Zhang Wenbing breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing his mother’s words and said, “That’s good, as long as Mother is willing to help me, that’s good.”

“My son, tell me quickly, what is going on? How can Mother help you?” Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu urged anxiously.

Zhang Wenbing sighed, then spoke, “Originally, I didn’t know either, but last night the Bodhisattva appeared to me in a dream, saying that because I did not stop that incident previously, Heaven punished me by taking away my sight. However, if I stop it now, it is not too late, and my eyes will be restored then.”

Upon hearing this, Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu exclaimed, “No wonder, no wonder your condition didn’t improve after taking medicine for so long—it turns out it’s a punishment from Heaven?”

Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu firmly believed in things like dream visitations, as did most people in that era. And Zhang Wenbing intended to exploit this belief.

“Yes, so now, for my eyes to recover in the future, Mother, you absolutely must help me,” Zhang Wenbing pleaded.

“Yes, yes, yes, my son, tell me quickly. Mother will certainly help you accomplish this; this is a matter of great importance concerning your sight!” Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu vowed earnestly.

“It’s like this. The Bodhisattva told me last night about something I saw in the town. When I was in town before, I often saw the eldest son of the Wang family. Later, I realized that the eldest Wang often frequented a certain household, which, I discovered, was occupied only by a widow. After learning this, I felt something was amiss—that eldest Wang was involved with a widow. Originally, I intended to return and inform the Wang family, but I was accidentally spotted by the eldest Wang. Later, the eldest Wang pleaded with me not to reveal it. Although I felt I was letting his family down, I agreed at the time because I pitied him.” Zhang Wenbing recounted.

Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu immediately flared up, “Goodness, I knew it! It was the eldest Wang who caused you to become like this! This is unacceptable; we must go demand justice!” With that, Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu started towards the old Wang family residence.

Zhang Wenbing had anticipated this and quickly grabbed the hem of his mother’s garment, saying, “Mother, what use is it if we go now? The Wang family might outright deny everything, and what can we do then? Moreover, the Bodhisattva explicitly said that as long as I prevent this matter, my sight will return. Why should we argue with them?”

“That won’t do! Just thinking that our family has suffered because of the Wang family these past few days makes my heart burn with resentment!” Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu gritted her teeth, clearly regarding the Wangs as enemies.

“Mother, let it go. I don’t even mind, after all, this happened partly because I failed to intervene at the time,” Zhang Wenbing chastised himself.

“Oh, my poor child… Very well, if that’s the case, Mother won’t go to the Wang family to demand justice. Just tell me how you need my help!” Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu said with deep affection.

“Mother, I can’t see now because I suffered retribution for not stopping that event. The Bodhisattva said that as soon as I abandon my stubborn ignorance and stop this affair, my eyes will heal. So, Mother, you must help me stop it.” Zhang Wenbing explained.

“But, but how can Mother stop this?” Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu became anxious again.

Zhang Wenbing waved his hand. “Mother, don’t worry. I have already devised a plan. If you simply go and tell the eldest Wang’s wife, she will naturally take care of it. Then, we won’t need to intervene; they will resolve it themselves.”

Hearing this, Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu nodded. “Yes, if I just say something, they will sort it out themselves!” Saying this, Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu prepared to head to the old Wang residence.

“Wait, Mother, you only need to tell his wife about this; don’t tell anyone else,” Zhang Wenbing cautioned.

“Why?” Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu asked, puzzled.

“Mother, think about it. If too many people find out, what if his wife cannot handle the shock? Won't my sight be even harder to restore?” Zhang Wenbing offered his explanation.

Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu considered this and agreed it made sense, so she prepared to seek out Tian Shi alone.

As Zhang Wenbing listened to the sound of his mother walking away, he sneered inwardly. Of course, he couldn’t tell the elder Wangs! If the elders knew, the matter wouldn’t escalate enough! Only when Wang Youliang’s wife knew alone would the situation truly explode, as a person driven to madness is capable of anything.

As for the method Zhang Wenbing used to deceive his mother, it stemmed from overhearing the conversation between Zhang Yunzhu and his wife earlier, realizing his mother’s profound belief in prayers and deities. That’s why he conceived the idea of a dream visitation. He figured those who believed in gods and Buddhas would readily accept the notion of a divine message in a dream!

Meanwhile, Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu soon arrived at the old Wang residence. The Wang family members were genuinely bewildered by her unannounced visit, given that their two families rarely associated. Why would Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu suddenly call upon them?

When Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu arrived, she merely stated she wished to discuss embroidery patterns with Tian Shi, which only deepened the Wang family’s confusion. Nevertheless, they didn't press the matter and allowed Tian Shi to escort Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu away.

Tian Shi was also quite puzzled. She and the Zhang Yunzhu family rarely interacted, at most hearing tidbits about their family occasionally, which were nothing more than fodder for gossip. She had never imagined forging any real connection with them.

Looking at Tian Shi, Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu couldn't help but think how envious the entire village had been of Tian Shi recently, always saying her family’s fortunes had turned around—not only was her husband successful, but their lives were improving, and they wouldn't have to worry about money in the future! Who would have thought that this person everyone envied would have a husband straying outside? If others found out, imagine the ridicule! Truly, her luck was too good, and even Heaven couldn't stand it, hence these misfortunes arriving, right?

Seeing Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu just staring at her without speaking, her gaze shifting between envy and pity, Tian Shi would have lost her temper long ago if she hadn’t prided herself on her composure.

Tian Shi poured Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu some tea and got straight to the point: “You must have a reason for coming to see me today, right?”

Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu wasn't one for beating around the bush and stated her purpose directly.

Tian Shi’s first reaction upon hearing the story was sheer absurdity. Her son was blind, and this had something to do with the Wang family? What kind of nonsense was this? Tian Shi struggled hard to keep herself from grabbing a broom and chasing the woman out.

Seeing the look of disbelief on Tian Shi’s face, Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu grew a little irritated. I came here with good intentions to tell you, and you don't appreciate it? I should have just told the elders instead. If this hadn't concerned her own son’s eyesight, she wouldn't have bothered coming; she would have made sure the whole village knew to watch the drama unfold.

“Don’t you dare disbelieve me. This is something my son witnessed previously. The reason he didn't speak up was because your husband begged my son, and my son agreed out of consideration for them being fellow villagers,” Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu insisted.

Tian Shi remained unconvinced. Who was the Zhang Yunzhu boy in the eyes of the villagers? A minor hoodlum. Would a hoodlum agree to anything out of neighborly affection? Clearly impossible, leading her to conclude that Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu’s words were unreliable. Furthermore, even if her son had said it, Tian Shi had heard that ever since he lost his sight, their son had become extremely volatile and even prone to fits. Tian Shi wondered if the blindness had caused a shock that affected his mind. If so, his words were even less credible! Who knew if their son had just fabricated the whole thing?

Observing Tian Shi’s expression, Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu became angry. “Don’t you doubt it! This was a message from the Bodhisattva in a dream!”

Hearing this, Tian Shi found it even more preposterous. Her son said it was a Bodhisattva dream, so it was a Bodhisattva dream? Even if it were a divine dream, why would the Bodhisattva use it for such a matter?

Finally, seeing that Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu was genuinely about to lose her temper, Tian Shi quickly offered a perfunctory response. She assured the woman she would investigate the matter, find that widow, and that her son’s eyes would certainly heal.

Upon hearing that her son’s eyes would recover, Mrs. Zhang Yunzhu’s spirits immediately lifted. “Of course they will! The Bodhisattva clearly said that as soon as this matter is resolved, my son’s eyes will…”