Chapter 172

It had happened more than once or twice already. Manager Qian had spent the past two days holed up at home, too afraid to step outside. At the news, he snapped angrily:

"What's wrong with those people? What business is it of theirs? Why do they care so much?"

As he spoke, Madam Qian came in from outside. She tore off the cloth she had used to cover most of her face, flung it to the floor, and roared:

"Do you know what everyone's saying out there? I'm too ashamed to show my face! Even that rude woman from the Tofu Shop gave me a dirty look today. You had a perfectly good job as manager, but you had to go and stir up trouble. How am I supposed to face anyone now?!"

The more Madam Qian spoke, the angrier she grew. With a scream, she lunged at Manager Qian!

"You wretched man! You've ruined my good name in my old age..."

"Ow! Dear, please, don't hit me..."

"You wretched man! Do you know what they're saying to our son's face at school? You made the mistake, so why must our son suffer for it? He still has to study and sit the imperial examinations. How is he supposed to face anyone?!"

"Isn't he studying up on the mountain? How did they hear about it there?"

"Where haven't they heard about it? They're talking about it in every street and alley, in the teahouses and restaurants too! Those students have parents, you know! Oh, my poor Liang'er. How is he supposed to face anyone?"

"Stop shouting, will you!"

"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law, please calm down!"

"How are we supposed to calm down?! We used to think you were the most promising of our sons-in-law. Who knew you could be so