Chapter 668: Mother-Daughter Relationship
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Shen Qiuhua smiled when she saw the young man before her. “h.e.l.lo, Zhishan. How’s your grandmother?”
The youth was her nephew and older G.o.dbrother’s son, Shen Zhishan. He spoke sadly, “Grandmother hasn’t been good since her fall.”
Shen Qiuhua became wide-eyed. “Didn’t you take her to the doctor?”
Shen Zhishan said, “We took her to the doctor, but the doctor said it happens when people get old. He only prescribed medicine and told her to get enough rest. ”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” Shen Qiuhua had previously told someone to send her G.o.dparents some money and provisions.
However, her G.o.dparents had sent someone to deliver a letter to her, saying everything was fine and telling her not to worry.
Shen Zhishan said, “Grandma didn’t want us to tell you because she didn’t want you to worry.”
Immediately after, Shen Qiuhua ran into the room to see Lin Qin. At this moment, Su Fengmao, Su Binglan, and others entered the yard.
Shen Zhishan was stunned when he saw Su Fengmao. The former felt his uncle looked much younger. He was also in awe of Shen Qiuhua’s daughter and son-in-law.
He had visited Su Teng Village last year to deliver the apricot to Shen Qiuhua.
He had met Luo Jin’an then.
Su Binglan and Luo Jin’an were delighted to see Shen Zhishan. “h.e.l.lo, Zhishan.’
Shen Zhishan was happy to see his cousin and cousin-in-law. Although he did not know who the man behind them was, he did not pry.
Su Fengmao patted Shen Zhishan’s shoulder, saying, “Are your father and grandfather home?”
Shen Zhishan said, “My father went to town to help drive the carriage. Grandpa also went to town, but he’s selling firewood.”
Shen Zhishan was busy cutting firewood at home and had just returned when the others arrived.
After chatting for a while, Su Binglan discovered that her maternal grandparents lived in harsh conditions. They had to work hard for their
livelihood, especially during January.
However, she did not see her moody Aunt Ma. When she spoke to Shien Zhishan just now, she learned that Madam Ma had found a job in town, washing clothes for a wealthy family to earn some monthly copper coins. Shen Zhishan had planned to look for work in town, but finding work during the holidays was challenging. Moreover, his wife, Jiang Nainai, was pregnant, and he needed to stay home to care for her and his grandmother.
After observing the empty yard and shabby house, Su Binglan knew how much Lin Qin and the others had suffered.
Su Binglan knew Madam Ma had gone to the town to work, but she found it strange. She wondered when her aunt’s personality changed. However, it was not the right time to ask about it.
Su Binglan and Luo Jin’an followed Shen Zhishan into the house. This time, the gentle and virtuous Jiang Nainai exited the room.
Lin Qin had chosen Jiang Nainai as her grandson’s bride. The older woman did not care about Jiang Nainai’s family background and only considered her character and temperament.
Lin Qin did not like Madam Ma’s personality, but she could do nothing about it because her son had chosen to marry Madam Ma. However, Shen Zhishan needed Lin Qin’s approval before choosing his wife.
Jiang Nainai kept the house tidy and ensured everything was in order. She had been feeding Lin Qin medicine and did not have time to welcome Su Binglan and the others.
She was still holding the medicine bowl when she finally exited the room. She saw the group and politely addressed them, “h.e.l.lo, everyone. Please have a seat while I grab some water for you all.”
“Nainai, please rest. You’re pregnant and shouldn’t be working so hard,” Su Binglan helped her sit down as she spoke.
“I-I’m fine,” Jiang Nainai smiled.
Su Binglan secretly checked Jiang Nainai’s pulse and frowned. She knew Jiang Nainai was weak and malnourished. Although the latter was only five months pregnant, she looked like she was three months pregnant instead.
Therefore, Su Binglan wanted to replenish Jiang Nainai’s nutrients. To do that, she needed to improve the family’s living conditions. That way, they could afford to buy better food.
Meanwhile, Lin Qin was so excited to see Shen Qiuhua that she started to tear up. She held her G.o.ddaughter’s hand, saying, “Qiuhua, it’s good you’re here.
It’s been a while.’
Shen Qiuhua also teared up. “Mother, why didn’t you tell me about your condition?”
‘She would have recovered long ago if I had visited earlier.’
Lin Qin said, “Silly child, the doctor says this is normal for older people like myself. There’s no need to worry. I just feel a little weak and will be fine after some rest.”
Lin QIn had put aside the silver Shen Qiuhua gave her and did not use a single bit. The older woman knew how hard it was for her G.o.ddaughter to raise such a large family, so she kept it aside to return to Shen Qiuhua.
Although Lin Qin had her biological son to care for, she had also spent much time with Shen Qiuhua and regarded the younger woman as her own.
Moreover, Shen Qiuhua’s biological parents had chosen Lin Qin as Shen Qiuhua’s G.o.dmother. Additionally, Shen Qiuhua and Lin Qin had relied on each other for some time.
Their relationship resembled a biological mother and daughter, or even more profound than that.
Lin Qin knew Shen Qiuhua did not want to make things difficult for her and her son, Shen Qiuchuan, so she let Shen Qiuhua marry Su Fengmao and live in Su Teng Village.
However, Lin Qin was also upset because Shen Qiuhua could only return once a year. After all, Madam Ma treated Shen Qiuhua horribly.
As a mother-in-law, Lin Qin could control Madam Ma and make decisions at home, but if she did, Madam Ma would be at odds with Shen Qiuhua.
Shen Qiuchuan was honest but did not know how to coax people. He would remain quiet, even if he were upset. Still, he looked like he was losing weight due to stress.
Ultimately, Shen Qiuhua had to live far away.
All these years, Lin Qin had always felt guilty toward Shen Qiuhua.
Madam Ma did not know Shen Qiuhua was a direct member of the Shen family, but Lin Qin knew. The older woman always wondered why she let Shen Qiuhua suffer so much.
Shen Qiuhua held her G.o.dmother’s hand and said, “Mother, I brought Binglan and Jin’an along. Binglan knows medicine, so I can ask her to check on you.”
She also wanted to tell Lin Qin about Shen Mohen but did not expect her G.o.dmother to be so emotional.
“Binglan’s here too?” Lin Qin loved Su Binglan and regarded her as her own granddaughter. She remembered Su Binglan not shying away from strangers and affectionately calling her “Grandma.”
If not for Madam Ma, Shen Qiuhua and Su Binglan could visit more often.
Su Binglan entered the room and approached Lin Qin, saying, “h.e.l.lo,
Grandma.’
Lin Qin looked at Su Binglan with admiration. “Hey, my dear. You’ve grown into a fine young lady.”
Luo Jin’an followed Su Binglan and addressed Lin Qin, “Grandma.”
Lin Qin was thrilled to see the young couple standing together.
Su Binglan’s heart ached when she saw Lin Qin’s frail appearance. The latter looked older than many of the elders in Su Teng Village. “Grandma, let me check your pulse first..”