Bai Yujing's words were tinged with hesitation, but his eyes were filled with concern. He held Jiang Huaiyu's slender hand tightly and said gently, "Huaiyu, you should rest and recuperate at home. Let me take care of the troubles outside for you."
He cannot be sure that everything is under control.
However, he vowed to do everything in his power to mitigate the damage this incident had caused Jiang Huaiyu.
"Mm." Jiang Huaiyu smiled gently and nodded.
Bai Yujing did not linger. He went into his study and pondered for a moment before stepping out of his house to visit the highly respected old village chief.
Upon hearing the purpose of his visit, the old village chief frowned, his worry evident in his expression.
After careful consideration, he slowly said, "Yujing, all I can do is help you gather manpower. As for their attitude and the outcome, I cannot predict it, and there is nothing I can do to help them."
"Thank you for your trouble, Elder."
The old village chief looked troubled, sighed deeply, and said, "I know your wife's character very well, otherwise I wouldn't have invited her to be a teacher at the private school. I also witnessed this incident with my own eyes. Your wife is courageous and admirable. She shouldn't have to endure such slander and injustice. I will do my best to mediate for you and help you persuade everyone."
"I am deeply grateful!" Bai Yujing bowed deeply again to express her gratitude.
In the afternoon, the old village chief gathered the town's elders and neighbors in the square in front of the ancestral hall.
As everyone arrived, some people realized something upon seeing Bai Yujing there.
Some people were full of curiosity, some cast disdainful glances, and others came with the mindset of watching gossip.
They muttered to themselves, "Bai Yujing is a scholar, and his wife is embroiled in a scandal. Instead of avoiding suspicion, he openly appears in front of everyone. Doesn't he know what shame is?"
I've heard so many rumors and gossip these past few days, I could eat them all and be stuffed!
With everyone gathered, Bai Yujing stood before them and spoke first.
“I know that people have been talking about my family’s affairs, both openly and secretly, lately. Today, I asked the old village chief for help to gather all the neighbors here so that we can discuss this matter publicly and clarify it completely.”
Amidst the watchful eyes of everyone, a mocking remark suddenly rang out.
"What is there to clarify? Are you going to recount how your wife suffered abuse?"
Although there was no murmur of laughter from the crowd, everyone's eyes were filled with undisguised mockery.
However, Bai Yujing showed no anger, and simply replied calmly: "Deng San, I remember you were imprisoned for theft. I wonder if you have relapsed in the past few years, and what crime you have committed this time?"
The person who had spoken earlier immediately fell silent, and the surrounding crowd couldn't help but feel a chill.
Only then did he realize that Bai Yujing's identity was extraordinary. He had already obtained the title of Juren at a young age, and his status was prominent and awe-inspiring.
Who would dare to provoke him!
Bai Yujing continued, "I have heard all the things you have said, whether they are unpleasant or comforting. I only want to ask one question: before you uttered these outrageous words, did you even know the truth?"
What is the truth?
No one dared to act rashly anymore, and instead obediently pressed for answers.
"The truth is that Chao Wei was originally a heinous villain who has harmed countless women over the years. My wife was just one of the many victims. How could there be any question of her deliberately seducing me?"
"Furthermore, my wife is exceptionally brave and resourceful. After being abducted, she did not succumb to fate but bravely fought against the villains. Even after being seriously injured, she still struggled to jump into the lake to survive until I and the government officials found her."
Bai Yujing's expression was solemn and resolute. "Gentlemen, what wrong has my wife done in all of this?"
The crowd looked at each other, speechless.
Just hearing about his wife's experiences is enough to be awe-inspiring and inspiring.
Deng San, not to be outdone, retorted, "Since you are her husband, you will naturally favor your wife. How can your words be taken seriously?"
Bai Yujing calmly replied, "The old village chief personally participated in the rescue operation. He can serve as a witness, and the official announcement also records this in detail. You can find out the truth by checking."
The old village chief nodded solemnly and said firmly, "That's right. I'm willing to guarantee with my own integrity that everything Bai Juren said is true. Besides, the government has already issued a public notice. How could there be any falsehood in that?"
"You lot didn't bother to carefully verify the rumors before believing them. Little did you know that these rumors are like sharp swords, capable of destroying a person's reputation!"
Under the old village chief's stern rebuke, everyone felt ashamed and lowered their heads. Few of them knew the truth; most had only heard rumors and spread misinformation.
Perhaps they really misunderstood Bai Juren's wife...
However, some people still had doubts. Suddenly, someone interjected: "But Chao Wei's crimes are notorious, everyone knows them. Apart from the deceased, which of the women who were lucky enough to survive did not suffer his humiliation? How could Bai Juren's wife have escaped Chao Wei's clutches all by herself?"
The crowd fell silent instantly, and the expressions on everyone's faces became increasingly puzzled.
The man continued to question: "The official announcement mentioned that the villain's manor was large and had a large retinue of servants. Could Jiang Huaiyu, a woman, really escape unscathed from so many henchmen? Bai Juren is an official and has a good relationship with the county magistrate, and the old village chief has a deep connection with the Bai family. Aren't you saying that you are providing cover for Jiang Huaiyu?"
Everyone immediately looked surprised.
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