The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 201 Poison Oath

Chapter 201: Chapter 201 Poison Oath

Jing County was home to students from all regions, and once the news spread, no matter where Wang Yongan fled, his reputation would surely follow.

For a scholar, one’s reputation was of utmost importance. Wasn’t that why Wang Yongan made such arrangements before leaving? To clear his own name and show that he had not forgotten his roots, that he remembered the kindness of his parents-in-law?

Because once a reputation was tainted, any prospects for a career in civil service were almost certainly doomed!

If he could be so heartless as to cut off the Wang Family’s livelihood, then there was no need to leave him any way out.

Wang Yongzhu steeled her heart and recalled how Old Granny Zhang had made a scene with her crying. Although she could not mimic her completely, having been around her these days, she had picked up a few tricks.

With a slap on her thigh, she began to sob into her handkerchief while recounting how Wang Yongan had brought back a quack doctor who ruined the health of his own elder brother, who now lay on his deathbed, uncertain of whether he would live or die.

She also aired the dirty laundry about how Wang Laozhu was so angry that he had suffered a stroke and could not get out of bed, and how Wang Yongan had taken all the property deeds and silver from the family.

Her accusations shocked the bystanders.

They exchanged looks, unable to believe that the usually gentle and courteous Wang Yongan could do such things.

Those who had a good relationship with Wang Yongan spoke up, "Young lady, you can’t just say things recklessly. Scholar Wang is not that kind of person—"

"Appearances are deceiving. Can you guarantee that Wang Yongan is not such a person? I can swear to the heavens that if I’ve told a single lie, I may never marry in this lifetime! Can you swear to guarantee that Wang Yongan has done none of these things?" Wang Yongzhu retorted sharply.

The man was tongue-tied; he truly could not give such a guarantee. Besides, the young lady spoke with such conviction and had even made such a dire oath—what else could be doubted?

Someone stepped forward and said, "A few days ago, I indeed saw Scholar Wang sitting with someone in a tavern. That person handed Scholar Wang a bag of silver, and he gave them a few deeds in return. Later, they both went to the Yamen..."

"I know about this. My daughter-in-law mentioned it when she returned home. It seems Scholar Wang was going to leave for another place. His family called him back to discuss the division of property. They divided a few acres of land, which he said he couldn’t take with him, and it looked like he sold them to someone from his hometown instead."

...

At this, the crowd exploded with gossip.

Comparing the accounts, everything the country girl had said lined up!

Indeed, appearances are deceiving. After so many years, no one had realized that Wang Yongan was such a person!

Those with fiery tempers started cursing about disgraceful scholars, shameful failures, ingratitude, and failing to live up to the teachings of the saints.

The more talented ones began composing poems on the spot, satirizing the events with their verses.

The more seasoned ones simply shook their heads and sighed as they returned home.

The men, because of Wang Yongan’s actions, decided to gather for drinks and vent their frustrations.

What remained were the women of the households, who surrounded Wang Yongzhu, bombarding her with endless questions.

"Did Scholar Wang really steal the land deeds?"

"Is Scholar Wang really the son-in-law of the Qian Family?"

"You wouldn’t think it to look at her—Lady Qian is so gentle and soft. Yet she’s so formidable. She couldn’t bear a son herself but managed to control Scholar Wang so tightly that he doesn’t even care for his own parents, instead dedicating himself to his in-laws..."

...

Gradually, the topic drifted off course.

"Oh, young lady, this handsome young man following you, isn’t he just dashing? Have you talked about him yet?"

"Young man, my maternal family has a niece, they own fields and lands, and she’s quite the beauty in the surrounding ten miles. She’s looking for a fine son-in-law like you, handsome..."

Wang Yongzhu...

Song Chongjin...

After a long while, Song Chongjin finally couldn’t bear the harassment anymore, grabbed Wang Yongzhu, and dragged her outside through the crowd.

It took great effort to push through the crowd and climb onto the carriage waiting under the locust tree, only to find that Laoliu was missing.

Looking back, Laoliu was running up from behind with an embarrassed expression. As soon as he got on the carriage, Song Chongjin called out, "Drive—"

Laoliu didn’t think twice, cracked the whip, and the carriage sped up.

Only then did Wang Yongzhu come to her senses: "My brother is still back there and hasn’t gotten on the carriage yet!"

"As long as I leave, who will bother with him? He’ll be fine on his own!" Song Chongjin huffed coldly.

Wang Yongzhu thought about it and was about to nod in agreement when she realized something was off: "If that’s the case, you could’ve just gone by yourself. Why drag me along?"

Song Chongjin showed disdain for answering the question.

Wang Yongzhu stuck her head out of the carriage to see Wang Yongping chasing pitifully behind the carriage, one of his shoes even fallen off.

She quickly had Laoliu slow down, and with all the strength he could muster, Wang Yongping finally caught up, jumped onto the carriage, and collapsed there.

Upon returning to the Escort Agency, Wang Yongzhu, without even catching her breath, went to look for Steward Lu.

After hearing this, Laoliu hurried to report it and also related everything he had heard and seen to Steward Lu.

After listening, Steward Lu raised his eyebrows, showing a hint of surprise. After pondering for a moment, he instructed Laoliu, "Go ask around about this Wang Yongan and tell the Wang siblings I’ll be available to come over in the afternoon."

Laoliu relayed the message to Wang Yongzhu, who wasn’t surprised at all and nodded her head to show she understood.

Wang Yongping had also recovered by half a day. Recalling how Wang Yongzhu had made such a scene, he felt uneasy: "Little sister, you made such a big fuss today, and now everyone knows. Could this..."

Wang Yongzhu sneered derisively: "If I didn’t make a big deal out of this, we’d have to silently swallow this injustice! Why should Wang Yongan use the family’s silver to enjoy being an official outside, while we’re left to carry the blame and even struggle to get by? Besides, did you hear what they said? His ’Scholar’ title was funded by the Qian Family, it has nothing to do with our family! Our family has supported him all these years, and it turns out that’s worse than feeding a dog. At least a dog would wag its tail at you, but feed Wang Yongan, and he’ll turn and bite you!"

"Little sister, he’s still... after all, our sec..." Wang Yongping couldn’t bring himself to say ’second brother.’

"I don’t have such a second brother! I’d say the same thing even in front of our parents! So what about ’family disgrace should not be spread abroad’? If we don’t speak up, when people talk about the Wang Family, they’ll say we’re short-sighted, stingy, spineless scoundrels who suck up to anyone offering an advantage. But Wang Yongan, on the other hand, is considered virtuous and grateful! You sympathize with him, but did he consider us when he stole the family’s deeds and silver? Fourth Brother, when your heart aches for him, think of our father and eldest brother still lying in the clinic. We don’t even know where to get their medical expenses from, while your ’good’ second brother is off with that dirty silver, getting rich as an official!" Wang Yongzhu’s attitude was resolute.

Wang Yongping thought, no matter what, they were still a family, blood brothers. Was it truly honorable to have become like this, widely known?

But after Wang Yongzhu said this, and he thought of their parents and older brother at home, Wang Yongping held his tongue.

Wang Yongzhu also gave him a preemptive warning: "I not only want to ruin his reputation in Jing County, but even if he goes to other places, I won’t let him off easily!"