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As the village head spoke, observing the ginseng resembling a large white radish, the onlookers, men, women, and children from Riverside Village, gazed at Su Zhi with newfound admiration. Previously, their eyes held pity, fear, mockery, and disdain, typical of how they viewed a jinx. However, their expressions had transformed into envy, acknowledging Su Zhi as someone blessed to receive the divine beast’s gift.
Su Zhi, perceptive to the shift in attitudes, smiled warmly at the villagers. Her face had significantly improved, with only faint traces remaining. Her bright eyes, rosy lips, and immaculate teeth exuded a charming aura, endearing her to those around her.
Her smile instantly changed some villagers’ opinions, making them see Shen Zi’an’s wife in a more positive light.
While some villagers believed the superstition surrounding Su Zhi being a jinx and felt fearful, a few troublemakers with sharp tongues and misguided children instigated minor disturbances. However, most villagers kept their distance, not resorting to violence. Fear of the jinx’s influence played a part, but deep down, their nature wasn’t entirely malicious.
This prompted Su Zhi to offer smiles willingly. Living in a close-knit village meant interacting daily; she couldn’t ignore them all due to a few who labeled her a jinx. She believed in fostering harmony, especially in a remote ancient countryside setting where neighbors mattered more than distant relatives.
“Dear villagers, our home is humble, lacking seating and refreshments for everyone. My apologies for the inconvenience. We will have plenty of opportunities to interact in the future. Please take care of each other, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed,” Su Zhi’s voice, gentle and clear, resonated with everyone, leaving a comfortable and respectful impression. Her articulate manner contradicted the notion of a jinx. Perhaps the old Taoist had been mistaken?
Responding warmly, the villagers exchanged polite words, impressed by Su Zhi’s demeanor.
Su Zhi felt relieved; it seemed the ginseng and the White Wolf had indeed worked their magic, diminishing her jinx reputation. She preferred not to carry that label and endure unwarranted blame, like the incident with Liu Shi Superstitions often clouded judgment, and shedding the jinx label was essential for peace of mind.
Sun Shi, feeling uncomfortable with Su Zhi’s impact, sharply retorted, “You speak as if everyone came here just to eat and drink! Needing a hand from you? What can you offer to help others? You’re acting as if you’re a delicacy, when in reality, you’re just a rotting leaf! You really have an inflated sense of self!”
Shen Zi’an frowned, ready to intervene, but Su Zhi held him back.
Su Zhi smiled at Shen Zi’an, understanding that Sun Shi’s animosity was directed at her. With the villagers observing, it was crucial for her to handle this situation effectively. Failing to address Sun Shi’s hostility might jeopardize her standing in the village, leading others to perceive her as an easy target. She had worked hard to shed the jinx label and didn’t want to be seen as a pushover. In the countryside, you could lack wealth or power, but showing weakness invited mistreatment.
Su Zhi was determined to handle Sun Shi herself, knowing that appearing weak would only invite further challenges. In this setting, maintaining a firm stance was essential for earning respect and establishing a strong footing in the community.
“This must be Third Sister-in-law, nice to meet you,” Su Zhi greeted Sun Shi with a slight bow, instantly portraying herself as more courteous than Sun Shi.
“Sister-in-law, as the Buddha said, your heart reflects what you perceive others to be—a pure lotus or a pile of dung. My words were merely meant as an apology, and none of our fellow villagers had any issue. It was merely polite conversation. Why did it stir you up? Perhaps you should reflect on your own thoughts,” Su Zhi calmly articulated, her words logical and compelling, turning what could have been a confrontation into an engaging and insightful discourse. Even the slowest to catch on eventually realized Su Zhi was subtly mocking Sun Shi’s skewed perception, leading to laughter all around.
Before Sun Shi could retort, Su Zhi continued, “Sister-in-law, it’s fine if you misinterpret me, thinking I’m a jinx hindering your son’s fortune. But to misconstrue the intentions of our villagers suggests a lack of depth in your perception. Do you truly believe our neighbors visit for mere sustenance?”
Su Zhi’s words were measured and rational, causing amusement rather than conflict. The villagers, understanding her witty remarks, chuckled at the implication of Sun Shi’s narrow-mindedness.
Sun Shi, now red-faced and flustered, was left without a chance to respond as Su Zhi proceeded, highlighting the need for introspection and a deeper understanding of others’ intentions.
Shen Zi’an’s eyes twinkled with amusement, while Li Shi marveled inwardly, impressed by Su Zhi’s handling of the situation. He had underestimated her. Initially concerned that they might face losses if they had money, he now realized his worries were unfounded. Su Zhi was not one to be trifled with.
Shen Youfu, infuriated, glared at Su Zhi, feeling unable to scold her. Frustrated, he turned to Shen Zi’an, who paid him no attention. Left with no other target, he directed his glare at Sun Shi, thinking her foolish.
The onlookers, initially amused by Sun Shi’s outburst, shifted their sentiments upon Su Zhi’s response. They now frowned at Sun Shi, questioning her behavior. None wished to be seen as gluttonous, particularly after Su Zhi’s remarks, which painted them in a negative light in Su Zhi’s eyes. The villagers, regardless of their temperaments, were now displeased.
Sun Shi found herself the target of collective disapproval, facing public scrutiny and embarrassment.
“Let’s not stoop to her level,” Village Head Li Zheng intervened, feeling compelled to diffuse the situation. Deep down, he also harbored displeasure towards Sun Shi. Known as a gossiper stirring up trouble in the village, he found some satisfaction in seeing her face the consequences of her actions. Despite his disdain for Sun Shi, out of respect for Shen Youfu and their long-standing relationship, he chose to step in and mediate. He recognized Su Zhi’s strength and foresaw Sun Shi facing further consequences in the future.
“Let’s save any further discussions for another time. This is someone else’s home. Shen Zi’an and his wife have just moved here. Let’s not dampen the joy here. Although Shen Zi’an’s wife has recovered, she still needs rest. Since everyone has seen what they wanted to, let’s all disperse,” Li Zheng directed, calming the situation.
With his words, the commotion subsided, and with disgruntled looks aimed at Sun Shi, the crowd began to disperse, following Li Zheng out of the house.
Sun Shi, after receiving a stern look from Shen Youfu, shrunk back slightly but still shot a final glare at Su Zhi before making her way out with her son’s support back to the Shen household. She refused to accept the situation as resolved, believing there were other avenues to explore. She was determined not to let the benefits slip away so easily into Su Zhi’s hands.