The next day, news of Lao Wang's beating caused a huge stir in the Wang Family.
Everyone's first impression of him was that he was amiable. He had never made enemies with anyone, so no one knew why he had been beaten so viciously.
When the Wang Family came to the Lin Family weeping and begging for help, Lord Lin had already packed his things and gone into hiding, leaving only Madam Lin at home.
Madam Lin sighed and expressed her sympathy, then had someone send over some medicine and silver. Outwardly, she promised to help find the culprit, but behind the scenes, she quietly and indirectly instructed everyone to fob them off and leave the matter alone.
The Wang Family were not officials. They merely owned a storefront in the city and dabbled in small businesses.
They went to the Government Office and cried for several days, but when nothing came of it, they gradually quieted down.
Two days later, however, while Jiang Shuyue and Zhou Yunshen were lounging in hammocks in the courtyard, she heard another earth-shattering piece of gossip.
Huahua: "Lord Wang's manhood has been ruined. He'll never be able to perform again. His wife was already unhappy with her middle-aged life, and this news only made her feel more cheated. Last night, after hooking up with Old Lao Wang next door, she kicked Lao Wang to the curb and took a thousand taels of silver to go live it up with Old Lao Wang!"
Jiang Shuyue had weathered her share of storms, but she nearly toppled out of her hammock at this.
Zhou Yunshen hurriedly caught her around the waist from below and gave her a gentle lift, returning her to the hammock.
"Be careful. It isn't high, but falling will still hurt."
"Thank you, darling.