She Only Cares About Cultivation

Caihua came to call An Yi; life hung by a thread. After being told the approximate location, she ran to the house where the incident happened. Even if unfamiliar, she only needed to search for the house with the most people gathered at the front. When she arrived, Qiuxia grabbed her by the arm and shook her head: "Sister, it’s too late."

Gasping for breath, An Yi paused, "How old is the child?"

"Over eight months, and it’s a boy. They just went to the toilet, and when they came back, the child was already scalded..."

"Didn’t you hear any crying? Was there only one person at home?"

Qiuxia pulled her aside: "Grandma went out to chat with someone. His mother just went to the toilet, and when she heard the child crying, she thought it was nothing serious, not realizing it was something like this."

An Yi took a deep breath and exhaled heavily: "Let’s go back. Many things happen unexpectedly; how is the child’s mother?"

"She already fainted, but this matter is likely to cause a stir because it’s the hard-earned grandson after having three daughters previously."

Unable to bear hearing more, An Yi looked up at the courtyard of that house, watching the people whispering at the door, and turned to leave.

When Caihua learned that the child couldn’t be saved, her eyes turned red: "That child looked so robust and mischievous; everyone praised his good fortune. But who would’ve thought his luck would be so short? It’s nobody’s fault, who could be blamed? Who would want this? Isn’t a mother even allowed the time to go to the toilet? But knowing Auntie’s temperament, her daughter-in-law is likely to be beaten."

Northeastern women are not in short supply of fiery temper; this matter can be big or small, An Yi said to Caihua.

"You should advise your Auntie later. The mother blames herself more than anyone else, so don’t blame her anymore. Otherwise, if she’s overwhelmed, those three daughters might end up motherless, which is a serious matter. She needs more comfort, not blame."

That’s what was said, and that’s what advice was given, but after all, the incident did not happen to them. Caihua not only advised the sister-in-law but also Auntie. Despite this, the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law conflict eventually erupted, with one blaming the other for going to the toilet, even saying she should’ve held the child while answering nature’s call, or why she didn’t remember past incidents like this. The other blamed the grandma for going out to chat. Was a neighbor’s house really that nice? If she hadn’t gone, would the child have had the accident?

That’s how people are; all are happy if nothing happens, but once something does, blame is definite, seeking to shift responsibility and find psychological comfort.

That would be all right if it was just this, at least it’s an outlet for regret and self-blame, but there’s a fear of those who get fixated.

The husband hit, the in-laws scold, the ten-month son died, and Caihua’s sister-in-law ultimately couldn’t withstand the pressure of public opinion.

Three days later, one morning, she was found frozen to death at her son’s grave, and only then did those scolding her shut their mouths.

Her fate was foreseen by An Yi early on, hence why she urged Caihua to tell Auntie to be considerate, not to go too far. Unfortunately, the warning went unheeded, resulting in tragedy. The mother’s family demanded justice, and ultimately, the once friendly in-law families became sworn enemies.

Most pitiful of all were those three daughters, none older than eight, the youngest only two.

Because it is impossible for the husband not to remarry, and under a stepmother, who among those three daughters could fare well? Of course, if they’re lucky enough to find a good stepmother, there’s hope for the future, but considering historical data, the chances aren’t promising.

The Liu Family’s incident caused a stir for about seven or eight days, finally concluding with Caihua’s sister-in-law’s hasty burial.

The responsibility of raising children is immense, with painful examples placed before them. It made An Yi and her three sisters realize the heavy burden they shouldered.

Before a child learns to roll over, things are somewhat manageable; however, once they do, the likelihood of falling from bed greatly increases. Fortunately, An Yi managed to acquire sitting baskets and cribs from space. At least when the child crawls and sits, even if alone, there is a safeguard.

The incident with Caihua’s sister-in-law did not bring much sadness to the villagers; instead, it was used as a cautionary tale, teaching everyone’s children to remember to keep close watch over their children. Life went on without delay.

The most unbelievable aspect was that half a month later, before even the child and wife’s funeral rites concluded, the family’s Old Lady approached her.