Chapter 77.2

Translated by Aviana

From a distance, a wide expanse of open area greeted their eyes in the outskirts of the village. Further ahead of this area was the old hunter’s abode, followed by the majestic Luoxia mountain. Yang-shi’s place was not far from and was only separated by a few houses. Besides, the main point was that the area was huge and big or small and could accommodate any size of the house. The trail situated at the side of the area led outside the village. In the future, they can easily enter and exit the village. Lin Qingwan was very much satisfied with this place. The couple went back to their house to discuss how much area to buy.

When the third branch’s couple heard that the second branch was building a house, their hearts also slightly became restless. This while, they also had saved a lot, and a little over 30 silver tales should be enough for them to build a small courtyard house for the four of them.

However, the third branch’s husband and wife seemed to be slightly sluggish in handling such matters and were slightly hesitant to spend money that carefreely. Understanding their trail of thoughts, Lin Qingwan encouraged them to build a house for themselves as well.

She had long been fed up with living in the same space with the people from Yang jia; not a day goes by without crossing paths with them. Not to mention such a cramped living space, even if they wanted to grow some plants or raise hens, it seemed pretty inconvenient. Every time they needed any vegetables and other stuff, they had to make a trip to the market or borrow from Yang-shi. But you can’t keep borrowing every other day from others, no? Granted that even if they don’t say anything, your conscience won’t be able to accept things like that.

After Lin Qingwan expressed her thoughts to Yao-shi, she also shared that she would be able to have her own yard and then comfortably raise as many as hens she wanted or grow vegetables, and even raise pigs while eating whatever she wished to eat. Moreover, the kids are slowly growing up and can’t possibly share the room with the adults.

Besides, Lin Qingwan was unable to understand why adults and kids would share the same kang. Wouldn’t it be a bit inconvenient for the husband and wife? Perhaps, the main reason for it could be poverty and the inability to afford a big house. Or perhaps they were unwilling to burn a little more firewood in the kang.

However, now that they were able to afford a new house, they shouldn’t wrong themselves further.

Upon listening to her, Yao-shi’s thoughts moved slightly, yet she replied that she would once discuss it with Yang Tiegen after going back.

Actually, Lin Qingwan wasn’t the only one to have such thoughts, Yao-shi too shared her thoughts. It’s just that she had always been used to enduring hardships. But now suddenly, someone told her she too could have her own house. Thus she was unable to react momentarily.

But after she came to herself, the anticipation and expectations in her heart couldn’t be suppressed anymore.

If you build a new house, you can stay away from them without living in the same courtyard as those in the main house.

Yao-shi’s case was quite different from Lin Qingwan’s. Though the latter found it annoying whenever a dispute erupted in the main room, she would occasionally take it as a good drama play and enjoy it. But such moments caused Yao-shi’s heart to thump loudly.

Though currently, she was able to act tough on the outside and look cold and indifferent towards those people, she has yet to be free from the shadows of the past. Every time there was a dispute over there, she couldn’t stop herself from shuddering with fear. Even the two little girls seemed to be frightened.

Only after Yao-shi separated from the main family did she find out how much of an impact all of this had on the two girls. In the past, she had always been engulfed in her own misfortune and forlorn, neglecting the two girls’ feelings. Every time the commotion from there entered their ears, the two would be visibly alarmed. Normally they would be making a din while acting coquettishly, but the moment they hear the disturbances from outside, they would promptly turn mute and hold one another’s little hands firmly. Erniu would pull her younger sister into an embrace, while Sanniu would put her arm around her elder sister. Looking at the panic painted upon the two young ones made one’s heart twitch with pain.

This matter had caused Yao-shi to shed tears many times secretly. She felt ashamed of herself as their mother, for she had actually completely ignored them. When they were surrounded by such an environment day in, day out, how could they possibly not get scared?

What was she doing when those two kids were scared out of their wits? Busy lamenting over her life? Or perhaps she was busy doing more work with her head bowed so that her mother-in-law and eldest sao could be slightly tolerant towards her?

She was truly a foolish one!

Only at that moment did Yao-shi understand what her second sao meant when she said, ‘What will you even possibly attain by being harsh on yourself and your children for others’ sake? In this world, nothing is more important than you and your family’s happiness and wellness! How other people see you or what they think about you isn’t important at all. As long as your husband is on your side, your kids care for you, and your family is happy, everything will be fine!’

Yao-shi couldn’t remember why her second sao uttered such words. For she, too, didn’t know what she had done to get those remarks from the latter. One day, for some reason, as if disappointed that iron could not turn into steel , she condemned her as such.

Later, after they separated, as gradually she understood a bit, she began following her words and truly began to find that her life had become much more comfortable. It wasn’t until she saw first found the two girls’ frightened appearances and hugging themselves without seeking elders did she completely realize the true meaning of those words.

Yes, ah! Compared to one’s family’s happiness, there was nothing important!

Thus, she decided to build a new house and move from here and let the two girls completely detach from the shadow of this house. So build a new house and move out, and let the couple leave this shadowy home completely. Before Yao Shi even started to discuss with her man, she made up her mind. Before even discussing it with her husband, Yao-shi had come to a decision. After contemplating, she decided to build a small house next to the second sao’s. It didn’t need to be too big, as long as it could be something that they could call their own house.

After listening to Yao-shi’s words, Yang Tiegen fell into a contemplation complying with her idea.

How could his wife and kids’ anomaly towards the main room slip out of his notice?

It’s better to leave, lest it becomes awkward. Just as his second brother said, he just had to take care of his wife and kids.. Those people would not change anymore. What sort of care and compassion can he expect from his mother anymore?!

Yang Tiegen uplifted his spirits and began to discuss with his wife about the arrangements for their new house. Hearing that they were getting a new home, the two girls broke into a peal of laughter and clapped their hands in merry.

Yao-shi two joined her daughters in their merry and warned them not to speak about this matter outside. For if they leak this matter outside, they would not be able to build a house for themselves. Hearing this, the two girls promptly closed their lips tight, deciding not to utter a word about this later.

Even after the two kids fell asleep, Yao-shi was still in high spirits, discussing their new home with her husband, exclaiming that they must have a pig pen and chicken coops and raise a big fat pig and hens. They can sell the leftover eggs after the kids eat and also grow a vegetable garden….Listening to his wife’s chatter, Yang Tiegen couldn’t help but pull his lips into a smile.

What if he doesn’t have a son? What if he won’t have any descendants?! His family won’t live any worse than others’…

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