Old Madam Jiang felt much better after she heard that.
However, she knew she could not possibly take Jiang Mei’s side again, and so she bowed her head while looking at Jiang Mei.
“Jiang Mei, as a girl, who would fight for you if you don’t even cherish your reputation? You shouldn’t repeat such a mistake in the future.”
Jiang Mei was about to retort, but she could only nod in silence under her mother’s scrutiny.
“I understand, granny. I will never spout nonsense again.”
“Mm-hmm.”
Things seemed to have resolved itself, but it appeared as if someone wasn’t happy to leave it at that.
Jiang Mei’s mother was upset because she witnessed her daughter being reprimanded. Hence, she was determined to seek justice for Jiang Mei.
After Jiang Mei admitted to her mistakes, her mother stood forward and spoke gently, “Mom, Jiang Mei has admitted that it was her fault. However, our problems did not stem from Jiang Mei, did it? It all started from Xiaobai. I heard Xiaobai isn’t working now; instead, she’s been living at home and is financially dependent on her parents. It could be argued that Xiaobai’s thoughts are in line with women nowadays, but it just doesn’t seem right for her to hang around, doing nothing. Mom, you should have a word with Xiaobai today. You shouldn’t allow Yanke and Xiaoyu to suffer in vain.”
Just listen to her; she sounds so righteous and considerate.
Unfortunately, she is obviously throwing me under the bus! Nevertheless, I won’t make it so easy for her to humiliate me.
Before Jiang Xiaobai could say a word, Jiang Yanke came forward this time. He looked like a gentleman, and he rarely showed his temper. He was just about to reprimand Jiang Mei earlier when she accused his daughter, but his wife stopped him just in time.
She explained that the younger generation should solve their issues among themselves. They should only speak up if the older generation got involved after the younger generation had said their piece.
Jiang Yanke was now speaking up since his second sister-in-law had decided to get involved.
He was scowling, and he was clearly upset.
“Second sister-in-law, I assume you heard these rumors. In that case, could you tell me where you heard that from? Who spread those rumors?”
Jiang Mei’s mother fell silent.
Why isn’t he playing by the rules? Why is he asking where I’ve heard that rumor from? I obviously heard people talking about it.
“Yanke, I’m not targeting you. However, I’m sure you know that rumors and gossip spread like wildfire. We all know that you and Xiaoyu only have one daughter, and so you spoil her. Nevertheless, Yanke, you can’t spoil your child blindly.”
However, no matter what Jiang Mei’s mother said, Jiang Yanke insisted, “Second sister-in-law, please tell me whom you heard that news from. I would like the name of the person who spread the rumor. I’d like to ask the person what my daughter has done to offend them so much that they spread such vicious rumors about her.”
Looking at her stubborn father, Jiang Xiaobai couldn’t help but feel that he was especially adorable!
Why didn’t I notice that in the past? Hehe.
Jiang Mei’s mother couldn’t endure it much longer, but Jiang Yanke persisted, “Second sister-in-law, don’t be afraid. You just have to tell me who it was. I’ll find that person, and I will not hold it against you.”
Jiang Mei came forward while blurting out, “Uncle Yanke, there must be many people gossiping about this since it’s a rumor. It’s not gossip from one person.”
“Oh, is that so?” Jiang Yanke nodded blankly before asking again, “In that case, Jiang Mei, please give me all those people’s names. I’ll have a chat with all of them to find out who spread the news.”
Everyone was rendered speechless by his response.
Why is this man so stubborn?
Du Xiaoyu couldn’t endure it anymore, and so she whispered to Jiang Xiaobai, “If this goes on, your dad might drive your Second Aunt nuts.”
Jiang Xiaobai smiled when she heard that while folding her arms in front of her chest. “Isn’t that great, though? She would stop causing trouble for our family if she went mad. Her family has been outstanding throughout the years, and so it’s about time for them to reap what they sow.”
Du Xiaoyu answered, “Well, it’s the Jiang family’s dignity after all. Your dad and I don’t care about such things, but Old Madam Jiang does. Besides, your dad is a filial son; apart from the part of giving birth to boys, your dad has always gone along with whatever Old Madam wants. That is why…”
Du Xiaoyu did not complete the rest of her sentence, but Jiang Xiaobai understood what she meant anyway. Hence, she nodded. “Don’t worry, mom. I will not humiliate her openly.”
Jiang Mei’s mother couldn’t endure it much longer. This man is so hard to deal with. He is focusing on the wrong point, and he has led me off topic.
Hence, she stated directly, “Yanke, you don’t have to care who said it because there were many people spreading news like these. It’s difficult for me to pinpoint those who were involved in it. Besides, I brought this matter up with good intentions, and I hope you’ll take it seriously.”
Jiang Yanke looked bewildered.
“Take it seriously? Our Xiaobai is doing well. The news was fabricated. I know you mean well, second sister-in-law. However, if those rumors continue spreading, it will ruin Xiaobai’s reputation. As her father, of course I’ll take it seriously.”
“Yanke, you claim that these are rumors, but do you have proof? Xiaobai has never had a proper job till now. Yanke and Xiaoyu, both of you should not indulge her.”
In the beginning, Jiang Xiaobai took the matter jokingly, but she suddenly felt really resentful when she saw Jiang Mei’s horrible attitude.
Hence, Jiang Xiaobai came forward to stand beside Jiang Yanke.
“Those are all rumors; I might not have a proper job, but I’ve always been supporting myself through my own efforts. Firstly, you have all not seen how my life is; secondly, there’s no proof. Does it make sense for you to accuse me of not working while relying on my parents at granny’s birthday feast?”
After that, Jiang Xiaobai turned to Old Madam Jiang.
“Granny, I might not earn much, but I think I’ve fulfilled my role as a child to support myself while occasionally providing for my parents. Don’t you agree?”
“Mm-hmm,” Old Madam Jiang mumbled with a grave voice.
“Since we’re on this topic, I’d like to ask one thing. Who did this? Who spouted nonsense to ruin a girl’s reputation without clarifying the situation? How much does that person hate me to have spread such rumors?”
Everyone was at a loss for words.
“Second Aunt!”
Jiang Xiaobai called Jiang Mei’s mother suddenly, and so she answered reflexively, “Huh?”
“Second Aunt, can you please tell me who spread those rumors to you in the first place? It’s obvious what kind of person they are to be able to spread such untrue and vicious rumors. Second Aunt, you have to recall who it was for the reputation of the Jiang family!”
Jiang Xiaobai smiled faintly, but her eyes were sharp when she stared at Jiang Mei’s mother. For some reason, her gaze felt intimidating, and it formed an invisible pressure on Jiang Mei’s mother.
Jiang Mei’s mother had a weird sensation; there was quite a distance between the two of them, but somehow, Jiang Xiaobai’s chilly intimidation sent chills down her spine.
Is Jiang Xiaobai possessed? Why is she so smart all of a sudden? Had she been playing dumb all along?
