"My daughter-in-law is amazing—smart, capable, and so filial. She even took time off work to come back with me to pay respects at my late husband’s grave."
Yang Yufen boasted to the villagers in their local dialect. Whenever someone praised Qin Nian, Yang Yufen would translate their words into Mandarin for her, making sure Qin Nian understood everything and wasn’t left in the dark.
"My daughter-in-law picked out so many specialties from the capital. Their food is so different from ours."
Yang Yufen chatted cheerfully with a group of elderly women, including Third Aunt, and patted Qin Nian’s hand.
"Go bring the pastries we brought and let everyone try some."
Qin Nian nodded and left, quietly relieved. Even with her mother-in-law translating, the heavy accents made it hard for her to follow, and the overwhelming warmth of the villagers was a bit much for her.
Grateful they’d brought plenty of treats, Qin Nian returned with the pastries. Yang Yufen helped distribute them, and everyone showed restraint, taking just a taste. Even the children crowding around the car got their share, with no one grabbing extra.
"We’ve been on the road a long time. I’ll take my daughter-in-law to the village head’s place first and catch up with you all later."
Once the conversation wound down, Yang Yufen led Qin Nian into the village. The others stayed behind, still marveling at Yang Yufen’s good fortune—a successful son and a devoted daughter-in-law who’d gone to such expense and effort, all while remaining gentle and kind.
"Village Head, it’s been years, but you’re still as spry as ever!" Yang Yufen greeted the approaching man with a smile.
"I didn’t expect you so soon! Good thing the house is ready. Come on, let’s get you settled. This must be your daughter-in-law—what a blessing."
The village head spoke Mandarin, albeit with an accent, but Qin Nian understood him perfectly.
"Absolutely! This is my daughter-in-law, Qin Nian. Nian, call him Uncle."
"Uncle, we met last time. Thank you for your trouble, letting us stay at your place."
Qin Nian handed him a pack of cigarettes.
"Mom said you enjoy pipe tobacco, and since flavors vary by region, these are premium cigarettes from the capital. I hope you like them."
"Oh-ho! Capital cigarettes? You’re too kind! Well, I won’t refuse—this old man does have a weakness for a good smoke. Come on in!"
The village head’s grin stretched ear to ear.
"No need for formalities! You’ve been tending to Old Shen’s grave all these years while I was away."
"Where’s Xianjun? I thought he was coming back with you?"
"He’s at the village entrance showing the kids the car. He’ll be along soon."
"That’ll take a while. The men will be just as curious as the children."
The village head knew exactly how it went.
"Wife! Xianjun’s mother is back. Is the room ready?"
"They’re here? All set! Yufen, my goodness, you look younger! And this must be your daughter-in-law—what a beauty! Come in, come in!"
The village head’s wife, Cuihua, stepped out, beaming.
"Nian, greet her. This is Aunt Cuihua. She’s famous for her matchmaking—no one’s ever had a bad word to say about her."
Yang Yufen’s remark made Cuihua swat her playfully.
"Oh, why tell the child that?"
"Aunt Cuihua, hello. This is a little something for you."
Qin Nian presented a gift box containing a silk scarf adorned with vibrant peonies—a design some might call gaudy, but for women of Cuihua’s generation, it was the height of festive elegance. Beneath the scarf were pastries for the children.
"My, such extravagance! Yufen, your daughter-in-law has excellent taste."
"Of course! She’s one in a million."
Yang Yufen didn’t bother with modesty.
"This room is for you two. Xianjun and the others can stay next door."
"Thank you so much. Nian, rest for a bit. I’ll chat with Aunt Cuihua, and when Xianjun gets back, he can show you around."
Yang Yufen left Qin Nian in the room and stepped out with Cuihua, closing the door gently behind her.
"You really dote on that daughter-in-law."
"How could I not? Look at all this—she prepared everything for the trip. Xianjun’s too scatterbrained for such thoughtful details."
Whether true or not, Yang Yufen credited Qin Nian entirely.
"She works so hard. Even on the road, she never stopped, scribbling away with her pen the whole time."
"Your daughter-in-law clearly has a scholar’s air about her."
Cuihua instinctively lowered her voice, not wanting to disturb Qin Nian’s rest.
"Why’d you buy meat?" Cuihua eyed the basket Shen Xianjun carried.
"My comrade and I have hearty appetites. Sorry to trouble you, Auntie."
"Let me handle it. You and your friend go rest."
Cuihua waved off Shen Xianjun as he rolled up his sleeves to help.
"I can’t let you do all the work."
"Go on, take Yuanjie and rest. You’re leaving tomorrow, after all."
Yang Yufen shooed Shen Xianjun away.
"Tomorrow? So soon?"
Both Cuihua and Shen Xianjun looked puzzled.
"Go on, get some rest."
When Shen Xianjun hesitated, Yang Yufen insisted.
"Yes, yes, Xianjun, off you go."
Cuihua nudged him out.
"With the kids home alone, I can’t stay long. Just seeing everyone again is enough for me."
"How’s Gui Xiang’s family?"
Cuihua knew about Yang Yufen’s twin grandsons—precious treasures anyone would hate to leave.
"Sigh, getting by. Gui Xiang’s raising the whole family alone. Ershun’s father can’t do heavy work, and Ershun needs constant care. She’s up before dawn and working till dark. If there were any way to stay home, who’d choose to live away? But the child’s treatment costs money."
Cuihua nodded sympathetically, sighing.
"Life’s hard for everyone."
The two older women cooked while the younger ones toiled in the fields.
"Ershun’s wife came back once, trying to take Qing. The man she remarried can’t have kids, but Qing was already sent to Changshun’s place. Caused quite a scene."
"She had the nerve to come back for the child?"
Yang Yufen scoffed. If only the woman had waited—Gui Xiang and her husband weren’t the type to mistreat a daughter-in-law. But leaving when the family was at its lowest? Hearts lean where they will, and as Gui Xiang’s friend, Yang Yufen’s anger was fierce.
"Exactly! That new husband of hers is a drunk. His first wife died from his beatings. What kind of life would Qing have there? If she’d stayed, Gui Xiang would’ve treated her well."
Cuihua shook her head.
After a pause, Yang Yufen muttered,
"At the root of it—families that don’t value their daughters. That’s why things turn out this way."
