Xun Hui, unable to make sense of her thoughts, paced back and forth in the courtyard, troubled.
Just then, a knock on the door rang out.
Xun Hui’s face lit up with joy instantly, she just knew that her children would not truly abandon her, so without asking who it was, she flung the courtyard door open, "Xinxin, I..." But what she met was the face of a man, causing her cheeks to burn red, "Oh... Brother Lao Kuang, what brings you here?"
"Xun Hui," Lao Kuang hadn’t expected Xun Hui to be the one opening the door, and it seemed like she had been in the middle of saying something, which also made him feel embarrassed. He hastily stepped back two paces, "I’m looking for Xinxin, she said she needed the cart tomorrow, I came to ask what time..."
Xun Hui forced a stiff smile, "Oh, Xinxin is over..." she said, pointing next door, "next door..."
"Alright, then I’ll go next door and ask." Lao Kuang smiled honestly and turned to leave.
Xun Hui raised her hand, wanting to call him back, actually wishing Lao Kuang could help bring Xinxin back. She was willing to admit her wrongs, but before she could speak up, Lao Kuang turned back around, pointed at Xun Hui’s face but said nothing, and hurriedly took his leave.
Xun Hui, puzzled, touched her face, not noticing anything different. Quickly, she turned around, entered her house to grab a mirror, and frowned upon looking—unbeknownst to her, her face had been smeared with a large splotch of black soot, making her look quite bizarre. She hurriedly went out to wash her face and comb her hair, thankful she hadn’t gone to the Gu Family like that, else she would’ve embarrassed Xinxin further, wouldn’t she?
After Lao Kuang had called out Yang Ruxin and arranged a time, he seemed hesitant to speak.
"Uncle Lao Kuang, go ahead and speak your mind," Yang Ruxin frowned.
"Well..." Lao Kuang rubbed his hands together, "Xinxin, when I went to your place just now, it looked like your mom had been crying... Her face was very dirty, and... I know I shouldn’t interfere, but... Your mom is known in the village for being gentle. Even those who don’t deal with her know it, so maybe she has her faults, but she’s still your mom. Just in case... I’m saying just in case, people will talk about you, and it might hinder your reputation..."
Yang Ruxin nodded, "My mom is just somewhat stubborn. Giving her time, she’ll come around. It’s nothing serious."
"That’s good, you’re competent, and I’m just babbling unnecessary words..." Lao Kuang nodded hastily, and left with a bowl of chicken, which he hadn’t managed to decline despite his insistent refusals.
Yang Ruxin turned to look at her family’s small courtyard and couldn’t help but sigh. She was well aware of the importance of filial piety. Even in modern times, parents, no matter how inadequate they might have been in the past, still cannot be neglected by their children when they grow old, or else they would be talked about, even becoming infamous for being unfilial. Public opinion always tends to sympathize with the underdog, not to mention in these ancient times that placed such emphasis on filial duty.
She could fight with the people from the old residence, as they indeed had gone too far, even to the point of driving one to death. She was the victim there, but Xun Hui, within this society, was the epitome of a good wife and good mother, hardworking and uncomplaining. If she truly broke with Xun Hui, surely everyone would blame her. Although she herself didn’t care, she had to consider her younger siblings, especially Xiaofeng, who would pursue the imperial examinations in the future, and definitely Gu Qingheng. As he would also serve as an official, she couldn’t leave such a major vulnerability for future political enemies.
"Ah..." Yang Ruxin suddenly rubbed her head roughly, turning her well-done braids into a bird’s nest. People who are immune to reason and scolding are just too frustrating!