"I know, but if we don’t go into the mountains, I can’t think of any good solutions. After all, our family doesn’t have land, and without land, we don’t have food," Yang Ruxin sighed.
Li Dafeng wanted to persuade her some more, but she found herself unable to speak. After all, she wasn’t in Dani’s shoes. People driven to desperation could do anything; in the end, she could only sigh, "I’ve been sewing since I was young and have always picked up work from the splendid cloth shop in town. The Boss is a good person. From now on, let Erni come with me to get work to bring back."
"Then, thank you, Aunt Dafeng," Yang Ruxin smiled. "Once we get settled here, I’ll talk to my younger sister."
"Sister, we also need to take the table from inside the house," said Sanni, who had been walking ahead before suddenly stopping and turning back, "Burn it for firewood... Don’t leave it behind for them..."
"I’ll help you." Yang Ruxue, also known as Erni, had her items taken by Li Dafeng, so the sisters turned and headed back toward the Yang family courtyard.
Naturally, Yang Ruxin stopped and waited. Their family was moving out of the old Yang residence and had no plans to return. However, even though the property division papers stated that the house belonged to the main branch, she knew that given the Yang family’s nature, it would probably be taken over soon.
"Your siblings are all very sensible," remarked Li Dafeng, "it’s just that Xiaofeng is too young... If he were an older brother..."
Yang Ruxin smiled, "Having this little brother, I am very content. I will raise him well..."
At that moment, Erni and Sanni were struggling to carry out a wobbly-legged table. But someone soon came over, lifted the table, and walked away—it was Gu Yao.
However, Gu Yao glanced at Yang Ruxin and then handed her a cloth bag, "Big Brother told you to use this on your face." After saying that, he turned and left, his tone and gaze full of reproach.
Looking down at the cloth bag in her hands, Yang Ruxin smelled the scent of medicinal herbs and couldn’t help but smile. Gu Qingheng was quite thoughtful. She then pressed the cloth bag to her swollen face. Juices seeped out of it, and when applied to the skin, it felt very cool and comfortable.
"The Gu Family’s second son is really not bad," Li Dafeng said, watching Gu Yao’s retreating figure with a suggestive smile, "He knows you were beaten, that’s him showing his concern..."
Yang Ruxin glanced at Li Dafeng, "Auntie, don’t overthink it. It was Aunt Feng who saw our plight and asked Gu Erge to help..." She didn’t dare to say it was Gu’s eldest who had sent the medicine. But she wondered if women reached a certain age, did they all have a potential to be matchmakers?
"Actually, I think Gu Qingheng is quite good," laughed Li Dafeng, "You’re also at the age of looking for a husband. It’s rare that the Gu family doesn’t mind your siblings’ burden. So, give it some thought..." She paused, "If I had a daughter, I would certainly treasure such a son-in-law..."
Yang Ruxin couldn’t help but blow a stray hair from her forehead, not expecting Little Yaozi to be in such demand.
By the time they arrived at the house at the back of the village, it was no longer appropriate for Li Dafeng to keep talking to Yang Ruxin. She simply told her to pick up seeds for the nearby land that needed planting after she had settled in.
After expressing her gratitude, Yang Ruxin sent her off.
Although the main branch’s situation seemed miserable, the faces of the young ones were all smiling. It was a reflection of their yearning for their future life; after all, from now on they could sleep until whatever time they wanted, eat as much as they liked, and never again would anyone come to scold or even beat them on a whim.