Zhang Yuejin has a younger sister named Hou Ying, four years his junior. In their poverty-stricken childhood, Hou Ying had been sent away by their parents to become a child bride. She worked daily yet rarely had enough to eat. Her in-laws frequently beat and scolded her. A few years ago, Zhang Yuejin had bought her freedom for twenty dollars and, within a year, found another household for her. After her marriage, Hou Ying gave birth to two children and her life improved considerably.
Wang Jiao holds a good impression of her sister-in-law, Hou Ying, often speaking highly of her. Feng Qingxue guesses this is perhaps because Hou Ying appreciates what her brother has done for her. Every time she returns home, she enthusiastically helps Wang Jiao with house chores, cleaning and tidying, which Wang Jiao appreciates.
After the explanation, Miao Fengqin feels a bit more at ease. Nevertheless, she resolves to visit her daughter.