Chapter 802: Chapter 801: A Curse, Not a Blessing

Zhou Xueli watched as his mother’s face turned pale with shock, and he couldn’t help but be surprised, especially since she pointed out that person’s characteristics. What?

“Mother, how do you know? Do you know that person?”

Old Lady Zhou frowned and said, “If you didn’t see it wrong, then this man is probably that person’s servant, the one who was in love with your sister before.”

“What!” Zhou Xueli jumped up, somewhat incredulous, and said, “Mother, how is that possible? Could there be a mistake?”

That person left over ten years ago, Wufu has reached the age of marriage, and now suddenly someone like this appears. What are they up to?

“I also hope it’s a mistake!” Old Lady Zhou sighed.

Zhou Xueli hesitated slightly and asked, “Mother, what do you mean?”

“Your sister’s family is living well now, with a good life, fields, and land, and a large group of servants catering to them. Who are they worse off than?” Old Lady Zhou sneered. Though there was a hint of sarcasm in her voice, she was stating the truth.

Zhou Xueli remained silent. Worse off than whom? Worse off than no one! Who lives like this? Even the landlords in town can’t enjoy such a good life.

“If life is peaceful, why stir up trouble? If that person has indeed come, can it still be peaceful?” Old Lady Zhou scoffed, “If that person is alone, with no ties, then it’s fine. But if he’s already married with a family, showing up would be a joke.”

Zhou Xueli’s face changed.

“Wufu is of marriageable age; there’s been no news for so many years, he should have been considered dead. Now that he’s here, in my opinion, it brings trouble, not fortune!” Old Lady Zhou picked up her sewing basket again.

Zhou Xueli was silent for a long time and then said, “But, Mother, sister’s family has been hoping for so many years. If he truly comes, the family reunion would be a happy thing. Wufu’s reputation as an illegitimate child could be cleared!”

Old Lady Zhou paused her needlework and, without raising her head, said, “At this stage, do you still think that girl cares about her reputation? With such a prosperous life, what does reputation matter? Is there any worry she won’t find a good husband? Just for this prosperity, plenty of young men would be willing to join their family!”

“Mother, you see through everything.”

Old Lady Zhou let out a long sigh and said, “Reputation is important. But as the saying goes, they criticize poverty, not promiscuity. If you can live well, would a bad reputation kill you?”

In this year, the family has gone through so much. What is still unclear? The Old Zhou family has long become a laughing stock, the reputation tarnished, yet they continue to live, what if people point and gossip? If their family were rich and powerful, who would dare to gossip?

If Wufu were here, she might have said, this old woman has finally come to her senses!

“Mother, regardless of whether it’s him or not, I haven’t told them where sister’s family is,” Zhou Xueli said. “I’m not sure if it’s right, but you’re right too. After all these years, mother and daughter have a life without worries, why stir up trouble?”

“Second son, you’re right to think this way. We shouldn’t get involved. If he’s determined to find them, he will eventually. But we must not tell! I’m afraid,” Old Lady Zhou trembled as she spoke, “I don’t ask for much, just for you all to live peacefully. I don’t have many years left.”

“Mother, don’t say such things, your son…”

“Sister-in-law, what are you doing here?” From the rear window came Lady Liang’s sharp question, followed by the sound of hurried footsteps retreating.

Old Lady Zhou and Zhou Xueli exchanged a glance, their faces darkening. What else could it be? Madam Lu was eavesdropping on their conversation!