Lin Xiu'er quickly left after hearing what the village chief had to say. There were still many chores to do at home, and if she didn't finish them today, her stepmother would give her another vicious beating.
She was ten years old, though she only looked like a child of seven or eight. This was the best she could manage in her struggle to feed herself.
At dusk, Lin Xiu'er's father and stepmother came home, cursing and grumbling.
"Hmph, that village chief is spouting utter nonsense! What's the use of a woman studying medicine?" Father Lin bellowed as he took off his shoes.
Her stepmother chimed in, "Exactly. A woman's place is at home, staying out of trouble. Why make such a fuss!"
With that, the stepmother turned to Lin Xiu'er and snarled, "You listen to me. Take good care of your little brother. If anything happens to him, I'll make you pay!"
Lin Xiu'er lowered her head and quietly assented, then hurried over to care for her infant brother.
