The Farmer's Daughter Runs the Household

My name is Chen Shuyan: Chen, with the ear radical; Shu, as in reading; and Yan, as in inkstone. Grandpa said, “You should be as dependable and honest as an old inkstone, steady and conscientious, and willing to endure hardship and let things settle.” Only later did I realize that wasn’t such a wonderful expectation. I grew up safe and sound until I was twelve. Then, when the military draft began, our little family was turned upside down. If I’d known the truth behind those two months of military service, I would have found a way to change course. But alas... Life has no ifs. Later, whenever I thought about it, I couldn’t help but let my hatred grow a little more.