At the Meng residence in Yunxi Village, a steady stream of well-wishers crowded before the blue-brick, tile-roofed house. Mother Meng, though not yet fully recovered from her illness, forced herself to stand at the entrance, playing the part of a wealthy hostess as she greeted and saw off guests.
Meng Sijing remained hidden inside; the villagers of Yunxi had not seen her for a long time. Whenever someone mentioned her, Mother Meng would casually divert the conversation, and the guests would understand that this was a topic best left untouched.
"I heard that after Meng Sijing had smallpox, two abscesses the size of eggs erupted on her face. Doctor Feng from Liuhua Lane treated her, but even though the illness passed, the pockmarks remained. She must be too ashamed to show her face in public!"
Chapter 65