Family Responsibility

Jiang Weimin and his wife now knew everything and discussed it together. Both felt that the fact that Cheng Wennian had not touched his sister for three years was too difficult to speak of publicly, and it wouldn't be good for her reputation either. Eldest Sister-in-law Wang Liumei said, "Cheng Wennian acting like this proves he doesn't love our sister. If they force themselves to live together, she won't be happy. It's better to let her come home. Even if things are hard for our family, we won't let her go hungry. Tomorrow, I'll go work in the fields with you."

Jiang Weimin finally came to terms with it. Putting the wood-chopping knife back in its place, he said, "If she doesn't marry, then so be it. I can support my sister. I won't let her live in misery in the Cheng family." He was just a simple farmer, but he was like a great tree, doing his utmost to shield and protect his sister.

Jiang Weimin and his wife wanted to go to the city with Jiang Rang to call off the marriage. But Jiang Rang was afraid that if they went to the Cheng family, her eldest brother wouldn't be able to contain his anger and would end up in prison just like in her past life. Jiang Rang persistently persuaded them, insisting that she go alone to call off the marriage, and then Jiang Weimin could go later to retrieve her dowry.

Jiang Rang had always been strong-minded since childhood. Jiang Weimin was not as eloquent as his sister. Unable to argue with her, he could only agree to her plan, but he insisted on giving Jiang Rang travel money. He quickly ran out and returned after borrowing five yuan.

Father Jiang had been hospitalized in the county hospital due to a fall, and they had already borrowed money from all their relatives and friends in the village. Now, the villagers were unwilling to lend any more money to the Jiang family. Wang Liumei knew that to get this money, her husband had to say many sweet words and make many promises. Yet, for a trip to the city, how could five yuan possibly be enough?