The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 792 - 168: Death Is Not Far Away - Part 2

Chapter 792: Chapter 168: Death Is Not Far Away - Part 2

"What nonsense are you spouting, Lady Chen? You’ve completely lost your mind!" Lady Zhu, hearing her shrill cries, turned around and cursed at her, telling her to shut up.

But the people outside had already heard. In their eyes, Pei Wenjie was smothered to death by Pei Wensheng; the evidence was all there, not to mention Zhou Cai was made to take the fall for it. Otherwise, why would Pei Wenjie seek revenge on Pei Wensheng and Lady Chen specifically? Now, hearing Lady Chen’s outburst only further confirmed their suspicions.

Although Pei Wensheng loathed the idea and was unwilling to return to the village, he still followed Pei Zongli and Qian Wanxiu to Back Mountain Village during the holidays. Seeing such a young master, clean and neat, could be so cruel—it was unthinkable that at such a young age he’d smother his own brother. What more atrocities could he commit if he were still alive?

As for Lady Chen, there was heated discussion, speculation that she would not live much longer. Pei Wenjie’s vengeful spirit had already claimed Pei Wensheng’s life; Lady Chen was likely the next.

Some even said that Lady Chen should report Pei Wensheng to the Government Office. Otherwise, Pei Wenjie’s spirit would surely continue to haunt her and never let her be.

Lady Zhu forbade Lady Chen from going, threatening that if she dared, she’d have Pei Houli divorce her.

Now Lady Chen’s sight was failing her, and she couldn’t find her way outside. Even if she wanted to report the matter, she was helpless.

Old Pei harnessed the donkey cart, intending to go to the county town to see what the situation was like.

Lady Zhu naturally went along with him, leaving Lady Chen at home alone. She even locked the door, forbidding Lady Chen from leaving, and left her only some pickled vegetable rolls and a pot of cold water.

Lady Chen wailed and screamed in the house, crying and begging someone to save her and let her out, cursing Lady Zhu for being inhumane, for locking her away and ignoring her. She cried out for someone to come and let her out, for she wanted to accuse Pei Wensheng.

But the doors of Old Pei’s House were all locked, and no one came to break down the door to rescue her despite her cries.

When Old Pei and Lady Zhu arrived at the county town, Pei Wensheng had already been encoffined, and several monks were conducting a grand Water and Land ritual. Since he was a junior with parents and grandparents still living, the ritual could only last fourteen days after the funeral, on the second and seventh days.

Zhao Liniang was making a scene. No rites were performed when Pei Wenjie was killed, so why should Pei Wensheng receive such treatment upon his death? Not only were rites being held, but his body was also lingering at home, and they even planned to bury him in the Pei Family Ancestral Grave. It was utterly detestable.

Pei Zongli was unable to calm her down.

Zhao Liniang was shouting about taking the matter to court, insisting that even if Pei Wensheng died a terrible death, it was he who smothered the victim; not even death could absolve him of the crime!

Lady Zhu arrived and immediately scolded her. A concubine making such a fuss? It was possible that she played a part in Wensheng’s death!

Still, thinking of the family’s reputation, Old Pei discussed with Pei Zongli and Qian Wanxiu the option of holding the Water and Land rituals at the temple. As for how many days, that would be up to them. They mollified Zhao Liniang for the time being, asking her not to cause any more trouble.

Despite this, officials from The Yamen Government Office still came to inquire whether it was Zhou Cai who killed the victim or if Pei Wensheng smothered him to death. They also wanted to question Lady Chen again.

Pei Zongli stuffed them with silver, managing to temporarily dismiss them.

The monks from the house also packed up their things and returned to the temple to continue the Water and Land rites.

Pei Zongli said rites would also be done for Pei Wenjie, and with more silver in hand, he appeased Zhao Liniang.

Pei Wensheng’s body lay at home in state.

The Silk Shopkeeper who went to Runing Prefecture to convey the news returned quickly with Old Master Qian and Pei Wenchen.

Qian Wanxiu, holding Pei Wenchen, wept bitterly.

Old Master Qian opened the coffin to view Pei Wensheng, then instructed it to be sealed again. Seeing Qian Wanxiu’s profound grief, his eyes reddened slightly as he let out a deep sigh.

Pei Wensheng was to be buried in the Pei Family Ancestral Grave; after much thought, Old Pei and everyone else agreed, so no one spoke up to oppose it.

After lying in state at home for seven days, Pei Wensheng’s coffin was taken back to Back Mountain Village to be laid to rest.

The Peis in the village gathered a group to protest, "...Pei Wensheng, the murderer who smothered his own brother, didn’t die well and wasn’t fully grown. He must not be allowed to be buried in the Pei Family Ancestral Grave’s land!"

Lady Zhu, furious, quarreled with them on the spot. "Accusing without evidence, if we bring this to the Government Office, you’ll be the ones beaten to death!"

"Beaten to death? You’re the ones covering up and falsely accusing, you’ll be the ones getting the plank! We’re not falsely accusing; it’s known everywhere that Lady Chen herself saw Pei Wensheng smother the victim and escape. Go on, try bringing it up with the Government Office!"

Go to the Government Office? The Yamen still wished to reinvestigate, intending to question and even summon Lady Chen.

Pei Lizheng came out and declared he was powerless; this wasn’t merely one family’s issue, nor was it within his control. The Peis in the village all disagreed—if not resolved, they would report it to the Government Office. They advised finding another burial site for Pei Wensheng.