Chapter 26

“Little Six, are the things being said outside true or… alas.”
“We’re not here to question you. When something happens to the family, the family members should be the first to know.”
Late at night, members of the various branches of the Ji family went to see Ji Yangzong.
Ji Yangzong was the youngest son among the male descendants of the Ji lineage, ranking sixth in his family, with several older brothers and sisters, and younger siblings as well.
This morning, his elder brothers had all come into the room to inquire about the matter concerning Taoyu.
It was understandable that they were anxious. When a child from the same lineage had their reputation tarnished, others would inevitably be affected.
Although it wasn’t like in the early years where a bad reputation could lead to difficulties in marriage for everyone in the lineage, nowadays, respectable families still paid attention to the reputation of children from the same clan.
Among Ji Yangzong’s brothers, many had sons and daughters, and there were two or three who were at the age of marriage. How could they not be anxious about this incident?
“That’s absolutely not true!”
Ji Yangzong cursed angrily a couple of times. He had returned after a busy day and only found out that the Zhou family father and son had visited the village when he saw Taoyu rushing home. He immediately sent Da Niu to inquire.
He only learned about the unspeakable things being spread outside about an hour after his brothers arrived at his home.
“Then what exactly happened? I didn’t approve of you breaking off the engagement with the You family without a word back then. If you break off a good marriage, people will talk.”
“Look, what they’re saying now is too ugly!”
Ji Yangzong hadn’t even figured out what was going on, and his brothers had already arrived one after another. Their questioning made him even angrier.
“Big brother, whether you disapprove is whether you’re afraid of losing benefits by breaking off the engagement, or for the sake of reputation, it’s hard to say!”
“Hey, we’re all family. Why are you saying this? Little Six, why are you talking to Big Brother like this?”
“Look, Little Six, I came to ask him what happened, and he’s taking on the airs of a village head and lecturing me!”
With everyone chiming in, an argument was about to break out. Seeing that the situation was getting uglier, Huang Manjing quickly ushered Taoyu into the room.
“Mother…”
Taoyu tugged on Huang Manjing’s sleeve, “What exactly is going on?”
“Don’t worry, stay in the room for now. Don’t come out unless your mother calls you. Your uncles are also worried about your cousins, and they came to clarify things, not to blame you.”
Huang Manjing comforted him, “Everyone is anxious. Brothers speak directly, and sometimes they are careless with their words. You should stay away from this.”
Taoyu replied, “I understand.”
Huang Manjing patted Taoyu’s hand reassuringly before going back out.
In early winter, it got dark early, and the night had fallen inadvertently, making the bedroom unusually dim.
Taoyu’s mind was in a mess, and he sat absentmindedly at the dressing table.
He had just managed to get over the broken engagement with You Lingxiao, and after only a short time, such disgraceful things were being spread.
Seeing his uncles come to the house in such a hurry, it was no longer just their family’s affair, but it had also implicated his clan members.
You Lingxiao had consecutively passed the imperial examinations after becoming a scholar. His uncles were very satisfied. His father had broken off the engagement for him previously, and his uncles had not agreed with it from the start.
They said that his father acted impulsively and emotionally, not knowing how to appease You Lingxiao. They also said that You Lingxiao was now a qualified scholar, so some temper was normal. He wouldn’t be a poor scholar who would do whatever his father said, as he had been before.
Breaking off the engagement out of dissatisfaction, losing such a good marriage with the You family, the You family would soon surpass the Ji family, and the title of village head might even be taken back.
His father didn’t argue with his uncles, letting them express their dissatisfaction and swallowing his anger.
He originally thought that the matter would pass like this, but he didn’t expect such a complication to arise.
Thinking of this, Taoyu’s eyes reddened, and he slumped powerlessly onto the table.
He was the only young man in the family. It was bad enough that he couldn’t bring glory to his parents, but he also caused them trouble.
The self-reproach and guilt in Taoyu’s heart were far more unbearable than the Zhou family’s sudden change of heart and treating him like discarded refuse.
“Ji Taoyu.”
Taoyu suddenly stopped crying, as if he heard someone calling him.
He hesitantly looked up and saw a tall shadow appear by the window.
Taoyu stood up, his steps a little unsteady. He leaned on the edge of the table and walked closer. When he saw who it was, his eyes became even warmer.
“I didn’t.”
The room was not lit. Huo Shu thought there was no one inside. When he approached the window, he heard the sound of sobbing.
The young man lying at the dressing table seemed to blend into the dim room, and only the slightly heaving chest of sobbing could distinguish where he was.
