Chapter 63: Rumors Abound

Kong Yizhang naturally understood what she meant. After all, he had sent people to investigate her situation yesterday, so he was aware of what had happened in her family: "Fine, I was going to give you a reward and a certificate of honor anyway."

Seeing Kong Yizhang agree, Liu Chuxue smiled and thanked him. With this honor, not only the villagers, but even the Liu family would have to think twice before acting, and her family's life in the village might become easier.

After a few pleasantries, they went their separate ways.

Meanwhile, in Liu Tree Village, rumors were flying: "Do you think what they're saying about Shanshan's second daughter is true?"

"I don't know if it's true, but it was the Liu family who started the rumor."

"Don't go wagging your tongues; isn't that intentionally ruining a girl's reputation?"

"We aren't just making things up; her eldest aunt said it, so how can you blame us?"

"Exactly. If she were truly innocent, this wouldn't be getting around."

Not far away, Liu Ruxiang, who was visiting her maiden home, looked disapproving: "Mom, you've gone too far. When Second Uncle and Second Aunt come back and find out you started this, won't they have a huge falling out with you?"

Ge Xiulan didn't care: "With how spineless your second uncle and aunt are, I'm not afraid of them."

Liu Ruxiang was exasperated: "Mom, why do you have to make things difficult for the second branch? How did Chuxue provoke you that you have to ruin her reputation?"

Ge Xiulan’s face darkened: "Whose side are you on?"

"Mom, this isn't about sides. If you do this, how are Dad and Second Uncle supposed to get along in the future?"

Ge Xiulan was afraid her eldest daughter would keep digging: "Enough, enough. A married daughter is like spilled water; stop meddling in your maiden family's affairs."

Her deal with the Chen family couldn't see the light of day, so she naturally couldn't say she was doing this for her own son's future: "Ma Mang is still young; go home and look after your child when you have nothing to do."

Hearing her mother's tone, she knew something was being hidden from her and couldn't help but warn: "Mom, even a clay figure has a temper. You all should be careful; don't actually stir up trouble."

Having said her piece, she didn't stay any longer.

Behind the wall, the third branch couple had heard the conversation between the mother and daughter of the first branch: "Shanling, what do you think of this?"

Liu Shanling glanced at the departing Ge Xiulan: "You know what kind of person Eldest Sister-in-law is; she never does anything without profit. There’s definitely something fishy here."

"The rumors about Chuxue have been spreading like wildfire in the village these past few days. I don't believe Mom and Dad haven't heard them, yet they haven't stopped it at all. Just watch, when the second branch comes back, there’s going to be a scene."

"It’s none of our business anyway, so why are you so anxious?"

"Our Xiao Man is already sixteen this year and will be looking for a match soon. If the girl from the second branch has a bad reputation, do you think our branch will be spared? You really have a pig’s brain."

"Then the first branch..."

Before he could finish, his wife interrupted: "What does the first branch have to fear? Ruxiang already has three children, and Jianqiang’s wife has been pregnant for several months. As for the two youngest, didn't you hear the old man say Jiandong already found a job in the city and will start working in a few days? The youngest, Ruhua, is only thirteen; by the time she’s looking for a match, this will have long passed."

"If we leave this alone, the only ones who will suffer are us."

"Then what do you suggest?"

"Naturally, we go to the village officials to handle it."

"Wouldn't it be bad to go straight to the village officials without telling Mom and Dad?"

"Can they solve it? If they had the heart to, things wouldn't have spread like this. I think they’re the ones condoning it. I really don't know what they’re thinking." ===== CHAPTER 66 =====