He Ye hadn’t expected Lin Nannan to play such an unconventional move—actually considering contacting the military. Panic instantly set in.

She had watched Lu Heng grow up and knew exactly what kind of man he was. The truth was, she had been rejected by the Lu family before, and seeing that even in his current state, Lu Heng could still marry, she felt bitter and resorted to outright slander.

She had assumed that even if the Lu family found out, at worst, they’d scold her a few times—no real harm done.

But she never imagined that Lin Nannan, whom the whole village considered foolish, would take such action. The thought made her gnash her teeth in fury.

Though inwardly guilty, she forced a cold laugh and sneered, “You don’t even know which way the military’s gate opens, yet you’re talking about ‘clearing things up.’ Who are you trying to scare?”

Lin Nannan wanted precisely this reaction—to make an example of her and deter others from spreading nonsense about Lu Heng now that he was in trouble.

Rumors started just like this. Once they spread, no amount of explanation would help. Not only would Lu Heng’s reputation be ruined, but even his achievements would be erased.

The Lu family had treated her well, and she refused to let that happen. Besides, anyone who dared sabotage her farming plans would face her full wrath.

“I’m not trying to scare you. If you don’t believe me, just watch,” Lin Nannan said seriously, then took Lu Yuan’s hand and walked off without looking back.

He Ye and the others exchanged uneasy glances, no one speaking for a long while.

“Lin Nannan’s lost her mind—she’s reckless enough to confront even her own family. If she really goes to the military…” One of the younger wives paled, then pointed at He Ye and said, “Auntie, you were the one badmouthing Lu Heng. Don’t drag us into this.”

“Yeah, we didn’t say anything! Those were all your words!”

This reminder struck the women who had been gossiping freely earlier. They quickly turned on He Ye, banding together against her and infuriating her further.

“Hmph! Whether you said anything or not, Lu Yuan has ears! None of you are getting out of this!” He Ye snapped back before adding, “What are you all so scared of? Going to the military costs money. The Lu family can barely afford to support Lu Heng—you think they’d spend more? You’re overthinking it.”

He Ye knew the Lu family well, but she didn’t know Lin Nannan. She had no idea Lin Nannan had money or that she intended to make an example of her. So at this moment, she wasn’t worried at all.

But the others were anxious and urged her to go check.

He Ye had no mother-in-law to answer to, but they did. If this blew up and embarrassed their husbands’ families, they wouldn’t just get scolded—they might even get beaten. So they all pressed her until, reluctantly, He Ye followed them.

By the time they arrived, Lin Nannan was already on the phone…

“Yes, the villagers are saying Lu Heng was secretly sent back because he did something disgraceful. I want to know whether he was sent back for misconduct or some other reason…” Lin Nannan’s calm voice reached He Ye and the others, and their faces immediately drained of color.

“Village Chief,” He Ye hurriedly asked the man standing nearby, “who is Lin Nannan calling?”

Lu Ding glanced at He Ye, pretending to know nothing and said, “Nannan said that someone in the village is claiming Ah Heng was sent back because he did something shameful. She wants to uphold justice, send Lu Heng back, and will not allow anyone to cover for him. So, she asked me for the military’s contact number, and now she’s connected with them. She’s having them come to the village to clarify things.”

He Ye and the others instantly turned pale. Especially He Ye—on the surface, her relationship with the Lu family was still decent. If she were exposed and questioned now, not only would their ties be ruined, but her own family’s reputation would suffer.

Regret washed over her. She knew Lin Nannan was different from others, yet she had still picked a fight…

Now, it was too late for remorse.