Chapter 218: Avoidance

Wang Huanzhi’s injury isn’t serious, but he still needs to be careful these days. He shouldn’t lift heavy things or move around too much.

Even though Jiang Jing said this, Wang Huanzhi kept groaning incessantly.

His exaggerated reaction made Zhang Yingdi suspect that he might have other ailments. Seeing Wang Huanzhi acting this way, Jiang Jing directly suggested that he needs rest and told Zhang Yingdi to take him back to recuperate.

Under the guise of seeking medical attention, Meng Xiaoya frequented Taoyao Square with her daughter, while Wang Huanzhi, along with Zhang Yingdi, avoided her, intending to steer clear of trouble and distance themselves from this source of trouble.

"He always seemed honest, but turns out he’s as cunning as a fox. Your aunt is too concerned to see anything else clearly. She even dreams of divorce. What a fantasy."

Su Yaoguang knew that though Zhang Zhaodi spoke harshly, she was actually quite satisfied with Wang Huanzhi’s performance.

Wang Huanzhi could keenly sense what Zhang Yingdi cared about, directly addressing the root of the problem, taking Zhang Yingdi away from the scene, and avoiding the explosive situation. He then tidied up the surrounding mess, simplifying their relationship. Next, he controlled the pace, allowing Zhang Yingdi’s anger to gradually dissipate, so that when he talked to her seriously, she’d really listen, giving them a chance for reconciliation.

"Uncle quickly understanding the cause and salvaging the situation shows he does care about Aunt. Mom also noticed that Aunt can’t let go of Uncle. Now, as long as Uncle behaves better, Aunt will quickly forgive him," said Su Yaoguang. "It’s their marriage; we shouldn’t interfere. No matter what decision Aunt makes, we just need to support her well."

Meng Xiaoya visited Taoyao Square with her daughter Qiao’er, but no matter how many times she visited, Wang Huanzhi and Zhang Yingdi never showed up again. Qiao’er’s illness soon improved, and she had no other reason to visit Taoyao Square again. So, Meng Xiaoya stopped visiting with Qiao’er.

Originally thinking the matter had ended, a few days later, Meng Xiaoya’s family came looking for Wang Huanzhi, claiming that he needed to take responsibility for Meng Xiaoya.

"Responsibility?" Zhang Zhaodi looked at the poorly dressed, greedy-eyed Meng family members. "What did my brother-in-law do to her that he needs to take responsibility?"

"He visited home yesterday to see our parents. We kindly hosted him, and it happened that Xiaoya was also home visiting, so everyone gathered and drank a bit. However, he took advantage of being drunk and bullied our Xiaoya."

Her brother, Meng Lei, shouted loudly, as more passersby gathered, showing no intention to restrain himself.

"Where’s the evidence?"

"Just bring out Wang Huanzhi, and we’re willing to confront him."

While Zhang Zhaodi argued with the Meng family, Su Yaoguang prepared to help but saw Feng Chaoyang striding over.

"Sister..." Feng Chaoyang had grown much taller and was dressed well, looking like a changed person. "This is a letter Mr. Wang asked us to deliver."

"Mr. Wang...my uncle?" Su Yaoguang said while opening the letter. She quickly scanned through it, finding it both amusing and frustrating. "Stop arguing; the person in question left a long time ago. What’s the point of arguing?"

After hearing this, Zhang Zhaodi took the letter from Su Yaoguang’s hand. After reading it, she felt more confident, throwing the letter in Meng Lei’s face.

"Oh, you wanted to drug him and stage a scene, but my brother-in-law sensed something was wrong and left immediately. If you want to make a fuss, go ahead. Drugging or slandering a scholar is enough to send your whole family to jail. Besides, my brother-in-law said he took my sister traveling, and they won’t be back for a year or so. If you want to make a fuss, wait a year or so until he comes back to deal with you. For now, since he’s not here and you dare to stir trouble at Taoyao Square, I’ll go report to the county government and let the Lord County Magistrate decide."

Zhang Zhaodi pointed toward the plaque: "Did you see clearly? That plaque was gifted by the government office. If you dare cause trouble at Taoyao Square, do you think the plaque sent by the Lord County Magistrate is just for show?"

"He ran away?" Meng Lei couldn’t believe it.

He picked up the letter, looked at it repeatedly, but not being able to read, it was like staring at a bunch of squiggly bugs. In frustration, he handed it to someone nearby, asking if it indeed mentioned being gone for a year or so.

"It does say that, also mentioning that they’ve been stuck at home for years. His wife hasn’t had a good day since marrying him, and now, having benefited from the connections of his sister-in-law and niece, he’s earned enough silver. He wants to take his wife on travels."

The Meng family’s expressions were as if they had swallowed flies.

They were prepared and determined not to relent unless Wang Huanzhi married their widowed sister, all set for a standoff, only for him not to take the bait at all.

Not only did he not take the bait, but he also disappeared. How could they latch onto someone whose whereabouts were unknown?

"Boohoo..." Meng Xiaoya sat on the ground, wailing like a hysterical madwoman.

"Get out, out! Don’t go crazy in my shop," Zhang Zhaodi shouted. "Someone, drive them out. They came here to cause trouble, so if they’re beaten to death or disabled, I’ll take responsibility."

The shop hands waved their tools and drove the Meng family out.

The Meng family, unable to find Wang Huanzhi, could only leave dejectedly.

"That kid is really cunning," Zhang Zhaodi said. "He probably anticipated they’d cause trouble at Taoyao Square and wrote the letter, sending someone to deliver and read it on the spot."

"I always thought my uncle was a bit indecisive, but now I know I underestimated him. The whole matter revolves around him. As long as he’s not present, that family doesn’t dare to act up. But he claimed to take my aunt traveling, which I think is just an excuse. He’s probably taken her back to the provincial city, and when the exam results are released, if he’s on the list, he’ll have to rush to the Capital City for the upcoming imperial exams."

"If his name isn’t on the list, he’ll still go to the Capital City, and find a renowned academy there to continue his studies. My uncle’s been lying low for so long; he won’t just give up. His focus is still on the imperial exams next," Zhou Wangshu added to Su Yaoguang.

"In any case, he ran away, taking my little sister with him," Zhang Zhaodi said angrily. "My silly sister can’t escape his grasp; she’s probably already been coaxed into obedience again."