Chapter 277: Changes
Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation
Jiang Xia watched as Jiang Qing’s expression grew increasingly surprised. Finally, she added, “After we separated from our grandparents and uncles, our family life improved significantly without their control and suppression. We are no longer as easily bullied as before. My sister and I have become more cheerful. Our parents spend more time with us, and our home is filled with warmth.”
Jiang Xia’s words explained why Jiang Qing perceived such a significant difference in their parents. However, Jiang Qing was most shocked to learn that their grandmother had even considered selling their younger sister!
Jiang Qing stomped her foot in anger. “That’s outrageous! Grandma had promised me that under no circumstances would she ever sell either of you. She also said that once the family’s situation improved, she would send both of you to school. 1 agreed to marry into the mountains based on these promises. 1 can’t believe she lied to me!”
Jiang Qing had never wanted to move to the mountains. She was also worried about her younger sisters, fearing they would be bullied in a family that valued boys over girls. But the grandmother had assured her that if Jiang Qing married into the Zhang family, they would treat her family better and not overwork her parents.
As soon as Jiang Qing left, however, the grandmother’s promises were forgotten.
Jiang Xia quickly comforted her elder sister, “Don’t be angry. Now we’re doing well, and nobody can bully us anymore. Also, our parents have said that the coming spring, they will send both of us to school and will support us until we graduate from university.”
Jiang Qing felt a deep sense of relief in her heart, not expecting such a significant change in her parents.
In the past, their only desire was to have a son to continue the family lineage. The two younger sisters were raised single-handedly by Jiang Qing herself; their mother never even hugged them.
After Jiang Qing moved to the mountains, her life improved significantly, and she was reluctant to return home. This reluctance stemmed from her resentment towards her parents for not valuing the present and consistently prioritizing sons over daughters, mistreating her sisters.
She planned that once she and Zhang Ping settled their household matters, she would descend the mountain to fetch her sisters, vowing to provide them with education no matter the cost.
However, a delay occurred when the Old Master of the Zhang family suddenly fell off the mountain and passed away, setting them back a month. Otherwise, they would have set off earlier.
Now, seeing her parents and sisters dressed in new clothes and looking healthier, she realized they were doing well, which put her mind at ease.
Jiang Gu embraced her elder sister’s legs, looking up with her round, gleaming eyes filled with joy. “Eldest sister, is school fun? Mom said that second sister will accompany me and protect me in school so that no one bullies me.”
Hearing this, Jiang Qing lifted her youngest sister into her arms, shooting a subtle glance at their parents.
In the past, their mother was most displeased with the youngest sister, always lamenting that if she were a boy, their family’s status would have improved. Every time their mother voiced such thoughts, Jiang Qing would cover her little sister’s ears to shield her from the hurtful words.
Of course, Jiang Qing now preferred the changed demeanor of her parents, noticing their newfound love for their three daughters and their enhanced determination to protect them.
As Jiang Gu was lifted, she joyfully cupped Jiang Qing’s face and planted a big kiss on her cheek.
Jiang Qing was momentarily stunned; her youngest sister’s vivacious personality had grown to the point where she’d take the initiative to show affection. She then happily reciprocated the gesture.
Realizing the transformation in her parents and their excellent upbringing of her sisters, Jiang Qing’s past grievances melted away. She clung to the present happiness, forgetting all the hardships she once endured at home.
Holding Jiang Gu in her arms and hand-in-hand with Jiang Xia, she led her parents back to her home.
Su Zhen didn’t want to disturb their family reunion, so he quietly made his way to the house at the back to greet Zhao Wan.
Su Zhen and Zhao Wan shared a close bond.
One year, during Su Zhen’s trip to the mountains, he was caught in a massive blizzard. As darkness fell, he lost his way and found himself trapped midway up the mountain, facing an impossible situation.
It was his first time in the mountains, and he was unprepared, with nothing to shield him from the biting cold. There were no signs of human habitation nearby, and he was sure he’d freeze to death that night.
Fortuitously, Zhao Wan, who was returning from the base of the mountain, rescued him. She brought him home, kindled a fire, and provided a warm shelter for the night. The following day, concerned he’d lose his way again, she had Zhang Ping personally escort him down the mountain..