Chapter 65

To the south of the ancestral Wang family home, there was a piece of land measuring four fen (*) reserved for future expansion. When there was enough money, and the children had grown up, a house could be built there, connecting it to the ancestral home.

T/N: a traditional unit of area.

It was right for the eldest branch to inherit the ancestral home. However, Wang Yuan’er knew that in a few years, everything a devastating flood would destroy there. In such circumstances, inheriting the ancestral home would be pointless. It was better to claim the land, which could either be kept or sold—it was far more practical than the house and avoided the resentment of the second branch.

Grandma Liang didn’t fully agree, but Wang Yuan’er gave her a look, and she chose to remain silent.

Grandpa Wang and the others were surprised and turned to Madam Liang: “What does the eldest sister-in-law think?”

Madam Liang was already in a state of utter exhaustion, knowing her life was fading away. She agreed to whatever her daughter suggested, weakly saying, “Everything is up to Yuan’er.”

Thus, the family division was settled. Little Uncle, being literate, quickly drafted two documents. Everyone signed them, keeping one copy for each branch.

The remaining money was not divided, and after the division was recorded, the eldest branch continued to live in the eastern room. They were responsible for their own meals and expenses while sharing the kitchen.

“Father, Mother, I have one last request,” said Madam Liang, her face growing paler as she looked at Grandpa Wang and his wife with pleading eyes.

“Go ahead.”

“The children’s marriages will need your attention. I don’t ask for wealth or status, only that they marry for love.” Madam Liang looked lovingly at Wang Yuan’er.

Wang Yuan’er fell to her knees, crying at her bedside, “Mother!”

Granny Liang also wept, saying, “As long as I’m here and her uncle is here, don’t worry about it.”

Madam Liang gave a weak smile. Her gaze lingered on the sleeping baby’s face in the cradle. She leaned over with difficulty to kiss him and said, “My son, I wish you a safe and happy life.”

She reluctantly caressed his face before turning to Aunt Tie Zhu and saying, “Please take the little one outside.”

Being close to death, Madam Liang believed it was inauspicious for the newborn to remain in the same room.

Everyone understood her intentions. Aunt Tie Zhu picked up the baby and, wiping her tears, carried him out.

“She needs to be wrapped up now,” said Aunt Tie Zhu, glancing at Madam Liang and realizing she couldn’t hold on any longer.

“Mother, Mother!” Wang Yuan’er cried in anguish.

“Be good. Step outside now. I want to be dressed properly when I see your father,” said Madam Liang, forcing a reassuring smile.

“Mother, no! Please don’t leave!” Wang Yuan’er cried, refusing to accept it.

Tears streamed down Madam Liang’s face. How could she bear to leave?

“Yuan’er, don’t let your mother leave with regrets,” Granny Liang said as she closed her eyes and walked out, knowing it wasn’t appropriate for her to stay during the wrapping.

Wang Yuan’er was dragged out while everyone else burst into tears.

Moments later, Aunt Tie Zhu came out and said to Wang Yuan’er and her siblings, “Go and see her one last time.”

The sisters rushed inside, crying out in anguish like little beasts calling for their mother.

In the courtyard, everyone waited in sorrow. Suddenly, the cries from inside grew louder, piercing the night. The infant in Aunt Tie Zhu’s arms began to wail as if sensing his mother’s departure.

“Rongniang, ah, why don’t you take me with you!” Granny Liang sobbed uncontrollably and fainted.

The dark sky suddenly filled with heavy snow, falling thickly like an elegy for this heartbreaking farewell.

On the sixth night of the first lunar month in the 30th year of Jianhe, after giving birth to a son, Madam Liang succumbed to postpartum hemorrhage and passed away, leaving behind five children at the age of 31.

Chapter 66

Madam Liang Shi’s funeral was held modestly, as it wasn’t a joyful occasion, but almost everyone in Changle Town knew that her death was caused by postpartum hemorrhage due to a premature and difficult delivery. Many couldn’t help but sigh at the news.

Before her death, Madam Liang’s request to divide the family assets had spread throughout the town. Some called her foolish, while others praised her for her strength—at least she tried to fight for her children before passing away. People had various opinions, but most felt sympathetic and pitiful toward her.

After all, Wang Da had passed away less than a year ago, and now Madam Liang was gone too, leaving behind several children. The newborn son hadn’t even had a chance to be nursed by his own mother—how could one not feel pity?

As it was still during the New Year’s celebrations, Madam Liang’s body, following the customs of Changle Town, was kept for three days before being buried in the ancestral graveyard next to Wang Da.

The paper decorations from Wang Da’s old grave hadn’t yet faded, and now a new grave was added beside it, making it hard not to feel heartache.

It’s considered inauspicious for the older generation to send off the younger, but Scholar Liang, upon hearing the news, still came. He sat silently by Madam Liang’s grave for half a day before leaving quietly, never stepping into the Wang family’s home.

Wang Yuan’er knew her grandfather was both grieving and resentful, which was why he refused to enter the Wang household. Was it for this reason in her previous life that he also chose to distance himself from the Wang family?

His actions further embarrassed Grandpa and Grandma Wang—such behavior from their in-laws clearly signaled blame.

Grandma Wang’s resentment toward Madam Zhang grew even deeper. If it weren’t for this daughter-in-law, would such tragedies have happened? Two deaths in one year—what kind of misfortune had befallen their family?

After Madam Liang was laid to rest, the baby, Xiao Bao, cried incessantly day and night. Unable to soothe him, Wang Yuan’er resorted to feeding him rice water and carried him to other new mothers in search of milk.

“Sister Guogen, sorry to bother you again.” Wang Yuan’er, carrying Xiao Bao on her back, forced a smile as she arrived at Li Guogen’s doorstep and began to undo the straps.

“Why call it a bother? My milk overflows every day, and my little one is a girl who doesn’t drink much. This boy has a big appetite, which actually solves my problem,” said Sister Guogen as she took Xiao Bao into her arms. Sitting on the stone slab at her door, she lifted her clothing, and Xiao Bao instinctively nestled into her embrace.

Although Wang Yuan’er had lived two lifetimes, she had never been a mother. Even though it wasn’t her first time seeing Sister Guogen nurse like this, she still felt shy and turned her head away.

Noticing Wang Yuan’er’s reddened ears, Sister Guogen chuckled and said, “Don’t be embarrassed. I’m just a simple woman.”

“No, I’m not embarrassed,” Wang Yuan’er quickly waved her hand and sincerely added, “Sister, thank you so much.”

In a world where many would kick someone when they’re down, those who offer help in times of need are rare. She knew that some people said her siblings were cursed, especially her youngest brother, who lost his father while still in the womb and his mother at birth. Rumors even claimed he bore the ominous mark of bringing misfortune to his parents. She couldn’t help but feel anger, but she had no way to silence others—after all, their mouths were their own.

No matter how harsh the gossip, they could only grit their teeth and move forward, step by step, with determination.

After feeding Xiao Bao, Wang Yuan’er carried him on her back and left. Sister Guogen adjusted her clothing, watched the siblings’ retreating figures, sighed deeply, and returned inside.

When Wang Yuan’er returned home with Xiao Bao, she was greeted by the sound of crying. Entering the house, she saw Wang Qing’er with disheveled hair and torn clothes, sobbing while holding her head. Wang Chun’er was beside her, trying to comfort her.

“What happened? Who did you fight with?” Wang Yuan’er asked with a frown.

“It was Second Aunt’s nephew. He said our family is cursed and called Xiao Bao a ‘Heavenly Lone Star,'” Wang Qing’er cried, lifting her tear-streaked face.