The living conditions in Jibeizhi are harsh, and many mortals who settled there came after losing a child, a parent, or a spouse. They regrouped to form new families; in such a place, people can only survive by staying together, busying themselves daily for survival, looking at men to see if they can be used as oxen or horses, and at women, if they can be used as men. Who can care about love and affection?
In the face of life and death, propriety, integrity, shame, and morality mean nothing. Some people have lost their husbands and are living with their fathers-in-law; things like Wang Xueying's father taking on a new wife after his previous one died are truly unremarkable!
Wang Xueying herself narrowly escaped death. Though young, she understands the reason behind it and speaks softly,
"Master, I see my father's new wife treats my little brother quite well, even making fish soup for him. He should be able to grow up safely, right?"
