Ms. Hetian took He Xiaobao out of the cave and first went to check on the braying donkey tied to the big tree beside the cave.
"...Xiao Bao, this is our family’s donkey. Tomorrow, you can take the donkey cart."
Perhaps Ms. Hetian had truly "awakened"; she had completely changed as a person.
Pointing at their donkey, she said softly, "This was bought by your father two years ago. This cart frame was also made by a carpenter using the wood your father saved."
"In the past, I was wrong to think that the He Family was small in numbers, and your father had no elders to care for him, nor brothers and sisters to support him."
"Although your uncle is of little use, at least he’s a man and could help your father a bit. That’s why I devoted myself to treating the Tian Family well."
"Especially last year, when your father went to repair the river embankment and never came back, either there were refugees stirring up trouble in our village, or there were bandits the next day. We, as a mother and son without protection, were truly unsafe."
"...These past two years, you’ve been wronged. I was wrong; I thought giving my heart would get a heart in return."
"I forgot that some people’s hearts are naturally biased. No matter how well I treat them, they won’t appreciate it, let alone repay."
Ms. Hetian rambled on.
Although the child in her arms was only six years old, still at a naive and ignorant age,
Ms. Hetian felt it necessary to "explain" clearly to her son.
Though it seemed like making excuses, when she made efforts to support her family, it was also with the thought that they could back her in the future and provide protection for her and her son.
So, not all of what she said were lies.
At most, they were somewhat embellished.
However, Ms. Hetian had a premonition that even if it was forced clarification, she had to try it.
She had to find a reason for her sudden change and make her son understand that she was not a selfish stepmother who only cared about outsiders over her own flesh and blood.
She loved the child; she just made a mistake and did well-intentioned wrong things!
Ms. Hetian solemnly said to He Xiaobao, "Xiao Bao, I was wrong, I’m sorry. From now on, I won’t do this again. I will take good care of you and never let you be wronged again!"
"Mother?"
He Xiaobao stared wide-eyed, looking at his mother with surprise and suspicion.
Today’s mother had become so strange. Although her face was still the same, the way she talked and the way she looked at him were so unfamiliar.
It was as if she had become a different person inside out.
Of course, He Xiaobao was still young, and he hadn’t heard any ghost possession stories from folklore.
Though the change in his mother was significant, her appearance hadn’t changed.
Furthermore, for the past few years, although Ms. Hetian had been somewhat neglectful towards He Xiaobao, she hadn’t deliberately mistreated him.
At most, she valued her own family more.
He Xiaobao hadn’t experienced much maternal love, but it hadn’t reached the point where he resented her.
Besides, as a child, He Xiaobao instinctively longed for the affection of his parents.
Now, his mother, who could decide everything in his life, lowered her stance, not only explaining her past behavior but also apologizing to him.
This... made He Xiaobao, who had been lacking in love and attention, suddenly feel cherished and valued.
Almost instantly, without analyzing the truth or reasonableness in his mother’s words, Xiaobao immediately forgave her.
He wrapped his arms around Ms. Hetian’s neck, his thin cheek pressed against his mother’s face, feeling her warmth, happily saying, "Mom, I will also be filial to you and never let anyone bully you!"
Initially, Ms. Hetian only intended to clear her name and ended up doing a deep self-reflection.
However, He Xiaobao’s words touched her heart.
Unable to hold it in, tears welled up in her eyes again.
"Xiao Bao, it was all mother’s fault in the past! I never expected that my own parents would deceive me and force me to sell you!"
After being moved, Ms. Hetian did not forget the serious matter.
While eating, Old Lady Han and Mr. Tian didn’t cause a scene, but Ms. Hetian didn’t think they would let it go.
Ms. Hetian had to warn her son: Be wary of your maternal grandparents!
In name, they are relatives, but their hearts are more ruthless than strangers.
Ms. Hetian didn’t want her concealment to lead He Xiaobao to trust the Tian Family and end up in a miserable situation.
If it really came to that, even if she killed everyone, it wouldn’t bring her son back!
"Ah?" He Xiaobao was startled and his first reaction was to plead desperately, "Mom, don’t sell me, go and beg grandma, don’t let them sell me!"