Huo Shu looked at the person standing not far away, with red eyes and tears welling up, his voice full of grievance and trembling.
He took a deep breath, his brow furrowed.
“I know.”
Taoyu lowered his head, tears falling. He sniffled softly.
“How would you know? Are you trying to favor me?”
Huo Shu felt as if his heart had suddenly been blocked by something.
He stood by the window and said in a soft voice:
“I believe you didn’t.”
Taoyu looked up at Huo Shu, who was hidden in the night. Against the already weak light, his face was unclear, but at this moment, he seemed to see Huo Shu’s serious gaze.
“Don’t cry, come here and I’ll tell you.”
Huo Shu said, “I’ve already heard the whole story. The incident was strange, which is why I came specifically.”
Taoyu sniffled upon hearing this and quickly ran to the window, “Where is it strange?”
His voice was trembling from crying, making him look particularly pitiful.
Huo Shu frowned.
He asked, “Do you know what the rumors outside are saying?”
Taoyu pursed his lips, not knowing how to answer.
Seeing this, Huo Shu spoke for him, “They say you and You Lingxiao were too close and had improper behavior. The rumors are all one-sided now. Those who defended your Ji family in the matter of breaking the engagement are now speaking for the You family. Don’t you think this is too strange? Isn’t it like someone intentionally spreading rumors?”
Although Taoyu found these words unbearable, when Da Niu went to inquire, it was just as Huo Shu said, “But who would be so malicious and dare to do this?”
Huo Shu continued, “Then think about it, if the rumors continue to spread like this, what will be the result?”
Taoyu said without thinking, “Naturally, my reputation will be ruined, and no one will dare to propose marriage anymore. It will even affect my cousins.”
Huo Shu said, “The village head and your uncles will not allow things to develop like this. They will definitely find a solution. What do you think their best solution will be?”
Taoyu’s brow furrowed, and he pondered, “To go one by one and find those who spread these gossips, and ask who the first person to spread these words was.”
“The Ji family is a prominent family in the village. For unconfirmed rumors, even if you find them, do you think they will admit it?”
Taoyu pondered for a moment: “Indeed, this method is not very feasible. If that’s the case, then everyone will have nothing to say. If so, then we will have to ask the You family to reinstate this marriage…”
Before he could finish speaking, he realized something was wrong and suddenly looked at Huo Shu, “Big Brother Huo suspects that the You family deliberately spread the rumors!”
Huo Shu said, “I’m not sure if the You family did it, but this wave of rumors is too timely, and it just so happened that the Zhou family father and son heard it.”
“Your father is the village head. Although ordinary families don’t entirely live under your father’s control, they also know that offending the village head won’t make life comfortable. Who in the village hates your family so much that they would do such a sinister thing? And they’re foolish enough to use the past engagement between the Ji and You families to stir up trouble. The You family is currently very influential in the village. Offending two major surnames in the village at once, which family do you think would do this?”
Taoyu’s heart tightened. He felt that what Huo Shu said was not unreasonable, but he was also puzzled:
“But it shouldn’t be like this. When Father and Mother went to the You family to break off the engagement, the You family didn’t try to stop them much. If they really couldn’t let go of this marriage, why would they agree so easily when breaking off the engagement? Why would they go to such lengths to do these things after everything was settled?”
Huo Shu looked at the face that was not entirely clear in the dim moonlight, but whose features could still be judged as beautiful, and sighed softly.
“I don’t know the exact reason or the details, but I know that when people are proud, they feel like everything is under control, and the people around them seem to have no ideas of their own and only care about them. However, when the people around them leave, they think it’s just a tantrum. Only when they realize that they are truly determined to break off the relationship do they regret it. Then they become jealous and try their best, even resorting to unscrupulous means, to get back what originally belonged to them.”
Taoyu’s brows furrowed tightly upon hearing this. Although his face was young, his gaze was firmer than ever:
“Whether or not the You family did this, he and I have no possibility anymore.”
With that, Taoyu wiped away the tears that had already cooled on his face, “But even though these words are reasonable, they are still guesses. What should we do?”
“You go out tomorrow and try to run into You Lingxiao. Hear his thoughts on this matter and see if you can get any clues.”
Huo Shu said, “Instead of hiding at home, it’s better to attack head-on.”
Taoyu nodded quickly.
The family was in a state of panic. Rather than crying alone in the room, he wanted to help his family resolve the issues caused by him.
“Since you’ve listened, I’ll be going back now.”
