Chapter 83 – Splitting Up

Chapter 83 - Splitting Up

◎ Splitting Up ◎

Taohua kept stealing glances outside. Seeing this, Zhao SuFen chuckled and patted her hand, comforting her, "Why the rush? They'll agree."

How could Taohua not be anxious? It was like being on the cusp of success; one more step and her mother could completely leave the Qi family's troublesome place. She was afraid that Uncle Wang hadn't convinced Qian Dalang or that Qian Erlang, who had initially agreed, might suddenly change his mind. Not to mention, there was the formidable Sun Shi to contend with. If anyone in the Qi family would be most content with a split, it would be Second Aunt and her husband.

While Chef Qian was alive, Qian Dalang learned his trade, and though he didn't receive a single copper coin from their earnings, as a cook, he lacked nothing when it came to food when working at banquets. Thus, compared to Qian Erlang, who toiled in the fields, Qian Dalang lived a comfortable life without manual labor, enjoying alcohol and food. Even if he had to turn over all his earnings, he had no objections, for his father was stingy, hoarding the money himself. His stepmother couldn't spend a single copper coin anyway. As the eldest son, once his father passed away, wouldn't all that money be his?

Yet, Qian Erlang, who also received nothing, had to work in the fields every day, carrying a hoe throughout the four seasons. Not just him, even his wife did the same. The second branch of the family was like an old ox, and despite being two years younger than Qian Dalang, his years of hard work made him look older and more worn out. Wasn't this all due to his labor?

Therefore, when they split the family, on the surface, it was about sending the stepmother and younger brother away, but in reality, Qian Dalang and Qian Erlang would also be divided. There was no other way. Once their father died, why should Qian Erlang continue doing the farm work for the whole family? Couldn't he tend to his own land? Was he really an ox who didn't know how to rest? Why should he work for free for his elder brother?

Not only was he unwilling, but Aunt Wang was also against it. Sister-in-law Sun Shi was so lazy that she wouldn't even go to cut pig feed. All she knew was to hide inside and laze around. When asked to work, she'd claim to have body aches, lack energy, and no spirit. Sometimes, she even vomited, perhaps because she was pregnant again. Doing heavy work would harm her unborn child, she'd say. Year after year, she didn't bear any children, but she was always 'with child.'

So, Uncle Wang and Uncle Wang, with sincere hearts, tried to persuade them, laying everything out in detail. This way, neither brother would suffer. The family assets wouldn't end up in the hands of that young child, and they stood to gain a lot. They urged them to agree quickly and find someone to write the documents for their stepmother to sign, to prevent any regrets later.

The two uncles spoke until their tongues were dry, while Qian Erlang nodded vigorously. However, Qian Dalang remained silent.

How could Uncle Wang Er not know what his nephew was thinking? He didn't object to the stepmother's division because of her; rather, he opposed the idea that after she left, the two brothers would also have to "separate households." If the second brother was already separated, what would be the point of him being the "head of the family"? He wouldn't gain anything, and who would tend to the family fields in the future? Would it be him or would he rely on his wife?

If his wife, Sun, were as diligent as Wang, he might have agreed. But he knew his wife's character all too well; probably, once the stepmother and Dog left, the second brother would immediately demand a separation. As the eldest brother, he couldn't claim to fully understand his younger sibling, but he had a good grasp of his nature. Others saw him as honest and simple, but he had many thoughts hidden away. Previously, he wasn't happy when their father left all the farm work to their branch while passing on his craft solely to him. All those years of hard work were for this moment, right?

In this family, apart from his wife, there was no fool!

"Big Brother, people may say that I'm biased, urging you to agree, but one must know contentment. Life is lived by oneself, not relying on others." Seeing that his nephew was about to argue, Uncle Wang Er smiled and interrupted him before he could speak. He knew what his nephew would say: "What do I rely on? I rely on nothing." The elder brother was clever and cared about his reputation, while the younger seemed simple but had firm intentions. "Don't interrupt. Listen to me finish. You and your younger brother are blood relatives. I know that even though you grew up sharing pants, as children eating from the same plate, once you marry, have children, and establish your own families, your hearts can't always be in harmony. It's human nature; we all have our selfish desires. The scholars say something about human nature, don't they?"

