Yun Jiao smiled, "This is truly good news; at last there's a glimmer of hope, not an endless wait."
She suddenly looked forlorn, "Poor Qi Er, asking every year if his father can come home."
"If his father can't come home, can he go to the south疆?"
Jiang Youzhi patted her head, "There's no other way; some sacrifices are always necessary."
Yun Jiao sighed, "I just hope it happens sooner; I'm afraid Qi Er can't wait any longer."
The next day, Qi Er and You Er returned home, and after dinner, Qi Er suddenly asked Yun Jiao, "Aunt Gu, is my father gone?"
Yun Jiao was startled, "What nonsense are you talking, child? Your father is alive and well; didn't he just send you a letter the other day?"
Qi Er shook his head, "Letters can be written on behalf of someone else. Even if the handwriting matches, it can be forged."
"I'm fifteen now, no longer a child. I can go to the south疆 myself; even if you are worried, you can arrange someone to escort me. Why won't you let me go?"
