C7 Scum!

As soon as Miao Xiu saw her daughter get up, she immediately asked, "Why are you up?"

"Mom, I took my medicine, so I'm feeling a bit better. I got enough sleep. How's my third brother?"

Miao Xiu replied, "Laosi took him to town to see a doctor."

She just remembered she needed to check on her brother's foot, and now she could finally go outside for a walk.

Miao Xiu said, "You shouldn't be going out like this."

Sheng Nanzhen felt like an inflated balloon—looking big but actually quite empty inside.

"Mom, I just need a walk. If I sleep any longer, I'll be useless. Getting some fresh air will do me good..."

After much persuasion, Miao Xiu finally agreed to let her go out on her own, repeatedly reminding her to stay away from the pond, given her close call at the Azure River.

"Mom, don't worry. Even the river goddess didn't want me; who else could take me? I'll be fine."

Miao Xiu had chores to do—cleaning the chicken coop, tending to the ducks. The house had been a mess these past few days, and she needed to tidy up, so she didn't say much more.

Sheng Nanzhen felt her frail body, heavy with illness, struggling for breath after just a few steps.

The dam was lined with many tall banyan trees, ancient and massive, requiring three people to encircle their trunks with outstretched arms.

She sat down beneath one of the banyan trees.

Just as she settled onto the grass, a voice caught her attention.

"Xian, you can't go back on your word."

Sheng Nanzhen's brow furrowed slightly. That voice belonged to none other than Sheng Tianjiao. The so-called "Xian" must be Yang Shuxian, she thought with a cold smirk. Those two were right behind her on the slope!

She hadn't intended to eavesdrop, but since they were having their little chat here, she couldn't help but listen in.

Yang Shuxian's hands lingered on Sheng Tianjiao, reluctant to let go after making the most of the moment. Sheng Tianjiao's family was wealthier than Sheng Nanzhen's, and she was attractive. So, when Sheng Tianjiao showed interest in him, Yang Shuxian immediately started cheating!

"When have I ever gone back on my word? It seems like it's gotten even bigger..."

Sheng Tianjiao's playful voice followed, "Oh, stop it! How can you say that out loud?"

A cheating guy and a backstabbing friend? This kind of cliché drama was happening to her!

"When I came over, why was the Zhenbei house so quiet?"

"What do you expect when someone's dead?" Sheng Tianjiao's voice was tinged with annoyance. "Don't bring her up, okay? It just makes me sad."

"Don't be sad. She slipped and fell; it's nobody else's fault."

Sheng Nanzhen, drawing from the memories of her predecessor, recalled the moment by the river. She was on her way to find Yang Shuxian and ran into Sheng Tianjiao at the village entrance. After days of heavy rain, the Azure River had risen, and the roads were muddy and difficult to navigate. The original owner of her body had been cautious, only a few dozen feet away from Yang Shuxian.

Sheng Tianjiao pointed out that she had dirt on her face and suggested she check it by the water. As soon as she crouched down, Sheng Tianjiao took the opportunity to push her into the river. Such a betrayal demands retribution!

Even though Sheng Tianjiao's actions weren't directed at her personally, it was still her body that was affected. Sheng Nanzhen looked down at the stones by her feet, reaching out to pick one up.

"I just find it odd. According to the customs of Azure Mountain Village, if someone her age dies, even if they can't be buried, a white cloth should be hung. Their family didn't put up spring couplets, but they did hang red paper, which isn't in line with tradition."