"In those years, Da Lang’s grandparents didn’t like me and constantly said that I was the one who caused Da Lang’s father to die. Whether right or wrong, they just scolded me. The second and third households weren’t any better, they bullied us often. Erlang caught San Lang several times on his way home from school and beat him up, once even breaking his head, and now he has a small scar hidden in his hair."
"At home, both Da Lang and I rushed to do the work, fearing they’d say no one was working and wouldn’t let San Lang study."
"Da Lang was still a child and had to do heavy work. It’s likely his illness started during that time."
"Later, San Lang proved himself and gained the favor of the headmaster at the county school, who allowed him to study there. To pay for the tuition, we had a big fight, and I ended up selling my jewelry to pay for San Lang’s tuition."
"The next year, San Lang got first place in the school exams. The old man heard about it and thought San Lang would have a promising future, so he finally gave him money for his studies."
"Ha, they were willing to spend money only because they wanted to bask in San Lang’s glory once he becomes an official!"
"Don’t think I am assertive at home now; it only started after San Lang passed the scholar exam a few years ago."
"You wonder why I’m ashamed today, isn’t it because San Lang didn’t take the exam this time? They don’t dare get angry with San Lang, so all their anger is directed at me."
Gu Yunjiao sat next to Mrs. Chen, handing her a handkerchief, and whispered, "Mother, you’ve worked hard."
Mrs. Chen took the handkerchief and wiped away her tears, with a self-deprecating smile, "Why am I saying all this."
"Now San Lang is grown and accomplished, life is better, but it’s so unfortunate for my Da Lang."
She grasped Gu Yunjiao’s hand, "Back then, both the county doctor and Doctor Xu from the town said they couldn’t treat Da Lang’s illness. They added that if your father were still here, with his medical skills, Da Lang might have been saved."
"Your father—your father disappeared without a trace—oh my poor Da Lang—" Mrs. Chen began to weep bitterly.
Jiang Youzhi stood by the window, lowering his head, his eyes slightly moist.
His mother and brother sacrificed so much for him, their kindness is something he could never repay.
Gu Yunjiao gently comforted Mrs. Chen, carefully wiping her tears. When she finished crying, Gu Yunjiao left to prepare some hot water for Mrs. Chen to wash her face.
Just as she stepped out, she saw Jiang Youzhi outside, his eyes somewhat red. She looked over, and Jiang Youzhi quickly turned away and walked off.
Gu Yunjiao brought hot water over for Mrs. Chen to wash her face.
Mrs. Chen tidied herself, pulled Gu Yunjiao to sit down, and patted her hand, "You are a good one, but my Da Lang unfortunately wasn’t blessed."
"Actually, I’ve thought about it for a while, though I haven’t told you yet."
"You are still young, you have a long life ahead; it would be too bitter for you to keep mourning for Da Lang for a lifetime."
"I’m thinking you’ll mourn for Da Lang for three years, then I’ll set you free, how about that?"
She herself lost her husband, so she naturally knew how difficult life was for a widow; she didn’t want to make things hard for Gu Yunjiao.
Gu Yunjiao’s body slightly trembled, three years?
Three years seemed long to her, not that she was in a rush to remarry, but mainly because the Jiang Family was not easy to get along with.
Not to mention Erlang was always watching her like a tiger stalking its prey.
But since Mrs. Chen said so, she couldn’t very well object, after all, even if Mrs. Chen asked her to mourn for a lifetime, it would be expected in this era.
Besides, with how much Mrs. Chen protected her, she felt very grateful.
She’d see it as repaying Mrs. Chen’s protection.
Gu Yunjiao nodded, "Alright, I’ll do as mother says."