"Big brother, have you lost your mind?"
Aunt Huo, whose full name was Dong Lihua, was the daughter of Grandpa Huo’s sister. She had been sitting quietly until Father Huo mentioned dividing the family estate, at which point she immediately became agitated.
"They say a family shouldn’t split while the parents are still alive. Old Third and his wife just got married, and now you’re talking about dividing the estate? People will think it’s the new bride’s doing, whispering in his ear."
"And Eldest Sister-in-law—what’s wrong with her? These days, every family sets rules for their new daughter-in-law when she enters the household."
"There’s an old saying: ‘A new bride is like a donkey—if you don’t rein her in for three days, she’ll start kicking.’"
"Eldest Sister-in-law spoils her too much. Mark my words, it’ll lead to trouble."
Father Huo shot her a cold glare. In some ways, he and Huo Tingzhou were cut from the same cloth—neither had patience for nonsense when dealing with people.
"Shut your mouth. You’ve always been loose with your words. If others don’t treat you with respect, at least have some self-respect."
Dong Lihua pouted. "Big brother, we’re talking about Old Third’s wife. Why drag me into it?"
"Aren’t you a woman too? Weren’t you once a new bride?" Father Huo retorted sharply. "Mind your own business and stay out of other people’s affairs. If I hear any gossip spreading, you’ll be the first one I come after."
Being scolded in front of the younger generation by her own cousin, Dong Lihua’s face darkened.
"Big brother, how can you say that? I’m just concerned."
"Save it. The people in this compound aren’t as idle as you."
The remark was brutally blunt, leaving Dong Lihua fuming.
Father Huo pressed further, "It’s not the holidays. Why aren’t you in Lang City working instead of running around Capital City?"
Though the question was directed at Dong Lihua, his sharp gaze landed on Huo Tingtao.
Seeing Father Huo’s accusatory look, Dong Lihua immediately jumped to his defense.
"Big brother, what’s that supposed to mean? Can’t I visit without a reason?"
"And don’t blame Tingtao. I was the one who called. He didn’t say a word."
In fact, it was precisely because he hadn’t said anything that Dong Lihua had grown anxious.
Father Huo fell silent. Now he understood why his wife had said the Huo Family’s roots were rotting.
Enough. There was no point arguing with fools. He stood abruptly.
"I have business at the military district. I won’t be back for a few days."
Dong Lihua wanted to intercede, but the stormy look on Father Huo’s face made her hesitate.
She knew better than to push him—Father Huo wasn’t one for subtlety.
"Whoever called you here, whatever your purpose—I don’t care."
"But as for the eldest son’s father-in-law’s affairs, I won’t intervene. And I won’t lift a finger to help."
His icy stare shifted back to Huo Tingtao.
"The Huo Family’s standing today was built on generations of blood and sacrifice."
"And you think you can just casually use the family’s hard-earned reputation to clean up the Su Family’s mess? Where’s your shame?"
"Dad, that’s not what I meant—"
Seeing him still making excuses, Father Huo shook his head in disappointment.
"Huo Tingtao, you’re utterly spineless."
With that, he turned and left.
Once he was gone, the rest of the family quickly dispersed under various pretexts.
Before coming, Huo Tingtao had indeed been vague on the phone, only mentioning that the Su Family was in trouble.
Dong Lihua hadn’t thought much of it at the time.
But from the way Father Huo spoke, the Su Family’s troubles seemed serious—otherwise, he wouldn’t have been so firm.
"Tingtao, come with me."
Once they were alone in her room, Dong Lihua cut straight to the point. "Tell me the truth. What’s really going on with your in-laws?"
At this point, Huo Tingtao had no reason to hide it. After explaining the situation, he asked, "Aunt, what should I do now?"
Dong Lihua’s face darkened. "When you insisted on marrying her, I told you her family background and education weren’t good enough. But you wouldn’t listen. Now look where that’s gotten you."
"Your parents already favor the other branches of the family."
"And now your in-laws are dragging you down. How do you expect to advance in the municipal government after this?"
"The government isn’t like other workplaces. At your age, if you don’t climb to the director level soon, you’ll be stuck in some dead-end department for the rest of your career."
"Aunt, I know all that." Otherwise, he wouldn’t be so desperate.
"Knowing isn’t enough. The problem is you’re too soft-hearted."
With just the two of them in the room, Dong Lihua didn’t hold back.
"You said Shanshan is threatening to divorce you? Frankly, you should let her."
"You’re still young. Once you reach director level, you’ll have no shortage of options."
"Don’t worry about the kids—she’s just using them to manipulate you."
"All she’s done since marrying into the Huo Family is get pregnant or miscarry."
"And that hospital job of hers? Thirty-something yuan a month—what can that even cover?"
Dong Lihua scoffed.
"Don’t forget, she has a younger brother. If she drags three kids back to her parents’ house, do you really think they’ll welcome her?"
"So listen to me—cut your losses and divorce her now."
Her urgency had another reason.
Having grown up in the Huo Family, she knew Father Huo’s temper well.
Though he hadn’t struck or even yelled at Huo Tingtao today, his silence spoke volumes.
The angrier he was, the colder he became.
Right now, Eldest Sister-in-law still held the family’s reins. Huo Tingtao had nothing but a troublesome in-law dragging him down.
If this drove a wedge between father and son, Huo Tingtao would be the one to suffer.
But Huo Tingtao had his own thoughts. "Aunt, I can’t divorce her."
"Why not?" Dong Lihua frowned.
After a long pause, he confessed his real reasoning.
Pleading for his in-laws wasn’t just about protecting his political record—it was also because he knew his parents and grandparents valued loyalty.
If he abandoned his wife’s family in their time of need, he’d look heartless.
And if he agreed to divorce now, his parents would lose all respect for him.
"You make a fair point," Dong Lihua conceded. "But if you don’t divorce, your career will hit a wall. Are you really willing to accept that?"
Huo Tingtao was naturally unwilling to accept this, but he understood the old adage—you can't have your cake and eat it too.
Since he couldn’t get the promotion, then the Huo Family’s assets, connections, and even the unspoken privileges couldn’t be allowed to fall into the hands of the other branches.
"Aunt Huo, I’ll have to trouble you to stay here a few more days. Otherwise, when it comes to dividing the family assets—"
"Oh, child, since when have you become so polite with me?"
Dong Lihua waved her hand dismissively, refusing to let him keep his distance.
"Don’t worry. As long as I’m here, no one can take what’s rightfully yours."
She couldn’t guarantee much, but this? This she could promise.
Because the Huo Family owed her this—and so much more.
