Returning to Her Parental Home

The Yu family still had to provide for two children's education; the entire family relied on them to change their fate, hoping that in the future they could pass the scholar's examination and help the family reduce taxes. The family's collective efforts were barely enough to cover their studies; how could they possibly divide the family?

Fearing Yu Li had such intentions, Aunt Feng advised, "Li Niang, whether or not to divide the family depends on the elders' wishes; as descendants, you absolutely cannot bring it up proactively. If you are accused of being unfilial, not only you but also your parents and younger sisters will not have peace." Even though Yu Li was married, if her reputation were ruined, her husband's family might have objections, making her life at the Fu family difficult.

Aunt Feng felt pity for Yu Li; this child was truly capable and obedient. She wished she had a daughter like her. But the Yu family was large, preferring sons over daughters, and did not value daughters or granddaughters.

All the way to the Yu family, Aunt Feng continuously cautioned Yu Li, advising her not to be swayed by Aunt Gui Hua's words. Aunt Gui Hua and Old Madam Yu had never liked each other. It was said that when Aunt Gui Hua first married into Qing Shi Village, Old Madam Yu disliked her, believing her to be both lazy and gluttonous. Moreover, Old Madam Yu often slandered Aunt Gui Hua in front of everyone in the village. That incident caused Aunt Gui Hua to harbor resentment, and from then on, the two became enemies. Just now, when Aunt Gui Hua called Yu Li over, her intention was clearly not good; she merely wanted to incite Yu Li to cause trouble and demand a family division.

Yu Li did not respond, only listened quietly. She had always been quiet, and Aunt Feng was accustomed to her personality, so she didn't think much of it, simply assuming Yu Li was a good listener and sensible.

"Alright, go on in," Aunt Feng said, knowing that Yu Li, returning to her parental home today, must be eager to see her parents and sisters. She didn't linger to chat further, merely waved her hand at Yu Li and returned to her own home.

***

The Yu family's courtyard gate was open, and a girl of about eight was sweeping the yard. The girl wore ill-fitting clothes; both the sleeves and trouser legs were too short. Her clothes also had many patches, clearly hand-me-downs from her older sisters. But it was summer now, and the hot weather meant ill-fitting clothes weren't a problem. Only in winter would it be more difficult.

Yu Li walked in; the girl saw her, her face beaming with joy, and ran to embrace her, "Eldest Sister!"

Caught off guard by the girl's sudden embrace, Yu Li felt a little awkward but still extended her arms to hug her.

At this moment, from the earthen house to the west, a girl over ten years old walked out, her face full of joy, "Eldest Sister, you're back!" Saying this, the girl turned back into the rear courtyard and loudly called, "Second Sister, Eldest Sister is back!"

Yu Jin was feeding pigs in the backyard; hearing the call, she quickly ran over.

Yu Li looked at the girl running from the backyard; she was about thirteen or fourteen, also thin and frail. In fact, all three were as skinny as Yu Li, with no flesh on their bodies, much thinner than other girls in the village.

These were Yu Li's three younger sisters, belonging to the Second Branch of the Yu family. The fourteen-year-old was Yu Jin, the twelve-year-old was Yu Yin, and the eight-year-old was Yu Zhou. These names meant gold, silver, and jewels.

As for why Yu Li's name was different from her sisters', it was because she was the firstborn. Although she was a daughter, Yu Second Master and his wife were still overjoyed at the time. At that time, on his way home, Yu Second Master heard a line of poetry containing the character "Li" and felt it was very beautiful, so he named his newborn daughter Yu Li.

Besides Yu Li, her three younger sisters, Yu Jin, Yu Yin, and Yu Zhou, were all named carelessly by Old Madam Yu. According to the Old Madam, she hoped that in the future, when they married, they could bring countless gold, silver, and jewels back to their parental home, hence naming them with these meanings.