The villagers present condemned Chen Qiuling. How could they have ever thought of her as a good person? They must have been blind.
Chen Qiuling was dumbfounded. Weren't they just condemning Bai Dalin? How did it turn into blaming her now?
Bai Nuo coldly observed Chen Qiuling's expression. Chen Qiuling didn't know why, but Bai Nuo was very clear that this society was already more harsh on women than men. Even though they were both working couples, if the home was in chaos, or if the child had a fever or cold, everyone would immediately blame the woman for not being a good wife or mother, instead of saying that the man neglected his family. Similarly, if two equally wicked men and women were involved, everyone would say that the woman was really wicked, instead of blaming the man first. Instead, they would think that the man was instigated by the woman.
Bai Nuo understood perfectly well, but she didn't care anymore—neither Bai Dalin nor Chen Qiuling were innocent, so it didn't matter who was blamed!
"Village Chief!" Bai Nuo smiled at the village chief, "Don't feel sorry for Bai Dalin. He still has two or three thousand taels of silver. Although the old house is a bit old and dilapidated, it's not difficult for Bai Dalin to take out a house like the one my mother left behind. He can even take out several sets." Bai Nuo's voice was neither too loud nor too soft, just loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Wow, Bai Dalin is so rich?"
"Maybe Bai Dalin embezzled Jiang Wanyin's money. Haven't you seen how those two kids are living? Every penny he got was probably squeezed out of them, right?"
"Of course, otherwise where would we get so much money?"
"That bitch Bai Nuo!" Hearing the surrounding villagers' comments and seeing the envious and jealous looks directed at him by everyone, whether familiar or not, even Chen Qiuling was giving him a strange look, Bai Dalin felt he was doomed. He wanted nothing more than to strangle Bai Nuo. Didn't she know that wealth shouldn't be flaunted? Who goes around saying they have a lot of money? Isn't that just inviting envy? And Bai Nuo dared to say it so loudly! Despite his murderous intent, Bai Dalin had to restrain himself, awkwardly forcing a smile as he retorted, "No, I don't have that much money. Don't listen to her nonsense. This child is just resentful that I married a stepmother and didn't treat her well. Where would I get the money?"
Bai Nuo shouted, "He has it! It's in that box he's holding. There's a lot of money in it!"
Bai Dalin, you're going to guard against thieves today!
"Hehehe..." When everyone saw that Bai Dalin had a box in his hand, Bai Dalin's face immediately turned awkward. He dared not linger any longer and said to the village chief, "Village chief, we don't want justice anymore. We want to live in the old house. So be it. The old house is fine. I grew up here. Now it's like returning to my roots."
As he spoke, he quickly released Chen Qiuling and, under the watchful eyes of the villagers, sheepishly carried his belongings into the old house. While carrying the things, he held onto his box tightly and refused to let go. So everyone thought that there really were two or three thousand taels of silver in Bai Dalin's box.
*
"Grandma, you won't blame me, will you?" Bai Nuo had already tidied up the Bai family home. Bai Nuo stayed in the room that Bai Dalin and Chen Qiuling used to live in. Although it was a bit uncomfortable and disgusting, it was the room that Jiang Wanyin used to live in, so Bai Nuo didn't mind too much. Grandma stayed in her original room, as did Bai Yu. Long Yi and Long Er stayed in Chen Zhi's room, and Long San stayed in Bai Nuo's old room.
Suddenly, all the rooms were full. After arranging the accommodations, Bai Nuo cooked a good dinner and then went to help the old lady bathe.
There was no one around, and it was quiet all around. The only sounds were the wringing of a towel and wiping her body. The old woman lay quietly on the bed without saying a word. Bai Nuo thought that the old woman was too sad and couldn't help but ask.
She hadn't considered the old woman's feelings when she did what she did today, but if she wanted to get past the village chief and the villagers smoothly, this was the only way.
"No, you did very well!" The old woman said calmly, her voice revealing neither joy nor anger, "Your mother is really a good person. I've always wanted to get your mother's dowry back for you, but I've never been able to. Today you brought it back yourself, which is great. I'm very pleased, and your mother will be very happy too."
Bai Nuo was taken aback. "You're not angry that I kicked Bai Dalin out?"
“I don’t blame him. After all, this is your mother’s house, and you didn’t let Dalin end up on the streets. At least he can still live in the old house, which is furnished so nicely. There’s nothing to feel wronged about. Dalin has brought this upon himself. But, Nuonuo, I know you are a kind and steadfast person. If Dalin ever falls into your hands again, could you spare his life for the sake of him being your biological father?”
Although the old woman had her back to Bai Nuo, so Bai Nuo couldn't see her expression, she felt that the old woman was already crying. So she didn't want to say anything definitive and just said, "I'll try my best." The two of them didn't have anything else to say. After Bai Nuo finished cleaning the old woman, she said, "Go to bed early" and then left.
Jiang Wanyin, what others took from you, what they owed your daughter, I've taken back for you.
*
"Tell me, why did you have so much money without letting me know?" Although today was really enjoyable, Bai Nuo couldn't fall asleep when things quieted down. It was very quiet around her, with no extra sounds except for the occasional chirping of crickets. So, under these circumstances, Bai Nuo could easily hear the sounds around her.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
