Her plan went smoothly by a twist of fate, even more so than she had imagined.
However, Xu Lingyi was still very reluctant to see her mother and the others leave.
After her mother died in her past life, it took her a long time to accept reality and realize that she really didn’t have a mother anymore.
But hatred and resentment tormented her constantly. She wished that she could kill Princess Minghua immediately.
Her mother gave birth to her and raised her; if she cannot avenge her mother, she would rather die with her.
Now that she had been reborn, if she could, she would want to stay by her mother’s side forever and be with her family.
But she knew that it wouldn’t work; she had her own things to do.
As long as she knows that her mother is still alive and her family is safe and sound, her heart is at peace.
She would write letters to her mother every day.
Xu Lingyi watched her sisters-in-law and mother get into the carriage, still reluctant to part with them.
“Go back. It wasn’t easy for you to come down here. I don’t want you to come down. There are so many stone steps. It’s hard to go up either.”
There were too many stone steps. Originally, Mrs. Xu and the others did not want Xu Lingyi to come down to see them off, but Xu Lingyi insisted.
“You must cultivate yourself well here, understand?” Mrs. Xu instructed.
“Your sisters-in-law and I will also pray for you at home. We only ask for your safety and well-being, not for great wealth or honor, and for you to overcome this calamity as soon as possible.”
The Xu family already wields enough power.
“I will, Mother, don’t worry about me.”
“I will come to see you in a few days. If you miss me, you should write to me or send the guard back to tell me.”
The Third Sister-in-law got into the carriage, but couldn’t help but lift the curtain and carefully give Xu Lingyi some instructions.
With her sister-in-law gone, the house would become much less interesting for her.
When she saw her Eldest Sister-in-law, she felt like she was seeing another mother-in-law.
As for her Second sister-in-law, she didn’t think much of her.
“I will.”
Xu Lingyi settled down in the temple, and not far from her lived the young lady of the Grand Tutor’s family.
After talking, the two of them found that they got along well.
Miss Wang has a gentle personality and always speaks softly. She stayed with Xu Lingyi for more than half a month before heading home.
“I received a letter from home saying that my grandmother’s health had indeed improved, so my mother asked me to go home. She said that my family would arrange a marriage for me in a while.”
“Then I wish you to find your ideal husband and live a harmonious life together.”
Miss Wang smiled shyly; she truly longed for a perfect husband.
“Actually, my mother initiated the idea of my coming here to cultivate myself and pray for my grandmother. She said that this would show that I am filial to my elders and help my reputation. If my reputation is good, it will be much easier to find a partner.”
Therefore, she always felt that her heart in spiritual practice was not sincere.
Xu Lingyi comforted her, “We judge by actions, not thoughts. Besides, your grandmother has indeed improved, so you don’t need to overthink this.”
Miss Wang was finally happy.
“Sister, you are so beautiful that I was stunned for a long time when I saw you. You will definitely have no trouble finding a good husband in the future. If some young men in the capital see you, they will definitely be unable to take their eyes off you.”
“Thank you for your kind words.” Xu Lingyi replied with a smile.
*****
Translator’s Encyclopedia
Marriage in Ancient Times – Based on The Qing Dynasty (Part 4)
- Sexual Offenses and Lack of Legal Status
Remaining single carried high legal risks because the law only protected sexual activity within marriage.
- Criminalized Sex: Any sexual activity outside of marriage was considered consensual illicit sex (he jian), which was a punishable crime for both parties.
- No “Partner” Status: Single individuals had no legal standing to claim property or inheritance through a partner; only the official wife or recognized concubines had defined legal rights.
- Social Ostracism
Socially, a single adult was a “non-person”.
- Ancestral Rites: Without a spouse or children, an individual would not have anyone to perform ancestral rites for them after death, which was considered the ultimate spiritual failure.
Exceptions: The only socially “acceptable” ways to remain single were to become a Buddhist nun/monk (which required official government approval) or to remain a chaste widow (which was highly honored and even rewarded by the Emperor).
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Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152