hapter 22 The Reason Behind
Chapter 22 The Reason Behind
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She wondered how things had escalated to the point where Song Zhenyu and his entire family were cast
out.
Zhang Yingyue sighed heavily, her gaze falling on Song Lingzhi’s anxious, concerned face. After a moment of hesitation, she spoke, her voice laced with bitterness and sorrow. “Lingzhi, it’s all my fault. I didn’t give your brother a son. When Shuying was born, Dad and Mom refused to let us keep her. They said either we get rid of her, or our whole family would have to leave!
Song Lingzhi stared at her sister–in–law, utterly stunned. For a moment, she couldn’t find the words to respond.
“Meanwhile, Song Shuying, now awake in her little bed, lay quietly. She wasn’t crying or fussing, her lively
eyes wide with curiosity as she observed her aunt. It was as if she were silently sizing her up.
Song Lingzhi’s heart clenched at the sight of her sweet, well–behaved niece. She finally understood the full extent of the injustice her brother’s family had suffered
Zhang Yingyue added, “And because of the complications during Shuying’s birth… I was damaged. I can’t have any more children.”
Truthfully, this was the real reason they had been cast out. If Song Zhenyu had only been willing to comply, if he had bowed to his parents‘ demands–forsaking his daughter and allowing his wife, who could no longer bear children, to be cast aside–Song Shengdong and Wei Zhilan would have accepted him.
But Song Zhenyu couldn’t bear such a betrayal. He chose to take his family and leave, even if it meant facing hunger and the bitter cold of winter. To him, the cost of standing by his loved ones was nothing compared to abandoning them.
Song Lingzhi’s heart ached as she watched Zhang Yingyue’s eyes fill with tears. A deep wave of empathy washed over her, and without thinking, she reached out, gently wiping the tears from her sister–in–law’s cheeks.
“Don’t blame yourself. This isn’t your fault. Zhenyu’s actions only prove what kind of man he is. He’s a man of honor, and a brother I deeply admire.”
Song Zhenyu was a man of unwavering honor, and he could never bring himself to abandon his wife and
past. daughter. It was the same resolute strength that had driven him to stand up for his sister in the
Song Lingzhi, her heart heavy with compassion, reached into her sleeve and pulled our a delicate silver bracelet. She handed it to Zhang Yingyue. “I may not be able to offer much, but this is all I have. Please, don’t refuse it. Use it when times are really tough. Once we get through this year, things will get better.”
Zhang Yingyue was taken aback, her heart stirred by the unexpected kindness. She opened her mouth to refuse, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, tear welled up in her eyes, spilling down her cheeks as a sob broke free. “Lingzhi… thank you…” she managed to choke out.
Tears mirrored on Song Lingzhi’s face, but she forced a smile. “You’ll get through this. I know you will.”
Zhang Yingyue nodded as Song Lingzhi gently wiped her tears away. “All right, stop crying, you’re still in -your confinement period.”
Chapter 22 The Reason Behind
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Once they stopped crying. Song Lingzhi’s gaze fell on Song Shuying, and she realized the baby had been watching them intently all along. Her small mouth puckered and unpuckered, her lively eyes filled with: unshed tears, but not a sound escaped her.
With a gentle smile, Song Lingzhi extended her hand toward the baby, her voice soft and coaxing. “Sweetheart, would you let Aunt Lingzhi give you a hugh
At that, tears spilled from Song Shuying’s eyes.
Since Song Lingzhi’s arrival, Song Shitying had been observing her closely. At first, the baby had seemed wary, unsure whether this woman had come to stir trouble. But as the moments passed, she realized how wrong she had been. This woman wasn’t here to cause harm; she had come to offer help during their time of crisis–a gesture that was both rare and invaluable.
Song Shuying was deeply moved by the kindness she had witnessed. This was something she would never forget.
When Soug Lingzhi gently lifted Song Shuying into her arms, she had braced herself for the baby to cry. fearing that the sudden motion might upset her. To her surprise, however, as soon as she held the little girl, the tears that had been lingering in Song Shuying’s eyes slowly faded. The baby even cracked a small smile.
Surprised and delighted, Song Lingzhi said, “She’s such a good girl… It’s like she can understand everything we’re saying
Song Lingzhi glanced at Zhang Yingyue, her eyes betraying a quiet heartache.
Zhang Yingyue chuckled softly, trying to ease the tension. “She’s truly well–behaved. She neither cries nor makes a fuss, so she’s been quite easy to care for.”
