Upon closer inspection, the Jiang family consists of five people: two elderly, one sick, and only two able-bodied men, Jiang Xu and Jiang Chao. They also own very little land.

However, the fact that they still occasionally provide financial assistance to the Huang family speaks volumes.

“I know that,” Xie agreed. “Whether it was Grandma or Grandpa, they were both smart and insightful people, quite different from others.”

Many times, Xie felt that the two old ladies were the kind of old witches.

Perhaps it's because people get old and wise.

They see things very clearly and act without any scruples. To achieve their goals, they'll discard any sense of shame if it's useful, and ignore it if it's not.

Even if she cultivates for another thirty years, she might not be able to achieve this.

That's why I think it's suitable.

“I…” Xie hesitated for a moment, then decisively changed her words, “I also think it’s very suitable.”

“That’s it,” Jiang Nuan said. “It’s good to give the old folks something to do so they won’t overthink things.”

There aren't many people with a mindset as good as the old man's.

Most of them worry about becoming a burden when they get old, and they are always looking for something to do.

The old lady had vaguely hinted at this idea before, but after observing her for a long time, Jiang Nuan realized that she was just talking about it, and that's when she felt relieved.

"Grandma doesn't agree?"

Jiang Nuan was very confident: "She will agree."

The old lady's thoughts were easy to guess: she wanted to show off, but was worried that it wouldn't be in accordance with reason.

This concern is not unfounded, but there's no need to worry too much about it; we can simply return the title to the Huang family later.

"That's fine, as long as she's happy."

"Um."

After saying this, Xie proudly took out a few pebbles, "Mother, I can already set up a One Yuan Formation."

His expectant look made Jiang Nuan chuckle. "Very good, even better than me."

"Mother, please don't tease me," Xie said shyly. "I'm still far from good enough."

"It took them even less time than I did."

Jiang Nuan was somewhat surprised.

My second daughter-in-law has a really high aptitude for formations, which is quite surprising, even if it's largely because I gave her extra help.

"I don't know why," Xie said, bewildered. "I feel like my practice has been going exceptionally well lately. I wonder if someone gave me some kind of enlightenment."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Nuan smiled and changed the subject, "Did you know that the second son is going to join the army in the Northwest?"

“I knew it already,” Xie said helplessly. “He’s been talking about this ever since we came back from the capital, and we’ve been preparing for it these past few days.”

"Aren't you worried?"

Jiang Nuan was puzzled by her daughter-in-law's relaxed attitude.

"I was a little worried at first," Xie said, a blush creeping onto her face, "but then..."

To prove his abilities, the fool and the two of them broke the bed while they were fooling around.

If she has the strength, what does she need to worry about?

"I'm glad you support me."

Jiang Nuan also thought of this, rubbed her head, and a mischievous smile appeared in her eyes.

“It’s rare for my husband to want to do something, so let him do what makes him happy,” Xie’s voice softened. “He’s been studying military strategy and practicing martial arts to prepare for his enlistment, so he must really enjoy it.”

She had never seen her man so obsessed with anything.

The previous training doesn't count; that was to compete with Xiao Liu.

“Yes,” Jiang Nuan couldn’t help but agree, “His eyes light up every time he talks about this.”

She could see that her son truly loved it and was willing to work hard for it, which is why she supported him without hesitation.

“Mother,” Madam Xie tugged at her sleeve and asked tentatively, “If one day my husband and I go to the battlefield together, would you agree?”

"Do whatever you want, as long as you won't regret it in the future, I won't object."

"Yes, I understand, thank you, Mother."

Compared to the peaceful life at the Huang family home, things haven't been going well at the old house in Huangjiakou lately.

The atmosphere among the three was already somewhat tense, and with the addition of Ding Wan, Sister-in-law Huang was so angry that she smashed bowls and pots every day.

It was almost noon, but there was still no sound of lunch being served. Huang Shan couldn't help but ask, "Mom, why isn't lunch ready yet?"

"I'm not feeling well today, so you'll have to go hungry."

She had no appetite for cooking, let alone eating.

I don't know what sins I committed to give birth to such a troublesome child. I'm exhausted every day because of him.

Huang Shan, who was in the room, was taken aback when he heard this. "Mom, you really didn't cook?"

"Didn't do it!"

Sister-in-law Huang's voice was stiff and cold.

She does love her son, that's true, but everyone has their limits, and everyone has times when they can't hold on any longer.

Upon hearing this, Huang Shan frowned immediately. "Mother, if you're not going to cook, bring over some pastries so we can have something to eat first."

"No, we ate it all a long time ago. We don't even have enough money at home to buy you medicine, and we also have to treat this vixen. Where would we get the money to buy these expensive things!"

"Then what should we do?"

"Go hungry!"

The person in charge is right; I'm just asking for trouble.

Her son is already like this, and she's still degrading herself for him; it's simply foolish.

These words made Huang Shan's face turn ashen. "Mother, do you want your own son to starve to death?"

Even knowing that she couldn't rely on her son, Sister-in-law Huang's eyes still welled up with tears from those words.

Is this person's heart made of stone? How can I not warm it up!

She has been busy taking care of her son for so many days, doing laundry, cooking, cleaning the bedding, and serving him every need without a moment's rest.

She herself couldn't straighten her back, yet she still thought about not letting her son suffer any injustice.

As a result, he didn't cook a single meal, didn't ask if he was having a hard time, and just kept saying he was going to starve to death.

To casually pin such a huge crime on her, is this an attempt to drag her own mother down with her?

"You can say whatever you want," Huang Da Sao said coldly, wiping her eyes. "Anyway, the bond between us, mother and son, has long been worn away."

She's always been the one forcing things—no, perhaps "being pathetic" is a better word.

She didn't care about her as her own mother at all; she only treated her as a maid who could be ordered around at will.

Although she spoke with a strong tone, Sister-in-law Huang's eyes were sore and she dared not open them.

After raising this dog for over twenty years, I can't even see the truth in myself.

Wang Dasao's words stunned Huang Shan.

He could sense that his parents' attitude towards him had changed; they were becoming increasingly impatient and intolerant.

I never imagined that one day they wouldn't even give us food.

Huang Shan pursed his lips, his eyes icy cold.

"Brother Shan," Ding Wan said, taking out a purse. "This is some brown sugar cake that I didn't finish last time. There's no lunch, so have something to eat first."

"Wan'er, you should eat by yourself. I'm a grown man, and I can go without eating for a meal or two without any problems, but you can't. Your stomach is already weak, so you can't go without eating."

“I’m not hungry,” Ding Wan said, stuffing the pastry directly into Huang Shan’s mouth. “Don’t swallow it yet, I’ll pour you a glass of water.”

“Wan’er,” Huang Shan said, deeply moved, “you are so silly.”

This kind of good without reason or conditions is what he pursued throughout his life.

Her parents couldn't give it to her, and neither could Qin Shi; only Wan'er could do it.

What a silly girl!