"People’s hearts always change, I..." Da Yu Shi covered her mouth, sobbing.
Yu Shi’s lips trembled with anger. She was straightforward and preferred to speak her mind, unable to handle Da Yu Shi, a master of manipulation. Da Yu Shi, a widow for many years, had raised her son alone and supported his education. She was no simple woman.
"Ming Yue’s mother, you are sisters. Your elder sister has always treated you with utmost sincerity. Now that you are living well, you should support your elder sister," someone spoke up righteously.
Yu Shi felt like a mute eating bitter herbs, unable to express her suffering. Did she not treat Da Yu Shi well? She had helped her in countless ways with food, clothing, and daily necessities. How could she be so unconscionable? Just because she mentioned that Ming Yue was not good enough for Yu Sheng, Da Yu Shi had come to slander her? She had already been gracious enough not to reveal what Yu Sheng had said about the village girl to Da Yu Shi. Now, Da Yu Shi had the audacity to come to her doorstep in such a manner.
Da Yu Shi offered no defense, happy that someone was speaking on her behalf.
Qi Zhen Zhen had been dragged to the Song family by Song Ming Yue early that morning. Xun Wan Niang had given her a nine-section puzzle, and unable to solve it, she sought Qi Zhen Zhen’s help. The two were racking their brains in the room when the commotion outside grew louder.
Song Ming Yue knew her mother had confronted her aunt. Therefore, she had been in a good mood for the past two days. Ge Yu Sheng had also left the Song residence in embarrassment, as he no longer had the face to stay. She had thought the matter was settled, but she hadn't expected her aunt to come and cause trouble.
Song Ming Yue, being impatient, wanted to rush out and confront her. Da Feng Xiao Shuo Wang.
Qi Zhen Zhen held her back firmly. "Haven't you noticed your mother hasn't made a sound outside? Why? Do you think your mother is easily bullied? Your mother is trying her best to suppress her anger and avoid a public argument, all to protect your reputation and prevent people from knowing why Da Yu Shi came. If you go out and make a scene, everyone will know what happened. Although this matter doesn't have much to do with you if you look closely, in the eyes of others, it's no different from a failed courtship. What will people say about you? You don't even need to think about it; they'll definitely say unpleasant things!"
"Then should I just hide in the room like a turtle?" Song Ming Yue gritted her teeth.
"Even a turtle wouldn't want you to be one. Wait, I'll go and see." Qi Zhen Zhen appeased Song Ming Yue. "Don't you know me? I definitely won't let you suffer a loss."
"Please, give my aunt a good scolding for me," Song Ming Yue said fiercely.
"I will not fail this mission."
Yu Shi glared at Da Yu Shi in anger. Her usually sharp tongue was utterly useless now.
"Auntie, why have you been out here for so long? Oh, isn't this Aunt Ge? Why haven't you come inside? Standing at the door like this, those who know will understand you're visiting relatives, but those who don't will definitely think you've come to seek revenge," Qi Zhen Zhen said with a smile. "What a misunderstanding this could cause! Auntie cares about you the most. If people misunderstand, how heartbroken she would be. When Cousin Ge was staying here a few days ago, Auntie took such good care of him. Ming Yue has privately complained to me several times, saying she's no longer favored! Usually, at this time, her mother would make new clothes for her, but this time, new clothes were only made for Cousin Ge."
In the countryside, making clothes was no small matter; it required a lot of fabric. Therefore, sisters and brothers making clothes for each other's children was a sign of a very good relationship.
The words spoken by Qi Zhen Zhen were not meant to argue, but were stated as facts.
Although Da Yu Shi had cried and sobbed without saying much, her implication was that Yu Shi was now ungrateful, forgetting their past kindness and no longer treating her as a sister.
The nephew staying at his aunt's house, being provided with food, clothing, and daily necessities, and even having new clothes made for him – was this ungratefulness? If so, let them have more such ungrateful relatives. This was the common sentiment of the onlookers, and their gazes towards Da Yu Shi became more inquisitive.
"Little sister, I know you haven't mistreated my Ah Sheng in terms of food and clothing. But, but some things... they hurt him more than mistreatment. Ever since Ah Sheng returned, he's been dejected and has even stopped studying. He sighs constantly, and he's not himself. Little sister, please pity me. I became a widow at a young age and raising Ah Sheng alone was not easy. Fortunately, Ah Sheng is promising and studies diligently. I'm waiting for him to achieve success in his studies and bring glory to our sisters." Da Yu Shi said mournfully.
She didn't explicitly state anything, but it made people feel as if Yu Shi had done something wrong.
"Oh, I seem to recall Cousin Ge saying a few days ago that Aunt Ge was ill and he, as her son, had to return to her bedside to show filial piety? He left with such high spirits, and I didn't see anything amiss. How is it that after returning for two days, he's not well? That shouldn't be the case. Could it be because Aunt Ge is seriously ill? That's not right either; Aunt Ge is right here, and she doesn't look sick. Could it be that she's just pretending? Aunt Ge, you can't treat your health so lightly!" Qi Zhen Zhen spoke fluently. "How about I help you inside for a drink of water to rest?"
Da Yu Shi's expression turned unpleasant. This young girl's tongue was too sharp, and she was using Ah Sheng's return home as an excuse to corner her. If she said she wasn't sick, it would mean Ah Sheng was lying. If she said she was sick, her complexion didn't support it. If she continued to make a scene, she wouldn't gain anything, and her efforts would be in vain, which was not worth it.
With this thought, Da Yu Shi cried out "Aiyo," clutching her chest, her face looking unwell.
Qi Zhen Zhen immediately stepped forward to support her, and Yu Shi, almost simultaneously, supported Da Yu Shi, putting on a worried expression.
"Everyone, my elder sister is not feeling well. I need to help her inside to rest. Would you like to come in and sit for a while?" Yu Shi scanned the crowd, cursing them all in her heart. None of them were afraid of causing trouble, neglecting their own affairs to meddle in others' business and watch the show.
This was, after all, the headman's house, not an ordinary home. Even watching the show had its limits. Moreover, it seemed the sisters had a good relationship. Perhaps it was a misunderstanding earlier? Continuing to stir up trouble would offend Yu Shi, which was not worth the loss.
"Ming Yue’s mother, quickly help your elder sister inside. Do you need me to call Doctor Mo? Our Doctor Mo is skilled and will surely be able to tell what's wrong with your elder sister."
Call a doctor? What a dream. Yu Shi said with a stern face, "My elder sister has an old ailment. She has medicine with her and will be fine after taking it inside. Thank you for your concern."
The onlookers understood the displeasure in Yu Shi's words, and they dispersed in small groups.
Once inside, Yu Shi let go and bolted the courtyard gate. It was better to discuss some matters behind closed doors.
"Elder sister, are you deliberately trying to make things difficult for me?"