Old Man Chi was pleased, though his satisfaction stemmed from his own son. If Cheng Ying managed to get first place, it must be because his son tutored her.

Otherwise, within this household, who else could have guided such an outstanding child? The old man’s logic, if analyzed rigorously, was perhaps not entirely flawed, But he simply didn't know about the concept of rebirth.

Cheng Ying hadn't followed the conventional path; her knowledge was entirely self-contained, having absolutely nothing to do with his son. Whom could he blame?

Blame the old man for never having read web novels. In this era, such things truly didn't exist—at most, a folk tale about the soul returning to inhabit another body.

Forgive the Chi family for their limited scope of knowledge. Old Madam Chi sighed, “She’s not entirely unbearable.

If only his mother were as bright.” This set the bar rather high for Yang Zhi. Chi Yong looked up at the sky; perhaps his daughter took after his wife’s ex-husband.

His own wife was truly dense, the kind that simply couldn't grasp things, incomparable to his daughter. His own mother was overthinking things, dreaming too sweetly.

Chi Yong shook his head, saying nothing. A foolish wife had her merits; his mother hadn't realized it yet.

With a wife like Yang Zhi, mother-in-law issues practically ceased to exist; she was entirely submissive. Of course, aside from Chi Yong, few others could truly appreciate the benefits of a simple-minded wife.

Old Man Chi held deep respect for his elderly wife, especially one who had weathered hardships alongside him. However, this was his son’s choice.

This wasn't just about his son choosing a wife, but a choice regarding character, regarding conscience. As a father, Old Man Chi felt gratified; this was a matter of integrity.

He gently counseled his wife, “As long as the children are happy and stay near us, what hardship can’t we overcome? Look at the wife before, look at how she treated Wu Zi.

If you swapped wives, can you guarantee our Wu Zi wouldn't suffer? We are both old now; Wu Zi will still depend on Chi Yong in the future.

Having someone like her is our blessing. Try to look at the brighter side.” Old Madam Chi glanced at her daughter-in-law standing ahead, treating the two children with equal regard, and appearing even more imposing than their own mother.

She quietly zipped her lips shut. A daughter-in-law who couldn't even manage the children—what help could she possibly offer her own son?

She truly despised her. But the old man had a point: they were old; how many years could they watch over Chi Wu?

A different wife might not treat their Wu Zi as well. The term 'stepmother' was always subject to scrutiny, no matter where it appeared.

Her son had his reasons; it was all for the family. The old lady began to feel aggrieved on her son’s behalf again.

Traditionally, the eldest grandson and the youngest son were the matriarch's darlings. Now, with the youngest son and the eldest grandson caught in the middle, someone had to be wronged.

This put the old lady in agony. She looked at her own tall and handsome son, “For the sake of my grandson, I feel I’ve wronged Yong Zi.

Why must he endure this?” It was the same refrain: her son deserved better than this wife. The old man countered, “Why?

Because she helped us in a time of crisis. Because she shows such tolerance toward our son and grandson.

Because she has a good heart. Old woman, this is fortune; not everyone encounters such good people.

Do you forget the disastrous ends others met in recent years precisely because they didn't find good people? Treat Yang Zhi well; view her as a benefactor.” The old man’s words were merely a way to quiet his wife.

Since there was no room for negotiation left, they had to accept reality. Family harmony was critically important for a family like theirs.

He couldn't allow his old wife to harbor ill feelings toward her daughter-in-law. This was an old man who prioritized the bigger picture.

Even if he personally disliked his daughter-in-law, he had to stand by his son in front of her. As a patriarch, Old Man Chi was acting correctly.

Yang Zhi, leading the way, was wholly focused on her own mountain plot. Regarding the three people behind her, Yang Zhi was philosophical.

Their opinions were beyond her control; she left them entirely to fate, awaiting only their final decision. If Yang Zhi’s perspective seemed too passive, too pessimistic, it was a result of the times and her own circumstances.

For Yang Zhi, Chi Yong hadn't yet reached the level of love. Rural women generally lacked a concept of romantic love; it was simply about getting by, about the two being of one mind and striving together toward a life built on shared routine.

As a divorced woman with a child, she had no advantage, especially after learning Chi Wu wasn't Chi Yong’s biological son. Facing Chi Yong, Yang Zhi felt guilty.

This was the consequence of years of societal judgment. In this era, a woman remarrying invited gossip, let alone marrying a man of this stature.

Despite the sharp tone of his old wife, she knew deep down who was ultimately gaining the advantage. This situation paradoxically lightened Yang Zhi’s burden.

Since she couldn’t decide the outcome anyway, she would simply listen and wait. Yang Zhi believed that whatever Chi Yong did regarding her was what she deserved.

If someone meant to leave couldn’t be kept, there was no reason to hold them back; she lacked the means. If they stayed, well, they had already benefited so much; it wouldn't make sense to drive them away, would it?

Yang Zhi had come to terms with it and relaxed. Towards Chi Wu, Yang Zhi felt pity.

A child this age, without a mother or father, was far more pitiable than her own daughter. So, she took exceptional care of Chi Wu along the way.

Furthermore, Yang Zhi felt she might not have the opportunity to care for this child much longer. Thus, she redoubled her efforts: “Wu Zi, if I had known about you, well, I would have treated you even better.