Both Qian Dalang and Qian Erlang felt uneasy.

Uncle Wang Er glanced at them, understanding that he had struck a chord. Just like a tree that branches out, even if the tree isn't large, once the branches grow and develop their own ideas, they become independent, even from the trunk and themselves.

"Your parents are gone now, and only the three of you remain in the Qian family. Even though I don't favor the youngest, we share the same blood. I was worried that the woman would take advantage of her hunter husband to make unreasonable demands during the division. But she doesn't seem to have such intentions. We're farmers, so we understand the importance of land. She clearly stated that she won't divide the land or the house, leaving the most valuable assets to you brothers. Even if Third Uncle and I were to object, there would be no fault to find. If this were discussed outside, everyone in the village would praise her generosity. Therefore, you brothers must agree to this division." Uncle Wang Er raised his hand again to stop Qian Dalang from speaking. "Dalang, if you disagree, then the second method will be implemented. You need to think carefully. Your third brother will get a share of the fields and houses. After separating, each household will live independently. There won't be someone cooking meals, washing clothes, or feeding the livestock for everyone. Each of us will only look after our own affairs."

So, this family could only be divided according to Zhao SuFen's first proposal.

If they didn't separate and continued living under the same roof, that was fine too. But Zhao SuFen meant that the division was inevitable. If they rejected the first proposal, the family would be split into three parts. It would be impossible for Qian Dalang to take advantage of Qian Erlang, nor for Sun to exploit Wang and Zhao SuFen!

With any common sense, one would know how to choose.

One option is that the fields and ancestral home belong solely to you brothers. The other option is dividing them into thirds. You should weigh the pros and cons yourself.

Qian Dalang's face darkened. Already reeling from Wei Dahu's punch, he now found everyone in the room looking at him. Ignoring his younger brother and two uncles, he could tell, even if he were foolish, that Second Uncle's suggestion held merit. The first division method would indeed benefit him and his brother without any drawbacks.

But, but it would only benefit his younger brother, not him!

Surnamed Sun panicked, fearing her husband might consent. Even if she was naive, she understood that once the stepmother and her son were separated, the second brother's family would follow suit. She had no qualms about partitioning the family, as this house belonged to their eldest branch. However, if the second brother's family left, who would do the household chores? And the fields they'd receive - she refused to spend each day with her face buried in the dirt. Why should she? Their lives should be improving, so why should she labor in the fields?

"I disagree!" Seeing her husband's head bowed in silence, Sun declared her opposition loudly. They could separate the stepmother and that mongrel, but the second brother must stay and work the fields; Wang too must contribute to the household chores!

"Is it your place to intervene in men's conversations?" Uncle Wang Er scolded her. Mrs. Sun shrank back in fear; unlike Qian Dalang, her uncles wouldn't hesitate to consider her brother's influence.

Uncle Wang San had been silent until now. Seeing Mrs. Sun objecting, he chuckled and crossed his arms. "Big Brother, no offense, but your wife seems rather ignorant. A woman without propriety like that isn't acceptable in our village. If she can't improve, you should divorce her."

Mrs. Sun's face paled. She never expected Uncle Wang San to suggest such a thing. Fuming, she stomped her feet. "On what grounds do you have to divorce me? You can't divorce me! I've given birth to a son for the Qian family. If you dare, I'll return to my family and call upon my brothers to seek justice!"

"See, Big Brother? What use is such a wife who constantly mentions her family's brothers? She's so preoccupied with her natal home, you should send her back immediately." Uncle Wang San's smile seemed jovial, but to Mrs. Sun, he might as well have been the grim reaper. "Do you really think your family is the only one with people? Do you think there's no one in the Wang family? I've never seen a lazier woman. She doesn't work outside or help at home. What gives her the right? That belly that bore a son? Let me tell you straight: you don't have that leverage. There are many women who can bear children. With Big Brother's status as the eldest son and his inheritance of property, he can manage his own household. As long as he's diligent, there will be no shortage of food. If he were to divorce you, do you think he couldn't find another wife to give him a son?"