Taoyu hurried to light the oil lamp on the table, and the room was suddenly filled with light.
The warm yellow light also illuminated the tall figure standing by the window.
“Big Brother Huo!”
Taoyu quickly called out to him, “Does your hand… still hurt?”
Huo Shu paused. He looked back at Taoyu, who was pressed against the window. His eyes, under the oil lamp, were swollen again, with red at the corners.
“I’m fine. You, on the other hand, don’t cry anymore tonight.”
Taoyu obediently said, “I know.”
After talking with Huo Shu, the unresolved matter suddenly found a clue to its resolution, and he had a plan, so he was no longer so worried and upset.
“Big Brother Huo, thank you.”
Huo Shu’s brow twitched. He didn’t want his thanks, but seeing his sincere gratitude, he didn’t feel too bad.
Thinking that he had to see You Lingxiao tomorrow, Huo Shu was still a little worried: “Taoyu, do you still remember what I told you at the ten-mile textile shop?”
“Hmm?”
Taoyu certainly remembered, but Huo Shu had lectured him quite a bit back then, so he didn’t know which specific words Huo Shu was referring to now.
Huo Shu patiently repeated, “If that person tearfully tells you about their difficulties and hardships, acting pitiful and on the verge of death, will you still be able to maintain your current clarity at that moment?”
Taoyu looked directly into Huo Shu’s eyes, which had made him afraid, admired, and now felt trustworthy: “When I look back, I will definitely not turn back.”
Huo Shu’s heart settled: “Good.”
With that, he turned and walked under the peach tree: “I’m leaving.”
Taoyu watched him disappear beyond the courtyard wall and stood by the window for a while before turning back into the room.
The next day, Taoyu got up very early. When he left his room, it was not yet dawn.
Mr. and Mrs. Ji had argued with their clan brothers all night without reaching a satisfactory solution, and they parted on bad terms.
The couple was so worried that they hadn’t slept well all night, but after getting older, not sleeping well was not a problem of one or two nights, so they didn’t look too tired.
On the contrary, they saw their son get up so early and thought he hadn’t slept all night.
But seeing that Taoyu’s eyes were only slightly red and had no other discomfort.
Last night, the couple was afraid that Taoyu would not think things through and had stayed outside his door for a while. When they didn’t hear crying from inside, they returned to their room.
The couple was slightly relieved, but at the same time, they felt Taoyu was a bit unusual. While eating breakfast, Huang Manjing cautiously said:
“Don’t keep those things in your heart and pressure yourself. They only dare to gossip behind your back. Father and Mother will find a way to resolve it.”
Taoyu drank some porridge and asked, “What about my uncles? When did they leave yesterday?”
“Don’t mind them. They’re always so impetuous when something happens, that’s how they always are.”
Ji Yangzong put a piece of food on Taoyu’s plate: “If they come to talk again next time, you don’t need to see them. Father knows how to deal with them.”
Taoyu nodded.
“Don’t worry, Father and Mother, I’m fine.”
However, the couple did not feel relieved and ate breakfast with their minds preoccupied.
Taoyu waited until it was bright before putting on an extra layer of clothing and going out.
Since things had come to this, he couldn’t neglect his health anymore, lest he fall ill.
Taoyu went out and carried a small basket, pretending to go pick vegetables to observe the situation.
He glanced in the direction of the You family’s house, hesitating whether to find You Lingxiao.
However, even before the engagement was broken off, his family had told him to be reserved and not to visit You Lingxiao without reason. Therefore, he had mostly seen You Lingxiao when he came to his house.
He walked absently and met two villagers on the way.
The villagers greeted him warmly as usual, but there was a hint of scrutiny in their eyes.
They probably already knew about the matter. Since he had the courage to come out, he wouldn’t bother with the villagers’ gazes.
He continued forward, and as he passed a bamboo grove, someone called out to him, a stranger yet somewhat familiar.
Taoyu turned around and saw that it was You Lingxiao. He hadn’t figured out how to find him, but he didn’t expect him to bump into him.
Seeing this person again, Taoyu felt a sense of time having passed as if separated by a lifetime. It had only been half a month since they last saw each other.
“Does Young Master You have something?”
You Lingxiao finally saw the person he had been longing for and met him. A smile naturally appeared on his face, but when he heard Taoyu’s estranged words, his smile froze on his face.
“A’Yu, I know you must resent me, but whether you believe it or not, I never intended to betray you. I sincerely wanted to marry you.”
