Chapter 123: Making It Clear
BearNovels.CM
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 dont 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, isnt from the countryside?
Gu Zits words initially surprised the surrounding women, but they soon echoed their agreement. Indeed, werent city dwellers originally from rural areas too? Unexpectedly, Gu Zi wasnt as aloof as other city visitors usually were. She didnt consider herself superior.
Nonetheless, they still felt Gu Zi had gone too far; she shouldnt 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 Shens 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 Shens real sister. Aunt Fang might have misunderstood. She speaks her mind and is straightforward. Please dont take it to heart.
Thats right. Thats how it is in our village. Say what you need to say, and once its spoken, everyone forgets about it.
Indeed, this wasnt a big deal to begin with. Lets 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 couldnt win peoples hearts.
Although these words didnt outright accuse Gu Zi of malice, those who understood knew that it was more unsettling than directly labeling someone as malicious.
Gu Zi didnt retaliate, knowing that everyone had clarified that their comments werent heartfelt. If she were to retaliate, shed 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 didnt come out here to argue. But Aunt Fang, on the day you witnessed everything, why didnt you clarify things then?
People often dont remember what theyve said but easily remember what others have said. Thats 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 didnt understand, shed 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 didnt I clarify? You were planning to set the dogs on us. Dare you say you didnt?
Gu Zi smiled slightly, I indeed intended to set the dozs loose, but on that day,
when Tian Hai came to deliver apples, I didnt 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, doesnt he? You didnt 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 Jings boyfriend. You didnt let him in; it indeed seems that way, so its easy to misunderstand.
Aunt Fang, emboldened by someone siding with her, insisted, Exactly! Seeing is believing!
There wasnt a ripple in Gu Zis bright eyes; she continued, On that day, I was alone at home. When Tian Hai knocked, firstly, he didnt 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..