A New Dawn for the Whitlocks Chapter 12

Nawen and Lily Summers followed the old man's instructions and came to Guan Dezhen's house in Liushugou at dusk. This was a thatched house with worn-out furniture and a messy house. Guan Dezhen's wrinkled long gown could not hide his poor appearance. Nawen was already crying like a tearful man. Guan Dezhen sighed and said, "Alas, Nawen, you have seen it all. I have already lost my family. The old house in the town is no longer named Guan. I sold it. If I don't sell it, I will starve to death. Your aunt has also taken the children back to her mother's home. I am now a lonely person. You said that your uncle has never done any physical work since he was a child. He can only write poems and walk birds. In the past few years, he has relied on selling things for food. If he sells the house, he will have nothing. You said that your father sent you here without saying hello in advance. If he had said hello, I would never let you come. Now you have come and lost your money. You can't go back. What should I do?"

Na Wen cried and said, "Uncle, when our family was prosperous, my father helped you to build so much property. How come it fell apart just like that?" Guan Dezheng said, "Well, it's embarrassing to say this, isn't it because of smoking opium? Let's not talk about this, let's talk about what you should do. I see that you are already grown up, and you haven't found a husband yet, so I'll find someone for you to marry. Although we come from a wealthy family, it's the Republic of China now, and the princes and princesses are all married off. No one dares to mention them, and no one dares to marry them even if they are mentioned. Why? Because we are stinky! Everyone knows that children from a family like ours can't lift anything, can't carry anything, and are full of bad habits. By the way, I forgot to ask you, haven't you been infected with that habit?" Na Wen shook his head. Guan Dezhen said, "That's good, that's good. What did you say just now? Ah, about your marriage. You don't have to think about the restoration of the Qing Dynasty. Be practical and find a family with a rich family background. Don't ask about their background, and don't care whether they are Manchu or Han. As long as they are good, marry them." Na Wen cried and said, "Uncle, I don't want to marry. Why should I run so far to get married? I can get married in the mansion, so why do you need to worry about it?" Guan Dezhen said, "This is called one time and another."

Lily Summers said, "Sister Nawen, this is the situation of my uncle's family. I think what my uncle said makes sense. You said that you can't rely on my uncle anymore. The money I brought with me is gone. Who will support me? It's better to find a good family to marry, and don't make it difficult for my uncle." Nawen cried and said, "Sister, I fell from the sky to the ground all of a sudden. I was not prepared. I can't live anymore!" Guan Dezhen said, "Look at what you are saying. You are not as knowledgeable as a maid. Think about it carefully. If you have thought it through, tell me a message so that I can find someone to match you up. But there is one thing, don't reveal your identity as a princess."

Na Wen was crying. Xian Er said, "Sister, please stop crying. It makes me feel bad. This is our fate. Just accept it. You have found your uncle's family anyway and can marry with a clean record. What about me? I can't go back to my husband's family and I can't find my son-in-law. What should I do with my life?" Then she started crying. Na Wen said, "Qiu Juan, let's stop crying. Let's sing a song for me."

Lily Summers sang a piece of opera she had composed for her: