The next morning, the morning light was like a ray, gently falling on the courtyard of her grandparents' house. Su Jinli walked lightly into this peaceful world, and saw her grandfather carefully teaching Nianli the horse stance. Three-year-old Nianli was like a tender green seedling breaking through the soil. Although she was petite, she was full of vigor and vitality. She squatted with difficulty, her small body swaying, just like a flower swaying in the breeze, and every sway tugged at the hearts of those around her. The playful little hair was still stained with crystal clear dew, and in the morning light, it sparkled as bright as a diamond, as if it was a crystal crown given to her by nature.
"Grandfather, is this right?" Nianli raised her pink little face, her eyes full of innocence and desire for knowledge, her voice as childish as the first cry of an oriole in spring, clear and pleasant.
"Bend your knees a little more!" The old man leaned forward slightly, extending his calloused yet strong hands to gently help Nianli adjust her posture, his eyes full of love and concentration. At this moment, he inadvertently raised his eyes, and his gaze met Su Jinli's. The old man was slightly startled, and a complex look flashed in his eyes, as if he was nostalgic, but also like a sigh. He said softly: "Li'er, when your mother was Nianli's age, she followed me to learn boxing."
Su Jinli was stunned upon hearing this. Deep in her memory, her birth mother always appeared as a gentle and graceful figure, her slender fingers weaving between threads, patiently teaching her embroidery techniques, her every gesture revealing gentleness and virtue. However, at this moment, her grandfather's words were like a stone dropped into the calm lake of her heart, rippling it and giving her a new understanding of her birth mother's past.
The old man sighed softly, a sigh that seemed to carry the vicissitudes of life and endless sorrow. He slowly pulled a cloth bag from his bosom. The edges of the bag were frayed and the color had turned gray, showing the age it had endured. He carefully opened the bag, revealing a yellowed boxing manual. The paper had become brittle, as if it would crumble to dust at the slightest touch. The old man gently flipped open the manual, and on the title page, the words "Revenge for my wife" caught his eye. Though the handwriting was a little blurred, every stroke exuded a firmness and determination.
Su Jinli's fingers trembled involuntarily. Her eyes were fixed on those four words, and her voice was trembling with disbelief: "Mother's revenge?"
"Your grandmother was also poisoned to death back then." The old man's voice trembled slightly, as if he was suppressing the pain and anger deep within his heart. The dust-covered past surged into his mind like a surging tide. "I spent a full ten years searching everywhere, unraveling the mystery, before finally discovering that it was inextricably linked to the Wang family... Your mother knew the danger of this matter very well, and she was afraid that I would act drastically in the heat of the moment, so she kept it a secret from you."
The old man's words, like a sharp knife, pierced Su Jinli's heart. She had never imagined that her family would be burdened with such a heavy blood feud, and her mother had to silently endure it all while forcing herself to remain calm and watch over her growth.
"Grandpa, I'm going to avenge Grandma!" Nian Li suddenly waved her fists, her face flushed crimson, her eyes gleaming with determination, and her childish voice revealed an unquestionable resolve. Like a small flame, she threw herself into Su Jinli's arms with fearless courage, hugging her neck tightly. In a childish yet resolute voice, she said, "Mom, let's fight the bad guys together!"
As if inspired by Nian Li's courage, Young Marquis Su rushed in, carrying his somewhat bulky wooden sword. His eyes were filled with passion and excitement, and he shouted, "Sister! I want to learn too!" He couldn't wait to strike a pose that he thought looked impressive, but because he exerted too much force, he stumbled and nearly fell. His appearance was comical yet endearingly innocent. "Grandfather, do you think I look like a hero?"
The old man couldn't help but laugh at Young Marquis Su's expression, his eyes filled with hope for his junior. He pointed to the stone lock in the courtyard. It stood quietly in a corner, weathered by the elements, its surface somewhat mottled, yet still exuding a sense of profound strength. "Lift it three hundred times first," the old man said with a smile, a hint of teasing in his voice, yet also containing encouragement for Young Marquis Su.
At that moment, Jiang Yan emerged from the study with steady steps, a letter in hand. His expression remained calm and composed, his gaze behind his glasses radiating wisdom and composure. "Father-in-law, word has arrived from the Dali Temple that Imperial Physician Zhou and Nanny Zhang have been sentenced to immediate execution." He walked over to Su Jinli, looking at her tenderly, and whispered, "Madam, let bygones be bygones."
Su Jinli raised her head slightly, watching Nianli's adorable face as she diligently learned boxing. Then, she turned her gaze to her grandfather, whose white hair glared in the morning light. It was a mark of time, a testament to the family's suffering. She felt a mixture of emotions: grief for her mother and grandmother, and heartache and attachment to her family. Suddenly, she smiled softly, a smile that held a hint of relief, yet also revealed a firm conviction: "No, I must let the children know that they must avenge their own grudges."
Su Jinli knows that hatred, like a shadow, will haunt every generation of her family if it's not thoroughly dispelled. Sharing her family's past with her children isn't about wallowing in hatred, but rather about drawing strength from it, learning to bravely face life's hardships and understanding the importance of justice and responsibility.
From that day on, Nianli diligently studied martial arts with her grandfather. Her small figure appeared in the courtyard every day, and neither the scorching sun nor the gentle breeze or rain could stop her determined steps. She meticulously learned every move, and although her movements were still a little immature, her dedication was admirable.
My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