You must study hard from now on, understand?” Cheng Ying felt her mother was too pessimistic; this sounded like the prelude to a farewell. Chi Wu felt terrible listening; he didn't want a new mother, not at all.

Recalling the initial days, Chi Wu felt as if he had just endured the worst only to have his hope summarily extinguished. If he had to start over, the boy doubted he possessed the fortitude.

Throughout the journey, Chi Wu’s mood was decidedly low; it felt like he was about to be abandoned. Cheng Ying asked, “Mom, what’s left on the mountain now?” Yang Zhi replied, “Just some pine nuts.

We’ll gather more later and take some back for Wu Zi’s grandparents; that can be our local specialty.” Cheng Ying shook her head; the old lady might not appreciate it. “Fine.

Later, Wu Zi and I will visit my place. The pine nuts there are fragrant and large; I’ve compared them.” Chi Wu looked at Cheng Ying, “It’s rare for you to be so generous.

I thought you had already finalized your class allegiance.” Cheng Ying retorted, “Divisions still need to be made, but aren’t I doing this for you? If you go with your grandmother, finding another driver won’t be easy afterward.

I thought gathering more would be good for your journey.” Chi Wu sputtered, feeling stung, “I haven’t even left yet, and you’re already planning for my departure. You, you—” Yang Zhi intervened, “Ying Zi, don’t bully Chi Wu, okay?” Then she turned to soothe her son, “Ying Zi is just teasing you; why take it seriously?” Chi Wu wailed, “Wouldn’t anyone worry in this situation?

I have no father now, and it looks like I’m about to lose my mother too.” His grievance was palpable. His voice was loud enough for the people behind them to hear.

Old Madam Chi and the old man savored Chi Wu’s words, tasting the richness of the content. Yang Zhi scolded, “You child, look how anxious you are.

That’s your uncle; no matter how you look at it, he’s the closest relative. Why the fuss?

You’ve gained another father!” Chi Wu turned his back, carrying his basket, his face a mask of absolute melancholy, and walked ahead. Cheng Ying teased, “Enough showing off.

You’re deliberately trying to flaunt it at me, implying your uncle is better than my uncles, right? Having an uncle like that, doesn’t it make your heart swell with happiness?” She then poked Chi Wu in the ribs, “Isn’t that right, isn’t it?

You’re secretly thrilled, aren’t you? You’ve been comparing them to my uncles all along, haven’t you?” Chi Wu followed Cheng Ying’s line of thought and found it genuinely exciting.

At least his uncle had raised him like his own son for many years. Compared to Cheng Ying’s elder uncles, he was much luckier.

Comparing oneself to others brings misery, but he had certainly found a point of solace. Chi Wu conceded, “That is true.” Cheng Ying thought privately, What a transparent child.

He’s building his own joy on my sorrow. Forget it; I’ll make a sacrifice this once to comfort the little one.

Chi Yong shook his head; his daughter’s thinking was always so unconventional. Old Man Chi looked at the little girl carrying the basket, “Later, we’ll go check out that mountain plot you mentioned.

Since I’ve made this rare trip out here, I must take a good look around.” Chi Yong replied, “Yes, I’ll take you later. That girl has put all her energy into that mountain land.” Compared to Chi Yong’s ease in resolving the current dilemma, Chi Wu was completely depressed.

A child’s world is often so small; parents are the entire universe. Chi Wu was facing the collapse of his universe.

It would be difficult for a troubled child to emerge from this feeling anytime soon; newly acquired grandparents, no matter how much they rejoiced, couldn't replace parents. To a rough-and-tumble man like Chi Yong, understanding Chi Wu’s awkward adolescent melancholy was impossible.

And the newly minted grandparents were entirely immersed in the sheer joy of seeing their eldest grandson; they simply couldn't perceive Chi Wu’s gloom. The old lady of the house—well, she had to consider her granddaughter too.

Besides, there were too many upsetting matters; Chi Wu, I’m sorry, I can’t focus on you right now. Yang Zhi, however, did notice Chi Wu’s unhappiness.

Firstly, she was unhappy herself, and secondly, she didn't know how to offer solace. Yang Zhi wasn't the sharpest person; patting the child’s head was about the extent of her comfort.

So, Cheng Ying stepped up without hesitation to stand by Chi Wu’s side, constantly counseling the unfortunate child. She had no choice; having spent time together day and night, she knew the boy’s thoughts without even looking.

Cheng Ying felt the teenager was being stubborn, and this situation couldn't be reasoned through. She decided to take Chi Wu out to work instead.

As for his grandparents, sorry, but the joy of seeing their grandson would have to wait until they returned from work in the evening. Thus, the next morning, Cheng Ying took the dejected Chi Wu and plunged him into heavy physical labor.

The weather had turned cold, preventing Cheng Ying from clearing more land or planting trees. She handed Chi Wu a sickle, and they headed to her mountain plot to chop firewood branches.

Cheng Ying had long marked this area, but during the summer, it was too dense with leaves to penetrate. This time of year was perfect; once these brushwood branches were cut down, they could clear the land for the coming year and plant a batch of new saplings—creating a nursery.