Taoyu looked at You Lingxiao’s furrowed brows and sincere gaze. His handsome face showed a look of unspoken difficulty. If it weren’t for seeing him curry favor and act obsequious at the ten-mile textile shop that day, he might have been moved and thought he truly had unavoidable difficulties.
No wonder Huo Shu asked if he could remain clear-headed. He was indeed too inexperienced, which was why he had never seen through this person’s true nature.
For a moment, he felt amused:
“If it was sincere, why did it end up like this?”
You Lingxiao quickly said, “When my uncle went to the house to break off the engagement, I tried my best to stop him, but my mother agreed because she was afraid of delaying my imperial examinations. It was my fault that I didn’t stop my mother that day. I tried to find you several times, but Ji’s uncle blocked me at the door. When I tried to explain to him, my uncle was also angry and sternly reprimanded me.”
“A’Yu, I don’t fear my uncle’s reprimand. It is I who disappointed him, so his reprimand is deserved. It’s just that I couldn’t see you, and I was consumed by anxiety. I couldn’t sleep peacefully every night. If this continues, let alone the imperial examinations, I fear I won’t be able to endure it.”
Taoyu quietly watched You Lingxiao feign innocence. He was undoubtedly good at pretending to be pitiful.
Having lived a difficult life as an orphan and widow in the village in previous years, he was adept at admitting mistakes and speaking softly. Coupled with his good looks, he was truly captivating.
However, since he had seen his opportunistic behavior, it only made him more disgusted.
Taoyu said, “My father has always valued his reputation. If someone is fickle, why wouldn’t he be angry?”
You Lingxiao said, “I know it’s my fault, but with the ugly rumors spreading outside now, if my uncle remains so determined, won’t he harm you!”
Taoyu feigned ignorance: “What is being spread?”
You Lingxiao saw Taoyu still appearing unaware, and he hesitated to speak. He appeared troubled for a moment, and thinking that he would eventually find out, he said, “Promise me you won’t rush.”
Taoyu remained silent.
“I don’t know which gossipy woman it was, but she spread rumors that I and you had improper relations. Now the village is abuzz with it. It’s fine for me as a man, but how can they say such things about you, a young man? These women are truly vulgar!”
“How could such rumors exist! Is it possible that someone deliberately did this?” Taoyu carefully observed You Lingxiao’s expression and asked, “Do you know who said it?”
“How would I know!”
You Lingxiao’s tone suddenly became too high: “I really don’t know who is saying these things. If I did, I would certainly not let these gossips off lightly.”
Taoyu said, “From what you’re saying, it sounds like it was said by women. I thought you would know who it was.”
“I just saw some village women talking about it, which is why I said that. I don’t know who started these rumors.” You Lingxiao paused for a moment, then realized that Taoyu’s reaction seemed a bit off: “A’Yu, it seems you don’t care about these rumors?”
“The innocent will remain innocent. I presume Young Master You will also help prove my innocence for the sake of your reputation.”
Taoyu looked at You Lingxiao coldly: “Otherwise, wouldn’t it be harming Young Master You, making it difficult for him to explain to his superiors.”
You Lingxiao’s heart tightened. He felt that Taoyu’s words were suggestive, suspecting that he might know about the Xue family’s affairs.
“A’Yu, it’s all my fault for causing people to gossip about you. If you are willing, let bygones be bygones, and we can still get married.”
“No need. Not to mention that Madam Sun doesn’t like me, and if Young Master You disobeys his elders, wouldn’t that be unfilial? Even if he could defy filial piety, how could he bear to abandon a family that can promote a scholar? The You family is such a prestigious family, our Ji family cannot afford to be matched.”
Taoyu said a few sarcastic words. Seeing that he couldn’t get anything out of him, he didn’t want to say more, “I’ll take my leave now.”
“A’Yu!”
You Lingxiao was surprised that the once gentle and talkative young man had suddenly changed his temperament overnight. He seemed unable to accept it. Seeing Taoyu say coldly and about to leave, he quickly chased after him: “Things are not as you think.”
“Young Master You, please behave yourself. I can’t afford to be gossiped about by the villagers anymore. It’s best not to interact in the future.”
Taoyu quickly walked out of You Lingxiao’s sight. He impatiently furrowed his brows, thinking about the details of his conversation with You Lingxiao, looking for any suspicious points. Lost in thought, he almost bumped into someone who had suddenly appeared.
“You scared me to death!”
Taoyu looked up and saw that it was Huo Shu, and he took a few more breaths.
“You Lingxiao didn’t scare you, but I did.”
Taoyu pursed his lips. He felt that sometimes Huo Shu looked tall, but was actually petty.
