Good Ending: She Swears She Will Not Let Him Die!

When Du Yunluo got out of the carriage supported by Shui Yue, Mrs. Zhen was already crying, leaning on the woman who came up to greet her.

These past years, although life for Mrs. Zhen in the Du Family might not have been entirely smooth, she hadn’t faced much hardship. Among the daughters-in-law, Mrs. Zhen, who didn’t strive for anything, was instead the most favored by Old Mrs. Xia.

The tears Mrs. Zhen shed for her family weren’t due to even the slightest dissatisfaction with her in-laws, but from the deep longing for her family.

Seeing Mrs. Zhen cry, Du Yunluo also felt a heaviness in her heart.

"Is this Yunluo?" A woman dressed in a grape purple cotton jacket with a patterned jacket over it came forward and took Du Yunluo’s hand. "I’m your second aunt. Do you recognize me, Yunluo?"

Hearing this, Du Yunluo called her "Second Aunt" and then addressed the woman holding Mrs. Zhen as "First Aunt."

The last time she came back to Tong City with Mrs. Zhen, Du Yunluo was only six or seven years old. It’s common for children not to remember people clearly, let alone over two lifetimes with so many years passing. The older relatives’ faces were blurry to Du Yunluo.

Mrs. Zhen had worried that Du Yunluo would be confused about the situation within the Zhen Family, so she had told her some details on the way.

The woman holding her, Mrs. Wang, was from the Langya Wang Family, an extremely good family background. Even as an illegitimate daughter, Mrs. Wang’s demeanor was different from ordinary families.

Mrs. Wang married into the Zhen Family by marrying low, prompted by a chance encounter with an article by Zhen Zimun, the second uncle of the Zhen Family. She was wholeheartedly devoted and thus came from Langya to Tong City, and her marriage was harmonious, validating her past persistence.

Mrs. Wang’s long, slender eyes smiled, but on closer inspection, her eye corners were a bit red, as if triggered by Mrs. Zhen’s tears. She held Du Yunluo’s face to take a good look and sighed, "Didn’t notice when she was little, but the girl has grown to look exactly like Sixth Sister. When Grandma sees her, she’ll think our Sixth Sister hasn’t aged in all these years."

Mrs. Zhen laughed through her tears.

First Aunt Mrs. Chen also looked at Du Yunluo, praising her repeatedly.

The group made their way to the Yanxi Hall where Old Mrs. Hou resided.

Upon hearing the announcement outside, Old Mrs. Hou loudly called out, "Sixth Sister is back? Come in quickly, let me have a good look."

Mrs. Zhen hitched up her skirt and rushed inside.

Following behind, Du Yunlo privately thought that Mrs. Zhen was truly Old Mrs. Hou’s own daughter. The manner and words in dealing with her daughter were exactly the same.

When she first awoke and returned to Qinghui Garden in this life, Mrs. Zhen did the same, calling out "Nannan" from her sickbed, asking her to quickly come inside.

Recalling the scene brought a sting to Du Yunluo’s nose.

Du Yunluo stepped in.

Old Mrs. Hou was sitting on the Arhat Bed, wearing a peacock-blue long jacket with a woven horse face skirt. Her hair was still black and glossy, neatly combed, with a headband featuring pearls and five bats on her forehead. She looked much younger than her actual age. Mrs. Zhen sat by her side, speaking through tears.

Having not seen her daughter for years, Old Mrs. Hou was also full of longing and reluctance, her eyes reddening, "Don’t make me cry. I’ve been waiting night and day for you to come back. You heartless one, coming back just to make me cry — at this age, being laughed at by your sisters-in-law and nieces."

Despite such words, Old Mrs. Hou patted Mrs. Zhen on the back, and with the persuasion of Mrs. Wang and Mrs. Chen, the mother and daughter put away their tears and had maids bring water to wash their faces.

