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Shen Ziju returned home with his head wrapped in bandages. He felt embarrassed by his appearance and took a less crowded path home, but still, people noticed. Word of his injury spread quickly throughout Riverside Village, and soon almost everyone knew about it. The rumors surrounding his injury became increasingly exaggerated, with some even claiming that he had been blinded.
Shen Ziju was somewhat of a local celebrity in Riverside Village. At just fifteen years old, he had already achieved the rank of a top scholar, a rare feat among rural children. Coupled with his striking appearance and charismatic demeanor, many believed he was destined for great things. Most villagers were convinced he would pass the imperial examination next year, ascend to higher ranks, and eventually become a high-ranking official. Therefore, despite his young age, he was treated with great respect in the village.
Now that Shen Ziju had been injured, it became a significant event in the village.
Many people were discussing the matter. Some had seen Shen Ziju returning from the direction of the river where his fourth brother resided, so they knew he had been to Shen Zi’an’s house. Others had asked Physician Huang and learned that Shen Zi’an had indeed ask him to treat Shen Ziju’s injury. However, Physician Huang was not one to gossip, and he didn’t disclose the details of how Shen Ziju had been injured. This only fueled speculation among those who didn’t know the full story.
Relatives and friends of the Shen family rushed to see Shen Ziju upon hearing the news. Seeing the bandage on his head and recalling Physician Huang diagnosis, they all wanted to know what had happened.
The Shen family didn’t want Shen Ziju, a young man, to be associated with Su Zhi’s sister, a young girl, even though the incident was clearly an accident caused by the girl throwing a stone. However, rumors were spreading, and the truth could easily be distorted. They couldn’t attribute the injury to Lianhua or the Zhao family, as it might lead to speculation about conflicts with Su Zhi’s family. So, in the end, the Shen family simply said it was an accidental bump, and they stuck to that explanation when asked.
Li Qing’s Wife, along with other women who were close to Su Zhi, approached her to inquire about the situation.
“Sister, are you aware of the rumors spreading in the village? Some jealous people are spreading nonsense again,” Li Qing’s Wife said to Su Zhi. Observing Su Zhi’s unconcerned expression, she felt relieved. Recently, they had grown closer, and Su Zhi had helped her husband earn money with those drawings. She genuinely liked Su Zhi and didn’t want her to be troubled again after just getting rid of that unlucky label.
Zhao Feng chimed in, “It’s just a few people talking nonsense. Everything will be fine. But, Sister, is Ziju’s head okay? I heard it was quite serious.”
Shugen’s Wife, observing Su Zhi closely, added, “I heard you sent medicine to Fifth Brother. Is it really effective? If it is, then there’s nothing to worry about.”
“Sisters, rest assured, Fifth Brother just had a little accident,” Su Zhi echoed the same explanation as the Shen family. She now understood the power of rumors, especially in rural areas, where gossip could twist the truth beyond recognition, leaving only the names intact.
Su Zhi then mentioned her basic medical knowledge and the remedies she had for external injuries, emphasizing that she had cured her own illness. She intended to use these remedies to treat Shen Ziju.
Seeing Su Zhi’s radiant complexion that day, the women believed her words.
Feng’s Wife chuckled, “I trust Sister. Look at her fair and smooth complexion, like a peeled egg. With a face like this, if anyone dares to call you an unlucky omen, I’ll be the first to disagree! This is no omen, it’s clearly a celestial being from the heavens!”
Zhao Feng reached out and gently touched Su Zhi’s face, feeling its smoothness and softness. Envy welled up inside her as she thought, once this girl recovers from her illness, she’ll be a true beauty.
Li’s Wife and Shugen’s Wife also noticed Su Zhi’s improved appearance. Seeing Zhao Feng praise her, they chimed in with smiles.
After seeing off the women, Su Zhi returned to her house and sat down, reflecting on how fortunate it was that she had been open and kind to the villagers before. It seemed to have changed their perception of her. Otherwise, with Shen Ziju’s injury, they might have blamed her again. Determined to further enhance her reputation and ensure no one dared to speak ill of her, she began contemplating how to approach the matter of inviting the White wolf’s family to help protect their household.
The villagers received a consistent message: Shen Ziju had accidentally bumped his head at Shen Zi’an’s house. While some remained skeptical, most trusted Shen Zi’an’s integrity, and Su Zhi’s reputation had spread positively. Additionally, with their prominent house and courtyard, there was little room for gossip or criticism. Any speculations were likely murmured in private and quickly forgotten.
