Transmigrated as an Unwanted Ugly Girl

They were laughing too, but Zheng Changhe and his wife’s smiles were far more carefree and radiant. This was the difference between gaining a daughter-in-law and marrying off one’s own daughter. No wonder everyone wanted to raise sons; giving away the girl you had raised for over a decade felt like carving away a piece of your own flesh.

If she had more siblings, this feeling might not have been so pronounced. But there were only the two of them, brother and sister. She had always been the one to take charge and support her parents, so her departure felt like it had ripped the backbone out of the family. The excited looks on her parents’ faces when she first walked into the courtyard only made her heart ache more.

Her grandmother was as sharp as a tack. Hearing Liu Yunlan’s question, she immediately understood why she was crying. ’She can’t bear to leave her family, and she’s worried about her parents.’

She patted her granddaughter’s hand and smiled. "This is how life has always been, my dear. What girl doesn’t get married? If you really stayed here your whole life, then your parents would really have something to cry about—they’d cry from anxiety! No matter how capable you are, you can’t stay by their side forever. Besides, won’t Yungen have to get married someday too? It’s time he learned to take on some responsibility. It’s actually a good thing you’re married. Otherwise, he’d always have you to fall back on."

Hearing her mother’s words, Mrs. Zhang understood her daughter’s feelings as well. Her heart ached, and she secretly turned away, lifting the hem of her sleeve to wipe her tears.

Her daughter hadn’t been wrong. Ever since she had been carried from their home, it truly felt as if something was missing. The family ate without appetite and worked without energy. Her son had suddenly grown quiet. Without needing to be told, he began busying himself with chores, as if he had grown up overnight, knowing that it was now up to him to carry the weight of their home.

Today was their daughter’s homecoming visit, and the whole family had been looking forward to it since early morning. Even though they knew she would have to leave right after lunch, it was still a joyous occasion.

The old grandmother saw that her granddaughter had stopped crying, only for Mrs. Zhang to start. She gave her a gentle push. "What are you doing? Go make lunch. Qingnan Village isn’t that far. If you miss your daughter, you can just go see her. What’s there to be so upset about? She’s just a silly girl who doesn’t know any better, and you’re joining in. Yes, there’s the saying, ’A married daughter is like spilled water,’ but isn’t there another one that says, ’A son-in-law is half a son’? Your daughter has married a good man and will have a good life. You should count your blessings! If she weren’t doing well, could you really treat her like spilled water and ignore her? I think you’d be too busy crying! When a daughter is divorced and sent home, her brothers and sisters-in-law are certainly not happy, but don’t her parents’ hearts ache for her all the same? They just can’t do anything about it."

Mrs. Zhang quickly replied, "Look at me, being so silly. I’m not sad, really. It’s just that you only just left, and we’re not used to it yet. It’s no big deal. Lan’er, don’t you worry. Your father and I are doing just fine, and so is your brother. You have no idea how much more sensible he’s become. Your grandmother is right—now that you’re gone, he’s started to take responsibility."

And so, the women put their smiles back on. They spoke of private matters and chatted about daily life. Mrs. Zhang carefully asked her daughter how she was faring in the Zheng Family, and her description of her new life greatly relieved her.

Even though she had never had to worry about this daughter—in fact, it was usually Mrs. Zhang who turned to her for advice—she still gave her a long list of reminders about being a good daughter-in-law. It couldn’t be helped. No matter how capable her daughter was, she was still her child, and parents always worry about their children.

Ignoring Mrs. Zhang’s protests, Liu Yunlan got up to help her cut vegetables, reminding her mother and grandmother to take care of their health, as if she had been married for ages.

Out in the main hall, Qingmu was talking with Liu Fugui while Liu Yungen listened from the side. Qingmu could also feel the difference in marrying off a daughter. Compared to the festive joy at his own home, this place lacked a certain vitality; it felt quiet. He had also noticed Liu Yunlan’s change in mood. ’She must be feeling quite sad,’ he thought.

Looking at Liu Fugui, who was speaking to him so politely, he suddenly felt a wave of sympathy. He said with sincerity, "Father, even though Yunlan is married, she’s still your daughter! You don’t have to be so sad. As your son-in-law, I’m like half a son to you. Besides, Qingnan Village isn’t far. If you and Mother miss her, just come and visit. I’ll bring her back to see you often, too."

Hearing his son-in-law’s thoughtful words, Liu Fugui couldn’t help the sting in his nose. He nodded repeatedly. "Ah! Father isn’t sad, I’m very happy. In a couple of years, Yungen will be getting married, and our family will be growing too." As he spoke, he raised his sleeve to wipe away a tear.

’He really was happy. In his memory, Qingmu had never been a man of many words. To say something so considerate now showed just how thoughtful his son-in-law was. Not like some families, where marrying a new wife just meant gaining another set of in-laws. Who would really act like half a son!’

Qingmu looked at the somewhat sullen Liu Yungen and said in an instructive tone, "Yungen, now that your sister is married, you need to be the one to look after your parents. You have to step up and take responsibility. You’re not a little kid anymore; in a couple of years, you’ll be old enough to marry. If you keep living day by day like you used to, I’m afraid no one will be willing to marry their daughter to you. It’s not about doing something grand—just honestly farm the land and raise the pigs. The land is never lazy for a hardworking man. If you work hard, you’ll make a good life for yourself."

Liu Yungen didn’t grin or talk back after hearing Qingmu’s words. He just nodded silently.

’He had always known his sister would get married someday, but when the wedding procession actually came and took her away, he still felt an emptiness in his heart. No, the whole house felt empty, suddenly drained of life. For now, his grandmother was still here. But once she left too... what fun would meals be, with just the three of them?’

He aimlessly threw himself into any work he could find, trying to fill the void in his heart.

Hearing his son-in-law advising his son like an older brother, Liu Fugui quickly chided, "Did you hear that? You listen to your brother-in-law. If he didn’t see you as his own brother, who would bother teaching you these things?"

Liu Yungen nodded again, his head hanging so low it almost touched his chest. It was impossible to tell what he was thinking.

Qingmu smiled. "I think Yungen has done a great job this year. He’s taken good care of the fields. Father, from now on, just let him take the lead. Let him shoulder the family’s burdens, and in a couple of years, he’ll be just fine." (To be continued. If you like this work, you are welcome to come to qidian.com to vote with recommendation tickets and monthly passes. Your support is my greatest motivation.)