Chapter 31: See clearly

“Zhen’er, Qiao’er, come here.”

Kang saw that Mrs. Chen had gone to the kitchen, beckoned to the two girls, and called them into the room.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a piece of sugar cake, holding it out in his palm to the two girls.

Zhen’er pursed her lips, not daring to take it, but Qiao’er grabbed the sugar cake and split a piece for Zhen’er.

“Brother-in-law, you must know about Aunt’s business, right?”

Kang smiled, “You’re the clever one, little miss. It seems like something’s up, but neither Mother nor Big Brother will talk about it. You two tell me what’s going on, so I can understand what kind of person this Aunt is.”

Zhen’er pursed her lips again and whispered, “Mother told us not to talk about Aunt. She’d get angry if she found out.”

Qiao’er, however, snorted and said, “Brother-in-law isn’t an outsider. Aunt always comes when Big Brother isn’t home, and every time she leaves, she takes food and drinks. Mother keeps cakes and candied fruit in the cupboard, and that cousin of ours never leaves without stuffing himself full. Mother doesn’t even let us eat those things usually, but she gives them to him to eat and take away.”

Zhen’er, hearing Qiao’er’s complaints, fell silent.

Qiao’er continued, “That cousin is the naughtiest. He’s been told not to go into Big Brother’s room, but he sneaks in anyway and messes it up. The last time Big Brother came back from the mountains, he dragged those two cousins and threw them in front of Aunt. She put on a show of scolding them, looking so stern, but then she held a grudge against Big Brother.”

“Every time Aunt comes, she talks to Mother for half a day, wiping tears and saying how she feels sorry for Mother, having to be a stepwife in a poor household, with a domineering stepson like Big Brother who doesn’t respect or honor her.”

Every time, she says things to show she understands Mother’s hardships.

Mother, who didn’t feel her life was that bad before, gets emotional from Aunt’s heartfelt sympathy, and the two end up crying together like suffering sisters.

After all these sympathetic words, Aunt would say that Mother has no son of her own to rely on.

If she’d had a son with the Fan family, Father Fan and the whole family would surely respect her, and no one would dare mistreat her.

Even someone as overbearing as Fan Jing would have to respect her.

Qiao’er, sharp-tongued, continued, “After saying all that, Aunt starts praising Uncle and those two cousins.”

The little girl imitated her aunt, pretending to wipe her eyes and holding Zhen’er’s hand, mimicking her tone: “Sister, life’s already like this, but we can’t let it stop us from living, right? We’ve got to find other ways to live well.”

“Even though you don’t have a son, your two nephews are just as dear. Treat them well now, and I always tell them how hard it is for their aunt. When they grow up, they’ll be filial to you. Your nephews will be your support, and no one will dare disrespect you!”

After mimicking, Qiao’er said to Kang, “Aunt says this every time she comes. Sister and I can practically predict what she’s going to say next.”

Zhen’er nodded slightly, whispering, “But Mother loves hearing it and takes it to heart.”

“Exactly! Mother’s afraid of being mistreated at home, so she listens to Aunt’s sweet talk and gives her lots of things every time.”

Qiao’er, clearly upset, said, “Take this time, for example. I saw Mother pack a big bundle of dried flour we worked hard to make, a big piece of taro tofu, and a slab of cured meat for Aunt. And that’s not all—she even gave each cousin fifty coins!”

Kang’s eyes flickered.

“That much?”

Qiao’er said, “Big Brother gave her money for the feast before, and she didn’t dare touch that. So she used the money meant for buying taro tofu to give to the cousins. In the past, even when money was tight, she’d still give them five or eight coins! But Aunt never gives us anything. Uncle builds houses for people, and while they mostly rely on farming, he has a trade. Their life is much better than ours.”

Kang’s brow furrowed as he asked, “When Aunt comes, does she ever bring anything?”

“She does, but this time it was just a few radishes, and last time some pickled vegetables. She’ll say the radishes from their fields are especially sweet this year, or the pickles are perfectly flavored, and she brought them because she was thinking of Mother. But who doesn’t have those things in a farming household?”

