Why did you provoke me?

Yu Meng was unaware of all this. In her room, she looked at the lines in her hand, her face full of confusion. How did the lines fork? It was as if a cross was drawn at the end of the line, splitting into four petals in an instant.

Even more amazingly, the lines divided into four sections actually function as clamps.

At this moment, Yu Meng realized the drawbacks of not having a master's lineage; there was no one to ask and no information to consult.

Yu Meng carefully sensed the lines and found nothing wrong with them. It was just that the lines after the forking seemed to lack resilience, as if they would break if pulled.

Looking at the limp lines in her hand, Yu Meng knew this wouldn't do. There was no other way but to use the most basic method: start training again.

Yu Meng held the four lines, each only a quarter of the original length, and slowly dragged them forward, sprinting slowly.

And so, aside from necessary activities, she didn't participate in anything else. Dali was in a similar situation, both striving to improve themselves.

That day, Aunt Yu came crying and called for Yu Meng, "Xiao Si, something happened to Sister Xiu's family, you should go and see her. Mingfeng mentioned it, and I've been thinking about it ever since. She's such a poor child."

Yu Meng tidied up her lines. Yu's mother was now used to Yu Meng's lines flying everywhere. Back then, when all those lines appeared before her eyes, densely packed, it startled her.

Later, Yu Meng told her that if she came to see her, she should knock on the door first, and she would put the lines away.

In her haste today, she forgot. However, after it happened so many times, she wasn't so afraid anymore, since Yu Meng wouldn't really hurt her.

"Mom, are you going? What could possibly happen to Sister Xiu? Isn't she staying at her grandma's house right now?"

Aunt Yu sat on the edge of the bed, wiping away tears. "It wasn't your sister Xiu, it seems something happened to your sister Xiu's parents."

Yu Meng's heart skipped a beat. Xiu's parents were both soldiers. If something happened to them, it would be a big deal.

Yu Meng looked at her mother. "Mom, tell me the truth, what are you thinking?"

Yu Ma's tears started flowing again. "I would like to invite Sister Xiu back to our home, but I don't know if she would be willing."

"What does my dad say about this? Does he agree with your idea?" Yu Meng asked again.

"Your father agrees too," Aunt Yu continued. "I want your older brother to go with you. After all, he's the eldest in our family and can represent your father and me."

Yu Meng nodded, "Okay, then I'll go with my older brother. Is my older sister coming too?"

"She's going too. It's just that Mingfeng doesn't want her to go to the city. He said there's someone who's gone mad, and he's afraid they'll try to take advantage of our Dali."

Did Yu Meng know who Jiang Mingfeng was referring to? "Then let eldest sister stay home."

Yu Ma hesitated, "Are you leaving now?"

"Is Big Brother here?"

Aunt Yu nodded. "Your dad sent Hai Zi to call them. Even Zhao Changsheng came."

"Then let's go now. Mom, don't worry at home. If Sister Xiu is willing, I'll just bring her back."

"Okay, I'll go prepare a room for her. But then Yang Le and her sister will have to share a room. Xiao Si, ask them when their parents are coming to pick them up." Aunt Yu was a little worried that Yu Meng might overthink things. She added, "After all, we're not related, and it wouldn't be appropriate for them to stay too long."

Yu Meng agreed. She walked to Yang Huan's door and knocked. "I'm going to the city now. Will you sisters come with me?"

"I'll go pack now." Yang Huan called out to Yang Le, and the two went inside to pack their things, preparing to go to the city with Yu Meng.

The Zhao family's old residence.

Sister Xiu stared blankly at the two small boxes covered by flags, her expression numb. How could this be?

Niannian clutched Xiujie's clothes tightly. She could understand what the adults were saying now. She would never have a father or mother again. Her tears fell silently.

Grandma Zhao has fainted from crying several times. How could she, an old woman with white hair, have to bury her son with black hair?

Xiu Jie's heart was empty. She was led to kneel down and kowtow. Then she carried the box to the cemetery. Niannian was very sensible. She followed Xiu Jie's every move without making a fuss.

Everything was arranged. Sister Xiu sat in her room, staring blankly outside. She had no parents anymore, and she had no home.

At this moment, the tears no longer listened to her; they had their own thoughts and streamed down her cheeks.

Niannian watched Xiujie cry and silently cried along with her.

Xiujie was confused. This was her grandmother's house, her eldest uncle's house, and her second uncle's house, but not her home. She hugged Niannian, who was her only family.

"Sister Xiu, the Yu siblings are here," someone called from downstairs.

Xiu Jie suddenly stood up and ran downstairs, while Niannian grabbed her, "Sister, don't leave me behind."

Sister Xiu grabbed her and ran downstairs together, saying, "I won't leave you behind."

Upon seeing Yu Jun and Yu Meng, Sister Xiu could no longer hold back and burst into tears while hugging Yu Meng.

Yu Meng patted her reassuringly, "Don't be afraid, we're here for you."

Yu Meng stayed with Sister Xiu for a while while she cried before asking, "What exactly happened to Uncle and the others?"

Sister Xiu shook her head, "The person who came only said that he sacrificed his life while on a mission, and said no more."

They spent a long time in the study with Grandpa, but Grandpa didn't say anything.

"Sister Xiu, what are you planning to do? When I came here, my parents told me to take you with me."

Sister Xiu lowered her head. "Little sister, how can I possibly go back?"

"Sister Xiu, your older brother is here. Don't you understand what Mom and Dad mean?" Yu Meng grabbed her hand. "Mom has always kept your room for you."

Xiu Jie's tears started flowing again. "Little sister, tell me, am I an unlucky person?"

"How could that be? They're just not lucky enough to enjoy your filial piety." Yu Meng didn't try to persuade them; she simply told the truth.

"Sister Xiu, how are your grandpa and grandma?"

"They're all still grieving the loss of their son, they haven't recovered yet," Sister Xiu said softly. "Their father was their best child."

Yu Meng hesitated for a moment, "What did your uncle say? Do you want to take you over?"

"Little sister, at this point, no matter what I choose, it will be wrong. I don't want to disturb their lives any further."

"Then follow your heart. When you decided to go with them, wasn't that also a decision made by your heart? You can still do it now. I will always support you." Yu Meng looked at her earnestly. "One can't always live for others; one must live for oneself at least once."

Sister Xiu smiled faintly, "You're still the same. I don't know how you forged that heart of yours."

Yu Meng didn't laugh. Yes, her heart had been forged in purgatory. How could ordinary people bear such pain?

"I've packed all my things. I was planning to go back to town in the next few days, but I never expected this to happen. Little sister, Niannian and I are both very filial. Don't Dad and Mom really care?"

"Sister Xiu, you should know what the eldest son represents in our area. Early this morning, Dad sent my younger brother to call for help."

"Then we'll leave today." Sister Xiu made up her mind; she was going to leave sooner or later anyway. Her original plan was to leave in the next few days, and she had already said goodbye to her grandparents.

Yu Meng nodded. She could tell that Sister Xiu had lost a lot of weight.