Du quit his job and began to farm in order to provide an income. He cared for his wife, spoon feeding her, changing her bedpan, and sponge bathing her. He did all the shopping and meal preparations, while caring for Zhou, and never complained at all.
Du carried Zhou from room to room as needed, he combed her hair, and told her how much he loves her on a daily basis. Is it the life Du dreamed of? No, however it was the life Du was dealt.