Qiao’er added, “Once, she brought a piece of hemp cloth, saying it was from the offering table of the fertility goddess at the temple, blessed and all. She told Mother to sleep under it, and maybe she’d have a son. Mother loved it and thought Aunt was so thoughtful. She slept under it every day until Father complained it smelled moldy, and only then did she put it away in the cupboard.”

Kang listened and fell silent for a moment.

He had a good sense of what kind of person Mrs. Chen’s sister-in-law was.

In his heart, he thought that it’s natural for a woman or a son to care for her natal family after marriage—it wouldn’t do to cut ties completely.

But relatives should have mutual care and understanding.

Mrs. Chen was clearly being taken advantage of by her sister-in-law’s family, who exploited her soft spot to get food and money, dangling the promise of male heirs and offering small favors to gain bigger benefits.

Kang said he understood and went to find Fan Jing, telling him, “Now I know why you were yelling at Mother to take out the money earlier.”

Fan Jing was in the courtyard, brushing mud off his shoes.

“You’ve met those two boys?”

Kang nodded.

Given Mrs. Chen’s temperament, she likely already knew this wasn’t the first time it happened.

As for the money, if it were in Fan Jing’s hands, it wouldn’t fare much better than in Mrs. Chen’s.

He might end up buying wine and drinking with his old buddies.

Mrs. Chen’s unchecked support for her natal family had caused Fan Jing to lose his temper before.

She’d cried and packed to return to her natal home, only for Father Fan to bring her back.

Her natal family used this to guilt her further, reinforcing her trust in their words.

Fan Jing, helpless, kept the money in his own hands, giving out as little as possible.

For big expenses, he’d take some out, or Mrs. Chen would ask for it herself, making him seem overbearing and unreasonable to those unaware of the situation.

“I didn’t know they were like that before,” Kang said apologetically to Fan Jing, feeling bad for the silent burden he’d carried.

“I know,” Fan Jing replied.

He could’ve told Kang about this earlier but didn’t want to speak ill of anyone in the family.

He acknowledged Mrs. Chen’s hard work and contributions, but her flaws were undeniable.

Instead of gossiping, he let Kang see it for himself, trusting he’d understand.

Kang sighed, “Mother’s had a hard time. Marrying into the Fan family, she’s been overshadowed by the main branch, and Grandfather and Grandmother favor Aunt. She has no one to confide in. When Aunt says a few kind words, it’s like a lifeline, so it’s natural she clings to her.”

In the end, it’s her lack of security.

She’s afraid that once Qiao’er marries, she’ll be like an outsider, bullied in this household.

Having her natal family gives her a sense of support.

Kang felt Mrs. Chen’s thinking wasn’t wrong, but she’d trusted the wrong people.

Her natal family only cared about taking advantage of her.

If she were truly bullied in the future and had nothing left to offer, why would they care about her?

Kang took Fan Jing’s hand and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll handle this.”

Fan Jing glanced at him, hesitated, then nodded.

Later, Kang went to find Mrs. Chen alone.

Chen Sanfang wasn’t keen on talking to Kang, feeling he might criticize her about her natal family.

Whenever he approached, she’d find an excuse to do something else.

“Mother, today Big Jing and I went to the city to sell taro tofu. Several regular customers asked about you when they saw you weren’t there,” Kang said, sensing her reluctance.

“Big Jing and I think you’re great at business. In just a few days, you’ve won over so many customers.”

“I’ve made some plans to discuss with you, but if you’re busy, I’ll come back later.”

With that, Kang fell silent.

Mrs. Chen, hooked by his words, couldn’t wait and grabbed him, saying, “Tell me what plans you have. I’m listening.”

Kang then said, “I see you’re good at business. Most farmwives aren’t as capable as you. If we keep the taro business going long-term, it won’t make much, but it’s a steady income. The taro roots can be cut and planted like yams, growing again next year. We could set aside a plot to grow them, harvest them when mature, and make taro tofu to sell. What do you think?”

Chen Sanfang thought it sounded promising.

“I think it’s great! If we can make it work, it’ll ease the household’s finances. I can plant the taro, tend to it, water and weed it, and when it’s grown, make tofu and sell it.”

Kang nodded with a smile.

“With your drive, I’m confident. Our family’s poor, so to live better, we need to work together.”

Mrs. Chen happily agreed.

