Chapter 123: Making It Clear
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Aunt Fang was just speaking enthusiastically, but upon seeing Gu Zi emerge, she smiled coyly, portraying an image of both tender compliance and an aversion to confrontation.
“Why do you city folks speak so harshly? When did I spread rumors about your family? I don’t tell lies.”
Her shifty eyes were watchful of every movement around her, as if prepared at any moment to defame or incite anyone.
She looked as if she was ready to slander or incite anyone at any time.
She already had an appearance that liked to stir up trouble. How could she hope to feign a rational demeanor?
Observing her performance, Gu Zit s lips curled with a disdainful smile. Her acting skills were truly poor.
“What ‘city people’ or ‘country folk’? Which city dweller, when tracing back a generation or two, isn’t from the countryside?”
Gu Zits words initially surprised the surrounding women, but they soon echoed their agreement. Indeed, weren’t city dwellers originally from rural areas too? Unexpectedly, Gu Zi wasn’t as aloof as other city visitors usually were. She didn’t consider herself superior.
Nonetheless, they still felt Gu Zi had gone too far; she shouldn’t have prevented her younger sister-in-law from going home no matter what.
But people are like this; they say anything behind your back, but in person, they have many reservations.
Gu Zi was Su Shen’s woman. Several villages relied on Su Shen to lead a good life. No one dared to directly accuse Gu Zi of being malicious.
Someone stepped forward to mediate, trying to please Gu Zi, “After all, Su Jing is Su Shen’s real sister. Aunt Fang might have misunderstood. She speaks her mind and is straightforward. Please don’t take it to heart.”
“That’s right. That’s how it is in our village. Say what you need to say, and once it’s spoken, everyone forgets about it.”
“Indeed, this wasn’t a big deal to begin with. Let’s just disperse for now.” Seeing everyone speak up for her, Aunt Fang felt even more at ease.
What if she could speak well as a city visitor? Not understanding the social rules of village life meant that she couldn’t win people’s hearts.
Although these words didn’t outright accuse Gu Zi of malice, those who understood knew that it was more unsettling than directly labeling someone as malicious.
Gu Zi didn’t retaliate, knowing that everyone had clarified that their comments weren’t heartfelt. If she were to retaliate, she’d appear petty.
Gu Zi perfectly understood but wore a faint smile, composed and calm.
After the women who were trying to reconcile finished speaking, she finally chimed in, “What you said makes sense. I didn’t come out here to argue. But Aunt Fang, on the day you witnessed everything, why didn’t you clarify things then?”
People often don’t remember what they’ve said but easily remember what others have said. That’s why rumors and gossip can become formidable invisible weapons.
Understanding the importance of clarification, Gu Zi had the chance to address it in person. Even if others didn’t understand, she’d feel much more relieved by speaking the truth.
When you dare to refute, those who want to slander you will be more wary before attempting to discredit you.
Aunt Fang sneered, “How didn’t I clarify? You were planning to set the dogs on us. Dare you say you didn’t?”
Gu Zi smiled slightly, “I indeed intended to set the dozs loose, but on that day,
when Tian Hai came to deliver apples, I didn’t let him in. How did that turn into me not allowing Su Jing in? Did you see Su Jing that day?”
“Th-that Tian Hai represents Su Jing, doesn’t he? You didn’t let Tian Hai in; it implies you look down on Su Jing!” Aunt Fang felt her argument was rational and argued loudly.
This statement evoked murmurs from the crowd. It turned out that Aunt Fang had exaggerated things.
But some people believed Aunt Fangs logic was reasonable. “Yes, Tian Hai is Su Jing’s boyfriend. You didn’t let him in; it indeed seems that way, so it’s easy to misunderstand.”
Aunt Fang, emboldened by someone siding with her, insisted, “Exactly! Seeing is believing!”
There wasn’t a ripple in Gu Zi’s bright eyes; she continued, “On that day, I was alone at home. When Tian Hai knocked, firstly, he didn’t say Su Jing sent him to deliver the fruits. Secondly, in such a situation, any sensible man knows to avoid suspicion. So why would he insist on entering?”
Her tone was gentle, her words articulate, and her speech, calm and clear. After her remarks, she exuded a composed elegance, displaying an air of dignity..
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