The news that Huizi had been found left Uncle Fang and Auntie Li speechless with emotion. It was also at this moment that Fang Mei, Fang Lan, and Jiu'er learned they had an Aunt far away in Jiangnan.
Fang Yi had known about this for some time, but he could not feel happy. His mind remained consumed by the dead old ox still lying beneath the grassy slope. He could have defended himself, telling everyone he was not the direct cause of its death, but he lacked the energy to offer any defense. To him, it was completely meaningless.
The rest of the family was excited about Zhang Sheng finding Aunt Huizi, chattering endlessly. Uncle Fang in particular had forgotten all about continuing to punish Fang Yi. Taking advantage of the distraction, Fang Yi slipped quietly out of the house, went alone to Xigua Ridge, and sat in silence before the carcass of the old ox, closing his eyes in a silent moment of mourning.
Chapter 28