Chinese cultures and values in the historical context provide a narrative of the mother being a dominant force in the household, whereas the American culture and viewpoint more so promotes the idea that women and mothers are the loving and nurturing types of individuals in the family dynamic.
She is supporting an inference from the text. An inference is something that is implied, and the person saying they've "witnessed much fighting" infers that they're old, whereas "I am wounded with iron" can be taken to mean he's been wounded by a weapon like a sword.
