Among the clan, if they still bullied orphans and widows, it would be utterly disgraceful.
If news of this got out, the good reputation of He Family Village would be completely destroyed.
After Ms. Hetian cried several times, no one in the village spoke ill of her anymore—at least not to her face.
Later, He Xi passed the Scholar examination, which was even more impressive.
He became the youngest Scholar in the County, and also one of the rare "Wenqu Stars" in He Family Village.
He Xi’s studies were no longer just the responsibility of Ms. Hetian and her family but had become a major concern for the entire He Family.
Hence, the clan leader suggested, and several respected elders unanimously agreed, to have each household in He Family Village contribute some money to support He Xi’s studies.
During the busy planting season or when households needed strong laborers, the young and able men in the clan would also take turns helping Ms. Hetian.
With the support and help of the whole clan, Ms. Hetian’s life became much more comfortable.
She no longer needed to engage in ambiguities with those men, nor did she have to frequently weep and feign pitifulness.
But, Ms. Hetian was cunning. Even though her son had become successful, she did not sever ties with those men.
Wiping her tears, she displayed a reluctant and helpless demeanor as she "bid farewell" to the men.
The reasons were always ready, and even those men very much understood, "Now that my Dalang has become a Scholar, he will still need to take the exams for higher degrees. Any flaw in his background could be fatal!"
"X Lang, I understand the affection you have for me, and I also—alas, I am a mother, I cannot be too selfish!"
"If because of me as a remarried widow, Dalang’s future is ruined, not to mention the clan’s disapproval, even I couldn’t face the ancestors of the He Family!"
"...We are fated but not destined. The kindness you showed me, I, I can only repay you by being beholden to you in the next life!"
This heartfelt speech made Ms. Hetian cry even harder.
All the men felt a sour and numb sensation in their hearts, although one or two felt annoyed at their many years of effort for naught.
But then, Ms. Hetian’s words quickly turned their anger into joy: "X Lang, you’re still young, find a good woman and settle down soon."
"Rest assured, once my Dalang makes something of himself, he will surely repay you!"
"Even if my Dalang does not pass the higher exams or become a high-ranking official, when he returns to the village, he can still be a schoolteacher. By then, your children can also study under my Dalang!"
As the youngest Scholar in County history, the County Magistrate held him in high regard.
He was destined for great success.
Even if he did not become a high-ranking official, he was not someone these farmers could afford to provoke.
Thus, despite their reluctance, the men put their ideas to rest.
Mostly, it was Ms. Hetian’s superb acting skills; each man believed he was her True Love.
Alas, the woman they admired was too compassionate and virtuous, sacrificing them for her son and for Old He’s family.
They were fated to have no destiny with her, not because Ms. Hetian was heartless.
Far from feeling used, they felt their past was not entirely unrewarding.
After all, their affection for Ms. Hetian was genuine; destiny had merely toyed with them.
Alas, such a good woman, they could only hope to resume their affections in the next life.
Thus, Ms. Hetian cleanly cut off her ambiguous relationships without causing any disputes.
The men came to regard her as their eternal White Moonlight—even those who later married or remained alone forever, remembered Ms. Hetian deeply.
Tiantian: ... Top-grade White Lotus Flower + impressive queen. Stepping on so many boats, yet none capsized, and still achieved a perfect ending.
Having completely merged with the original host’s memories, Tiantian came to understand even more why Ms. Hetian had raised such a despicable person as He Xi.
Indeed, watching her mother wear a mask every day, maneuvering between several men for a piece of meat or a Copper Coin.
Smiling apologetically, wiping away tears, pouring out her heart, giving mixed signals... He Xi grew up seeing all the selfishness, ugliness, and falsehood of human nature.
He Xi himself was very intelligent; otherwise, as a poor farmer’s son, without a vast collection of books, without the guidance of sages, relying solely on the teacher’s rigid teaching and a few essential examination books, it would have been very difficult to pass the Scholar exam.