Third Uncle Cheng brought some things to Cheng Su’s mother’s home, relayed what Cheng Su had said, put down the things, and pulled his elder brother aside, expressing his own thoughts as well.
Father Cheng repeatedly approved, saying that with the brothers united, there was no worry that the family wouldn’t prosper again.
As soon as Third Uncle Cheng left, Mother Cheng commented, "Third Uncle does plan well." Treating Cheng Su like his own daughter, respecting her like a grand lady — such pleasant words.
"What are you implying now?" Father Cheng was still moved, but his wife’s words caught him off guard, wrinkling his brow.
"Isn’t it obvious? Our daughter is now very capable, doing big business. Who wouldn’t want to respect and curry favor with her? Who wouldn’t want wealthy relatives?" Mother Cheng pouted.
In her eyes, it was because Cheng Su had become so skilled that Third Uncle’s family finally saw her worth. Of course, they’d say nice things, interact with her like a real daughter, and wouldn’t there be plenty of benefits?
"Honestly, you never see the good in anything," Father Cheng glared at her, saying, "Don’t you know what kind of people the Third Uncle and his wife are? Even when Susu was unmarried, did they ever neglect her? Didn’t they share their food? Her aunt would sometimes bring her a headband when she visited the city. Do you see anyone else doing that?"
Mother Cheng pouted again, offering no rebuttal.
"Now, Susu is capable, but no matter how capable, she’s still a woman, someone else’s wife. If her maternal family doesn’t support her, what would she do if she’s bullied in the future? Flowers don’t stay bright for a hundred days; people aren’t always in a good situation. What if something happens and there’s no one to help her? Where would she cry then?" Father Cheng continued.
"Doesn’t she have her own brother?" Mother Cheng protested, insisting their son was her true brother.
"She does, but can you ever have too many brothers? Look at that Zhu family wife; whenever she’s upset, her brothers from her maternal family come rushing over, filling the house, each one tall and strong. Do you think the Zhu family would dare mistreat her?" Father Cheng retorted, "As the saying goes, brothers united, their strength is as metal. Not just for Susu, Xiaozhi also only has one brother; he’ll need their help in the future, won’t he? Third Uncle’s family has two children who are quite academic; they’re bound to get into university in the future."
Mother Cheng was at a loss, as it was true. Third Uncle’s two sons were very clever and had apparently even won some scholarships this year.
The daughter was married off, her husband an officer, so there were no worries there.
But the son had no other brothers, only two cousins. Maintaining good relations would ensure mutual support in the future!
Yet, Mother Cheng didn’t want to concede, arguing, "Right now, Third Uncle’s family doesn’t have a daughter who can do business!"
"Who says they won’t thrive in the future? Haven’t you heard Third Uncle say that once they’ve mastered skills and built connections, they plan to start a renovation team?" Father Cheng glanced at her casually, saying, "Really, don’t underestimate people. Just because they’re not thriving now doesn’t mean the right time won’t come."
Mother Cheng huffed, "According to you, in the future we’ll have to cling to Third Uncle’s family too?"
"It’s not about clinging; it’s about unity. We come from the same father, close-knit brothers. Whether or not we can restore the Cheng family’s past glory depends on this generation and the next!" Father Cheng’s eyes sparkled with hope.
Mother Cheng scoffed and walked away.
"Where are you going?"
"Following your advice, making more rice cakes to send to your dear brother’s family," Mother Cheng said.
Father Cheng laughed, "This troublesome woman, always quick with a sharp tongue!" as he followed her.