Chapter 19

When Song Sheng returned, his uncles, cousins, grandmother, and father were all already home. Even Song Yu and Song Xia, who had been cutting grass for the pigs, were there. 

The whole family had rushed back after hearing the rumor. Since Song Sheng and Lu Qing had gone out to investigate, only Song Dong was at home when they arrived. After hearing her explanation, they finally felt reassured. Although Song Sheng had promised them he would study diligently, the rumor was so widespread that they feared it might be true. 

Zhang Xinghua fumed: “Which scoundrel cursed my grandson to quit school? If I find out, I’ll take a hoe and smash their door!” 

Song Laoda and Song Laoer sat silently, but their faces were grim. 

Song Laosan quickly tried to calm her: “Mother, don’t be angry. Sheng and his husband already went to investigate. Let’s wait to hear what they say.” 

On their way back, they had asked around, but most farmers only repeated what their wives had said. No one knew who had started the rumor. 

Soon, Lu Qing returned. 

Zhang Xinghua immediately asked: “Qing gē ér, did you find out? Who spread the rumor?” 

Lu Qing, still catching his breath, replied: “Grandmother, it was Aunt Wang next door.” 

“Are you sure?” she pressed. “We can’t accuse the wrong person.” 

Lu Qing recalled Lan gē ér’s words. It sounded like Aunt Wang, though he couldn’t be completely certain. “Not entirely sure, but very likely her.” 

Zhang Xinghua was shocked. The Song and Wang families had been neighbors for years and had always gotten along. For Aunt Wang to stab them in the back was outrageous. Her shock quickly turned to fury. She even wanted to grab a knife and storm over to confront her. 

The family restrained her. Having raised three children alone as a widow, Zhang Xinghua had grown fiercely protective. 

Song Dong reminded her: “Grandmother, let’s wait for Sheng to return. He asked me to explain things until he got back. Don’t act rashly.” 

Sun also advised: “Yes, Grandmother. If we confront them without proof, they’ll deny it, and we’ll have no way to respond.” 

Zhang Xinghua snapped: “What’s there to discuss? If we know it’s them, we’re in the right. Even if I storm their house, I’ll have reason. If she dares deny it, I’ll lie down at her gate and refuse to leave!” 

Though her words were fierce, she didn’t actually fetch the knife. 

Half an hour later, Song Sheng returned. 

Lu Qing immediately told him everything Lan gē ér had said, concluding angrily: “Husband, it must be Aunt Wang next door who spread the rumor.” 

Song Sheng saw his flushed face, patted his head, and said gently: “I know. Thank you.” 

Lu Qing blushed, embarrassed that his husband had done this in front of the whole family. 

Song Sheng asked around further and confirmed that Aunt Wang had indeed said it while washing clothes at the river. 

Zhang Xinghua, having held back her anger, now wanted to confront Aunt Wang directly. 

But Song Sheng stopped her: “Grandmother, if you trust me, leave this matter to me. After all, Aunt Wang only said a few words. It hasn’t harmed me much, though it did worry you, my sisters, and father‑in‑law.” 

Zhang Xinghua asked anxiously: “So you mean to let that foul‑mouthed woman go unpunished?” 

Song Sheng shook his head: “Of course not. Grandmother, I’m not that forgiving. Besides, if we repay resentment with kindness, then how do we repay kindness?” 

以德報怨，何以報德: “If you repay resentment with virtue, how then do you repay virtue?” A classical saying from Confucius, meaning kindness should be reserved for those who are kind, not for those who harm you. 

Zhang Xinghua didn’t understand her grandson’s refined words about “repaying resentment with virtue,” but she grasped his meaning: punishment was still necessary, only perhaps in a different form. 

In truth, once the academy reopened, the rumor would collapse on its own. There was no need for Song Sheng to clarify it. 

Yet because of Aunt Wang’s careless speculation, like a butterfly’s wings stirring a storm, the rumor had spread everywhere, disturbing his life. 

Although it caused no real harm, it worried his family and relatives, even making them rush over to ask questions, leaving the household in chaos. Song Sheng found the rumor disgusting. 

So he decided not to confront Aunt Wang directly. Without solid evidence, storming her house might backfire. 

Seeing his cousin’s thoughtful look, Song Cheng asked: “Third Brother, do you have a way to teach them a lesson?” 

Song Sheng nodded: “It all started with Aunt Wang’s loose tongue. As the saying goes, ‘use their own methods against them.’ Since she spread the rumor, she should also taste the power of rumors.” 

Song Cheng was confused: “Third Brother, what are you talking about? I don’t understand a word. But if you need help, just tell me.” 

Song Sheng replied: “No need for you. I’ll ask our sisters‑in‑law to help.” 

The eldest sister‑in‑law Sun and second sister‑in‑law Li exchanged glances, puzzled but willing. “Third Brother, tell us what to do.” 

They had been angry when they first heard the rumor at the river, even wanting to splash pig‑swill at Aunt Wang’s door. Now, with Song Sheng’s plan, they had a chance to vent their anger. 

Song Sheng whispered instructions. Zhang Xinghua frowned: “Is that enough? Just a few words? Better to let me storm their house with a stick!” 

Song Sheng reassured her: “Grandmother, trust me. Let the sisters‑in‑law say what I told them. We’ll stay home and watch the show.” 

Though doubtful, Zhang Xinghua trusted him—he was the smartest in the family. 

With a plan in place, and knowing the rumor was false, the family felt calmer. 

Because Song Dong had come, they cooked more for lunch. Zhang Xinghua even allowed an extra dish of fried eggs. 

Song Dong had brought gifts: two jin of pork and a packet of candy, precious items. 

She stayed for lunch, then prepared to leave. Song Sheng walked her out. She advised: “Song Sheng, you’re married now. Don’t keep your thoughts hidden and gloomy. Your husband won’t like it.” 

He nodded: “I know.” 

She added: “And Xia Xia, that girl doesn’t talk much, but she likes learning characters. Teach her when you can. She may seem distant, but she cares for you.” 

Song Sheng agreed again. 

As the saying goes, “an elder sister is like a mother.” Her words carried maternal warmth. 

Before leaving, Song Sheng told her: “Sister, next time don’t bring so many things. Be careful your husband doesn’t get angry.” 

Song Dong dismissed it: “Your brother‑in‑law is stingy. Ignore him.” 

Song Sheng worried. Though she had three sons and some authority, constantly taking things to her natal family might cause resentment in her husband’s household. Even if her husband stayed silent, over time he might mind, especially with her mother‑in‑law whispering. 

Song Dong smiled, touched by his concern. He had never spoken to her like this before. 

At the village’s east entrance, she brushed her hair back and said: “That’s far enough. Go home.” Then she turned toward Zhutuo Village in the sunset. 

Song Sheng called after her: “Sister!” She turned, smiled, and waved him back. 

Memories surfaced: when she married, her dowry was meager. That year, Song Sheng had no money for academy fees. She had advanced her wedding so the bride price could pay his tuition. 

Though he hadn’t lived those moments himself, the memory made him ache, as if he had. 

Later, when he failed the exams, she often took things from her husband’s household to support her natal family, earning harsh words from her in‑laws. Even now, bringing pork and candy, she would surely face criticism again. 

But Song Dong had never spoken such words to him before.

He whispered: “Sister, wait until I pass the xiucai exam, then I’ll come visit you.”

To bring you honor, to make you happy.