Though Madam Tian had decided to pay Wang Youliang a visit sometime soon, she hadn't truly believed the words of Zhang Yunzhu’s wife. Coupled with the numerous chores waiting for her at home, a spontaneous trip wasn't feasible. Consequently, nothing much had happened these past few days.

Meanwhile, on Madam He’s side, ever since Wang Qingshan started frequenting Wang Youfu’s mill, she occasionally entrusted the children to Wang Guifang and came over to Wang Youfu’s place to chat with Madam Yang and Luo Qing, or perhaps to work on embroidery together.

Madam Yang was always delighted by Madam He’s visits. She worried that Madam He might fall ill from staying cooped up at home too often, so they always found plenty to talk about whenever she came over.

This time, Madam He brought an unexpected piece of news: Zhang Yunzhu’s wife had gone to the old house to see Madam Tian.

“No way? Your mother-in-law is still keeping in touch with them?” Madam Yang asked, suspicious.

“Not exactly. It wasn’t just my mother-in-law; even Grandpa and Grandma were quite puzzled, having no idea what she came for. However, afterward, my mother-in-law spoke with her privately for quite a while, saying she wanted to find a temple where they could pray for her son,” Madam He recounted.

“Sigh, well, it is worrying. Their son has lost his sight. Anyone in that situation would be frantic. Just imagine if it were my son…” Madam Yang caught herself, shaking her head quickly. “Pah pah pah! Merciful Guanyin Bodhisattva, what your devoted servant just said is not to be taken as truth!”

Seeing Madam Yang’s reaction, Madam He laughed lightly. “Oh, Second Aunt, there’s no need to fret. The Bodhisattva surely knows. The Bodhisattva can distinguish between good people and bad people. Qinghua and Qingchen certainly won’t turn out like that Zhang boy.”

“Right, right, you are correct. The Bodhisattva certainly knows,” Madam Yang affirmed, mostly trying to convince herself.

Luo Qing, watching Madam Yang, couldn’t help but smile too. “Of course, Mother. You don’t need to worry. Qinghua and Little Uncle are good men; how could they be like that Zhang boy?”

“Speaking of which, I heard from Third Aunt the other day that not only has Zhang Yunzhu’s son not recovered his sight, but his temper has reportedly grown much worse. He refuses to take his medicine and spends his days railing against the doctor treating him, calling him a quack!” Madam He shared what she had overheard.

“Yes, I heard he often flies into a rage, smashing things everywhere. He frequently steps on the shards, breaking his parents’ hearts,” Luo Qing admitted, knowing a bit about the situation herself.

“Sigh, it’s no wonder they’re looking for an efficacious temple to pray at. Anyone would be desperate in a situation like this!” Madam Yang sighed sympathetically.

Madam He and Luo Qing felt a pang of sympathy for the couple, Wang Yunzhu and his wife. To have such a son—who knew how much more trouble he would cause them down the line!

That evening, during the family meal, Madam Yang mentioned the matter. Her intention was merely to express sorrow for Wang Yunzhu and his wife, lamenting how much worry they carried for their son.

Overhearing this, Wang Qingchen nearly dropped his chopsticks. Others might not know, but he was well aware that Zhang Wenbing knew about his uncle having a mistress, and had even used that knowledge to extort money before. Thinking of this, Wang Qingchen felt that Zhang Yunzhu’s wife visiting Madam Tian must have an ulterior motive.

Wang Qingchen pondered: could Zhang Wenbing have instructed his mother to speak to Madam Tian? But why? Even if Madam Tian found out, what benefit would that bring Zhang Wenbing? Or perhaps he was mistaken, and Zhang Yunzhu’s wife really was just inquiring about temples? But why seek out Madam Tian specifically? They hardly had any prior relationship! Wang Qingchen felt uncertain. Indeed, how could any rational person suspect that the root cause of all this was simply one person’s resentment, wishing to drag others down with her?

Of course, although Wang Qingchen felt uncertain, he couldn't completely dismiss the matter given the identity of Zhang Yunzhu’s wife.

Wang Qingchen thought of Madam Huang, whom he had seen previously. Truthfully, before this, Wang Qingchen strongly disliked or even rejected people who became mistresses. Yet, after seeing Madam Huang, he couldn't muster any feeling of revulsion towards her. Thus, subconsciously, he didn't want this woman to suffer any harm. Moreover, he had learned that Madam Huang was Zhao Cheng’s mother, and Zhao Cheng was slated to take the county exam alongside him. If this affair were exposed now, what if Zhao Cheng took a severe blow and became completely disheartened? Considering the current evidence, Zhao Cheng had a significant potential to succeed in life. Although he was Zhao Cheng’s competitor, he did not wish for Zhao Cheng to be defeated because of this personal matter.

Wang Qingchen decided that whatever Zhang Yunzhu’s wife had said to Madam Tian, he needed to take precautionary measures. But what could he do about it? It was up to Wang Youliang and Madam Huang to handle it!

