother, hehe~" Yang grinned.

Wang Mother, looking at the gift boxes in Yang's hands, asked first, "What is this?"

Mrs. Zhao replied, "I mentioned earlier that my family is currently facing difficulties and can't afford a decent betrothal gift. I hope you won't mind."

Wang Father was displeased. Initially, Mrs. Zhao had claimed they couldn't offer a substantial betrothal gift, but the meager offerings in Yang's hands were indeed... If it were an ordinary day, Wang Father would have driven him away with a big stick. However, considering the taste of being gossiped about, he reluctantly compromised.

He said, "The intention matters more."

"Then let Ah Xin come to our house tomorrow. I just checked the almanac, and tomorrow is an auspicious day for weddings. Isn't it a perfect match from the heavens?" Mrs. Zhao proposed cheerfully.

After some brief discussions about the wedding details, the matter was settled. Strikingly, no one bothered to ask Wang Xin for her opinion throughout the entire process.

Observing the excited group in front of her, Wang Xin's lips curled into a cold smile, as if she were looking at complete strangers.

After Mrs. Zhao left with Yang, Wang Father turned to Wang Xin and said, "Your mother has already prepared the bridal gown. Once you wear it, get on the bridal sedan. You'll be considered an outsider from now on. It's better for you to behave and not cause any trouble. If you stir up any more trouble, you'll have nothing to do with our family, whether you live or die!"

"Understood, father," Wang Xin replied obediently, as she used to.

Wang Father, satisfied, said nothing more and went to sleep after washing up.

Wang Mother, on the other hand, seemed to want to say something but ultimately stayed silent. She only found the bridal gown, handed it to Wang Xin, and then went to bed.

Due to the commotion that day, Wang Mother arranged for Wang Xin's younger brother to stay at the neighboring house of Mr. Wang Xiucai for the night. The vacant room was temporarily given to Wang Xin, and she would leave from there the next day.

The next day, just after the roosters crowed three times, Wang Xin was awakened by Wang Mother.

Wang Xin casually put on the bridal gown sewn by her mother. She touched the sleeve and thought that the fabric was excellent but lamented its unfortunate use.

After Wang Mother finished dressing and grooming Wang Xin, the sun had already risen. The window was surrounded by curious boys and girls, but their mouths were still filled with the same vulgar words. Wang Xin paid them no attention.

"They're here, they're here!"

Someone shouted, and the wedding procession from the Zhao family approached the Wang family.

Wang Xin covered her head with a veil, bowed to Wang Father and Wang Mother, and then walked towards the door.

By now, Yang was waiting next to the sedan, smiling foolishly at Wang Xin. Although she couldn't see it, she could imagine it.

After Wang Xin got on the sedan amid the cheers of the crowd, the wedding procession circled the village with music and cheers before finally reaching the Zhao family's doorstep.

Wang Xin knew it was a tradition not to return the same way. But today, she had no intention of turning back.

Wang's parents and Zhao's parents were already sitting in the main hall, following the village customs of mutual congratulations. The rest of the villagers, whether they came to witness the event or just to join the festivity, had gathered at Zhao's house. The feast was set up in the courtyard of the Zhao family.

"The groom kicks the sedan door!"

With the matchmaker's lively announcement, Zhao Yang happily kicked the sedan door with his foot. However, he exerted too much force and only managed to hit Wang Xin's shin. Surprisingly, Wang Xin showed no signs of pain.

The matchmaker, delighted by the sight, knew that the tradition of kicking the sedan door was to assert the groom's authority in the bride's new home. Everyone saw Zhao Yang's action, but Wang Xin remained silent, causing a commotion among the onlookers.

Subsequently, Zhao Yang and Wang Xin each grabbed one end of the red cloth and proceeded to enter the house. The matchmaker recited the customs and rituals involved in the wedding, taking considerable effort to finally reach the main hall.

At this moment, the matchmaker sang out again, "The newlyweds bow to heaven and earth."

The couple turned towards the courtyard, bowing to the sky and the ground, then turned back to face the parents seated in the main hall.

"The newlyweds bow to their parents for the second time."

With these words, Zhao Yang bowed again, but Wang Xin remained motionless.

The matchmaker repeated, "The newlyweds bow to their parents for the second time."

"No need to call anymore." Wang Xin spoke, dropping the red cloth from her hands and casually removing the red veil from her head, tossing it on the ground.

With her face revealed, adorned in the red bridal attire, Wang Xin appeared even more mature and radiant than usual, but the cold indifference in her eyes disrupted the overall harmony.

Wang Father, witnessing this, thought she had gone mad and immediately stood up, scolding, "What are you doing!"

"Calling you a 'high hall'? You're not worthy." Wang Xin laughed, her tone filled with disdain.