With Old Lady Zhou’s words, Zhou Xuennian was quickly laid to rest. After the first seven days of mourning, the Zhou family quieted down.
The entire funeral process was exhausting for everyone in the Zhou family, leaving Old Lady Zhou looking even older. Yet, she still worried about her grandchildren, so she called Zhou Xueli and Lady Liang to her.
"Your elder brother has passed, and he died unjustly, without even a son by his side to carry the funeral urn or hold the banner. Every ti I think of this, it pains my heart." Old Lady Zhou pounded her chest and said, "It’s one thing to have no son, but he has two boys. Dajun is out of the question, but Yongyong must be brought back for the hundred-day ceremony to fulfill his filial duty to his father."
Zhou Xueli and Lady Liang exchanged a glance and said, "Mother, if there’s anything you need, just let us know."
"Xueli, you should travel to Changan and bring Yongyong back to mourn for his father. I cannot bear to see your elder brother’s lineage end." Old Lady Zhou said.
Zhou Xueli nodded in agreent.
"Mother, what about my sister-in-law? Yongyong is still young, and I’m afraid she might not want to return." Lady Liang hesitated before speaking.
Old Lady Zhou’s lips twitched slightly, and she said, "If she doesn’t co back even after her husband has died, then such a daughter-in-law is not welco in our Zhou family! Xueli, when you go, take the divorce letter with you. Your eldest brother is gone, but I am still here. If your sister-in-law has truly lost her mind, then give her the divorce letter. I will make the decision for your brother, and you can bring Yongyong back."
The couple was taken aback but felt that it was reasonable.
"If they haven’t gone to Changan or sought your sister, then..." Old Lady Zhou pursed her lips and said, "Then, Xueli, plead with her to at least find out whether they are alive or dead. Leave the rest."
"Yes, Mother."
Old Lady Zhou, looking exhausted, waved her hand: "That’s settled. Go and make preparations, take so silver with you, and set off as soon as possible. There are no other n in the family to rely on, only you."
"Alright, understood."
The two of them went out, exchanging glances.
"It’s almost the New Year, and now this has happened. Anan’s mother, I’ll have to leave, and I definitely won’t be back until after the New Year. The family will have to depend on you." Zhou Xueli said apologetically.
"No one wants sothing like this to happen, but don’t worry, I’ll take care of Anan and Mother. If anything happens, just send word back. The neighbors will help out, and I’ll stay ho for the mourning period to avoid going out." Lady Liang said softly, "When traveling, money is only a material possession. The most important thing is to take care of your safety. Rember, you still have and Anan, and Mother. If sothing happens to you, we, a widow and orphan, won’t be able to survive."
"I know, it’s hard on you."
"It’s not hard for . We are husband and wife; we should support each other." Lady Liang forced a smile and said, "I’ll pack so change of clothes for you."
"Alright. I’ll go talk to Aunt Gui and the others." Zhou Xueli turned to leave.
Just as he reached the door, he saw a villager leading a stranger toward him: "Hey, Zhou’s second son, this person is looking for your family."
Zhou Xueli paused, looked at the person with vigilance, stood at the door, and asked, "Who are you?"
The man looked at Zhou Xueli: "Are you the son of the Zhou family? Is your father nad Zhou Zhiquan, the Old Scholar?"
Zhou Xueli saw that he didn’t seem malicious and nodded: "Yes."
The man’s eyes lit up: "Found you!"
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