Uncle Wang San wasn't done yet. He added, "Aside from relying on her womb, does she not also rely on her numerous brothers?" Turning to Uncle Wang Er, he smiled and said, "Second Brother, I recall a young widow in our village. Her husband, an alcoholic, drowned in a river barely a month after their marriage. The poor girl has six or seven brothers, and she's hardworking, capable both inside and outside the house. What do you think about suggesting her to Big Brother?"

Sun was genuinely terrified now. She had thought that Second Uncle was already intimidating enough, but she never expected Third Uncle to be even more devious! Not only did he persuade her husband to divorce her, he even discussed a new bride right in front of her!

She dared not intervene anymore, fearing that her husband might really consider divorcing her and remarrying. Her reliance on her numerous brothers from her natal family was now meaningless!

Seeing her submission, Third Uncle Wang also noticed the attraction in his nephew's eyes – it seemed he was truly considering divorcing Sun to marry anew...

How could Qian Dalang not be tempted? If he could divorce the lazy Sun and marry a diligent new wife, he could continue being a hands-off husband, leaving all household chores to his wife. He would work outside as a caterer when there were jobs, and laze around at home when there weren't, just like his father. The more he thought about it, the more feasible the plan seemed. He was tired of Sun threatening him with her brothers' intervention; how dare a woman lay hands on a man? He had long grown weary of this!

He'd investigate the person mentioned by Third Uncle.

There was a path ahead – as long as he could maintain his current lifestyle, he didn't mind a division of the family. He had been eager to take charge for a while. He didn't see a single copper coin from the earnings from catering, so how could he not envy his father? He was dying to have a share. Farming held no prospects – after a year of backbreaking labor, how much silver could one earn? Catering was different – aside from the good food and drink provided by the host, there were copper coins to be earned. It was a valuable skill – as long as people continued to marry and die, he could cater to both joyous and mournful events!

With his mind made up, Qian Dalang finally nodded. "Alright, I'll listen to my uncles. Let's divide the family according to the first method."

After reaching an agreement, they returned to the main hall.

No formalities were exchanged. As the eldest, Qian Dalang took the initiative to speak. "We'll divide the family as per your first suggestion, starting today."

Hearing this, Taohua secretly sighed in relief. She glanced at Dahu, who smiled warmly and gently squeezed her hand, assuring her that everything would be alright – they would agree.

"The newly harvested grains are all stored in the granary. You know very well that when the grain merchants came to the village to buy, we sold some. You have an idea of how much is left," Qian Dalang looked at Qian Erlang. Their younger brother was more familiar with the family's fields, so this matter was best explained by him.

Qian Erlang cleared his throat and said, "We have eighteen acres in total, twelve of which are paddy fields, and six are dry fields. The four acres by the big bend are fertile and yield more. This year, each acre produced 320 catties, while the other eight acres produced around 240 to 250 catties. Altogether, our harvest this year was over three thousand catties. After paying taxes and selling some to grain merchants, we also exchanged new rice for various grains in town. Currently, there are about a thousand catties of new rice and seven or eight hundred catties of mixed grains in the granary. Add last year's leftovers, and it sums up to almost two thousand catties." This was just an estimate, but it was close enough. Stepmother would surely have a rough idea. Mentioning these details now was just a formality.

Two thousand catties might sound like a lot, but it wasn't actually substantial, especially when factoring in the mixed grains and old stocks. A large family could easily consume two to three thousand catties of grain in a year. The Qian family lived comfortably in the village due to their abundant fields and Qian Chef's culinary skills. Not only could he cater to wealthy clients, but he also earned copper coins for daily expenses and even managed to save a bit. As Qian Dalang mentioned, there was never a shortage of weddings and funerals in this world, and with his talent, Qian Chef had no shortage of work.

Zhao Sufen knew the exact amount of grain they had. She replied, "I want all the new grains from this year. You brothers can divide the mixed grains and old stocks among yourselves." Out of the two thousand catties, she was taking one thousand catties of the fresh harvest. It was agreed upon beforehand, and she would take the lion's share. Although Qian Dalang and Qian Erlang grumbled about her greed, they didn't object. They could always buy more old grains from the town's grain store after dividing the silver. As long as they made ends meet this year, things would improve next year.

