"This should already count as progress in family law," Yang Ruxin nodded, "does that mean as long as one endures twenty lashes, one can establish an independent household?"
"Yes," Gu Qingheng nodded, "an independent female household."
"Does that mean that once I’ve established a household, my things are truly mine? Even people related by blood can’t take them away?" This was what Yang Ruxin cared about the most.
"Yes, unless you agree, not even your biological father, mother, husband, or brothers can possess any property under your name," Gu Qingheng nodded, "Because then you are considered two separate families, free from anyone’s restraint."
"Then that’s settled." Yang Ruxin waved her hand, "I’m off..."
"But in doing so, you will also lose the protection of the family..." Gu Qingheng hastily added another sentence.
"Do you think those people from our Yang Family can protect me?" Yang Ruxin turned back and looked at Gu Qingheng.
"At the very least, your great uncle and great-great uncle..."
"They pity us now, but that’s because we’re too weak," Yang Ruxin laughed, "It may sound ungrateful, but in the end, they’re just upholding the Yang Family’s clout. They’re afraid of being criticized for being too harsh on us, that’s all." She paused, "Of course, some of the elders are truly kind-hearted, and for that, I’m grateful. Even if I establish my own household in the future, I won’t forget the kindness they’ve shown. I will repay any kindness with a spring’s worth of gratitude. For those who have truly been good to us in our interactions, I will continue to do so, but don’t expect me to be making wedding dresses for them."
Gu Qingheng’s eyebrows furrowed slightly, not because he thought she was the ingratitude as she put it, but because he found it astonishing that she could see so clearly and make decisions so resolutely. To tell the truth, even he might not compare to that. If he had been more decisive back when he knew the truth and had left immediately without any lingering thoughts of familial affection, perhaps he wouldn’t have ended up in his current predicament.
"Gu Qingheng," Yang Ruxin walked over, bent down, and looked straight into Gu Qingheng’s eyes. Although he couldn’t see, she felt he could sense her presence, "I will work hard to make money. Although I don’t know whether I’ll succeed in the future, I can’t afford not to think ahead. If one day I do make it big, will those people at the old house let me be? If they come to make trouble and do so under the guise of seeking the welfare of the entire family, what do you think they’ll do? Will they continue to protect us unwaveringly?"
Gu Qingheng also lifted his head to meet Yang Ruxin’s gaze. Though he could not see, the sound of their breathing was audible, making him feel immensely content. He could feel her seriousness and her trust in him.
"What I want is a permanent solution," Yang Ruxin laughed as well, "to put it plainly, I am Yang Ruxin, not Yang Dani. I’m willing to take care of my younger siblings, and even willing to take care of Xun Hui, because they all truly watch over this Yang Dani. Hence, having occupied her body, I am willing to bear the responsibilities this body should bear. But no more than that. Moreover, I’m not someone from ancient times; I don’t have the ingrained foolish filial piety of the ancients, so I must unhesitatingly sever all the troubles that could hinder my future development."
"I understand, and I even admire your courage," Gu Qingheng quickly spoke, "and no matter what you do, I will support you..."