Chapter 53.1

Translated by Aviana

After the Village Chief and the other two left, Yang-shi turned around to glance at Lin Qingwan and the others.

“Let’s go, go eldest gu’s place. I will prepare us a nice meal to celebrate.”

姑妈 (Gū): Father’s older sister

This, indeed, called for celebration for having been able to separate from this so-called family.

Lin Qingwan and Yang Tiezhu’s separation matter didn’t have many ups and downs as they had planned everything step by step from the outset. But the same could not be said for the third branch’s for it was filled with tears of separation and was extremely challenging.

Lin Qingwan felt the third branch’s husband and wife had truly braved to take this step. If it weren’t for their resoluteness, and if Yang-shi hadn’t invited Clan Elder Yang and Village Chief to preside over the second branch’s separation, making it impossible for Yang laoyezi to stop the separation, the third branch’s separation wouldn’t have been any easier.

Lin Qingwan could tell that Yang laoyezi was extremely against the third branch’s separation. Perhaps, at this moment, he must be terribly distressed.

But, none of this has anything to do with them.

Lin Qingwan didn’t want to produce any sympathy for anyone from that family, even if that person was Yang laoyezi. Truly speaking, it’s a bit difficult to say if he is good or bad. While usually, he couldn’t be said as bad, but when it came to critical junctures, this old man tends to screw up. Whatever favorable impression Lin Qingwan had on him initially had long ago turned into dust. At that time, he completely ignored Yang Tiezhu, who was bed-ridden in the medical center from being seriously injured, and now, he simply remained seated when He-shi tried to expel them out….

“Eldest gu, with the state we are in currently, I don’t think I will be able to come. Just look at how our appearances are—”

Yang-shi also considered this. But she was somewhat worried about their dinner…

Lin Qingwan could guess Yang-shi’s worry. With a smile, she said, “It’s fine, eldest gu. I do have some rice and vegetables in my room. Later, I will rustle up something simple for dinner. Besides, do you think we could step out like this?”

That was indeed the case. Lin Qingwan aside, Yang Tiezhu could not stand for long, while the third branch’s husband and wife were in the poor states too, with their faces full of scratches and bruises. Yao-shi’s face was swelled to the extent that she resembled a pig head at the moment.

After saying a few words, Yang-shi bade farewell and left Yang jia’s courtyard with no other choice.

After which, all of them gathered in the second branch’s room. Yao-shi then recalled the two girls, who were still in the third branch’s room, unaware of the situation outside, and quickly fetched them over as well.

The two girls’ faces were in a mess from crying. The noises from the main room must have terrified them, but recalling the adults’ warning to not step out must have caused them to burst into tears while staying in the room.

Outside, the sky began darkening. Everyone in the room was tired and weak. But they still had to eat something as they hadn’t eaten anything even during lunch. All of their stomachs were rumbling with hunger.

Lin Qingwan helped Yang Tiezhu onto the kang before going into the small cubicle to cook dinner. While in the kitchen, Lin Qingwan asked Yao-shi to wash her face with cold water, as the swelling on Yao-shi’s face had increased even more at the moment.

Due to the cold weather, everyone huddled up on the kang and had their dinner.

Yang Tiegen, who was normal all this while, suddenly seemed to be depressed while eating. Reckoning what her husband might be thinking over, distress appeared on Yao-shi’s face as well.

Understanding their anxieties, Lin Qingwan said with a slight smile: “It’s okay, don’t fret it over too much. There is no need to be intimidated by minor challenges like this. If your second brother and I consume food sparsely, you and your family won’t have to be starved. Besides, once we get past this year, we would surely be able to make do something in the spring of next year.”

“But second sao, you don’t have much food leftover, and the second brother is still injured,” Yao-shi said.

嫂 (Sǎo): older brother’s wife

“Don’t worry, if we don’t have food, we can buy some more. Anyway, we are only a few people, and won’t need much to eat. Besides, I recently sold a big embroidery piece and got a good amount of silver in return. That would be enough for us to get past this year.”

“But……”

When Yao-shi wanted to speak again, Lin Qingwan interrupted her.

“If you want to recognize us as your second brother and second sao, don’t say anything more. I am well aware of both of your conducts. Back then, when your second brother was severely injured, no one in the family dared to go look for him in the mountains, but you went in without the slightest hesitation. I will remember your care for us for a lifetime.”

Yang Tiegen hurriedly added, “Second sao, the way you spoke might seem as if we are outsiders. It was given, we all are a family….”

Before he could finish speaking, Lin Qingwan interrupted again, “Since you said we are a family, don’t speak as if we are two different families. This is a difficult phase for all of us. Whatever you have to say, say after we get past this year. In case if you still feel apologetic, just treat this as you are borrowing food from us. Next year, when your financial situation eases, you can pay us back, alright?”

The third branch’s couple glanced at each other and then at the resolute appearances of Lin Qingwan and Yang Tiezhu. Without any better option, they nodded their heads without saying anything further.

After everyone was done eating, considering that Yang Tiezhu was injured and Lin Qingwan was a pregnant woman, the third branch’s husband and wife collected the cutlery and went out to wash them.

After everything was tidied up in the second branch’s room, the couple retired to their rooms to treat each other’s injuries on the face.

After washing her face, Lin Qingwan too went to lay on the kang. After tossing around all day long, she was tired to death. As soon as she closed her eyes, she fell into slumber.

Anticipating the comfortable days that were waiting for her, where there would be no one to nit-pick and find faults with her, she had a slight smile on her lips, even in her deep slumber…

Everything will get better and better…

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