Rumors spread like a plague. In less than half a day, they had festered and reached every nook and cranny of the village.
On her way to work, Widow Xie saw clusters of people here and there, talking animatedly. From time to time, they would point toward the northeast.
She sidled up to one group to eavesdrop and immediately exploded with rage. She rolled up her sleeves and got into a shouting match that lasted for half the day. Only after she'd cursed them into submission did she hurry off to find Ji Huan.
Upon entering the backyard, she wasted no time on pleasantries, grabbing Ji Huan and trying to drag her outside.
Ji Huan was baffled and asked her what was going on.
Widow Xie was so angry she was practically fuming.
