Chapter 430: Dividing the Family Wealth

Chapter 430: Dividing the Family Wealth

Dividing the family's assets was no simple task; it wasn't just a matter of going through the account books. The Duke's estate was extensive, including land, shops, farms, residences, as well as gold, silver, and jewels. All these needed to be appraised and divided into three portions.

Even with lands, shops, and residences, their values varied by location. The worth of the jewels also needed to be estimated. Consequently, the following period was a busy time for both the masters and servants of the Duke's estate.

A month flew by, and Tang Shuyi informed Jia Ning and Xie Xihua after lunch, "The day after tomorrow we will divide the family wealth. Have your parents and elders come over; we will divide the household assets in public."

Jia Ning and Xie Xihua knew they had only to comply, so they nodded in acknowledgment. After more conversation, the children took their leave. Both then visited their respective maternal homes to discuss the division of assets.

The next day, Xie's second uncle and his wife, along with the Duke's father and son, arrived early at the Duke's estate, gathering in the hall. After exchanging pleasantries, Xiao Huai said, "When children grow up, they need to learn to manage their own households. Therefore, my wife and I have decided to divide the family wealth among our three children."

While Xie's second uncle and the Duke were shocked that the Duke's couple were dividing their estate so early, they were outsiders; they had been invited today only to bear witness, to prevent future disputes.

However, they were surprised again when Xiao Huai spoke of including all three children in the division of wealth. In Daqian, women traditionally did not partake in the division of family assets, except perhaps receiving more dowry at marriage.

But as outsiders, they had no say in the Duke's family affairs. Besides, no matter how much was given to Xiao Yuzhu, neither Xie's second uncle nor the Duke and his son would take it to heart.

The reason for this is twofold: neither the Xie family nor the Prince Duan's household are ordinary in their wealth, and they would not concern themselves over mere finances. Additionally, whether it be Xiao Yuchen or Xiao Yuming, both foresee a bright future for themselves and possess the means to amass another fortune.

Therefore, Mr. Xie the Second and his wife, along with Prince Duan and his sons, all responded to Xiao Huai’s words with smiles.

“I have had the assets of the estate organized,” Xiao Huai stated, instructing his servants to distribute a copy of the account books to everyone.

Both Mr. Xie the Second and his wife glanced over them briefly, while Prince Duan flipped casually through a couple of pages before setting them aside. Li Jinghao also skimmed through them nonchalantly. They were there merely as witnesses and trusted that the Duke's couple would be fair. To scrutinize the account books too closely at such a time would seem petty.

Of course, Prince Duan simply lacked the patience to examine them.

After everyone had finished looking, Xiao Huai had the distribution plan for the assets handed out, one to each person. At this point, Tang Shuyi spoke up:

“The estate's assets will be evenly divided among the three siblings. The value of the land, shops, and jewelry has been appraised at current market rates. There may be minor discrepancies, but nothing substantial. If you have any concerns, now is the time to raise them.”

No sooner had her voice faded than Xiao Yuchen immediately said, “Your son has no objections.”

Xiao Yuming quickly added, “Neither do I.”

“I... I shouldn’t receive so much,” said Xiao Yuzhu.

Traditionally, she would have had no right to claim a share of the inheritance. She felt moved yet apprehensive, worried that the division might cause a rift in the hearts of her brother and sister-in-law.

But then Tang Shuyi said, “You are our child just as much as your brothers are. Naturally, you should have an equal share.”

Her tone was matter-of-fact and brooked no argument.

“We will abide by whatever our father and mother decide,” Jianning quickly declared.

“Yes, mother is right,” agreed Xie Xihua without hesitation.

It wasn't that they considered money to be worthless. They had no objections to the division; firstly, although the share given to Xiao Yuzhu was substantial, it wasn’t enough to disrupt the household peace for its sake.

Secondly, having married into the Duke's household, they were well aware of the comfortable lives they led and saw no need to sour relationships over financial gains, which could mar their current harmonious living.

Both Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai were very satisfied with their attitudes. The children were not the type to squabble over every ounce or be petty.

“Well then, if there are no objections, we shall proceed with this division,” Tang Shuyi continued. “Tomorrow, we will go to the government office to make it official.”

With that, the matter of the division was concluded. Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai invited Mr. Xie the Second and his wife, along with Prince Duan and his sons, to stay for lunch. Prince Duan wanted to leave, intimidated at the prospect of facing Xiao Huai. But since Mr. Xie and the others stayed, he feared upsetting Xiao Huai by leaving and thus begrudgingly decided to stay as well.

With some time before lunch, Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai gave Xie Er Ye and Duke Duan the opportunity to speak with Xie Xihua and Jia Ning. After all, dividing the family estate is no small matter, and they might have private matters to discuss.

Tang Shuyi and Xiao Huai returned to the World Peace Courtyard, comfortably reclining on the couch. Tang Shuyi chuckled, “A colleague once told me, when her child went off to college in another city, she would hum tunes on her way to work, delighting in how she could finally relax and live the life she wanted. I think I know that feeling now.”

Xiao Huai laughed heartily, feeling the weight off his shoulders as well.

“When do we set out?” he inquired.

“Let’s wait until Jia Ning has had her baby,” Tang Shuyi suggested. “Then, we needn't hurry. We can travel leisurely, stay longer wherever we fancy.”

“Good,” Xiao Huai had no objections and added, “I'll put together a travel plan.”

Thinking of their promising future, both felt at ease and joyful.

As everyone was close family, they did not separate into different tables for lunch but enjoyed a lively meal together. Afterwards, Xie Er Ye and his wife, along with Duke Duan and his son, took their leave.

On the way home, Mrs. Xie said, “On reflection, dividing the assets early is indeed wise. It prevents any discord over the family fortune between different branches of the family. By using our own money, there's less chance for injustices to arise, and the Duke and Duchess of Dingguo can relax.”

“But how many can be as open-minded as the Duke and Duchess of Dingguo?” Xie Er Ye remarked. “Power and wealth are the bedrock of influence; only by holding these can one command authority. Dividing it too soon diminishes the patriarch’s prestige and weakens his word and deeds.”

Mrs. Xie sighed, but soon smiled again, “Regardless, it’s a great thing that Xihua has become her own master so early.”

“Forget the capital; in this entire world, the vast majority of women can only manage household affairs after many years of marriage. Like me, at my age, I sometimes still have to accommodate others.”