Zhao Shi initially found it hard to believe. She recalled how the Third Son’s Wife had sworn solemnly before them years ago, after that unfortunate incident, that she would never remarry. Furthermore, for the past few years, the Third Son’s Wife had been impeccably behaved and proper, never giving anyone cause to gossip about her being a widow; she never strayed far nor spoke carelessly. Zhao Shi had been quite satisfied with her conduct these last few years. Considering that the previous incident had been a misunderstanding, Zhao Shi did not want to repeat such a mess this time.

Thus, upon hearing the rumor, she did not immediately confront the Third Son’s Wife. Instead, she remained cautious and went herself to Er Niu’s home to inquire. Er Niu’s household was initially unaware of the matter, but after Zhao Shi mentioned it, they decided to ask Old Man Qin, as he often spent time among the laborers’ quarters and might know something. After finding Old Man Qin, he confirmed, “Yes, I even accompanied him when he went to find someone to put in a good word. Didn’t your Da Sheng tell you?

I thought the old madam had finally come around. It’s been so long since your Third Son’s Wife has been single; finding someone to look after her is a good thing.” Er Niu was momentarily stunned. What was actually happening? They had agreed on Hong Xia, so how did it become about Zhou Shi? How could Da Sheng have failed to grasp this crucial detail?

Er Niu thought it over, then told Zhao Shi, “Mother, I think there’s been a mistake regarding this matter. Da Sheng probably wasn't clear when he relayed the message.” So, Zhao Shi summoned Da Sheng for another round of questioning. Da Sheng explained that when he spoke to Li Ping, Li Ping had said he knew it was a relative of their family, mentioning that Er Niu had already spoken to him and he had agreed. He added that he would have someone put in a formal proposal in a few days. Moreover, Er Niu and the others had specifically instructed Da Sheng not to be too direct when they left.

Hearing Li Ping say he knew, Da Sheng assumed Li Ping understood everything and didn't elaborate further—and that was why Li Ping had gone ahead and sent someone to propose. Once the entire sequence of events was clear, Er Niu was left speechless, torn between laughter and tears. It had been a simple misunderstanding; Zhou Shi was completely uninvolved, but the error had spread. Fortunately, it was only someone coming to propose, not a finalized agreement. When the matchmaker arrived, Zhou Shi knew nothing about it and had sent them away.

It was just that some busybody had witnessed it and spread the news. Er Niu and Huang Shi both pleaded with Zhao Shi, urging her not to blame Zhou Shi, emphasizing that it was a misunderstanding that had been clarified. However, Zhao Shi was an experienced woman—as the saying goes, old ginger is spicier than young. Her thoughts differed from theirs. She mulled over the entire affair repeatedly until she was absolutely certain.

She felt that Li Ping had not misunderstood; Li Ping had targeted Zhou Shi specifically. He had only agreed because he initially thought Er Niu was referring to Zhou Shi. Since Er Niu mentioned a relative whose husband had died, and Hong Xia was merely divorced while Zhou Da Fa’s death wasn't widely known, the suitor likely assumed the subject was Zhou Shi. Connecting all the dots, Zhao Shi was convinced that Zhou Shi and Li Ping had a clandestine affair and had conspired to send the matchmaker. When Zhao Shi confirmed that the proposal had genuinely occurred, the fury she felt was indescribable.

She felt Zhou Shi had been colluding with a man right under her nose, and now a suitor was openly making arrangements—how could she possibly save face? Moreover, she had originally proposed Hong Xia, but the man rejected Hong Xia in favor of Zhou Shi, which irritated Zhao Shi even more. So, Zhao Shi spent the entire night contemplating the issue. The next morning, she gathered everyone in the courtyard, calling Zhou Shi over as well, and addressed the matter head-on. Her anger made her words harsh.

She started by demanding, “Zhou Shi, can you not survive without a man? It hasn't been many years since your husband died, and you've already caused several incidents like this. And this suitor today—I had intended him for Hong Xia, yet you seduced him away! Didn't you swear just a few years ago that you would never remarry? Think about it—how long has it been since you made that promise?” Zhou Shi felt intensely wronged by Zhao Shi’s explosive tirade, but she also felt a prickle of guilt.

This time was different from the last. Last time, it was her brother and sister-in-law causing trouble, and she hadn't even seen the man’s face, allowing her to deny everything. But this Li Ping, Zhou Shi had genuinely encountered him several times. During busy farming seasons, Zhou Shi was often working alone in the fields. Near dusk, Li Ping, seeing that no one else was around, had indeed helped her a few times.

Sometimes, if there was heavy work at her home, Li Ping would lend a hand if he noticed. She and Li Ping had indeed interacted a few times, but she truly harbored no intentions toward him. As for his intentions toward her, she wasn't entirely sure. Initially, under her mother-in-law’s verbal assault, she dared not answer, letting Zhao Shi speak. But as Zhao Shi’s accusations grew more excessive, implying that Li Ping’s approach to her house had been prearranged with her, Zhou Shi managed to utter a few weak retorts.

Seeing Zhou Shi push back only fueled Zhao Shi’s rage, causing a massive scene in the courtyard. None of the family members could calm her down. She declared that unless Zhou Shi went to Li Ping and demanded he marry Hong Xia, she would not drop the matter. Otherwise, she wouldn't spare either of them: Zhou Shi would certainly face her wrath, and Li Ping would have to be dismissed by Er Niu. Zhou Shi absolutely could not be the one to approach Li Ping and demand he marry Hong Xia.

What was her standing? Why should she force someone else’s hand? Even if she were willing, why would he listen to her? Furthermore, Li Ping hadn't done anything wrong. He relied on the wages earned at Er Niu’s place to support his family.

To demand his dismissal over this was truly unreasonable. Zhou Shi stated her thoughts simply, which caused Zhao Shi to erupt in a greater fury, proclaiming that it was obvious Zhou Shi and Li Ping had a secret affair, otherwise why would she defend him so strongly? Watching Zhao Shi lose her temper, Er Niu felt intensely conflicted. In the past, he might have thought that since Zhou Shi was widowed and Li Ping seemed like a decent man, any private understanding between them was fine; they could simply marry. After all these years, no one would gossip.

If Hong Xia could marry, why couldn't Zhou Shi? But now, Er Niu knew his Third Brother was still alive. Although the Third Brother claimed to have started a new life and refused contact, a selfish part of Er Niu always hoped his brother might return someday. Moreover, the Third Brother had children, children who were his blood. He did not want to see Zhou Shi take those children away to someone else’s home.