R : Sorryyy I’m late !!
He Zifeng and Qiu Yu quickly stood up and went out together. Qiu Yu seemed a little uneasy, and He Zifeng discreetly slipped his hand into Qiu Yu’s wide sleeve, hidden from sight.
After walking for a while, they released hands, and Qiu Yu’s tension eased significantly.
At the village entrance, they saw Fang-shi, dressed in tattered clothes. She looked frail, her hair half-gray. It was hard to recognize her at first glance.
Villagers surrounded Fang-shi, who seemed nervous after so many years without facing such crowds.
When she saw He Zifeng, her eyes welled up with tears. “My son…”
The last time she saw her son, he was still young. For years, whenever she saw children around his age, she couldn’t help but feel emotional. Now, seeing her own son in person, her tears were unstoppable.
He Zifeng looked even more handsome and robust than she had imagined.
He walked over and hugged his mother. “Mother, let’s go home.”
Fang-shi held back her tears and said, “No, I just wanted to see you.”
Seeing her mother-in-law’s worn appearance, Qiu Yu’s eyes also grew misty. “Mother, we’ve split from the family. You’re welcome to stay at your son’s home,” he said.
He Zifeng quickly added, “That’s right.” He then led Fang-shi back home.
Just as they left, He Donglai arrived. The villagers all knew that He Donglai’s attempt at matchmaking had ended with the matchmaker scolding him. As He Donglai grew older, his behavior only became more shameful, and the villagers regarded him with increasing disdain. Someone muttered, “What are you doing here?”
“I’m here to see my son’s mother. What’s it to you?” He Donglai snapped, his temper worsening by the day. People avoided talking to him unless absolutely necessary, fearing his sharp tongue.
But someone saw through his intentions. “Don’t tell me you’re hoping to rekindle things with her?”
“Keep dreaming.”
Ever since He Zifeng became a yamen officer, he was regarded as the most successful person in the village. The better He Zifeng’s life got, the more bitter He Donglai felt—it only proved how blind he had been. With the families now estranged and Wan Hai’s family gone, the soy sauce shop was no more, leaving him with two good-for-nothing sons.
He Fan’s injuries from the mountain were healing, but he was still far from being a reliable laborer, and rural life demanded physical strength. He Donglai had hoped to reconcile with He Zifeng, but it was clear He Zifeng was done with him.
With his second son now working for the county office and even the village chief eager to curry favor, He Donglai felt increasingly lost. When he heard Fang-shi had returned, an idea struck him, but by the time he learned, she had already gone home with He Zifeng.
He Donglai returned home, comforted by the thought that as long as Fang-shi stayed in the village, he’d have time.
…
He Zifeng brought his mother home, and Qiu Yu quickly fetched an old set of He Zifeng’s clothes. Though worn, they were clean. He sent He Zifeng to heat water for Fang-shi to bathe and went to ask Sister Liu, a friendly neighbor, for help since, as a ger, he wasn’t suited for such tasks.
Fang-shi looked at her son as if she were dreaming, marveling at the fact that he now lived in a grand blue-brick house.
There was even a tall horse in the yard. Was this truly her son’s home?
Sister Liu asked, “Auntie, have you remarried all these years?”
Fang-shi shook her head. “No. After leaving the village, I worked as a servant elsewhere. Since I was under a labor contract, the long-term servants bullied me. Now that I’m older, they’ve cast me out. I managed to save seven taels of silver, but I was robbed of half on the way back.”
Fortunately, she had hidden the silver in different places, which allowed her to return home.
Sister Liu asked, “What do you plan to do now?” At her age, it wasn’t easy to keep working.
Fang-shi replied, “I’ll go to the county and wash clothes for people. I can still earn a meal or two.” She felt deeply guilty toward her son. She hadn’t raised him, so how could she expect him to support her?
Sister Liu said, “Why not stay with your son? This house isn’t even theirs yet. The one they’re building is even more spacious.”
Fang-shi hadn’t bathed in a long time, and the water turned black as she washed. Her dry, tangled hair was scrubbed thoroughly with soap. Dirt seemed to fall off her body like sludge.
Fortunately, Qiu Yu had thoughtfully prepared two bath buckets, allowing her to bathe twice. The clothes he prepared, though old, fit Fang-shi perfectly since they were smaller than He Zifeng’s current size.
Sister Liu narrated everything to Fang-shi, praising her luck for having such a considerate son and daughter-in-law, and complimenting Qiu Yu’s skill in managing the household.
Fang-shi asked, “That beautiful ger earlier—was that Qiu Yu?” She found him and her son to be a harmonious pair. “How are they together?”
Qiu Yu’s thoughtfulness in inviting Sister Liu paid off. After 20 years away, Fang-shi didn’t know much about her son’s life and felt a mixture of familiarity and distance. Having Sister Liu fill in the gaps helped ease her uncertainty.