They even thought that their stepmother, being a woman, was shortsighted. And her hunter husband—no matter how strong he was, he was merely a simple-minded musclehead. It was laughable that they chose grain over land!

After dividing the grain, they moved on to the silver. Qian Chef's sudden death meant nobody knew where he hid his money. Qian Dalang initially expected to search the walls and floors, but to his surprise, the stepmother simply lifted the bed frame, removed a stone, and pulled out a money bag.

Unmindful of their stunned expressions, Zhao Sufen smirked as she opened the bag and poured two small ingots and several pieces of broken silver onto the bed. "No matter how your father tried to protect his silver from me, it's up to me whether I want to take it or not. Don't give me that look. If I wanted to embezzle, I would've hidden the money without you brothers noticing. Why would I reveal it now? I'm already a stepmother; what difference does it make if I take it all? You don't even know where he hid his money. Whether it exists or not depends on my word."

The Qian brothers realized she had a point.

There were sixteen taels in total, with ten in the two small ingots, leaving six taels in broken silver. This was all Qian Chef's accumulated wealth over the years. Of course, he must have had more, as he likely carried money when visiting the Zheng family in Ping'an Town. But that money was lost, along with his life. Disregarding the stolen funds, Zhao Sufen took one small ingot and two pieces of broken silver, amounting to nine taels.

Qian Dalang had another complaint. "Why do you get nine taels alone? How should the remaining seven taels be divided between my brother and me? Our family only gets three taels and five taels! No, the silver can't be split like this!"

Zhao SuFen scoffed and promptly threw the two broken silver coins back. Before Qian Dalang could even show his delight, she reached for the remaining small ingot. "Then I'll take ten taels. The remaining six taels can be split between you two brothers."

She didn't bother sparing a glance at the fool. Turning to Second Uncle and Uncle Wang Er, she said, "I won't mention how much an acre of land can fetch. If he's not satisfied, we can sell all our family's fields and redistribute the money."

Uncle Wang Er chuckled awkwardly, tugging his nephew behind him. "Let's settle it like this. You get ten taels, and each brother gets three."

Qian Dalang seethed with rage, but it was useless as his younger brother held him firmly.

Qian Erlang was also furious. They could have gotten five more taels, but his antics allowed their stepmother to snatch ten taels—two whole ingots! He had never seen so much money before. This good-for-nothing older brother was so troublesome. Once they returned home, he would demand a separation; they would live their own lives!

The household had three laying hens, nine chicks that hadn't grown yet, four ducks, and a fattened pig. Initially, Sun Shi intended to keep the chickens for the first family, but when she claimed her son fed the chickens, Zhao SuFen decided to divide them equally. She received one hen and three chicks. The ducks were split between her and the second family, giving her two. As for the pig, Sun Shi did nothing around the house, and neither did Qian Dalang. Regardless of Sun Shi's protests about not reaching the New Year and thus not being able to slaughter the pig, Wei Dahu instructed Taohua to fetch a basin from the kitchen. With one swift move, he dragged the fat pig out and slaughtered it, filling the basin with blood. Sun Shi was so enraged that she fainted on the spot.

Since the first family couldn't have any pork, they were given the basin of pig's blood.

Wei Dahu divided the half pig, including the head and tail, in two. His knife skills left the Qian brothers and the two uncles trembling in awe.

Qian Dalang's resentment vanished. He didn't doubt that if he hadn't followed his stepmother's wishes, that sharp, glinting knife would have been at his neck!

With a thousand catties of new grain, half a pig with its head and tail, a hen, three chicks, two ducks, ten taels of silver, and two large bundles containing Zhao SuFen and Dogzi's clothes, the family of four left the Qian household, carrying their share of the inheritance.

The grain was carried by hired villagers, while Wei Dahu bore a half-side of a still bleeding pig on his shoulder. Taohua held a chicken in her left hand and a duck in her right, while Zhao SuFen clutched a chicken with one hand and led her child with the other. The spectacle was grand and awe-inspiring, drawing the entire village to gather around them.

As they left the village, the elders of Apricot Flower Village sighed continuously. With the loss of a family member and the disintegration of their home, the Qian family had ultimately fallen apart.

"Author's Note"

I'll be bug-hunting later, hehe, all done with the distribution.