Chapter 201 Poison Oath
Jing County was home to students from all regions, and once the news spread, no matter where Wang Yongan fled, his reputation would surely follow.
For a scholar, one’s reputation was of utmost importance. Wasn’t that why Wang Yongan made such arrangements before leaving? To clear his own name and show that he had not forgotten his roots, that he remembered the kindness of his parents-in-law?
Because once a reputation was tainted, any prospects for a career in civil service were almost certainly doomed!
If he could be so heartless as to cut off the Wang Family’s livelihood, then there was no need to leave him any way out.
Wang Yongzhu steeled her heart and recalled how Old Granny Zhang had made a scene with her crying. Although she could not mimic her completely, having been around her these days, she had picked up a few tricks.
With a slap on her thigh, she began to sob into her handkerchief while recounting how Wang Yongan had brought back a quack doctor who ruined the health of his own elder brother, who now lay on his deathbed, uncertain of whether he would live or die.
She also aired the dirty laundry about how Wang Laozhu was so angry that he had suffered a stroke and could not get out of bed, and how Wang Yongan had taken all the property deeds and silver from the family.
Her accusations shocked the bystanders.
They exchanged looks, unable to believe that the usually gentle and courteous Wang Yongan could do such things.
Those who had a good relationship with Wang Yongan spoke up, "Young lady, you can’t just say things recklessly. Scholar Wang is not that kind of person—"
"Appearances are deceiving. Can you guarantee that Wang Yongan is not such a person? I can swear to the heavens that if I’ve told a single lie, I may never marry in this lifetime! Can you swear to guarantee that Wang Yongan has done none of these things?" Wang Yongzhu retorted sharply.