Sister Liu sighed, “A child without a mother has it tough.” She recounted how He Zifeng had been mistreated by his stepmother and father. On their wedding day, his stepmother prepared ill-fitting shoes for Qiu Yu. In their village, it was customary for the groom’s family to ensure the shoes fit, symbolizing harmony in married life. This public humiliation would have brought shame to any bride. He Zifeng quickly gave Qiu Yu his own new shoes, standing up for him.
Then, during childbirth, the stepmother refused to call a midwife, putting both Qiu Yu and their baby, Ranran, at great risk. In the end, He Zifeng delivered their child himself.
Hearing this, Fang-shi wept. “I failed them.”
Sister Liu replied, “Luckily, He Zifeng decisively separated from the family. Otherwise, things wouldn’t have improved.”
Among the villagers, He Zifeng was seen as a rare example of someone who stood firm against injustice. Many women and gers suffering in difficult households viewed him as a role model, though not everyone had the courage to do what he did.
After the bath, Fang-shi’s thin, frail frame was even more apparent. Sister Liu, feeling sympathy for her, said, “Life’s been unfair to you. Once married, without parents, a woman has no family to turn to.”
She dried Fang-shi off and helped her into He Zifeng’s old clothes, which were slightly loose.
Sister Liu, skilled at sewing, said, “I’ll bring over my sewing kit and adjust these for you.”
“No need, they’re fine as they are,” Fang-shi replied.
Sister Liu, being a decisive person, left immediately to fetch her sewing kit. Outside He Zifeng’s home, many villagers had gathered, curious to see what was happening.
When Fang-shi emerged and saw her son, her eyes were filled with a mix of unfamiliarity and hesitation.
He Zifeng introduced her to Qiu Yu, holding his hand. “Mother, this is Qiu Yu. We’ve been married for five years and have a child who’s studying in the county. He’ll be back in a few days, and you’ll get to meet him then!”
After speaking, He Zifeng and Qiu Yu placed a woven bamboo mat on the ground, knelt together, and bowed to Fang-shi.
Fang-shi, overwhelmed by their gesture, started crying uncontrollably. “I haven’t prepared anything for you two. I owe you both,” she said, flustered.
After they stood up, Qiu Yu pulled out a handkerchief, wanting to wipe Fang-shi’s tears but unsure how to approach her, so he handed it to He Zifeng, who gently wiped her tears himself.
Having overheard the conversation between Fang-shi and Sister Liu, they understood how hard life had been for her all these years.
A while later, Sister Liu returned and immediately began altering Fang-shi’s clothes. Fang-shi hesitated, worried that if the clothes were made smaller, He Zifeng wouldn’t be able to wear them anymore.
“These clothes are already too small for him. You should wear them, Mother,” Qiu Yu reassured her. He then asked Sister Liu to make new clothes for Fang-shi, using their fabric and paying her for both labor and materials.
“Make two sets for daily wear and two cotton-padded sets for winter,” Qiu Yu instructed.
Fang-shi, concerned about the expense, said, “There’s no need. I can handle the cold. These old clothes are fine.”
Sister Liu smiled and said, “Auntie, just accept it. It’s their way of showing filial piety.”
Persuaded by Sister Liu, Fang-shi reluctantly agreed, though she still felt a twinge of guilt.
Once the clothes were altered, they fit Fang-shi much better. After a bath and a change into clean clothes—clothes her son used to wear—she felt a sense of comfort and belonging.
Qiu Yu offered her some buns. Though they were simple, filled with wild greens, the added pork made them flavorful and aromatic. Fang-shi ate two in one sitting.
Later that day, the village head, Liuzi, came by. He suggested that Fang-shi officially settle under her son’s household registration.
Fang-shi looked at her son and then at Qiu Yu, saying, “I can go to the county and find work.”
Liuzi shook his head. “Elder sister, you should stay with your son. Having such a successful son is a blessing many can only dream of. Why push yourself to leave?”
In a small voice, Fang-shi said, “I don’t want to be a burden.”
“You won’t be,” He Zifeng assured her. “Stay here with us.”
Fang-shi, overly cautious around her son, finally nodded in agreement after hearing his firm tone.
“If you need anything, just come to me,” Liuzi offered before Fang-shi, overwhelmed by his kindness, personally escorted him out.
The villagers watching were surprised. They noted how much Fang-shi had changed in appearance—cleaned up, wearing fresh clothes, she looked much more dignified.
Meanwhile, Qiu Yu had prepared another room, laying soft blankets on the bed. “Mother, you must be tired from your journey. Rest early,” he said.
Indeed, Fang-shi was exhausted. She hadn’t slept on such a soft bed in years; it felt like lying on a cloud. She quickly fell into a deep sleep.
