Madam Wang's caning of the servants in the residence didn't have much deterrent effect. Instead, it led to some harboring resentment, allowing a few thieves to break into the Wu Residence. The stories about which courtyards they appeared in sounded convincing, once again placing the Wu Residence at the center of gossip, as if Wu Lihong was being humiliated with one green hat after another.
Even though the Wu Family denied it, claiming the thieves just got lost in the front yard due to rumors spread by those bearing grudges, many ladies of the gentry house were not convinced.
No matter what, such rumors implied that the Matriarch was not managing the household effectively, suggesting that Madam Wang was incompetent. As for her daughter, like mother like daughter, the Wu Family's eldest daughter's suitability to become a Legitimate Wife and Clan Matron was questionable.
