Chapter 276: Many Conflicts at the Widow’s Door
Bai Lu is not only the clan leader of the Bai Family sect, but also the village elder of Fengye Village. Due to his fair-mindedness and humble nature, he wields considerable influence in Fengye Village.
Upon hearing the shouts from outside, Bai Lu knitted his brows, saying, "Troubles abound at the doorstep of a widow, I would rather not go, my presence won’t solve anything."
Bai Ruozhu’s eyelids twitched at the mention of the Widow Zhou. Was she the attractive widow involved with Bai Yibo? Why did Bai Lu seem so disgusted with her? Bai Ruozhu quickly reached a conclusion. Who else but a corrupt person would associate with Bai Yibo?
Also, when Bai Ruomei had spoken about this matter earlier, she had thought that it was all orchestrated by the Wang Family, Wang Family member being punished with twenty beatings and recuperating at home, thus offering Bai Yibo the opportunity to indulge in his debaucheries. On counting the days, it had only been a little over half a month since the Wang Family member was punished; hence, it was clear what had actually transpired.
"But the people who have come now have some familial ties with your household, the village chief recommends that you go and take a look," said a voice from outside.
Bai Lu’s face darkened instantly, leaving everyone in the yard somewhat taken aback. All of them were villagers of Fengye Village and had long heard infamous tales about Widow Zhou. Upon hearing that the troublemaker was related to the Bai Family, they all felt a bitter taste in their mouths.
However, the old lady suddenly looked rather pleased, as if she was relishing the prospect of the Bai Family encountering an embarrassing situation and she could simply kick back and enjoy the spectacle.
Bai Lu ordered the door to be opened, and asked the visitor, "Clarify, how is the troublemaker related to my family?"
"It seems to be the Wang Family from Anyuan Town, their eldest daughter is the wife of your scholarly younger brother." The visitor rattled on, "You should hurry, now the old lady of the Wang Family has brought some people to beat Widow Zhou, seems like Widow Zhou is pregnant, they also intend to cause her to miscarry."
"What a bloody mess!" Bai Lu balked, wanting to explode in anger. He was aware that the Bai Family was planning on divorcing the Wang Family member, as the news had already spread across Mountain Village, but he was clueless about the affair between Bai Yibo and Widow Zhou. Zhou’s daughter-in-law had seen them together by chance. She was a sensible woman and had not gossiped about it to anyone, only confiding in Lin Ping’er when she came to visit.
Given how the narrative had developed, could Bai Lu not discern the reality of the situation? He thought to himself that it was one thing for Bai Fu to wreak havoc in Mountain Village, but his misconduct spreading to Fengye Village was something else altogether. If Bai Fu had no qualms about being disgraced, he certainly did.
"Sister-in-law, it seems that this matter concerns your in-laws; do you have any idea what is going on here?" Bai Lu turned his head towards the old lady and asked.
This time, the old lady did not seem amused. Standing stupefied in place, how did the matter concern her family? She had agreed to Bai Yibo’s plans of divorcing the Wang Family member for fear that the latter could no longer bring in any more money. Moreover, Bai Yibo had claimed to have a child with a widow, assuring her of a new grandchild. Plus, the widow even owned a few acres of land and was reasonably wealthy.
However, the old lady, preoccupied with her thoughts about money and her grandchild, had not bothered to inquire about the widow’s name. It was only now that she realized that the Widow Zhou referred to by the visitor was her impending cash cow!
"I, I don’t know either, how about we go and take a look?" The old lady, under the scrutinizing gaze of all present, found herself struggling to speak properly.
Bai Ruozhu and her mother exchanged a glance. Considering the old lady’s primary focus was on the feast and her willingness to propose going to take a look herself, was it possible that she wasn’t aware of everything? She was probably worried about the child in Widow Zhou’s womb.
Bai Lu heaved a sigh and said to the visitor, "Fine, I will take some people to go and have a look."
"We really appreciate your help, Elder Bai, the village chief has fallen ill and won’t be able to come," The visitor quickly darted off after speaking.
Bai Lu stared out, feeling helpless. The village chief simply didn’t want to be involved in Widow Zhou’s affairs, but allowing such turbulence in the village was also inappropriate. Just as he was fretting over the lack of a solution, he discovered that the troublemaker was related to the Bai Family, thereby thrusting him to the forefront.
"What a cunning village chief!" Bai Lu cursed under his breath.
With Bai Lu’s departure to resolve the situation, no one dared to start eating. Those who didn’t have anything urgent to do tagged along to enjoy the spectacle. After all, it was a scene caused by Bai Fu’s family.
Bai Ruozhu signaled her family and followed. However, they didn’t walk up front, but trailed a bit behind the rest.
They hadn’t reached Widow Zhou’s house yet, but they could hear the vitriolic shouts of Wang’s mother from a distance. Standing on tiptoe, Bai Ruozhu saw that the Wang mother had brought along quite a few people, mostly females. There, however, were no signs of the Wang Family member, her father, or her brother, Wang Xiujun.
Presumably, the injuries of the three hadn’t healed, making it difficult for them to leave the house. Having received only five beatings, Wang’s mother had recovered the quickest and was now causing a significant ruckus.
Bai Ruozhu could finally take a good look at the so-called attractive widow. She held her own against the group of people from the Wang Family, showing no signs of fear. Hands on her hips and standing straight, she occasionally retorted Wang’s mother.
Widow Zhou was tall and curvy. Although her clothes were not tight, they accentuated her bosom. At over thirty years of age, her skin was still well-maintained, emanating a refined beauty.
"You shameless fox, you can’t even keep to yourself while in widowhood. I’ll ruin your womb so that you’ll never bear any illegitimate children again!" Wang Chen’s mother screamed, throwing herself at Widow Zhou.
Bai Ruozhu rolled her eyes. She didn’t like Wang’s mother at all. The old lady’s speech was too unpleasant, and she seemed to have intentionally picked this day to create a scene at Widow Zhou’s house.
"Enough!" Bai Lu yelled in a timely manner, "What is all this? Discuss your issues civilly, don’t commit a murder that would land you all in prison!"
Wang’s mother turned to look at Bai Lu, but her sharp eyes noticed Bai Liushi hiding in the background. She shrieked, "Bai Liushi, are you here to protect the bastard child of your son? My daughter has slaved for your family for over twenty years, you have sordidly taken countless things from our Wang family, and now you want to divorce my daughter for a wretched tart, you will not die peacefully!"
Bai Liushi was taken aback and she tried to shuffle back, shrinking her neck as she said, "I’m here for the adoption of my great-grandson into the family register, I don’t know anything about these other matters."
"Stop your pretense. Today, you will provide us with an explanation, or I’ll destroy this vile woman’s womb!" Wang Chen’s mother threatened, swinging her palm towards Widow Zhou. To her dismay, Widow Zhou dodged easily.
"Dear sister, you really do have a foul mouth. Your daughter couldn’t conceive a son and deceived her in-laws with someone else’s child, how does that get pinned on me? Did I make her fabricate such a lie?" Widow Zhou responded, her voice was slightly husky which exuded a seductive charm. Her slow-paced tone of speech added tantalizing allure to her words.