Seeing this, Kang said, “Since we’re being sincere, I’ll speak plainly.”

“Sanlang, whatever you have to say, just say it. I love hearing you talk.”

Kang said, “These days, though Big Jing and I have been in the mountains, we’ve seen how people can be. Many look down on poor families like ours and are quick to flatter the powerful while stepping on the weak. That’s why our family needs to stick together and be cautious about who we associate with.”

“You’re right. Many in the village look down on us, so we don’t deal with those families,” Mrs. Chen said.

Kang nodded and asked, “Who do you think we should associate with, and what kind of relatives should we keep close?”

Chen Sanfang replied, “Naturally, those who help each other in times of need and keep in touch regularly.”

“You’re right, I think the same. With our family’s current situation, having reliable relatives is a good thing,” Kang said to her.

“Today, I noticed Big Jing isn’t close to Aunt’s family. By all accounts, Aunt and Uncle’s family should be as close to us as family can get.”

Mrs. Chen had a hunch Kang would bring up her natal family.

She didn’t want to discuss it, but hearing him say this, she was happy to talk.

“Sanlang, you’re the only one who understands me. My brother and sister-in-law are my flesh and blood, as close as family can be. But Big Jing doesn’t like them!”

Kang said, “I understand your heart, so I want to resolve this. You said earlier that the most important thing in relationships with relatives and friends is mutual support and sincerity. If it’s a wealthy family, they contribute money; if it’s a poor one, they contribute effort. That shows true heart. But if someone doesn’t offer money or effort in times of need, how are they different from strangers? Am I right?”

Mrs. Chen nodded.

“That’s the truth.”

“It’s only right for you to stay close to your natal family. You treat them with sincerity, and you expect the same in return,” Kang said.

“If they’re truly sincere, I’ll set a table with good dishes and invite Aunt’s family over for a proper meal. It’ll help Big Jing and them resolve their issues, and we can maintain good relations moving forward. What do you think?”

Mrs. Chen’s heart was deeply moved, her eyes reddening.

“My dear son, having you in this family is a blessing for generations. If we can really do this, I couldn’t be happier!”

“Since you agree, I’m at ease. But first, we need to see if Aunt’s family is sincere and truly sees us as family. If it’s just you being sincere while Aunt isn’t, that won’t do.”

Chen Sanfang quickly said, “You don’t know how thoughtful my sister-in-law is. She and my brother only ever treat us well.”

Kang replied, “I’m not speaking ill of Uncle and Aunt, but many people are all talk and dodge real action. I heard Uncle builds houses. Since we’re preparing for the feast, why don’t you ask him to help widen the stove and fix the roof that leaks in winter? If he’s willing to come, I’ll treat him to good food and wine. But with the feast in the first month, money’s tight, so we can’t pay him for the work.”

Mrs. Chen hurriedly said, “I’ll talk to him, and I’m sure he’ll come without asking for money.”

“Good!”

And so, they made the agreement.

The next day, as Kang had suggested, Mrs. Chen went to her natal home empty-handed.

The Chen family wasn’t too far from the Fan family, closer than the city, just in a different village.

Kang stayed home preparing taro.

Fan Jing returned from the fields after a while and, hearing Mrs. Chen had gone to her natal home, was washing mud off his shoes in the courtyard.

He said to Kang, “Aren’t you afraid she’ll actually bring them back?”

“If she does, it means Uncle’s family is still decent kin, and we’ll respect them accordingly.”

Fan Jing didn’t say more, knowing that with Mrs. Chen going empty-handed and not offering payment, she likely wouldn’t convince anyone to come.

Sure enough, later that afternoon, Chen Sanfang returned empty-handed.

“Mother, did you get cold on the way? I’ve made you a bowl of ginger soup to warm you up,” Kang said.

Chen Sanfang, hearing his words, felt a pang in her heart.

She entered the kitchen, and Kang brought her a bowl of ginger soup, just the right temperature.

“What good food did you eat at Uncle’s house today?” Kang teased, unintentionally hitting a sore spot.

Today, when she arrived, her two nephews didn’t even call her “Aunt” since she brought nothing.

She asked her brother to help repair the house, and he laughed, asking how much her husband paid him daily, saying that hiring workers now cost over a hundred coins a day.

