Fortunate Life of the Rural Beauty
Chapter 112 - 111 Rumors

Chapter 112: Chapter 111 Rumors

Chen Ming laughed and said, "Although I don’t know how to do anything yet, I can learn. Afu is right, as long as I’m willing to learn, there’s nothing I can’t master. I’m going to learn how to manage farmland. Although our fields are rented to others, if I understand how it works, I won’t be cheated. I also want to learn how to do business because it’s faster to make money than farming. When I have more money, I can invest in businesses..." As he spoke, his eyes shone with ambition.

Even though his grand words were delivered in a tepid manner, his spirited attitude was infectious. Both Mrs. Wang and Chen Afu laughed and felt optimistic about the future.

Chen Afu flattered him, "Dad, as a former child student, you always think in the long term. With your guidance, we won’t just become landowners but also successful entrepreneurs."

This remark made everyone burst out laughing.

After the discussion, Chen Afu went back to her own yard and cleaned the room. She also gathered the chickens that were foraging outside into the backyard and fed them some coarse rice along with the pet bird. She changed her clothes and sat down on the bed to rest. Listening to the chirping of two larks outside the window and observing the humble arrangements around her, she felt most at home.

Before long, Dabao came in looking grumpy.

Chen Afu, noticing his solemn expression, asked, "Did Mrs. Hu or Chen Aju upset you?"

Dabao shook his head and mumbled, "No, I just spoke with grandpa directly."

Chen Afu asked, "So why do you seem unhappy?"

Dabao climbed onto Chen Afu’s lap, buried his head in her bosom, and complained, "Mom, Si Xizi told me that Mr. Chen has become a governor now. That’s a very high position, even higher than the county lord. Even people like Junior Officer Gao in our village are under his control."

The news had finally reached them.

Chen Afu responded, "Even if Mr. Chen has become a governor, or even a top advisor, it doesn’t really affect us. We just continue living our lives, why should we care what he does?"

Dabao furrowed his brow, twisting his chubby fingers, and said, "Some people asked me if Grandma cried, if she regrets it, if Grandpa was angry, and whether he beat Grandma... They said that Grandma was incompetent and was driven out of the Chens. They’re so mean."

What does being driven out of the Chens for incompetence mean? Dabao didn’t quite understand, and Chen Afu was also unclear about the specifics.

She sighed and said, "We can’t stop people talking. And the more we try to explain, the more they talk. Let’s just ignore them and hopefully, this will blow over eventually."

After hearing Dabao’s muffled agreement, Chen Afu softly added, "Remember, don’t discuss these things in front of Grandma and Grandpa."

"Oh, I’m not that silly," Dabao answered before asking, "But won’t such a high-ranking official like the governor send Grandma to jail? If that’s the case, I’ll ask Uncle Chu for help."

Chen Afu frowned and said, "Of course not. Grandma hasn’t done anything wrong or dishonorable. Don’t listen to such nonsense."

However, it’s terrifying how much damage idle gossip can cause among the people in these antique farming villages.

Ever since the news about Chen Shiying spread throughout the village, Chen Ming must have heard about it. But he didn’t react. He treated Mrs. Wang and herself gently as before and promised to work hard to provide a better life for his wife and children. Regardless of whether he could accomplish this or not, his magnanimity earned Chen Afu’s respect.

This man was wonderful, a far cry from the hypocrite, Mr. Chen.

Still, it would be better if Chen Ming discussed this matter with Mrs. Wang. After all, dredging up old wounds from years ago would surely upset and embarrass her. Chen Ming, with his gentle nature and kind treatment of Mrs. Wang, would be able to console her.

Then again, Xiangluo Village is less than ten miles away from the Zhaos’ Village. If anyone from the village had seen Chen Shiying, her own identity may be doubted too.

But then she thought, let them doubt. As long as she and Mrs. Wang don’t admit anything, it’s okay. If the Chens refuse to acknowledge Mrs. Wang, they definitely won’t acknowledge her. People from ancient rural areas all feared officials. Even if they had doubts, they wouldn’t dare to talk about the reputation of such a high-ranking official unless they were insane.

After chatting with Dabao, they heard some noise coming from the main courtyard. Mrs. Chen along with Chen Ye, Mrs. Hu, Chen Agu, and Chen Dahu had arrived.

Chen Afu and her son went to the main courtyard and let Dabao play with Dahu and Zhui Feng in the yard while she and Mrs. Wang prepared dinner.

They had previously agreed that after a long day of travel, they didn’t want to prepare anything too elaborate. They took out the small pot of Luwei (Braised food) that Chen Shi had sent. Half was set aside for the main house, and the rest was cut up to accompany the alcohol. They also prepared a pot of leek and egg noodle soup.

When Chen Afu entered the kitchen, she noticed Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Hu talking to Mrs. Wang awkwardly.

Curiosity was barely concealed in Mrs. Hu’s eyes. She glanced at Mrs. Chen several times, opened her mouth as if to speak, but ultimately said nothing. She thought to herself how warm and capable Mrs. Wang was, yet the villagers still gossiped about her and claimed she had cuckolded Chen Ming.

Mrs. Chen’s face was grim as she alternated her gaze between Mrs. Wang and Chen Afu. She was both angry at the village gossip about Mrs. Wang and her son and cautious around Chen Afu because she was the legitimate daughter of a governor.

What if this girl finds out and claims her heritage as the daughter of Mr. Chen? Having taken care of her until now because of her skills and capabilities, if she were to leave, it would be a significant loss for her son. She must make it clear to her son and make sure she never finds out about her origins. She also had to ensure that her son kept his check on Mrs. Wang...

Mrs. Wang noticed that the two women were behaving oddly towards her and her daughter, but as they didn’t voice their concerns, she was unsure why. She continued her work, feeling confused.

Chen Afu guessed that their behavior was due to the news about Mr. Chen, which annoyed her. How did their news concern Mrs. Wang and herself? Furthermore, it was well-known that Mrs. Wang had been a child bride for Mr. Chen. Everyone, including the Chens and the villagers, knew about this.

Did they really have to react in such a way?

Chen Afu respected Mrs. Chen too much to confront her, but she was not afraid to stand up to Mrs. Hu. Now that she was no longer worried about Hu Laowu exploiting Dabao, she no longer had to tread lightly around Mrs. Hu.

She said to Mrs. Chen, "Grandma, my mom already passed along a message from my third uncle. He said that you and uncle miss him a lot and asked them to come back and stay for the Lunar New Year. But my third uncle..." She intentionally looked at Mrs. Hu and laughed awkwardly, not finishing her sentence.