Song Lingzhi’s gaze softened at the mention of the baby. “That’s good. Next time I visit, she’ll be old enough to recognize us, to remember who we are.”
Her smile faded, and she let out a long sigh. She only visited her parents once a year, and this trip had been carefully timed to coincide with the expected birth of Zhang Yingyue’s child. Yet, in less than a year, everything had changed so drastically.
As she watched her brother’s family struggle, knowing they could never go back, Song Lingzhi’s heart ached. She wished, with all her being, that her kind brother and his family could find peace and health in the years ahead.
Zhang Yingyue also looked down at the baby in Song Lingzhi’s arms, a soft sigh escaping her lips. “Yes, by the next time you visit, she might already be walking,” she said wistfully.
Song Lingzhi smiled faintly, her gaze lingering on Song Shuying’s bright, vibrant eyes. “She’ll surely be a beauty when she grows up. She has Zhenyu’s features, but your fair skin, too.”
The little girl’s charm was undeniable. Song Lingzhi felt her heart soften every time Song Shuying smiled, that innocent joy so pure and endearing that it almost melted her. She couldn’t fathom how anyone–least of all their mother–could be so cruel as to reject this precious child. Though she longed to offer her brother and his family more than just sympathy, she felt powerless. She had neither the means nor the wealth to help them in their time of need. All she could do was sigh inwardly, her heart aching for what they had lost..
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As she gently handed Song Shuying back to Zhang Yingyue, Song Lingzhi smiled and said, “Yingyue, you should rest with Shuying. I’ll help with the mending. It quick with my hands, so I can at least lay the groundwork for you.”
Before Zhang Yingyue could respond, Song Lingzhi had already started gathering the cotton and fabric, her movements steady and purposeful.
Tears welled in Zhang Yingyue’s eyes, and her voice cracked with emotion. “Thank you… I really appreciate it.”
Song Lingzhi simply waved her hand.
Song Zhenyu was busy cooking with Song Ruying when Song Tiangi and Song Tianheng returned, having gathered all the grass and roots Song Zhenyu had dug up. As they entered the house, their curious eyes fell on Song Lingzhi.
With a warm and gentle smile, Song Lingzhi waved at them. When the boys approached, she
affectionately patted their heads. “Do you remember me? I’m Aunt Lingzhi. I came to visit you last New Year.”
Song Tianqi and Song Tianheng nodded eagerly. “We remember! You gave us some candy.”
Smiling, Song Lingzhi reached into her sleeve and pulled out a small paper package, handing it to them. “There are only three pieces left, so share them with your sister, all right? One for each of you.”
Song Tianqi and Song Tianheng hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to accept the gift, but before they could say anything. Song Lingzhi had already placed the packet of sweets in their hands.
Zhang Yingyue smiled softly and said, “Listen to your aunt. Go outside and share the treat with your third
sister.”
The boys‘ faces lit up with excitement.
With a touch of shyness, Song Tianheng managed to say, “Thank you, Aunt Lingzhi.”
Song Tianqi quickly added, “Thank you, Aunt Lingzhi.
Unable to hide their joy, the two boys eagerly ran outside. Soon, Song Ruying’s delighted voice rang out. “Thank you, Aunt Lingzhil”
A warm feeling spread through Song Zhenyu’s chest. With a gentle smile, he said, “Go ahead and enjoy your candy. Leave the cooking to me–I’ll call you when it’s time for dinner.”
He had never bought candy for the three children. The only time they ever tasted it was whenever Song Lingzhi visited.
As Song Zhenyu reflected on the past, a wave of melancholy washed over him. He remembered how his older brothers‘ children were often treated to sweets, while his own kids never even got a taste. A pang of heartache settled in his chest. The next time he caught some prey, he resolved to buy candy for his children, too.
Outside, Song Ruying and her two older brothers eagerly unwrapped the candy. It was tough and sticky, a real challenge for their teeth. Each of them got a small piece, barely the size of a thumb, but it was enough to keep them happily savoring it until it melted away.
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Chapter 22 The Reason Behind
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Song Tianqi and Song Tianheng wasted no time, eagerly popping their pieces into their mouths, Song Ruying, however, took a careful bite, then wrapped the remaining candy before tucking it safely into her clothing.
“Tiangi. Tianheng. how about a bug–catching contest?” Song Ruying suggested with a grin. She then led
her brothers to the garden, eager to find bugs to feed the chickens.
