This isn't to say Madam Yao stays secluded and sees less than her husband. Secretary Yao is indeed more knowledgeable. Rather, Madam Yao is more emotional, and Secretary Yao is more rational.
To be honest, the situation of Cao Yuanming's family isn't the worst in Beijing or nationwide. There are families suffering more than Cao Yuanming's everywhere. Of course, this doesn't mean ignoring families like Cao Yuanming's who need help. Didn't Madam Yao's family take the initiative to donate money and goods to them? It's Cao Yuanming's family who refused.
Zhang Shi, thinking about this, got upset again, wondering what her husband was thinking: "We accepted the money they donated, and you didn't want it!"
"What's the point of accepting it? How long can they keep donating to us? A bit of money isn't enough to fill the gaps between our teeth in Beijing. Not that I'm saying, but now being a beggar can earn hundreds a day, more than what the two of us earn."
