When they were halfway there, they met Mr. Li who was heading to Li Youshou's house.
When Old Master Li saw Li Yan, he stopped and said, "Your parents are unable to come and help. According to the rules of our village, when someone dies, each family sends one person to help. Now that we have divided the family, you should come with me and see if there is anyone who can help!"
Li Yan nodded and followed Mr. Li to Li Youshou's house at the end of the village.
As soon as she entered the door, Li Yan could not believe her eyes. Li Yan knew that this village was poor, but she did not expect that Li Youshou's family was even worse. She had traveled to Lijia Village for more than half a year, and she was busy thinking about making money and improving her living environment. She had never taken a good look at Lijia Village.
It would not be an exaggeration to describe the house in front of her as bare as it is. The wooden gate with fences would fall down if pushed hard, and the five houses made of thatch were in a dilapidated state. Li Yan found it hard to believe that such a house could survive this heavy snow!
Looking at the people kneeling in front of the mourning hall in mourning clothes, Li Yan felt even more sad. Her four sons were wearing thin jackets and straw sandals. In such a cold winter, even the strongest man would not be able to bear it!
Big Head and Little Head, who we met on the road just now, were now wearing mourning cloths and kneeling beside their father with tears on their faces. The two children still couldn't understand why their grandmother, who had told them not to run around in the morning, couldn't be woken up now!
The villagers were extremely distressed watching this scene. They had been with someone for most of their lives, but he didn't even leave a last word! Just like that, he was gone!
Li Yan followed Old Man Li and found the head of the Li clan who was arranging tasks: "The three of you accompany Ajian to deliver a message to the relatives around!" Several villagers went out immediately after receiving the order.
After the man left, Patriarch Li couldn't help but sigh: "This man left so suddenly!"
At this time, Li Youshou, supported by his youngest son, tremblingly walked to the patriarch, took out two strings of copper coins from his arms and handed them to the patriarch Li: "My family is really poor, I want to borrow two taels of silver from you two! So that the old woman who has been with me for most of her life can pass away in peace!"
Patriarch Li patted Li Youshou's shoulder comfortingly and said to the people beside him: "Aan, help your father back to the house first!"
After they left, the Li clan leader said to Mr. Li: "The Youshou family is in a real tough situation, let's help them!"
Mr. Li nodded.
In the morning, some people helped to set up the mourning hall, some went to the incense and candle shops in the city to buy paper and candles for the funeral, and Li Yan helped to prepare some simple meals with the women in the village.
Everyone was busy with their own duties until Aunt Chen's brothers from her mother's family arrived.
A group of people came rushing over with a fierce momentum, followed by the injured Li Jia Dalang.
The three villagers who followed hurriedly ran to the clan leader: "Oh no, clan leader! Aunt Chen's brothers insist that Aunt Li was murdered by the Li family, and they won't give up!"
A group of people rushed into the mourning hall and beat up the four Li brothers! Then, the Chen family's wives burst into tears as soon as they entered the room! This scene frightened the children and made them cry loudly. For a moment, Li Youshou's house became a mess!
Patriarch Li quickly brought people to stop the Chen family!
Patriarch Li: "Brother Chen, if you have something to say, please talk it over. Why did you start fighting as soon as you walked in?"
Facing the Chen brothers' anger and impulsiveness, Patriarch Li immediately stepped forward to offer his counsel, attempting to defuse the tension. He took a deep breath and offered his counsel. "Brother Chen, if you have something to say, let's sit down and talk. Feel free to voice any doubts or concerns you have. It's unacceptable for you to start with violence!"
The eldest brother of the Chen family pointed at the Li family with resentment, "Chief Li, has my sister ever made any mistakes since marrying into your Li Village? She has been diligently managing the family, arranging a wife and children for our son. A few days ago, she came back full of energy and asked us to help pick fruit. It's only been a few days, and you've already disappeared as my messenger? If you were me, what would you think? How can we brothers accept this fact!"
At this time, Chen's eldest daughter-in-law came out to complain: "If you ask me, you, the Li family, are really mistreating my sister. When she came home that day, it was so cold, and she was only wearing a thin, patched cotton coat!"
Patriarch Li said with a heavy face, "There must be some misunderstanding!"
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