A Good Country Wife
Chapter 286 - 280 Wilted and Rotten_1

Chapter 286: Chapter 280 Wilted and Rotten_1

The doctor checked Zhao Lingxiang’s pulse and clearly sensed something amiss, but someone had already cautioned him beforehand, so he dared not speak carelessly. He casually mentioned, "From the pulse, it seems the mistress is somewhat weak, showing signs of a possible miscarriage. She needs to be well taken care of, as there is already a child in her womb. She must be more cautious in her actions and cannot afford to be too casual. She must particularly avoid any extreme joy, anger, or impatience, etc."

The doctor went into detail about other prohibitions and instructed Zhao Lingxiang on matters to pay attention to on a daily basis, then followed the servant outside to prescribe medicine.

The doctor’s diagnosis made the head of the Wei Family suspect that Mistress Zhao had brought this near-miss with the child upon herself. Previously, when the doctor checked her pulse, both the mistress and the child in her womb were said to be healthy. Now all of a sudden, there was an issue. He had already disagreed with Mistress Zhao showing off in front of the other women in the backyard every day, the fact that she did not take proper care of her health. Being pregnant, yet still competing with the other women in the backyard, attending tea parties, had led to her current condition.

When the head of the Wei Family saw Zhao Lingxiang lying weakly in bed, far from offering comfort, he scolded her harshly. Only after he confined her to her room did he depart with his wife. As Madame Wei left, she cast a disdainful glance at Zhao Lingxiang, deeming such a brainless woman unworthy of competing with her.

After Zhao Lingxiang became pregnant, she was treated much better. Members of the Wei Family often went to the Wei Residence to check on her, but with the household in such turmoil these days, and with urgent pressures leaving no time to spare, they had no idea that something had happened to Zhao Lingxiang. Now, they were all focused on catching the thief. Moreover, ever since Zhao Jingen had taken that fall, his health had worsened. Despite attentive care from Zhao Dahuo and his wife, Zhao Jingen could sometimes get out of bed, but mostly he was confined to it, struggling even with self-care, let alone working in the fields as he used to. Madame Wei had even started to worry herself grey.

The thief who stole money on the night of Zhao Xingxin’s wedding was never caught, and after that, strange things kept occurring in the Zhao Family’s old house. Items would go missing every few days. At first, they thought it was a mistake, assuming objects had been misplaced or lost, but as it continued, they realized something was amiss. Today something would be missing from the house, tomorrow another item. Even Fragrant Soap and earrings, and other small items frequently vanished—truly bizarre.

Furthermore, everyone noticed a pattern: whenever something went missing, Madame Chen, Zhao Xing’s wife, was often nearby. It was difficult for people not to suspect her, especially since these odd occurrences had started after she married into the family.

However, despite the suspicions, as a newlywed in the family, it wasn’t easy to make any accusations, particularly since Zhao Xing was protective of his wife, to the point where not even his mother could lightly criticize her, let alone anyone else. If Zhao Xing knew of their suspicions, it would certainly cause a commotion, unless tangible evidence was found. But Madame Chen was cunning—perhaps aware that she was under suspicion—she acted with great caution, never giving anyone grounds for accusation. Madame Jin even secretly searched through Madame Chen’s trunk, finding nothing at all, leaving everyone uncertain if it was a mistake or perhaps the thefts weren’t actually Madame Chen’s doing.

One day, Madame Jin’s mother, Madame Jin Wang, came by. When she learned of the strange goings-on at the Zhao Family’s old house, she shared what she knew. Their home was quite close to Shanglin Village, and she had heard some rumors. There were bad reviews about Madame Chen’s conduct back in her parents’ home. They said she was not particularly honest. Madame Jin Wang had come across this news from a gossip-loving woman in their village on her way back from Zhao Xing’s wedding. At that time, Madame Jin Wang wasn’t certain of the truth and felt it improper to spread it, especially since the girl was already married, effectively settled. If the gossip were to spoil Madame Chen’s reputation, life in her marital home might become difficult, particularly with a mother-in-law that sharp and demanding, knowing her own daughter had already suffered much under her.

"My daughter, I didn’t want to mention this, for it tarnishes someone’s reputation, but ever since the Chen Family married into ours, all these strange incidents have happened. I’m afraid it really has something to do with them. Why don’t you discuss it with your husband and go to Shanglin Village to find out the truth? I only heard it from others, so I don’t know the veracity of the matter. We must get to the bottom of it and not wrong anyone unjustly." The Jin Family, being honorable, despite having disclosed the issue, still felt somewhat uneasy.

The Jin Family thought to herself there was no need to inquire further, as the matter seemed crystal clear. Knowing her mother’s temperament, she agreed amiably on the surface, sent the servant away, and then recounted the issue to Zhao Quan. The couple went to see the Wei Family.

This was a serious matter; the Chen Family had such a tarnished reputation even before the marriage. Matchmaker Wang and the Chen Family had kept it from them and connived to marry her into their family, which is nothing short of marriage fraud. Even if the Zhao Family decided to divorce the Chen Family, it wouldn’t be too severe, though the specific approach would still depend on the attitudes of the Wei Family and Zhao Xing.

When Wei Family learned of this, she exploded in fury, "It’s hard to guard against a thief within one’s own household. I always said that Chen Family was no good, and now I’ve been proven right! Xing still wants to protect her, treating her like a treasure, and even harsh words cannot be spoken. This time, I will expose the true face of that vixen in front of Xing and let him see for himself what kind of ’good woman’ he’s been defending."

"Go, call everyone from the house here. Tell them I have something to instruct them and they must come to the main room immediately! Zhao Dahuo and his wife and that loudmouth Li Xiaomei should come too!" Wei Family had no intention of leaving any dignity for Chen Family. Otherwise, she could’ve settled the issue in private without letting it become public knowledge. By involving Zhao Dahuo’s family and Li Xiaomei, it was clear she had no desire for a peaceful resolution.

"Wait, eldest, make another trip to the village chief’s house and invite the chief and several respected elders from our clan to come over to preside over justice!"

Zhao Quan hesitated at Wei Family’s directive, "Mother, do we really need to bring the village chief and the others? If we do, my sister-in-law will truly be unable to show her face in our village ever again. I fear my fifth brother will not agree to this."

"It’s not up to him to disagree. Our Zhao Family absolutely cannot tolerate a woman with such a tarnished name. Once we divorce Chen Family, I will take it upon myself to arrange another marriage for Xing. Now that Lingxiang is carrying the child of the old Wei master and increasing in favor with him, it’s not impossible for her to help Xing find a wife from the city. Didn’t he always want to marry a city girl? This time, I will fulfill his wish, as long as he no longer associates with that unclean woman from the Chen Family."

Wei Family was determined to divorce Chen Family. Even though Zhao Cheng’s wife Li Xiaomei constantly opposed and irritated Wei Family, she never considered divorcing Li Xiaomei. The reasons included Li Xiaomei’s family background, and that although Li Xiaomei had a sharp tongue, her nature was straightforward, and she would not engage in underhand tactics behind one’s back, unlike Chen Family, who was slyly vile.