Su Zhi thought that while the medicine she prepared for Shen Ziju was effective, it would still take about half a month of consistent application for the wound to heal properly. She didn’t want him to recover too quickly and draw unnecessary attention. However, she also couldn’t let it drag on for too long. She needed others to know that she had some skills.
Knowing that medical resources were scarce in ancient times and many illnesses could be fatal, people held physicians in high regard. Just like Physician Huang, who possessed only basic medical skills but lived a good life and earned respect. Su Zhi realized that if she could also acquire some medical knowledge, she could build good relationships and win people’s hearts. Using her own illness and Shen Ziju’s injury as advertisement seemed like a good strategy.
After preparing medicine for Shen Ziju for a few days, Su Zhi set the matter aside. She had many other tasks to attend to. Although she had finished sewing the bedding, there were still chair cushions to make. Once those were done, she would focus on how to make money. Their house was currently stocked with plenty of hawthorn and chestnuts, all of which could be sold for profit.
As much as people wish for a peaceful life, troubles always seem to find their way.
Su Zhi sat on the warm kang, sewing cushions, while Shen Zi’an sat on the other side, weaving baskets. These were Su Zhi’s instructions, and she offered various suggestions to Shen Zi’an, resulting in finely woven, beautiful baskets. Su Zhi asked him to make a few more for storage and suggested making baskets of different sizes. She planned to buy some silk and scrap fabric to make flowers to decorate the house.
As they worked and chatted, they heard a banging on the courtyard gate.
Shen Zi’an got up to open the door and found it was Li Shi.
Li Shi entered and exclaimed, “Sister, Third Sister-in-law just had a miscarriage!”
Shen Zi’an glanced at Su Zhi, recalling how his wife had warned that consuming too much red sour fruit could lead to miscarriage. Now that Third Sister indeed had a miscarriage, he silently thanked his wife for advising third Sister, especially since she had made the suggestion in front of many people. Otherwise, Third Sister might have blamed Su Zhi again, like she did during the division of assets!
Su Zhi sighed inwardly. She didn’t like Sun Shi, but the loss of a child was still regrettable. However, she felt she had fulfilled her duty by warning them, so she wasn’t too bothered.
Su Zhi asked Li Shi to sit down and explain what had happened.
Li Shi sat on the kang edge and said, “I heard it from Aunt Fang. She said your sister-in-law had a miscarriage. Your Third Sister-in-law is fine, but she needs to rest. You warned her about not eating red sour fruit, but she insisted on having it. Now, she’s facing the consequences. I bet she’s regretting it now! But, I’m worried she might drag you into this. Your third sister-in-law is unreasonable. Be prepared to handle it.”
Shen Zi’an and Su Zhi shared the same sentiment. They had already made their stance clear beforehand, so no matter how much Sun Shi caused a scene, it wouldn’t lead to anything.
As expected, Sun Shi made a fuss at home, aggravating her already weakened body. She insisted that Su Zhi had cursed her child and demanded compensation. Shen Ziping even threatened to confront Shen Zi’an, demanding compensation for his son. However, Shen Youfu scolded them back.
“You two brought this upon yourselves! Zi’an’s wife had already warned you not to eat those red sour fruits. You, greedy fools, insisted on eating them. Who can you blame now? Your child is gone, and you’ll have to spend money on your health! Both of you better behave yourselves and stop causing embarrassment for us! Whoever dares to stir trouble again, I’ll break their legs!”
Shen Youfu scolded them sternly before storming back into the house. Shen Zhang shi followed suit, showing no anticipation for Sun Shi’s children as they had all been disappointments. Having another child only meant spending more money to feed another mouth. Now that this child was gone, it was gone.
“Don’t argue anymore. Fifth brother is injured and needs quiet rest,” Shen Zhu said as she waved her handkerchief and left. The room where her third sister-in-law was staying didn’t smell pleasant at all. She needed to get out quickly; otherwise, she would have to change her clothes. The odor had permeated her garments!
“Fifth brother, did we disturb you?” Shen Zhu entered Shen Ziju’s room, where she found him sitting at the table, not reading. She approached him with a look of concern. Being born together, she shared the deepest bond with him among all her siblings. Seeing him injured made her feel distressed, especially since his injury could affect his future and hers too. She was deeply worried.
“That third sister-in-law is so troublesome. Even in this situation, she’s causing a ruckus. Having her at home really affects the family’s reputation,” Shen Zhu complained softly.
“I’m fine,” Shen Ziju smiled, but inwardly, he was still thinking about the recent events. He remembered Su Zhi’s warning about not eating red sour fruits during pregnancy, and now his third sister-in-law had indeed faced trouble. It seemed she was right after all!