She sneered inwardly; everyone said the third branch was honest and straightforward, yet they turned out to be the most cunning of all. They kept this matter tightly concealed, deceiving everyone.
After sending Qian Mandie away, she first went to the main house to share this "joke" with the senior couple, then to the second branch to tell Lady Tang the same "joke." In the end, she would always add, "Manjiang's wife is still somewhat confused, how could she spout such nonsense? We are family and naturally know that these are her foolish words. But if outsiders hear this, it would not be good for Jinwa's reputation."
This "joke" caused a stir in the first and second branches, splitting everyone into three different camps.
Old woman Qian firmly believed that this was nothing but a joke; every time she looked at Jinwa, she felt pity. How could there be such affection if they weren't related by blood?
