Chapter 44 - Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Something’s Not Quite Right (2/2)
“I… I…” Of course, Wang Fangru did not dare to accept the challenge, but to refuse in front of all these people would be like slapping her own face, admitting she had slandered Su Wenyue.
Seeing her cousin struggling, Wang Qianru stepped forward, “Fourth younger sibling, my cousin was just indignant on my behalf, which is why she spoke out. Why must you be so aggressive? Can you dare say that what happened to my mother’s family wasn’t your doing, that you didn’t have someone take vengeance on my mother’s family to get back at me, tricking my brother into gambling and causing him such misery?”
“Indignant on your behalf, so she can falsely accuse others? What sort of behavior is that! And as for your claims of being wronged and bullied in the Han Family, that’s just your word. The truth isn’t something that can be concocted by the Wang family’s saying so.”
“As if I would lie about such a thing. Why would I do that? It benefits me in no way. Have you decided that the Father-in-Law and Mother-in-Law are biased and will stand on your side, so you refuse to admit it?” Wang Qianru’s words seemed reasonable, and many people in the crowd nodded, thinking there was sense in what she said.
“Of course not. If I am innocent, why should I fear a crooked shadow? I won’t acknowledge something I haven’t done. And as for who framed whom, Third Sister-in-Law, you know very well in your heart. Since you claim the Han family members are biased, let’s ask the Village Chief and some respected elders to come over and clarify the entire situation from beginning to end. That way, everyone will see clearly who’s right and who’s wrong, without having to take just one side’s word for it.”
“Invite the Village Chief? It’s just our family’s internal affair, is that really necessary?” Wang Qianru faltered in her speech. She was hoping to use the Wang family’s greater numbers to pressure Su Wenyue and manipulate public opinion and rumors, all to make the Han Family give in. She wanted the
Mother-in-Law to bow down to her and get silver from Su Wenyue. If the Village Chief and the elders were to come and lay out the facts openly, all her cunning would have been for nothing.
However, Wang Fangru’s desire to handle things her own way wasn’t enough— Su Wenyue had already sent for the Village Chief and several village elders before she even spoke up. This seemed to be the most appropriate course of action given the atmosphere and doubts Wang Fangru had created. Now, no matter who from the Han Family stood up to speak, it wouldn’t be right, and no one would believe them. Yet, having the Village Chief and others present would help clarify things, as the Han Family was just in their position.
Wang Fangru was still thinking about how to stop it, not expecting Su Wenyue to act so fast, with the Village Chief already on the way. She realized things weren’t looking good but by then didn’t have any other choice.
After the Village Chief and the elders gathered all the facts, everyone understood what had transpired. The way they looked at Wang Qianru and the Wang family changed; it wasn’t the Han Family who had been excessive, but the Wang family’s actions were too much. For a daughter-in-law who, instead of repenting for her mistake, had back-talked to her Mother-in-Law and even stirred up such trouble with her mother’s family, they would have dismissed such a daughter-in-law long ago.
“Well, what have you got to say for yourself, Wang Qianru? In what way has our Han Family wronged you so much that you hate us? Look at what you’ve done; the Han Family has become a laughingstock in the village. We, the Han Family, do not need a daughter-in-law like you,” Mrs. Yang could no longer tolerate recognizing this daughter-in-law after enduring so much.
“Mother, please forgive me this once, I truly realize my mistake.” Wang Fangru was full of regret, panic darkening her vision to the point she suddenly fainted and collapsed..