Du Yunluo waited all the while. Once Old Mrs. Hou and Mrs. Zhen settled themselves, and at the maid’s arrangement, she moved forward to kneel and bowed her head, addressing her as "Grandmother."

Old Mrs. Hou’s eyes widened; the well-behaved girl in front of her was exactly like her own little Sixth Sister. She hurriedly beckoned, "Good child, come closer."

Du Yunluo rose and went forward, Old Mrs. Hou took her into her arms, affectionately pinching her hand, "Just like, just like!"

"Elder sister-in-law, wasn’t I right?" Mrs. Wang said with a smile, "Old lady sees Yunluo and will certainly say they’re alike."

Mrs. Chen nodded with a smile.

Old Mrs. Hou caught sight of this and chided, "What have you two been saying behind my back? Perish the notion!"

With her deft tongue, Mrs. Wang cheered up Old Mrs. Hou with a few words, making her even happier.

Mrs. Chen and Mrs. Wang’s three daughters were also lively people, filling the room with laughter.

Sitting alongside Old Mrs. Hou, Du Yunluo smiled, watching the Zhen family.

This is what it’s like for a married woman returning to her family — everyone is joyful and expectant. Unlike her, unlike the times she used to return to her family, which always met her with tears and complaints.

Comparing the two, a lump rose in Du Yunluo’s throat; she lowered her head, took a deep breath, thinking that was all in the past. In this life, returning home would not be the same.

Mrs. Zhen inquired about her father, Old Master Zhen.

Mrs. Wang glanced at the sky and said, "The Old Master went out visiting friends early and should be back soon."

After a few words, Du Huaili joined with the two Zhen brothers.

Old Mrs. Hou was exceedingly fond of this son-in-law, receiving his greetings before inviting him to sit down.

Du Yunluo arose to greet her two uncles, and then her two older cousins.

Du Yunluo had heard from Mrs. Zhen that her first uncle Zhen Zishan and second uncle Zhen Zimun were not Old Mrs. Hou’s biological sons. Their mother was Old Master Zhen’s first wife, who passed when the uncles were eight or nine years old. Old Mrs. Hou was a stepmother who later entered the family.

Perhaps having experienced hardships with a stepmother herself, Old Mrs. Hou was exceedingly kind to her stepchildren. Her genuine heart wasn’t in vain, leading to a harmonious relationship between them. After giving birth to Mrs. Zhen, the younger sister was much adored by her brothers.

Decades have passed, and Old Mrs. Hou’s current robust health and good spirits were inseparable from her sons and daughters-in-law’s filial devotion.

With Mrs. Zhen returning for a short stay, neither Mrs. Chen nor Mrs. Wang showed any laxity, preparing a quiet courtyard.

Not far from Yanxi Hall, a small courtyard complete with everything needed.

Mrs. Wang led Mrs. Zhen and Du Yunluo over to inspect it, while Nanny Zhao was already organizing with staff.

The main house had three rooms, one bright and two dark, with side rooms, a rear suite, and an opposite suite – sufficient for lodging.

Du Yunluo brought only Jin Rui, so the household arrangements relied on her. Jin Rui was efficient, setting things in order swiftly.

Mrs. Wang held Mrs. Zhen’s hand, saying, "Sixth Sister, whatever you lack, just let me know."

Mrs. Zhen agreed.

Seeing Du Yunluo enter the east side room, Mrs. Wang softly told Mrs. Zhen, "Not to hide it from you, however attentive we daughters-in-law are, we can’t compare to one’s own daughter. Old’ grandma’s greatest concern is you, Sixth Sister. During the New Year, she even mentioned that since Yun Ru’s match is settled, why not have Yunluo marry here so she could be by her side — but it was a step too late."

Mrs. Zhen paused, "Why wasn’t this mentioned in the earlier letters?"

"Granny contemplated back and forth, and since things weren’t settled, she didn’t bring it up with you," Mrs. Wang smiled wryly, "So as it is, Granny’s unsatisfied with Yunluo’s match. You might want to..."