She explained, as Kang had suggested, that money was tight for the feast, and her brother fell silent.

At lunch, they served plain boiled vegetables and a dish of leftovers from the previous meal.

There wasn’t even a hint of meat or an oily dish, and she was too embarrassed to mention it.

After the meal, her sister-in-law said she had to help someone else, and her brother was heading out too.

She brought up the house repairs again, but her brother said he’d taken another job and wasn’t free.

When she asked when he’d be free, he said it wouldn’t be until after the first month.

She grew suspicious, unsure if she was overthinking or if they were truly busy.

This time, going empty-handed, her brother’s family acted so differently from their usual warmth.

“They were busy. My brother took an outside job and won’t be free until after the new year,” Chen Sanfang said softly, too ashamed to say more to Kang.

Seeing her demeanor, Kang guessed she’d been slighted at her natal home.

“No matter, it’s near the year’s end, and every household is busy.”

Relieved that Kang didn’t blame her, Chen Sanfang felt even worse.

After drinking the ginger soup, she told the family she was tired from the trip and didn’t come out for dinner.

That night, Kang took off his outer clothes and climbed into bed, leaning over to kiss Fan Jing, who was lying quietly.

Fan Jing pulled him up.

“What’s wrong?” Kang asked, sprawled on the bed, looking at him with a mock grievance.

“What are you planning?” Fan Jing asked.

“Just kissing you. What else?”

Fan Jing, a bit awkwardly, said, “That’s not what I meant.”

Kang scooted closer, lying beside him, knowing he was still worried about Mrs. Chen.

“One visit won’t make everything clear. If we lay it all out to Mother now, she might not listen. The timing isn’t right yet.”

Fan Jing glanced at him, his brow slightly furrowed.

He wasn’t good at handling these matters, or it wouldn’t have come to this.

But seeing Kang take on these trivial issues made him feel uneasy.

“If we hadn’t decided to stay, we wouldn’t have faced all this.”

Hearing Fan Jing’s words, Kang’s expression tightened.

“Because I chose to stay, I’m willing to deal with these things, not pretend to be deaf and mute. Big Jing, you don’t need to feel guilty or indebted over this.”

“But I’m glad you feel that way,” Kang said, his eyes glinting with a smile.

“I heard that love makes you feel like you owe someone.”

He looked at Fan Jing.

“Is that you?”

Fan Jing’s brow twitched.

He wasn’t sure if it was or wasn’t.

But, rare for him, he didn’t avoid the question.

“I’m not sure.”

Kang chuckled at his response, reaching out to hug him.

“Tell me when you’re sure. I can wait.”

…

A few days later, the quiet countryside occasionally echoed with the sound of firecrackers.

After the Little New Year, every day brought feasts, and the area buzzed with activity.

Taking advantage of the liveliest days, the family sold all their taro.

Before the Little New Year, taro sold for four coins a piece, but in the days after, it rose to five coins.

Despite the higher price, it sold well.

The money from selling taro tofu this time, Mrs. Chen didn’t dare keep, handing it all to Kang.

This year, with the taro sales, the family had some extra money and could’ve had a lively New Year.

But they only prepared three meat dishes, keeping things simple, saving the big celebration for the upcoming feast at home.

Around the tenth day of the first month, they visited a few relatives, including Kang’s family.

But no one was home—neighbors said Kang’s parents had heard of a skilled doctor and taken his second brother for treatment, so they returned empty-handed.

That day, Kang figured the time was right.

He went to Mrs. Chen and said they’d saved some money and discussed with Fan Jing about buying livestock.

It would make transporting things to and from the mountains easier and help with plowing in the spring.

But livestock was expensive, and even emptying their savings wouldn’t be enough.

Mrs. Chen agreed that livestock was useful—every farming household wanted it.

Hearing Kang and Fan Jing’s plan, she was delighted.

She opened her chest and took out her savings, but combined with theirs, it still wasn’t enough.

“Maybe we could borrow some,” Kang suggested.

“From who?” Mrs. Chen asked.

“From Uncle and Aunt. Didn’t Uncle take an outside job? It’s probably done by now, so they should have some money,” Kang said.

