Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Humiliation (1)_1 Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Humiliation (1)_1 Yan’s family absolutely had not expected the Lin Family’s popularity in the village to so swiftly return to its original state.
“Yan, keep your third son in check. If something like this happens again, don’t blame me for not showing favor.” Lou Zheng admonished her sternly, his willingness to defend the Lin Family was, of course, partially due to their good relationship, but more so because of his own upright nature and unwillingness to offend the Si family.
Lin Ziyin looked at Mrs. Yan with an expression that was both smiling and not, her eyes exceptionally frosty.
Without any prompting, the villagers’ skin broke out in goosebumps, from this point onwards, nobody dared to provoke the Lin Family openly again.
“If the one who started the fight is her, and the one who was beaten up is our Youcai, why isn’t Lou Zheng reprimanding her?” Mrs. Yan remained stubborn.
“Or should I have Changting come to your house every day and shout, telling about what you are doing in town…” Lin Ziyin looked at her, her eyes flashing coldly.
“Don’t you dare slander me, what do I do in town?” Mrs. Yan was extremely worried. In this era, reputation was paramount. If her reputation was ruined, how could she live? And how could Zhicai pass his examination to become a scholar?
Lin Ziyin was truly despicable enough to even think of ruining her reputation.
She completely forgot how her son, Ma Youcai, had just slandered Lin Ziyin.
“I haven’t said anything.” Lin Ziyin spread her hands. “You don’t allow others to mention your own visits to town, yet your son is slandering me. You can’t just let the governor set fire while forbidding the common people from lighting a lamp, right? Considering what he just said, any punishment I give him would not be too much. If it doesn’t work, I will simply go to the city and beat the government offices’ drum to accuse your entire family of defamation.”
The villagers were all staring at Lin Ziyin as if they didn’t recognize her. This young lady had really changed her temperament, even throwing out cruel words about taking the matter to court. Did she not consider that getting into the government offices was not easy?
Upon hearing that Lin Ziyin intended to lodge a complaint at the government offices, Mrs. Yan was also flabbergasted and particularly fearful. Even though she was tough, she was just a country woman, and she felt fear in her bones for the government. “You troublemaker, can’t stand a day without wreaking havoc. Stay at home.”
Scared, she became submissive, seeking an excuse to pull the trembling Ma Zhicai towards their home.
Mrs. Bao’s face turned white, and without saying a word, she led her own son Gougou away.
“Tomorrow, uncle will bring the masters to our house for a meal.” After the hated people left, Lin Ziyin smiled faintly and spoke to Master Yin. While they didn’t provide meals, it was customary in the countryside when building a house to invite the Masters for a meal, regardless of the family’s circumstances, at the time of laying the brick foundation and raising the beams.
It was upon discussing this matter with her grandfather and Lin Changshu that Lin Ziyin learned about these customs.
“Alright, good.” Master Yin agreed while smiling, looking at Lin Ziyin with newfound respect. This young lady was not simple, even more formidable than the men of the Lin family.
“Auntie, madam, we will need to borrow some bowls and chopsticks from your houses.” Lin Ziyin mentioned sheepishly to Mrs. Bai and Mrs. Zhang.
“Alright, you can come and get them later. Also, we have plenty of greens in our yard. Your home’s vegetables look young, so you could start by picking some from our yard.” Mrs. Zhang generously suggested.
“We have some in our yard as well, you can take a look, and pull out anything useful.” Mrs. Bai also kindly offered.
“Thank you, aunty and madam, I won’t stand on ceremony then.” Lin Ziyin did not hesitate.
The Bai family and Wu family were both good people, she would find an opportunity to reciprocate in the future.
The nearby villagers who saw Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Bai willingly get along well with Lin Ziyin felt a mix of envy and jealousy. However, their relations with the Lin family were merely average, and to ingratiate themselves at this point would only breed resentment.