That evening, with the house still in disarray, Qiu Yu leaned on He Zifeng’s shoulder, unable to sleep. Noticing Qiu Yu tossing and turning, He Zifeng pulled him close and asked, “What’s wrong?”
Propping himself up on one elbow, Qiu Yu hesitated before asking, “Do you think Mother likes me?”
“Of course,” He Zifeng replied confidently.
“Did mother say so?” Qiu Yu asked curiously.
“No, but she’s my mother. If I like you, she’ll like you too,” He Zifeng said with a grin.
Qiu Yu chuckled at his logic. “You’re ridiculous.”
He Zifeng held him tighter. “I spoke to Sister Liu and Sister Xu. They’ll come over tomorrow to keep Mother company while we’re out at the stall,” Qiu Yu added, worried that Fang-shi might feel lonely or awkward.
“You’re the best,” He Zifeng said with a smile. As her son, he hadn’t even thought of that.
Blushing, Qiu Yu muttered, “Stop flattering me.”
The playful exchange lightened Qiu Yu’s mood, and he finally began to relax.
The next morning, Qiu Yu prepared millet porridge, a rare treat for street vendors like them. He made it especially for Fang-shi.
To his surprise, Fang-shi was up even earlier, and the courtyard had already been tidied.
“Mother, when did you get up?” Qiu Yu asked in surprise.
“Not long ago,” Fang-shi replied. “I’ll go with you to the stall. I may not be much help, but I can at least carry things.”
“There’s no need, Mother. Qiu Yu made breakfast for you. Please have some,” He Zifeng said.
After days of hardship on the road, Fang-shi hadn’t had a proper meal in a long time. Seeing leftover buns, millet porridge, and pickled vegetables, she marveled at how much her life had changed—this was a lifestyle she hadn’t dared to dream of.
Although Fang-shi was staying at her son’s home, doing nothing but eating made her uncomfortable. She felt she had to contribute more to justify her stay.
Fang-shi said, “Let me go with you to the stall. I promise I won’t cause any trouble.” Despite speaking to her own son, there was an inexplicable hint of pleading in her tone.
Qiu Yu glanced at He Zifeng, realizing they might have misunderstood her. Fang-shi was someone used to hard labor and couldn’t stand idleness—it would be more torturous for her to stay idle.
He Zifeng said, “Alright, come with us then.”
Seeing He Zifeng agree, Fang-shi was visibly pleased. With her around, they even had time to eat a bit of breakfast before heading out.
Once on the cart, Qiu Yu, who usually sat beside He Zifeng to drive, felt awkward leaving Fang-shi alone in the back. However, having both He Zifeng and Fang-shi in the cramped cart didn’t feel right either.
In the end, Qiu Yu took the reins while He Zifeng sat inside to keep his mother company.
He Zifeng readily agreed. Qinghua, their horse, galloped smoothly and quickly. They opened the small windows on either side of the cart, letting a cool breeze pass through, making the ride comfortable.
“Mother, did you think of me over the years?” He Zifeng asked. This was the question that had weighed on him most in his past life. Every time his father scolded him, he wondered if it was because he wasn’t good enough. He often thought that if his mother had been around, everything might have been different.
“How could I not think of you?” Fang-shi replied. “A son is like a piece of flesh from his mother’s body. The longing was a constant ache. When I worked as a servant, there were opportunities to join the household as a bonded servant, but I refused. If I did, my son would have been labeled a servant’s child too. I held on and never agreed.”
Though mother and son weren’t entirely familiar with each other yet, they didn’t feel awkward even when sitting in silence.
Qinghua ran swiftly, and they soon reached the county. Since they’d had breakfast at home, they arrived a little later than usual. Some of their regular customers were already waiting.
“Why are you so late today?” one of them asked, clearly eager for their food.
He Zifeng and Qiu Yu explained while unloading, “We had some matters to handle this morning and got delayed.”
The regulars, familiar with the couple, noticed Fang-shi and asked, “Who’s this lady?”
“She’s my mother,” He Zifeng said. Fang-shi was deeply touched by his words.
Soon, customers began buying their goods.
While He Zifeng and Qiu Yu busied themselves, Fang-shi pitched in to help. With an extra pair of hands, the workload was much lighter. They sold out within half an hour, having prepared only a limited amount.
Fang-shi, who had spent most of her life working in large households and rarely interacting with people in public, found the experience both nerve-wracking and exhilarating. The positive reception from customers gave her an unexpected sense of accomplishment.
On the way home, she remarked, “Selling goods is quite fun.”
He Zifeng nodded. “We used to make pancakes too, but it was too exhausting, so we gave it up.”