“We won’t borrow for long. Once the feast is done and we get some gift money, we’ll pay some back. Then Big Jing and I will go to the mountains to earn more to repay them.”

Mrs. Chen hesitated.

“Maybe we wait until after the feast to buy.”

“Mother, you’re being silly. Don’t livestock prices rise during spring plowing and autumn harvest? Only in the winter, when fodder is scarce and spring hasn’t started, are prices good.”

Mrs. Chen fell silent, knowing he was right.

Seeing her hesitation, Kang said, “If you can’t bring yourself to ask, I’ll go to Uncle’s house. Grandfather and Grandmother like me, so they’ll probably help.”

“Don’t you dare! You’ll get scolded! With the new year, Fan Xin’s tuition for the academy is due—a big expense. If Grandfather and Grandmother know we’re borrowing for livestock, something they don’t even have, they might not lend to us but borrow from us instead.”

Kang widened his eyes.

“Good thing I didn’t go.”

After some hesitation, Mrs. Chen said, “I’ll go to my natal home.”

Seeing her agree, Kang quickly said, “I’ll pack some things for you to take to Uncle and Aunt.”

Mrs. Chen, a bit embarrassed, said, “Good.”

After lunch, Mrs. Chen carried a basket and went to her natal home again.

She’d asked Qiao’er to come along, but Qiao’er refused, wanting to play with Xiangxiu at the main branch, so she went alone.

Kang stayed home, quietly waiting.

At the Chen household, Hu, Chen Er’s wife, received the basket of eggs from Chen Sanfang and warmed up to her.

“Sister, why didn’t you come earlier? You could’ve had lunch here. I’d have made tofu stewed with meat—your favorite.”

“If you’d come last time, we didn’t have meat, and I felt bad about it. I’ve been thinking about it ever since.”

In the past, Chen Sanfang would’ve been swayed by her sister-in-law’s words, but after the last visit, she felt some resentment.

She couldn’t help but recall Kang’s words about people who are all talk but dodge real action.

She’d never thought of her brother and sister-in-law that way before, but now she was starting to.

Though upset, as the elder sister, she didn’t dwell on it, saying, “We’re family, no need for that.”

“Why’d you come at this time? Didn’t bring Qiao’er to play?”

“Xiangxiu’s family came, and she’s staying at the main branch, refusing to go anywhere,” Chen Sanfang said.

“Last time, you said Erdi took an outside job. Has he finished it? The feast is coming—can he make it?”

Hu didn’t think much of it.

“How could we miss your feast? We said we’d come to support you. I even pulled out a good outfit from the bottom of the chest the other day—won’t I look fine in it?”

Seeing her brother’s family being considerate, Chen Sanfang brought up her reason for coming.

“I’m relieved to hear Erdi’s job is done. I came to invite you all early for the feast, and… I wanted to borrow some money.”

She quickly explained when she’d repay it.

Hu’s face changed at the mention of borrowing money, barely hearing what came after.

Suppressing her displeasure, she said with a forced laugh, “Sister, what’s with you lately? First, you ask Zhuangsheng to do hard labor, now you want his hard-earned money. Are you short on cash, or is the Fan family short?”

“I’m telling you, don’t waste too much effort on other people’s sons. Qiao’er is your own flesh and blood.”

Chen Sanfang said, “It’s not for Big Brother’s marriage. Spring’s coming, and your brother-in-law’s been complaining about back pain. He can’t work as hard as before, but the fields need tending. I thought buying livestock would save some effort.”

“If your husband’s not feeling well, let Fan Jing come home to work the fields. With a son-in-law at your door, are you worried about the crops? Why buy livestock? You have to feed it daily, and if it dies, all that money’s gone. Are you saying you’ve got money to burn?”

Chen Sanfang felt Hu’s words were unreasonable.

She knew their situation but spoke like this.

Still, she kept her temper and said, “We only have a few acres. If Big Brother stops going to the mountains, how will we eat?”

Hu fell silent for a while before saying, “Sister, you know Zhuangsheng doesn’t earn much. We’ve got two boys to raise. Boys aren’t like girls or sons-in-law—they need more to marry and settle down.”

“It won’t take long to repay you. Why do you act like I’m some kind of person?” Chen Sanfang said.

“When my nephews marry, I, as their aunt, will give them money too.”

Hu muttered, “Who knows about the future? Right now, an aunt asking her nephews for money is real enough.”

Her voice was low, but Chen Sanfang heard it.

The words, meant for someone borrowing humbly, sparked her anger—not just because Hu refused to lend money.

“What do you mean by that? You say the future’s uncertain, but who was it that kept telling me my nephews would be filial to me? You talked about the future all the time before, but now you don’t acknowledge it. So only your talk of the future counts, and mine’s just empty words?!”

Seeing Chen Sanfang’s sharp words, Hu realized her mistake and slapped her own mouth.

“Oh, that’s not what I meant! Sister, you know I’m clumsy with words. Don’t take it to heart.”

Chen Sanfang, hurt by Hu’s words, said in a huff, “Fine, if that’s not what you meant, lend me some money, and I’ll know your sincerity.”

“Sister, you’re being ridiculous. At our age, why act like this?” Hu refused.

“I see it now. You’ve just been stringing me along! I’m done coming here, and don’t you come to my place either!” Chen Sanfang, furious, grabbed the basket of eggs she’d brought and left.

Hu didn’t chase after her, just stood there briefly without even stepping out the door.

Chen Sanfang, sneaking a glance back, felt even more heartbroken.

She walked home crying, breaking a few eggs along the way.

By the time she got home, it was nearly dark.

Father Fan, seeing the late hour and her absence, had gone to the village entrance to meet her.

Kang, Fan Jing, and the two girls were cooking in the kitchen.

Seeing Mrs. Chen return with red eyes, the girls rushed to ask what was wrong.

Kang and Fan Jing exchanged a glance, both understanding but pretending to be clueless, showing concern as well.

Seeing her family’s care, Chen Sanfang felt even more heartbroken and cried, covering her eyes.

Exhausted from crying, she sipped some soup the girls brought.

Kang had prepared a boiled egg to reduce the swelling around her eyes.

“My heartless brother and sister-in-law not only refused to help but said such cold things. I’m done with them!” she said, angrily recounting her attempt to borrow money.

Kang handed her the peeled egg to roll over her eyes and said gently, “No wonder you’re upset. Think about it, Mother—where did the money you saved come from? We trekked from the mountains, falling several times to bring back taro, working from dawn to dusk to make taro tofu, selling it in the cold and snow. All that hard work for a few coins, yet Aunt comes, eats tea and snacks, warms herself by the brazier, says a few words, and walks away with money. No one earns it easier than her.”

Hearing Kang’s words, Mrs. Chen stayed silent but grew more convinced he was right.

“Uncle and Aunt only know how to coax money from you but won’t lift a finger or spend a coin for us. You can’t see their sincerity,” Kang said.

“I know you have no son and worry that once Qiao’er marries, you’ll be alone, with no one to care for you in old age or protect you from being bullied. That’s why you think so highly of Uncle’s nephews. Planning for the future isn’t wrong, but Uncle and Aunt don’t seem reliable. You pour your heart out for them, but they just see you as an easy mark, not someone they truly care about.”

Mrs. Chen, struck at her sore spot, couldn’t hold back tears.

Kang spoke from the heart: “I’m telling you, Mother, rest easy. As long as Big Jing and I are here, we won’t let anyone bully you! If there’s no son in the family, you still have me. Father and Mother, Big Jing and I will honor you just the same.”

He looked at Fan Jing.

Fan Jing, standing nearby, nodded to Mrs. Chen.

His chest heaved slightly, and he said, rare for him, “If you stop getting tangled up with them, we’ll let the past go and live well as a family moving forward.”

Hearing their words, Mrs. Chen was overwhelmed with emotion.

Her hardships, which she thought no one understood, were seen so clearly by these two, who cared for her so deeply.

She felt ashamed of her foolishness and regretted her actions, crying out, “My dear sons! I was blind before, fooled by those people. I swear I won’t do it again!”

Kang said, “It’s not about cutting off your natal family completely, but you can’t keep doting on them like before. Keep things civil with relatives, and that’s enough.”

Wiping her eyes, Mrs. Chen said earnestly, “I didn’t know you two cared for me so much. I was afraid you’d see me as an outsider. Now I know, and I’ll listen to you both from now on.”