Chapter 119

Wang Yuan’er breathed a sigh of relief.

The young man who claimed to be surnamed Cui did not pursue the matter of the rebels, or she really wouldn’t have been able to answer. Could it be because there was such a thing in her past life?

Fortunately, he only casually asked about it and ended up renting the house for two taels of silver a month, even paying two and a half months’ rent on the spot.

Wang Yuan’er felt both joyful and surprised. She didn’t expect this person to rent her house. Was this a windfall?

Even Wang Qing’er found it surprising and kept asking, “Eldest sister, what does that young master do? Why does he want to rent this house? Do you think he wants to keep a mistress here? I heard many wealthy young masters do that!”

Wang Yuan’er tapped her forehead and scolded, “Don’t talk nonsense, or you’ll invite trouble with your words.”

Wang Qing’er stuck out her tongue, thinking about what extra meat they could have for dinner.

Wang Yuan’er herself found it strange. Looking at his attire, although they were all in plain clothes due to national mourning, the fabric quality was not from Changle Town. Which wealthy family’s young master was he, and what was he doing here?

However, it wasn’t something she could investigate. Now that the house was rented out for a good price and the repair costs were covered, one big worry was resolved. The sisters discussed what delicious food to make for dinner as they headed home.

“Hey, elder sister, isn’t that the Zhang family’s land? They’re building a house, but those aren’t Zhang family members!” Wang Qing’er pointed ahead, her eyes gleaming with curiosity as she walked over.

Wang Yuan’er frowned and followed her.

There were several people digging the foundation and sawing beams for the house, clearly building a house. However, those people were unfamiliar. Did the Zhang family sell the land?

Selling land at this time would lead to regret later, Wang Yuan’er thought to herself.

“Hey, it’s Yuan girl and her sister,” Madam Zhou said, coming out from a corner and greeting the sisters warmly.

Beside her was a young woman who, upon hearing “Yuan girl,” looked up and brazenly sized up Wang Yuan’er with her slender eyes.

For some reason, Wang Yuan’er felt that this woman’s gaze was particularly hostile. Was it an illusion? She didn’t know her at all.

“Auntie, who is this? Won’t you introduce her to your niece-in-law?” the young woman asked Madam Zhou with a smile, though her smile seemed somewhat insincere.

“Oh, this is the niece from my husband’s side, the eldest daughter Yuan’er and the third daughter Qing’er of the Wang family.” Madam Zhou suddenly realized and then smiled at Wang Yuan’er, “This is the wife of my second nephew Shunxing, who married this year. You can call her Shunxing’s wife.”

Hearing this, Wang Yuan’er narrowed her eyes. Shunxing, wasn’t that the Zhou Shunxing who wanted to marry her?

And this sister-in-law’s hostile gaze, did she know about her almost non-existent relationship with Zhou Shunxing? If so, she was being overly petty!

“Changle Town is quite prosperous now. My family noticed this and decided to settle here by building a house after purchasing a piece of land. Once the house is built, they will move over, and you’ll have more relatives nearby.” Madam Zhou giggled as she explained why her family was building a house. She continued, “Building a house requires labor and meals. Yuan’er, I really like the fermented tofu from your family. Could you bring some over? It would save my family some money.”

Chapter 120

It turns out that the Zhou family plans to settle in Changle Town. No wonder. She thought it was strange that the Zhou family, living so far away, would come to settle in Changle. It turns out they had noticed the town’s development potential.

However, it was unclear if Min’er’s aunt knew the value of the land in the future. But that wasn’t her concern. Whatever conflicts arose between the Zhou family and the Zhang family in the future were their issues.

Wang Yuan’er didn’t have a good impression of the Zhou family, so she naturally refused Madam Zhou’s request for some fermented tofu. As for how Madam Zhou would feel about it, that was her own business. Meanwhile, Shunxing’s wife kept glaring at her as if she were a heinous criminal.

When Wang Yuan’er and her sister Wang Qing’er left, Wang Yuan’er could still feel the intense gaze of Shunxing’s wife.

“I didn’t expect that woman to be Zhou Shunxing’s wife. Hmph, you can tell she’s not someone to mess with just by looking at her. Eldest sister, she looked at you as if you were a sworn enemy. It’s really baffling,” Wang Qing’er grumbled.

Wang Yuan’er smirked. Wasn’t she indeed a sworn enemy? Although it was unfair, she had become someone else’s imaginary foe.

The Wang family naturally knew about the Zhou family’s plans to settle in Changle Town since Madam Zhang was involved. Madam Zhang also mentioned that Shunxing’s wife’s family was well-off, with her father being a major manager.

Wang Yuan’er didn’t care if those words were meant for her. Her days were going smoothly and happily now. However, this tranquility was soon disrupted. The reason was that some gossip about Wang Yuan’er spread around the town.

It wasn’t just any gossip. Someone with ulterior motives twisted the fact that Wang Yuan’er had the Zhao family’s house deed, suggesting she had an inappropriate relationship with Zhao Goudan. They claimed that if something wasn’t going on, how could she have his house deed? The story about buying it with money was just a cover-up.

When this gossip reached Wang Yuan’er, she found it both funny and infuriating. She thought, “Three people make a tiger.” Despite her clear explanation, some people distorted the facts and created such damaging rumors.

Grandma Wang was so angry that she smashed two teacups and scolded Wang Yuan’er, “I told you that Hu woman wouldn’t give up easily. Look at the nonsense they’re saying now! You always cause trouble. Why did you want those two dilapidated houses? You shouldn’t have taken them in the first place.”

After leaving the Zhao family, Hu’s family didn’t return to Beishan’ao. Instead, they rented a small courtyard. The men, young and old, went to the river office to find work. Madam Hu, having some free time, casually gossiped and spread rumors about Wang Yuan’er.

That’s not all. Someone also brought up the failed engagement between Wang Yuan’er and Zhou Shunxing, suggesting that the Zhou family knew Wang Yuan’er wasn’t trustworthy, so they called off the engagement.

The gossip became more malicious, causing Grandma Wang to fight with someone and then fall ill upon returning home.

Wang Qing’er was also furious and shouted, “This is too much! What kind of nonsense is this? They can’t stand seeing others do well. I’m going to confront them!”

“Don’t go,” Wang Yuan’er stopped her and said, “People spread rumors, but justice lies in people’s hearts. Just do your own thing. These gossips can’t harm me.”

“Are we just going to let it go?”

If they didn’t let it go, what could they do? Argue with them? That would only make them seem guilty. Wang Yuan’er had no intention of dealing with such trivial matters. However, as the gossip became more malicious, someone else couldn’t stand it.