That night, Wang Qingchen lay in bed thinking for a long time. He even considered whether he should help Wang Youliang and Madam Huang. After all, Madam Tian was Wang Youliang’s legal wife; Madam Huang was, at best, an outside mistress. Furthermore, if he offered help, how would he ever face Wang Qingshan, Wang Qingyun, and Wang Qingtong if they found out? Yet, letting things slide felt impossible. What should he do? Wang Qingchen’s thoughts drifted between Madam Tian and Madam Huang, his mind unable to form a coherent plan. Eventually, he reasoned that although Madam Huang was a mistress, the support she provided Wang Youliang was something Madam Tian could never offer. And there was Zhao Cheng; he truly didn't want this incident to affect his studies. Forget it, I’ll just drop a hint to Wang Youliang!

So, the next morning, Wang Qingchen left without eating breakfast. Near the schoolhouse, Wang Qingchen headed straight for Wang Youliang’s shop.

Wang Youliang was quite pleased to see Wang Qingchen arrive. Learning that Wang Qingchen hadn't eaten, he offered him plenty of food.

Wang Qingchen accepted the provisions, glanced around, and spotted an acquaintance. He went over and sat down with him; this person had only ordered porridge and a side dish. Like him, this man was also taking the county exam this year, and Wang Qingchen had a decent relationship with him.

Wang Qingchen chatted with him, ensuring his voice wasn't too low. Wang Qingchen steered the conversation towards Zhang Wenbing, and the acquaintance proved savvy, bringing up Zhang Wenbing readily. Zhang Wenbing was somewhat notorious at the school, mostly because his name always came up in connection with fights and brawls.

“I heard that Zhang Wenbing boy was beaten up by someone and is supposedly nursing his injuries at home. He must have finally kicked an iron plate!” the acquaintance said with schadenfreude. Indeed, very few people at the school held any affection for Zhang Wenbing.

Wang Qingchen watched Wang Youliang. Sure enough, the moment Zhang Wenbing was mentioned, Wang Youliang’s body visibly stiffened.

Seeing Wang Youliang paying close attention, Wang Qingchen chose that moment to drop a fabricated detail: “Let me tell you, he is recovering from injuries, but not from a beating. It’s because his wife accidentally wounded him, causing him to lose his sight, which is why he’s been stuck at home!”

“What? He’s blind?” the acquaintance exclaimed in disbelief, likely struggling to comprehend how a healthy man could suddenly go sightless.

“Of course, it’s true! Why would I lie to you? Their family is from the same village as mine. And listen to this, I heard he refuses to take his medicine, driving his family frantic! They’ve tried everything, but he won’t take it and just spends his days cursing the doctor treating him as a quack,” Wang Qingchen narrated.

“How can he refuse medicine? Isn’t that refusing necessary medical treatment?” the acquaintance remarked.

Wang Qingchen continued, “Exactly! But Zhang Wenbing just won’t drink it. The moment his family tries to persuade him, he throws a fit! Eventually, his family ran out of ideas and said they were planning to go pray at a temple on his behalf!”

“You know about that too? Don't tell me you heard it from those village gossips?” the acquaintance inquired.

Wang Qingchen inwardly cheered, Oh, my friend, you are too sharp! I was just waiting for that question! He then raised his voice slightly. “I didn't hear it from those people. This is something Zhang Wenbing’s mother came to my uncle’s wife to ask about personally! His mother spoke with my aunt for a long time!”

Wang Qingchen glanced at Wang Youliang. As expected, upon hearing this, Wang Youliang’s expression soured. That’s right; the goal is to get your attention!

The acquaintance sighed upon hearing this. “That Zhang Wenbing is truly something else, look at the trouble he’s causing his family, driving them to the point of seeking divine intervention. What unfilial behavior!”

Wang Qingchen added a few agreeable remarks, and after finishing their meal, they headed towards the schoolhouse.

Having delivered the message to Wang Youliang in this manner, Wang Qingchen dismissed the matter from his mind. He had done what he could; the rest was up to them. Wang Qingchen immersed himself once more in his studies.

On this day, Madam Tian finally managed to squeeze in some free time to visit. It wasn't an intentional trip, but rather she was already heading to town to buy some things and could stop by Wang Youliang’s place along the way.

Fortunately, Wang Youliang had already taken the deliberately leaked information from Wang Qingchen to heart. He suspected the matter wasn't simple and that Zhang Wenbing might have used his mother to plant seeds of doubt with Madam Tian, so he had made preparations.

When Wang Youliang saw Madam Tian arrive, he inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Good thing he had prepared; if Madam Tian had discovered anything incriminating, knowing her temper, she would have caused an absolute uproar! And Madam Huang would be the one to suffer the consequences.

Madam Tian arrived at Wang Youliang’s shop quite early, as she had set out early and headed straight there upon reaching town. Thus, some students were still having their breakfast inside the shop.

Madam Tian surveyed the scene. She noted only one clerk was busy, while Wang Youliang was occupied counting accounts. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary, which somewhat eased her mind. Perhaps she had overthought things. Still, she needed to check further, especially where Wang Youliang slept at night.

Madam Tian knew Wang Youliang slept in the courtyard behind the shop at night. Taking advantage of his preoccupation with the accounts, she slipped into the courtyard to investigate.