In Biqi Town, the streets were much quieter compared to the previous days, as the temperature had suddenly dropped. Wang was filled with interest as she held the newly acquired silver in her hands, and despite her hesitation, she ended up buying two large bags of goods.
With her arms full of spoils, Wang felt elated!
Upon returning home, Liu Laosi could not help but scold them for their reckless behavior: "Elder Brother, Sister-in-law, our family is going through tough times. Why can't you save some money?"
"Fourth Brother, this is all a gift from Zhi'er to us as parents. What's wrong with buying a few things? We haven't lost anything! Hmph! If we hadn't gone to find Zhi'er, how would we have gotten so much money?"
Wang did not realize that this trouble was brought upon them and that it was their responsibility to resolve it!
She only knew how to indulge herself without regard for anyone else.
A woman who is unreasonable and stubborn is the most frightening; Liu Laosi had already given up trying to change her.
A thought gradually emerged in his mind: if life continued like this, when would it ever end?
He had hands and feet and was hardworking; why should he worry about not being able to support his family? Why should he continue to endure Wang's temper?
Separation! Separation was the best solution. He could take charge of his own household and do what he wanted.
Once this idea took root, it grew uncontrollably like a flame, ready to ignite into a roaring fire at the slightest opportunity.
He could rent a few acres of land, work in the fields with his children during busy seasons, and search for food in the mountains during slack seasons or grow some vegetables to sell in town.
His son and daughter would no longer have to wait until the First Branch and Second House were full before they could eat leftovers. With his own hands, he was sure he could provide for his wife and children.
Ah! His heart began to tremble, a surge of heat rising in his chest, desperately seeking release.
The boasting of Wang beside him no longer reached his ears; all he could think about was that idea.
"Since the money is sufficient, let's go compensate them tomorrow!" Yan's cigarette never left his hand.
The people of Sanhe Village were afraid they would default on their debts, setting a deadline of three days. By that time, the money must be paid, or they would have to face court!
If they wanted to avoid going to court, the best solution was to quickly repay the money.
Now that the money was available, the compensation issue would be easy to resolve. The contract signed by both parties meant that the people of Sanhe Village would not deny it. Sending over thirty taels of silver, Village Head Liu quickly began to make arrangements.
"Village Head Liu, since the money has been sent over, can we leave now?" Wang handed over the money with a flourish and turned to leave. But what happened next?
A few young people at the door blocked her way: "Wang, it seems you've forgotten that we not only want silver but also need to repair the houses!"
Huh??? Wang's mouth dropped open, revealing her yellowed teeth, which was quite nauseating.
Yet she remained oblivious, still making exaggerated expressions.
"Wang, don't leave just yet. There are at most half a month until it snows, and there are variables to consider. To be on the safe side, within ten days, the houses must be repaired; they must last through this winter."
"Village Head, this..." Wang looked down at her hands; she truly couldn't handle this task!
Until now, she still didn't understand why what she did was the same as Liu Qingxi's, yet she was criticized as a shameless little wretch while he wasn't!
"Within ten! If none of you come to start the repairs, we will report to the authorities immediately!"
"Hey! No, no, no, I have an idea, I have an idea, okay?" Wang shrank her neck and turned back with a flattering smile.
On the way back, Wang frowned in thought. What exactly was wrong with this house?
In any case, she couldn't figure it out! Liu Laosi didn't want to deal with these trivial matters at all; his mind was entirely focused on dividing the family!
However, in this era, the concept of not dividing the family while the parents were alive was deeply ingrained. If they did divide, it would not only look bad on the surface but also imply that the family was not harmonious.
This was equivalent to exposing their family's shortcomings right in front of others.
Upon returning home, Yan learned that the process of repaying the debt had gone relatively smoothly and finally set aside his ever-present pipe.
Aside from fleeing with the whole family, this was the biggest difficulty he had encountered in his life.
Although in the end, thanks to Liu Qingzhi, things were resolved smoothly, the inner turmoil, pain, and helplessness he experienced during this process were beyond others' understanding.
For so many years, he had remained silent and observant of all the significant matters at home.
Perhaps he had made mistakes; their years of indulgence had led to the current situation. It seemed it was time for a change.
“Eldest Uncle's Wife, take out the remaining silver!” Yan commanded.
Wang was confused; everyone had seen how much was left from yesterday and today, and there was no way to hide it!
The total amount of silver left was seventeen taels!
For ordinary commoners, this was an unimaginable fortune.
When handing it over, Wang proudly smiled, “Look! Marrying Zhi'er off to the town was such a wise decision; otherwise, where would we get this much money!”
She felt no shame for selling her daughter for glory, her thick skin reaching a new level.
Yan ignored her completely. He picked up the money pouch with his right hand, which often held a pipe, and handed it to the Qin Family. “Wife, you will manage this household from now on!”
Wang looked at Grandfather in disbelief; his usually aged face seemed incredibly unfamiliar.
Was this still the silent elder who rarely spoke? Was all of this just an illusion?
“Dad, no! I have always managed the household!”
“Hmph! You still have the face to say you manage it? All these years, you've made a mess of everything. If it weren't for marrying you, our Liu Family would be much closer!” Yan had never spoken so much in one breath.
Wang wanted to argue back, “Dad, you promised me back then…”
Yan waved her hand, completely ignoring the situation. "After all these years of not caring, haven't we given you enough rights? Yet you don't know how to cherish them; a few dozen taels of silver are gone just like that!"
"Stop bringing that up! From now on, be honest! Otherwise, you should know the consequences of disrespecting your elders. In this family, my word still counts!"
After such a long speech filled with both kindness and authority, Wang was left speechless. For so many years, she had been arrogant because she exploited the guilt of the elderly couple.
If Yan no longer cared about this, what capital would she have to take charge in the future?
Wang's usual arrogance stemmed from the guilt that Two Elders felt in their hearts, allowing her to take advantage repeatedly!
However, her insatiable nature was gradually wearing down the family's emotions until there was nothing left!
Every time Yan faced Wang's unreasonable behavior, her patience did not bring about any change in Wang's conscience. This time, she was not prepared to tolerate it any longer!
Wang was left speechless. Faced with the firm Grandfather, she suddenly felt uncertain about her previous assumption that she could get away with disrespecting her elders!
If it were true...
Then her life would be over! Wang shivered suddenly, unable to utter a word.
Seizing this opportunity, Yan broke from her usual demeanor and decisively stripped Wang of her rights.
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