The two traveling merchants, upon hearing these remarks, refused to say anything more and hurriedly shook off Lian Shouxin, swiftly leaving in a cloud of dust.
While the traveling merchants had left, the crowd did not disperse but buzzed with discussion instead. At the tea stall too, people who had heard the conversation couldn't help but spice up the story as they relayed it.
Lian Shouxin, being an adult man, was the first to steady his mind and helped Lady Zhang to her feet.
Lady Zhang simply clung to Lian Manman, refusing to let go, unresponsive to anyone who tried to talk to her, just staring blankly, weeping incessantly.
Others, who had heard only bits and pieces, were indignant.
"Now you know to cry, to hold on? How could you bear to do it then? Looks like the silver blinded you."
"Not her own daughter, I bet, seems more like a stepmother."