After such a major incident, Yang Dad and his family were too anxious to remain still and eventually proposed coming to see, needing at least to accompany the child on her last journey, so they hurried over with their ox cart.
This was their first visit, and in their rush, they had prepared nothing; in such times, they really weren’t in the mood to prepare.
Upon entering the courtyard, they saw every member of the Zhong Family looking delighted, which puzzled them. Wasn’t the person supposed to be near death? Could it be she had recovered?
With questions in mind, they walked towards the courtyard and saw Xiaoxiao and Yang Ming coming out. Hearing Xiaoxiao call out ’Dad, Mom,’ the whole family was moved to tears and overwhelmed with emotion.
They could hardly believe that this youngest daughter-in-law had recovered after returning to her parents’ home, now lively and standing before them.
Yang Dad, in his excitement, said, "Youngest daughter-in-law, are you better?"
"Yes, I’m better, I’ve worried you all." Xiaoxiao’s eyes were also a bit red; she knew that turning into a living dead had made her family sad too. Now that the entire family had come to see her, she realized she had found a good in-law family.
"Good, good." Zhong Dad was a bit choked up saying this.
"Dad, Mom, please come inside and rest." Xiaoxiao quickly invited them in.
"Right, in-laws, come inside quickly. Today our old Zhong family is throwing a big feast to celebrate our daughter’s recovery. Later, let’s you and I drink a few more," Zhong Dad said with a smile beaming from his face.
"About yesterday’s incident, I really am sorry." Zhong Dad recalled the impulsiveness of the previous day, glad that the children were all right.
"Ah, alright, let’s have a drink later."
Yang Dad led a group of men from his family and followed Zhong Dad directly into the house.
The women were all called by Xiaoxiao’s mom to Xiaoxiao’s room; upon entering, Yang’s second daughter-in-law clung to Xiaoxiao, examining her from all angles, "Younger sister-in-law, are you really alright?"
"Second sister-in-law, I really am alright."
"Whew." The second daughter-in-law sobbed, "Were you trying to scare us to death? We thought you were going to die, we were heartbroken."
Seeing the second sister-in-law’s reaction, Xiaoxiao was quite gratified. Her sacrifices had not been in vain; they genuinely cared for her, "Second sister-in-law, don’t cry anymore, see, I’m fine, aren’t I?"
"How is everything at home now?"
The eldest daughter-in-law responded, "Younger sister-in-law, just focus on getting better. Don’t worry about home, we’re handling everything."
"I don’t need to focus on getting better, I’m completely fine now, tell me more."
"Everything at home is normal; Yang Qiu is supervising the rented courtyard with the female workers. The three kids are with Li Fugui, and there’s no need to worry about the pond; digging is proceeding normally."
Hearing this, Xiaoxiao felt relieved. Everything was normal and not disrupted, which was good.
When Yang Ming’s mom heard that Xiaoxiao was all right, her mood improved a lot, but she still worried about her son, "Youngest, how are you? Mom was so worried. You were beaten till you vomited blood, are you feeling alright anywhere?"
"Mom, I’m fine too, don’t worry." Yang Ming reassured his mom.
Xiaoxiao quickly interjected, knowing it was her own brother who had beaten him, and worried their mother might have objections, "Mom, the doctor will be here soon to check on him."
Upon hearing this, Yang Ming’s mom breathed a sigh of relief, comforting, "Ah, as long as you two are all right, I am relieved."
The family chatted and laughed for a good while, and finally, when it was time to start the meal, Xiaoxiao’s mom came in to call everyone, "Mother-in-law, they are starting the feast over there, hurry and bring the kids over."