"How much longer are you going to keep this up? You can’t even raise the kids properly, you’ve torn this family apart, and now that Mom’s finally come back, you’re acting like this again."
Changshun felt utterly helpless, unsure how things had spiraled so out of control.
"You’re blaming me? I gave your Shen family two sons! When your parents were still capable, this household was manageable. But after the flood, we had to rebuild from nothing—what was I supposed to do? Huh? Answer me! When your father and younger brother had their accident, there wasn’t a penny left. Everything I did was for the kids, for you! If you were so filial, why did you agree to split the family property back then? Now you’re pinning it all on me?
Your brother’s wife ran off—who wouldn’t, afraid of poverty? Even his own wife abandoned him, and you expect me, just his sister-in-law, to step in? Did I give birth to these children alone? Aren’t they your blood too? You dare blame me? What else can you do besides farm that land?"
Xiu’s voice was loud with rage, waking the two children who should’ve been in school.
Gui Xiang, who had returned to fetch something she’d forgotten, heard every word.
"You’re the eldest son—by rights, you should’ve gotten the largest share of the family property. But your parents pretended to be fair, then secretly gave their portion to your younger brother and even helped take care of him. Who’s ever spared a thought for me?"
Xiu shouted, and Gui Xiang walked into the room with a cold expression.
"So, you think I’ve been unfair? When Ping and Qing were little, I was the one who washed their diapers. The work points I earned went into building your house. Every time those children fell sick, it was your father and I who paid for their medicine."
"Those were our work points too! We didn’t freeload off anyone!"
Xiu had initially faltered when she saw her mother-in-law return, but hearing this, her anger flared again.
"Your work points? You came from a family with many brothers. Sure, a whole crowd came to see you off when you married, but how much dowry did you really bring? Our family gave yours twenty yuan in bride price, two loads of grain, and four quilts—how many brides in the whole county got more than that?"
Gui Xiang had never imagined things would come to this, but now she felt nothing but disdain.
"Aren’t Ping and Qing your Shen family’s grandsons? Isn’t it your duty to care for them? I gave your family two sons, while Ershun’s wife only had a measly girl. Yet you’re willing to pay for her schooling but neglect your own grandsons. What kind of grandmother does that?"
"You want fairness? When we divided the family, you got land and a house—we didn’t saddle you with any debts. Now you cry unfair? Should we settle the accounts properly? Since Changshun is my son, he has a duty to support me and his father. You didn’t want the debts when you pushed for the split, but now you want the benefits? Changshun, is this what you think too?"
Gui Xiang’s gaze landed on her son.
"Mom, it’s not…"
Changshun opened his mouth but faltered.
"Not what? I think it is. You’re a grown man—don’t hide behind your wife. Speak for yourself. In a few years, you’ll be a grandfather too. When you’re old, and Ping and Qing treat you like this, let’s see how you feel!"
The scathing words made Changshun bow his head in shame.
"The family’s already split. From the moment you demanded the division, your father and I were no longer responsible for you. It’s your duty to care for us in our old age, but I don’t expect it anymore. You raise your own children—I failed with you, I admit that."
As soon as Gui Xiang finished speaking, Changshun dropped to his knees.
"Mom, Mom, I was wrong. Please don’t say such things."
Ping and Qing, seeing their father kneel for the first time, instinctively followed suit.
"Get up. I already told you about planting melons—I brought the seeds back. Whether you plant them is up to you. The village head must’ve mentioned the fruit trees for the mountain land too. Do what you want. That’s all I have to say. From now on, just take care of your own family. Here’s the money you left in your clothes."
Gui Xiang handed over the money and a few belongings, then left without even breakfast, catching the earliest bus back.
All the hopes she’d carried on her way here were now gone.
No one noticed as she wiped away a tear.
The village head, seeing her off, sighed. Every family had its troubles.
He called Yang Yufen.
"Gui Xiang’s coming back? That Changshun… Alright, I understand. How many households in the village agreed to plant fruit trees? The saplings only cost shipping—we’ll have experts come to teach planting techniques. We need to reserve them early, or they’ll be gone."
Yang Yufen listened, then hung up, her brow furrowed as she returned to the shop.
"Auntie, what’s wrong?" Xianglian asked with concern.
"Your aunt only got home last night and is already returning this morning. She’ll be back tomorrow evening. When she arrives, comfort her a little. Ah…"
Yang Yufen sighed.
Xianglian lowered her head. She’d never forgotten her aunt’s kindness. Changshun’s behavior was inexcusable—Auntie was such a good woman.
"I understand, Auntie."
When Ershun’s father heard about it, he simply nodded.
"I’ll go meet her at the station tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Hu Jun and Shen Xianjun followed Aunt Wang to the mountainous land they’d contracted. Lumber workers were busy clearing trees.
"This isn’t suitable for training new recruits, but it’d be good for idle hands looking for work. We need to clear these two mountains before spring—otherwise, winter snow will halt everything."
Hu Jun felt it was a shame they couldn’t use it for drills, but Aunt Wang’s words gave him an idea.
"Auntie, clearing this land will take many workers. Would you be willing to hire those with physical disabilities?"
"As long as they can work, it’s fine. A disability doesn’t mean a flawed character. This isn’t skilled labor—just endurance matters."
Aunt Wang had no objections.
"That’s great! After the big trees are cleared, there’ll still be branches, shrubs, and weeds. Do you and Aunt Yang have plans for them?"
"We can’t burn it all ourselves. We’ll sell what’s left."
"Auntie, I’ll arrange for someone to haul the firewood. We’ll pay the standard rate. Does that work?"
"Of course! If you can find workers, we’ll pay the agreed wage."
Aunt Wang understood Hu Jun’s intentions and was happy to help.
"Thank you so much for supporting our efforts."
Hu Jun was moved.
"We’ll build temporary shelters here for those who can’t go home daily. It’ll save them the back-and-forth."
