Chapter - 103 - Little Aunt

"Little aunt?" Yi Minghuan turned over to face Tang Li and pondered for a moment before speaking:

"My grandfather used to say she looked like a delicate woman, but she had the courage to think and act boldly. He often said she had a temper like a man. My grandfather even joked that my father and aunt were born with the wrong gender. So, he had white hair so soon!"

Tang Li couldn't contain her joy and chuckled, "Hahaha... Your description is so vivid! I can almost picture how your little aunt must have been."

Yi Minghuan grinned in response.

"Well, it's a shame she left us so soon. I wish I could've seen her with my own eyes." Tang Li sighed, a genuine sense of sorrow coloring her voice.

"Indeed," Yi Minghuan's response carried a tinge of melancholy, and both of them found themselves contemplating the untimely departure of someone they held dear.

Meanwhile, Tang Li continued to connect the dots in her mind. If her assumption about Minghuan being her aunt's child held true, it would not only explain Gu Xiulan's actions but also provide insights into Father Yi's behaviors.

It clarified why Father Yi lived separately from them—he distanced himself because Yi Minghuan was not his biological son.

Furthermore, Father Yi's lack of support for Yi Minghuan became clearer. While he might exhibit cowardice at times, he demonstrated unexpected toughness when defending Lin Wenqiang today.

'This is the difference!'

Not to mention the few words that Wenjing said today unintentionally, revealed the truth that Father Yi acknowledged Yi Wenjing as his son, excluding Yi Minghuan from that recognition.

Tang Li perceived that family had become a significant source of pain for Yi Minghuan, akin to an emotional scar.

She was determined to prevent him from enduring further distress or succumbing to anger and despair, making him take any stupid steps.

Therefore, she decided to have a candid and rational conversation with him, hoping to alleviate some of the burden on his heart.

For the time being, she chose not to disclose her speculations as she had promised her elder sister to keep quiet.

"Hey, Minghuan, are you determined to take the college entrance examination? Even if it takes three to five years before the college entrance examination resumes, will you still take the exam?" Tang Li broached the topic, initiating the conversation.

"Absolutely!" Yi Minghuan responded firmly.

"That's good!" Tang Li continued, "Minghuan, you must understand that pursuing university isn't just about studying. You need to perform well in your team, becoming a role model for the villagers.

Maintain a clean record politically and reputation-wise and it will be best if you are praised by others. This way, you'll be eligible for recommendation by the team, secure a place, and eventually take the college entrance examination."

Yi Minghuan stared at her, silent for a moment. Finally, he remarked, "You talk like my teacher."

Minghuan couldn't help but feel there was something peculiar about his wife—her understanding of the situation, eloquence, and generosity were unusual.

Tang Li's parents, in contrast, wouldn't have raised such a sensible woman.

However, he trusted that she had his best interests at heart and chose not to delve into her past or demand any explanations from her. He felt that when he had her complete trust she would confide in him herself.

'He had to work harder to make sure that his wife felt secure with him!'

"...I am your wife, and I am your life and spiritual teacher!" Tang Li playfully poked his arm, then inquired assertively, "Do you understand this? Do you think I'd harm you? I am saying all these words to you isn't it for your sake?"

"...Yes, yes, yes!" Yi Minghuan, initially evading her playful prodding, eventually grabbed her finger to hold it down, preventing her from moving.

His lips curled into a small smile as he confessed, "I know you are my wife, and you won't harm me."

Tang Li blushed inexplicably at his soft, smiling response, despite her earlier righteous and sincere words.