Chapter 196 - Bailiffs (1/2)
In Yu Xiaocao’s consciousness, the little divine stone could communicate with the woman, [Saving a person’s life is more meritorious than building a seven-floor pagoda. Don’t worry, I will help you. Do you want to leave tonight, or…]
“Cui… Cuiyun!” The little divine stone’s words were interrupted by an aged and trembling voice. The three people and one ghost all looked towards the sound of the voice and saw the figure of Old Yu appear under the moonlight. After tonight, Old Yu seemed to have suddenly gotten a lot older.
The woman in white looked at Old Yu with a gaze that no longer had any warmth inside. With a faint gaze, she said, “Yu Liqiu, our marital affection had already been completely wiped out when you remained silent about Madam Zhang’s actions. To tell you the truth, I’m really disappointed in you! People often say: ‘With a stepmother, one will also have a stepfather.’ It turned out to be true ah!”
It was uncertain whether it was due to nostalgia or guilt, but Old Yu’s face was covered with tears. He said in a trembling voice, “I’m sorry that I didn’t take good care of our children. I have let you down ah!”
There wasn’t any emotion within the woman’s voice as she said, “There’s no need to say these unnecessary words. I don’t feel like listening to them anymore. I don’t need your repentance and atonement. The best way to atone for your wrongdoings is to stop causing so much trouble for Hai’er’s family in the future.”
After that, she looked at Yu Hai with reluctance and said in a soft voice, “Hai’er, I need to go! Reincarnation is the best ending for me. Don’t be sad. You have to stay well…”
She looked at the kitten in Xiaocao’s arms. The little divine stone understood her meaning. A golden light burst out of the woman’s body, and her figure gradually faded away…
“Mother——” Yu Hai cried out, which sounded even more tragic and mournful in the quiet mountain forest. However, he also knew that reincarnation was the best option for his mother. Although he was reluctant to let her go, it was impossible to let her stay.
Old Yu burst into tears, crying bitterly as he muttered, “She still blames me ah, still blames me… She’s unwilling to forgive me! Cuiyun, Cuiyun…I have let you down ah!!”
One knelt on the mountain road, while the other stood with his back bent. Yu Hai and Old Yu both looked in the direction of the scattered figure for a long time. A cool mountain breeze blew, and Yu Xiaocao sneezed loudly.
This sneeze released Yu Hai from his feelings of sorrow. Yu Hai rubbed the corner of his eyes and stood up. He took off his outer jacket and wrapped it around his daughter’s body, and then said with a slightly hoarse voice, “Cao’er, quickly wear this. Don’t catch a cold—Father, you should also go back.”
“She still blames me. She still blames me ah…” As if he had gotten possessed, Old Yu kept repeating this sentence.
Yu Hai sighed and gently said, “Father, I don’t blame you, and Mother wouldn’t either!! Madam Zhang is right about something: Younger Brother and Youngest Sister are also descendants of the Yu Family. There is flesh on both the palm of one’s hand and the back of one’s hand. They’re young, so there’s nothing wrong with you being partial towards them. Don’t think too much and quickly go back!”
Old Yu raised his head and looked at his son, who was the one that he was the least worried about since childhood, with eyes blurred by tears. If he had paid more attention to his son, would Madam Zhang have second thoughts about her actions? Would his son have suffered less? Would Cuiyun not blame him? There weren’t so many ‘what-ifs’ in life. People must take responsibility for their own actions!
“Dahai! You have already separated from family, so you don’t have to worry about the matters in the family. In the future… just live a good life!!” Old Yu turned around and walked back along the rugged mountain road. His footsteps appeared very heavy!
Yu Hai looked at his father’s back, which was no longer tall and straight. He opened his mouth and finally shouted, “Even if I left the family, you’re still my father! I will not give you any less of the filial respect that I shall provide you…” But, for the things that he didn’t need to give, he wouldn’t even take out a single copper coin!
The father and daughter returned to the old residence while supporting each other. Looking at the three tottering mudbrick buildings, Yu Hai suddenly said, “After the autumn harvest, let’s rebuild our house! Let’s knock down the old building and buy the land next to us, so we can build a spacious five-room, tile-roofed house. We can expand both the front and rear yards! We have to live a prosperous life so that your grandmother can reincarnate without any concern…”
Although Yu Xiaocao preferred to buy a house and land in town, she had to nod her head in support of him after hearing his words, “Mhm! If we’re going to build a house, then we’ll have to build the best house in the village. We should also get glass windows like the ones in Brother Han’s house. This can brighten up the house as well as keep warm.”
“Okay! Let’s get glass windows!” Yu Hai deeply exhaled, releasing the stuffiness in his chest. Anyone who found out that their mother was murdered by someone would feel uncomfortable within their hearts. Fortunately, his mother had appeared today and told him that she didn’t blame him. She also told him to live a good life… ‘Mother, you can rest assured. I will definitely live a prosperous life!’
The next day, Yu Xiaocao stayed at home and had some rare leisure time. The watermelon shop’s business was already on track, so Eldest Maternal Aunt could handle the store by herself. Thus, she didn’t need to help out and could have a good rest.
Around noon, Xiaocao’s younger uncle, Yu Bo, returned in a dazed state with several bailiffs behind him.