Su Li gave a surprised sound. She had nominated Zhang Mu as the village chief. Although she hadn't publicized it deliberately, the news had already been told to the heads of several neighboring villages.
Everyone was paying attention to the matter of the village chief, so as soon as there was news, it spread quickly and became common knowledge.
Su Li was not surprised by this; after all, everyone would find out sooner or later.
But Sister Zhu said, there were people talking bad about her behind her back?
"Sister Zhu, I haven't heard any gossip. What exactly are people saying?" Su Li asked.
Sister Zhu's face showed a troubled expression. She lowered her voice and said, "A Li, I know you're a good person, and those who trust you believe in your character. Most villagers also know what kind of person you are. Just listen to some of the rumors, but don't take them to heart. These rumors came from outside, saying... that you nominated Zhang Mu as village chief because you have... a personal relationship with him."
"What?" Su Li was dumbfounded. What kind of nonsense was this?!
Sister Zhu hurried to say, "A Li, don't get upset. I definitely believe you and Zhang Mu are innocent. It's just that some malicious people are gossiping behind your back. Sigh, I wish their tongues would rot."
Since it concerned her reputation and involved her best friend's husband, Su Li couldn't just ignore it. She immediately took Sister Zhu to a secluded place to ask about the whole story.
Sister Zhu said, "No one knows where this rumor started, but it spread very fast. It seems to say that you despise your own husband Yuanbao because he's a fool, so you've secretly been involved with Zhang Mu. To keep Zhang Mu, you even introduced your best friend Wu Caiwei to be Zhang Mu's wife. Then it says you two have been secretly seeing each other, and even Zhang Mu's shop at Shilipo was arranged by you. Otherwise, why would only you two have shops at Shilipo... Sigh, the rumor is detailed and unpleasant."
Bai Lu heard this and angrily said, "Whoever is gossiping like that deserves a thousand cuts! There's no truth to it at all; it's just twisting facts and making things up!"
Sister Zhu quickly nodded, "Exactly, we all know the character of A Li and Zhang Mu. There's no such thing!"
Then she added, "A Li, our bodies aren't afraid of shadows; don't fear those rumors."
Su Li nodded, "Yes, I have a clear conscience and upright conduct, so I'm not afraid of gossip."
Sister Zhu finally felt at ease. She patted Su Li's hand and said, "A Li, I've always wanted to thank you. If it weren't for you, my son would never have had the chance to study. Now, I’m counting on him to succeed and not just be a farmer scraping by in the fields."
Su Li smiled and said, "I also hope that all our villagers can escape poverty and live better lives. Enough, I have to hurry to Wu Caiwei’s house now."
Sister Zhu said goodbye to Su Li, who then continued on to Wu Caiwei’s house with Bai Lu. Bai Lu looked angry all the way, feeling indignant on Su Li’s behalf about the rumors.
Passing by Zhang Zhuzi’s house, Qin Sanniang and several women were sunbathing at the door. Seeing Su Li, they smiled sarcastically and said, "Oh, A Li, going to Zhang Mu’s house? It’s broad daylight, and Zhang Mu is at his shop, not at home. If you want to see Zhang Mu, you should go at night!"
Next to her, Sister Hong was repairing shoe soles. She looked up and agreed loudly, laughing, "Exactly, A Li, you should look for a man at night!"
"Hahaha!"
The group of women burst into loud laughter. Bai Lu, unable to stand it, shouted angrily, "What nonsense are you talking? Keep it up and I'll tear your mouths apart!"
Qin Sanniang laughed heartily, hands on her hips, and said, "Bai Lu, oh my, we didn’t say anything. Look at you, the emperor isn’t anxious, but the eunuch is. Feeling guilty, huh?"