“That’s not right.”
Huo Shu didn’t intend to tease him about someone who was already in the past, so he asked, “How was it?”
Taoyu shook his head with some disappointment: “He’s tight-lipped, and I couldn’t get much out of him. Also, I haven’t personally heard how the villagers are spreading rumors, so it’s hard to judge.”
“It’s normal that you couldn’t find any clues. If he really did it, he would naturally have some self-control and wouldn’t be easily tricked by you.”
Even so, Taoyu was still a bit dejected: “Then what should we do?”
“Don’t worry, we’ll find clues.”
As soon as he finished speaking, Huo Shu’s gaze suddenly changed, and he sternly shouted, “Who!”
Taoyu instinctively wanted to dodge, but when he turned his head, he saw that Yu Jia’er was in the woods not far away, either eavesdropping on their conversation or passing by, but he was very afraid of Huo Shu. Even the slightest movement was detected by Huo Shu.
Yu Xia was indeed very afraid of Huo Shu. When he was discovered, he couldn’t help but shrink back. He cautiously walked forward, not daring to look at Huo Shu, and only said softly to Taoyu, “I… I have something to say to you.”
Taoyu was puzzled. Since Madam Sun brought Yu Xia to apologize last time after he fell into the water, he hadn’t seen him. He didn’t know why he suddenly sought him out today.
He couldn’t help but look at Huo Shu. Seeing that he didn’t object, Taoyu thought that with Huo Shu here, he wouldn’t dare to do anything.
“You say it.”
Yu Xia glanced at Huo Shu beside him. Seeing that he had no intention of leaving, he gave up: “Everyone in the village is talking about you and cousin. Do you… do you know?”
Taoyu nodded.
“I saw Madam Wang from Jian Gou sneak into the You family a couple of days ago. She’s been there more than once.”
Yu Xia said, “She’s a notorious gossip in the village. She talks about everyone’s business, and she’s had disputes with many families in the village. Her reputation is very bad.”
“Although my aunt was poor in the past, her personality was also very proud. Even if she wanted to curry favor, she would only do so with respectable families, and she would definitely not associate with someone like that.”
Yu Xia lowered his head and said, “I harmed you before. No matter how many apologies I say, it’s useless. Consider it my atonement.”
With that, Yu Xia ran away.
Taoyu’s brows furrowed tightly. He watched the person disappear on the village road.
His mouth felt bitter, and he found it hard to speak. He couldn’t believe that the You family had really done such a sinister thing to ruin someone’s reputation.
Although the relationship between the two families had changed from in-laws to strangers, which was somewhat regrettable, the affection from the past was real. He didn’t expect the You family to cross the river and tear down the bridge, but they even harmed him and the Ji family.
Even if, as Huo Shu said, You Lingxiao wanted to win him back out of jealousy, why would he resort to ruining him?
Taoyu felt a little unsteady. Huo Shu quickly grabbed his sleeve: “Is what he said referring to the You family?”
Taoyu’s eyes reddened, and he nodded:
“Madam Sun is indeed as Brother Xia said. Her personality is proud, and You Lingxiao is studying. It’s impossible for him to associate with someone like Madam Wang. Madam Wang’s husband was a ruffian. He lost his life while freelancing in the city, leaving behind a son who followed in his father’s footsteps and is also a ruffian, often bullying the villagers.”
“In the past, Madam Sun had a bad reputation, and Madam Wang often gossiped about her with others. Madam Sun couldn’t wait to get rid of her, so she would definitely not associate with her after You Lingxiao passed the examination.”
Women like this, who knew all the gossip of every family in the village, were disdained by others. They looked down on her from the bottom of their hearts, but their ordinary lives were dull, and they liked to joke with her, listen to gossip, and since it wasn’t them saying it, someone else would take the blame.
For this reason, Madam Wang had a relatively good superficial popularity.
If one wanted to spread rumors, it would be appropriate to have such a woman do it, but conversely, it was also easy to be bitten back by such a person.
Huo Shu heard this and said, “Since we already know who started it, catch the surname Wang and make him confess clearly, and your innocence will be restored.”
Taoyu worried: “But how could she admit it so easily? Their family has always been shameless, they are simply ruffian scoundrels. I’m afraid that instead of making her admit to spreading nonsense, we might be bitten back.”
“Do you think a ruffian would dare to bite me? People like me are precisely the bane of ruffians.”
With that, Huo Shu glanced at Taoyu: “Go home. Leave the rest to me. Within two days, I will surely clear your name with the You family.”