Chapter 11 : Twilight Years

e of death, does my fate persist in its relentless melancholy?

我段莲奋斗了一辈子，一辈子的拼搏，一辈子的血泪，一辈子的不服输，怎么到死了还是这样一个万年不变的悲苦命运？怎么还是这样个一层不变的结局。

Without parents to turn to, I stand self-sufficient; without a husband''s support, I dedicate my life''s vitality and hopes to my children. I have drained my spirit and energy, longing for my son to ascend like a phoenix and my daughter to rise likewise.

父母无依，我可以自强自立；夫君无靠，我把一生心血，一世的希望都寄托在他们的身上。我耗费了心神，熬透了心血，盼儿成凤，盼女成凰。

From their tender age, I have impressed upon them the necessity of self-reliance, urging them not to depend on others for their destiny. Education and success in examinations represent the most promising path for children of poverty - the solitary exit from poverty.

从小我就教导他们人要自强自立，自力更生，不得心存侥幸，妄图靠他人改变命运。对于穷人的孩子来说，好好读书，参加科举，金榜题名是最好的路，也是穷人唯一的出路。

Yet, my two sons do not love learning. Does this indicate a universal truth - that the father''s vigor determines that of the son?

可是我这两个儿子就是不爱读书，难道是虎父无犬子，若上一代强，下一代也不弱。犬父无虎子，若上一代弱，下一代注定也是弱的吗？