Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
When Old Madam Jin heard Li Xiaoran’s words, she suddenly thought of her sons.
To be honest, Old Madam Jin was already very disappointed in her sons.
Therefore, she decided to leave them because she wanted to live the life she wanted.
She wanted to life a carefree life and avoid being pestered!
Of course, Old Madam Jin also knew how shocking her actions were and the mockery her children would suffer.
However, she did not have many years left to live.
In the past, she had endured all sorts of humiliation for her children’s sake. She forced a smile every day and carried all the burden.
However, her children had already grown up and had their own families. Now, she was no longer needed.
Since ancient times, mother-in-law and daughter-in-law had been enemies. It was either the east suppressing the west or the west suppressing the east. Very few mother-in-laws and daughter-in-laws got along well.
Actually, Old Madam Jin thought that she was already a very open-minded mother-in-law, but she could not stand how troublesome her daughters – in- laws were!
In the past, she tried to teach them a lesson, but later on, she realized that her sons felt that she shouldn’t interfere too much, so she didn’t interfere anymore.
Now that she heard Li Xiaoran’s words, Old Madam Jin suddenly understood something.
Perhaps she had been wrong right from the beginning.
From the day her children got married, she should have let go and started living the life she wanted.
Of course, it was not too late to let go now. At least she still had a few years to live.
“You’re right. Everyone has their own path. You can’t make decisions for them.
Your parents have their own plans, and you have to live your own life. Everyone should be independent. That’s for the best. If anyone encounters trouble, we should help them if we can! Don’t let one person shoulder all the burden. Speaking of this, I want to remind you of something! Don’t interfere in your sister’s matters in the future. Let your parents and your sister decide for themselves!” Old Madam Jin said.
Li Xiaoran looked at Old Madam Jin, not understanding why she suddenly said this.
“You’re kind-hearted, so are you planning to leave the two shops by the official road to your parents and sister in the future?” Old Madam Jin could tell what Li Xiaoran’s plan was at a glance.
Li Xiaoran was a little surprised to hear Old Madam Jin’s words.
“How can you tell, Grandmother?”
“How can I not tell?! Girl, you have to remember that occasional favor brings gratitude; constant help breeds grudge. These words are also applicable to your family. If you really want the best for your parents and your sister, you shouldn’t give these shops to them directly. Don’t underestimate people’s laziness and greed. If you give these shops to them now, will you help them prepare a restaurant next time if they need it? It’s better to teach them how to fish than to give them fish directly,” Old Madam Jin said earnestly.
“Besides, as family, they shouldn’t be your burden. They should help you. Relationships depend on mutual reciprocation. Only then can the relationship get better and better. It’s the same for family! If you keep giving and they don’t, then one day, you will also get sick of it! Don’t turn your family into parasites. Let them become your helping hand, so that even if you’re deep in the mud one day, they will at least have the ability to save you. Or else you won’t have people to help you in dire situations!”
Old Madam Jin’s words were summarized by her life experience.
She had given too much to her children, so they ignored her contributions and took everything for granted.
Towards others, she had always given them the appropriate amount of help.
Her friends’ lives had improved step by step with her help and they became people she could rely on.
Therefore, when she wanted a divorce, her friends immediately helped her get one and leave her husband’s house.
Old Madam Jin really liked Li Xiaoran, so she relayed all the the experience she had gained from half a lifetime.
When Li Xiaoran heard Old Madam Jin’s words, she felt enlightened about many things.
“Grandmother, I understand what you’re saying, but I have to think it through!” Li Xiaoran said.
“You’re right. Don’t be anxious, since you’re still running the shop. By the way, you’d better ask your parents and sister what they think and what they want to do! You can’t make decisions for them based on what you think is for their own good. Do you understand?” Old Madam Jin reminded her again.
Li Xiaoran nodded and remembered Old Madam Jin’s words.
“Alright, don’t worry too much about it now. Come and see my house!” As they spoke, the two of them had already arrived at Old Madam Jin’s place.
This house was built very well. It was a typical courtyard house.
Because Old Madam Jin lived alone, she did not plan to build a big house.
There was a courtyard with a vegetable field at the back. The front courtyard and back courtyard were all staggered.
At this moment, the house had already been cleaned up. The servants had also begun to plant flowers and trees.
When Li Xiaoran walked in, the courtyard was already filled with flowers. It looked very pleasing to the eye.
Li Xiaoran looked around and said, “Grandmother, this house is well-built and brightly lit! There’s a long wooden table in this courtyard, so when the sun comes out, it’s the perfect place to bask in the sun and drink tea.”
Old Madam Jin thought about it and felt that this was not a bad idea. Not only could she drink tea, but she could also relax.
After that, Li Xiaoran toured Old Madam Jin’s room. Seeing that a long time had passed, she suggested returning to the shop.
Old Madam Jin also knew that Li Xiaoran was a busy person, so she nodded and asked someone to send her back.
“Luo Cheng reminded me to send you back! Besides, I’ll be worried if you return home alone. After all, this is the official road. You might encounter danger. With someone protecting you, it will save you some trouble! ” Old Madam Jin reminded her.
Li Xiaoran knew that Old Madam Jin was being kind, so she nodded and bade farewell.
On the way back, Li Xiaoran also took a look at the food stalls by the official road.
It had to be said that more and more people were setting up stalls.
In contrast to the past, there were more and more variety now.
There was actually someone who set up a stall to sell deep-fried crispy pork.
Although most customers who passed by would not stop to buy it, some customers had families with them.
Some children would ask the adults to buy the deep-fried crispy pork when they smelled it.
There were also some merchants who were generous and when they saw the deep-fried crispy pork, they would buy some to eat along the way.
After all, most of the time, they ate dry rations and rarely got to eat meat.
Coincidentally, just as a child was about to eat a piece of crispy meat, another child pushed him down.
The child fell, and the crispy meat in his hand landed on Li Xiaoran’s clothes.. Then, Li Xiaoran subconsciously caught it…