On their way back, they stopped by the butcher’s stall. The butcher, accustomed to their routine, had everything ready. He handed over the goods in exchange for silver without much fuss.
The butcher now saw Qiu Yu as a godsend. What used to be hard-to-sell items like bones and offal were now eagerly purchased by the couple, turning a small profit for him. To keep their business, he often threw in extras like pig kidneys or a couple of taels of lean meat.
Loading the meat onto the cart, they returned home to find three of their neighborly sisters-in-law waiting by the door.
As soon as they arrived, they were told that He Donglai had been by earlier.
He Zifeng’s expression darkened slightly at the news. “Mother,” he said, “you never lived with him even when you were young. Now that he’s older and has two useless sons, he clearly wants you back to take care of them. Think it through carefully. If you stay here with me, I promise you’ll be well-fed and clothed.”
Fang-shi, touched by his words, replied, “I know you’re a filial son, and that makes me very happy.” She didn’t say anything more, avoiding the topic of He Donglai in front of others to prevent gossip and humiliation.
Fang-shi, though now staying at her son’s house, felt uneasy about eating without contributing. She eagerly joined the sisters-in-law in cleaning the pig offal.
Seeing that Fang-shi seemed fine, He Zifeng left and headed straight for his scoundrel father, He Donglai.
Upon entering the old He family home, a strange odor greeted him. With Xiao Wan-shi gone and Wan Hai’s family having moved out, the place had become eerily quiet.
In the courtyard, He Fan was cleaning wild greens. Once carefree and indifferent, only playing with his nephew, he was now burdened with the responsibility of running the household after Wan Hai’s departure.
When He Zifeng entered, He Fan greeted him, “Second Brother, what brings you here?”
Waving off the greeting, He Zifeng simply asked, “Where’s Father?”
He Fan immediately understood that trouble was brewing. He pointed toward a room without saying another word.
He Zifeng strode in and flung the door open, finding He Donglai seated inside. Though not particularly old, He Donglai refrained from physical labor, preferring to boss others around.
“I’m warning you: stay away from my mother!” He Zifeng snapped.
Having been humiliated by He Zifeng in past confrontations, He Donglai lacked his usual bluster. “Young couples grow old together,” he retorted, though his tone was weaker. “Do you plan to control even your mother’s relationships? What a joke!”
He Zifeng’s suspicions were confirmed: He Donglai was indeed trying to rekindle things with Fang-shi. Furious, he replied, “If my mother wants to remarry, it’ll be to someone decent, not a scoundrel like you!” His anger flared as he continued, “Let me make this clear: we severed ties a long time ago. If you keep causing trouble, don’t expect me to be so civil next time!”
With that, he slammed the door and left.
Once He Zifeng was gone, He Donglai finally dared to vent his frustration, stomping and yelling, “Ungrateful wretch! Talking to your father like that—may the heavens strike you down!”
The sound of things breaking came from inside the room.
He Fan, watching his second brother leave, didn’t dare intervene. The house was soon filled with He Donglai’s shouting. Even He Tong, who rarely left his room, hobbled out with his cane, a mocking smile on his face. “He Fan, don’t you think Father is utterly useless?”
He Fan remained silent, intimidated by his third brother’s unsettling grin.
He Tong sneered, “The capable ones have all left. It’s just us stuck here with this pathetic father. Do you think those who left ever saw us as family?” His eyes glinted with resentment. He could understand He Zifeng leaving, but even Wan Hai abandoned them the moment he found a better opportunity. He Tong didn’t believe their mother had died; she had likely just escaped from their miserable lives, completely disregarding them.
“I’ll take care of you,” He Fan mumbled.
He Tong scoffed, “You can’t even take care of yourself.” He then turned and shut his door.
…
When He Zifeng returned home, everyone was already busy working. His mother seemed to have adapted well and had quickly warmed up to Sister Liu and the others.
Only Qiu Yu noticed that He Zifeng was upset and quietly followed him into the house.
Seeing the furrowed brows on his husband’s face, Qiu Yu hugged him from behind and softly said, “Don’t be angry.”
From the moment He Zifeng came back, Qiu Yu had sensed something was wrong. He was worried—though He Zifeng was the head of the household, he was also a man with feelings, and He Donglai’s repeated provocations had clearly hit a nerve.
He Zifeng remained silent, so Qiu Yu kissed his throat lightly and gently smoothed his frown with his hand.
Taking Qiu Yu’s hand, He Zifeng pulled him close and kissed him deeply. Qiu Yu wrapped his arms around He Zifeng’s back, both comforting and calming him.
Only when Qiu Yu was breathless did He Zifeng release him.
Having someone to soothe his anger felt good.
Looking at Qiu Yu, He Zifeng felt his rage miraculously dissipate. He held Qiu Yu tightly, finding solace in his embrace.
R : so cute
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