Chapter 405: Chapter 405: The Zhou Family Finally Splits Up
Since Zhou Dajun was involved in that incident, the Zhou family had fallen into a prolonged silence. Even Zhou Xuennian, after being mocked by his peers during two outings, no longer dared to step outside.
But today, the Zhou family was bustling once again, not because of Zhou Dajunâs matter, but due to the division of the family property.
Indeed, following Zhou Dajunâs incident, Lady Liang was even more determined to split the household. This time, Zhou Xueli too had firmly decided, and together they persuaded Old Lady Zhou.
Old Lady Zhou was reluctant, but unable to withstand the insistence of her son and daughter-in-law, and since the eldest couple was also in favor, her solitary opposition to the division was meaningless.
Thus, Old Lady Zhou finally relented, called upon the maternal families of both daughters-in-law, and had the village head to witness the division of the household into two.
"Mother, itâs not that we want to split, but some people stir up trouble and canât bear to see our family live in peace, forcing us to this point," Madam Lu said, glancing at Lady Liang.
She had long found her sister-in-law disagreeable. After Dajunâs mishap, she was always trying to influence their mother-in-law.
Hmph, if theyâre splitting, letâs see who loses out. Her husband is a Scholar Master; surely, heâll bring honor to the ancestors. She was waiting for Liang Guilin to come groveling at her feet.
Madam Luâs barbed words were clear to Lady Liang, but she didnât even raise her head. Once the families were split, being her own mistress, why bother arguing with her over petty matters?
Lady Liang said nothing, but the Liang Family was not to be trifled with. And how could they be in ignorance about Zhou Dajunâs affair? Coming from a scholarly family themselves, they felt ashamed. Fortunately, the Zhou family was splitting; otherwise, how many times might her sister have been implicated?
Hearing Madam Zhouâs mother speak so prickly, flames of anger ignited within them.
"When a tree grows large, it sprouts branches. Dividing the family might not be a bad thing. If a tree is to flourish, naturally the branches and leaves must spread," Big Sister-in-law Liang said with a smile, then looked towards Madam Lu, "By the way, on such an important day, why donât we see your elder nephew? Being the eldest grandson, it canât be that he doesnât know, can it?"
At the mention of Zhou Dajun, Madam Lu and Zhou Xuennian felt uncomfortable, as did Old Lady Zhou, along with the relatives from the Lu Family, and the witnesses present.
Who didnât know about the unspeakable things Zhou Dajun had done!
Big Sister-in-law Liang was clearly picking on Madam Lu intentionally!
"His father is here; whether he is here or not doesnât matter," Old Lady Zhou couldnât help but speak up.
In the past, she thought marrying her younger son to a Scholar Masterâs daughter would, at the very least, support future generations. But now, seeing that Lady Liangâs people were quite formidable, she thought differently. In the future, should children be born, she wouldnât worry about lacking support from their maternal uncles.
As soon as Old Lady Zhou spoke, Big Sister-in-law Liang said no more. She knew when to hold back.
Next came the division of the property. For the modest estate, the maternal families of both daughters-in-law argued fiercely on behalf of their daughters, causing quite a commotion, until ultimately Old Lady Zhou decided the terms.
Sixty percent of the land went to the eldest son, for being the firstborn and in traditional practices, he could inherit up to seventy percent.
But Old Lady Zhou had a soft spot for her younger son and therefore gave him forty percent. The old house was divided equally between them, and the same was done for all the pots, pans, and utensils. As for the silver, there was none.
The reason there was no silver was clear to everyone, and there were no objections.
Regarding the care for Old Lady Zhou herself, it would typically fall to the eldest son. Yet she chose to live with her younger son. She reasoned that her eldest sonâs children were grown and could fend for themselves, while her younger son hadnât had children yet, and she needed to help watch over things.