Zeng Laoda became anxious upon hearing this. How could that be feasible? The third family’s grain was hard to come by. Though it wasn’t much, mixed with wild vegetables, they could save some and stretch it out for quite a while.
If the rent were paid, it wouldn’t be doable. Zeng Laoda urgently tugged at his father’s tattered sleeve.
"What? Is rent still required?" Zeng Pozi looked at her son in disbelief.
"Of course, father and mother wouldn’t think we’re living here for free, right? We’re not from Hua Village; we’re benefiting from the in-laws. There’s no way there won’t be rent. If you want to come with me, at least consider my feelings. Let’s treat these as a year’s rent."
"Old third, how could you say such a thing? This is our retirement grain." Zeng Pozi’s anger, which had barely subsided, was triggered again.
"Yes, it’s supposed to be father’s and mother’s retirement grain. If you’re coming with me, then this grain naturally becomes ours; otherwise, how will we retire?"
The crowd watching nodded in agreement. There was no fault in his words.
It’s long been known that the village chief’s eldest daughter’s husband’s family was troublesome, and today it has been proven true.
However, Hua Fen was really as fierce as ever!
Look at how her husband and children are easily managed by her.
Frankly, if she weren’t so fierce, how could it be convenient for people from other villages? Mainly because the youths in the village couldn’t handle her!
"Auntie, you’re going to live with your son, right? Of course, the retirement grain belongs to your son. Are you not satisfied with drinking the blood of this son and still want to use his blood to support another son? Where in the world does such a good deal exist? When you get old, you need to learn to be content, otherwise, you will be unpleasant to everyone."
Lin Pozi, standing next to Hua Pozi, couldn’t help but say something. Those with a bit of sense should be enlightened; for others, there is no solution.
"Exactly. As parents, favoritism should have limits. In these times, who doesn’t lack grain? Giving you fifty pounds of sweet potatoes and ten pounds of coarse rice is already extremely filial. It’s not like you’re unaware of what’s happening outside, so be content!"
Ever since Hua Chengtian rescued the Sun family brothers and secluded in the mountains, everyone in Hua Village knows how difficult life is for the survivors of this disaster.
Friends and brothers turning against each other for a bite of food is common, and people have abandoned humanity, resorting to burning, killing, and looting. They even use people as reserve grain... just hearing it makes one’s skin crawl.
One can’t help but thank the foresight shown by their village chief and the clan elders.
If they hadn’t insisted, even if everyone is alive, life would be very difficult; it wouldn’t be as comfortable as it is now.
"I’ve said these are retirement grains. Since they’re ours, we can give them to whoever we want. How can I not make decisions about my own retirement grain? Moreover, as a son, it’s only natural to care for parents. That’s an indisputable duty."
Looking at the crowd surrounding her and pointing fingers, Zeng Pozi felt ashamed, heated, and angry.
"Mother, that’s not quite right..."
Hua Daguniang smiled kindly at the several speaking aunties.
"Though it’s natural for a son to care for his mother, back when you demanded a separation, you accounted everything very clearly, saying you weren’t coming with us. So we’re required to give fifty pounds of retirement grain and two and a half ounces of retirement money annually. Have you gotten old and forgotten?"
"Now I want to come with you, isn’t that possible?" Zeng Pozi yelled in anger and shame.
"Of course... it’s not impossible, but you weren’t agreeable to the method, were you?"
"I have a bad temper; you’d better think carefully before speaking." Watching her mother-in-law wanting to cause trouble, Hua Daguniang sneered.
"Mother, mother..." Zeng Laoda interrupted Zeng Pozi’s words. If this continues, even the dozens of pounds of grain might be gone. He hurriedly stepped forward to hold Zeng Pozi.
"Why are you grabbing me?" Zeng Pozi was furious, glaring at the eldest son she usually spoke softly with.
To be fair, this time Zeng Laoda was relatively clear-headed.
"Mother... the third family is right, and I can’t bear to let you go; let’s go back for now."
"Mother," Zeng Laoda whispered in Zeng Pozi’s ear, "The third family’s temper isn’t good. Aren’t you afraid..."
How could Zeng Pozi not be afraid, just forcing herself for the sake of saving a meal for her son.
Thinking about it, even if she went with her husband, living at the third family’s wouldn’t be pleasant.
With her eldest son’s words, the courage Zeng Pozi had managed to muster faded quickly.
"Forget it, quickly bring the grain over." Zeng Pozi looked angrily at the third couple, thinking to herself that if she had known she would birth such a traitorous child, she should have drowned them in a chamber pot at birth, saving herself the anger.
"I’ll go get it," Hua Pozi volunteered after glancing at her eldest daughter.
"Grandma, I’ll go with you," Hua Jin said as she hugged Hua Pozi.
Distracted by her daughter’s family, it was only upon hearing Hua Pozi’s voice that she noticed the granddaughter standing by her side, and her cold gaze softened instantly.
The mother and daughter turned and walked halfway into the valley. Seeing no one around, Hua Jin took out ten pounds of coarse flour and fifty pounds of sweet potatoes from her space.
Hua Pozi calmly watched, having understood her granddaughter’s intention when she offered to come along.
For the mother and daughter, dozens of pounds of grain were not heavy, easily lifting them in their hands.
"Here, I’m giving this grain on behalf of my daughter, but don’t let me hear any more nonsense from you. Otherwise, I can give the grain and also take it back. Remember whose land you’re standing on."
This family’s ignorance is truly irritating. They’ve not found their place in such times; the old woman is really curious about how this family has survived over the past year.
If they can’t understand, then she’d speak bluntly, perhaps they’ll understand this way.
Indeed, upon hearing these words, Zeng Pozi’s entire family changed their expressions.
Perhaps before entering the valley, they wouldn’t have cared much, but once inside, they really wouldn’t want to leave.
This place has already been transformed into a secure valley fortress by Hua Village, even surrounded by tall trees on several mountains, instilling peace just by looking. There’s no worry about threats from large wild beasts.
What’s more important is that the families in Hua Village don’t lack grain, and it’s only by following them that there’s a chance to survive. No way would they be willing to leave the valley now.
Zeng Laotou stopped pretending to be dim-witted, hurriedly saying, "In-law, rest assured, it won’t happen again. My wife is just blunt but not wicked at heart. I’ll restrain her well. I know the third son’s wife is good; we’re just in such a difficult situation now. I trust you can understand."
Understanding, naturally understanding. Everyone has a few relatives. If borrowing grain nicely, not aggressively, how couldn’t the relationships be helped a bit? Wouldn’t that have been easier?
Hua Pozi glanced at Zeng Laotou, choosing not to engage. In her view, the worst was this old man, letting his wife be the bad guy while he plays the good guy.
Unbothered by the lack of attention, Zeng Laotou chuckled awkwardly and looked at Zeng Yong, "Third son, your mother loves to nag, but she’s soft at heart. Don’t be like her, come visit us often on the mountain!"