Wang Ailing stuffed the wallet into Mother Chen’s hand, "Mom, since this money is given to me, it’s mine. We’ll leave it to you and Dad. You’re getting older and don’t need to work so hard. You have money in your hands now, and later our monthly contributions won’t be less, so don’t feel bad for yourselves."
Mother Chen shed tears after listening to her daughter-in-law.
"Mom, don’t overthink it. As long as we have food in our mouths, you and Dad won’t lack anything. Keep this money, don’t spend it on any of us, just save it and buy whatever you want."
"Yes, Mom, keep it. I’m married now, and I’ll take care of you both in the future."
Father Chen sighed, comparing people is a path towards death, comparing goods is a reason to discard. This is the gap between sons.
"Sister-in-law, this money isn’t yours alone."
"Second sister-in-law, this is ours, and if you want to calculate it, you might end up having to compensate. Do you want to do the math?"
The two sisters-in-law exchanged glances. But truly, they weren’t willing. How could the money that was almost in their hands disappear?
"Count? Count what? You’re barely new here, and you already want to sit atop my neck and shit?"
"Don’t say such disgusting things. If we’re going to count, then so be it, otherwise keep quiet. I’m Wang Ailing, and I’m not afraid to get into a fight with anyone.
Before I came, I don’t know how things were, nor do I want to know, but from now on, if anyone causes trouble or upsets the elders, I’ll let you see my temper.
Mom, why don’t you and Dad come live with us in the county?"
"Yes, Dad and Mom, come back with us."
"We’re not going anywhere now. We’ll wait until you have children and then go over to help take care. Right now, we can still manage."
The two Chen brothers hadn’t said a word since they entered. After Father Chen finished speaking, neither of them greeted anyone and turned to leave.
Mother Chen saw this and started crying again. It’s such a sin, why are they all ?
"Dad, isn’t it time to divide the pork? I noticed you gave little sister quite a bit, at least four or five pounds."
"Divide it. Guoliang, help me bring out the pork."
Chen Guoliang got off the kang, and the father and son hauled out the pork, then borrowed a scale from the Captain.
The two daughters-in-law followed them the whole time, as if they were afraid someone would steal and hide some.
Wang Ailing stayed with Mother Chen on the kang, comforting the elderly lady.
The remaining pork was the good parts, the ham, and the ribs.
The organs and bones were used for today’s meal, weighing in at eighty-five pounds.
"We’ll divide the meat into four portions, twenty-one pounds per family," Father Chen said as he began to divvy up the meat.
The old man was truly fair, with a good mix of fat and lean, avoiding any disputes.
After the pork was divided, the two sisters-in-law picked up their portions to leave.
"Wait, when you deliver the meat back, go find my brothers. If they don’t come, you should move out of the house you live in. Return the money and things."
"Yes, put the meat down and go find them," Father Chen said.
The two had no choice; they were still afraid of the Third, thinking he was in the police station, somewhat of an official.
After a while, the four returned, the two sons still expressionless.
"Calling you here is to tell you that now grain is divided uniformly. Given that, your mom and I don’t want any grain from you two every month, just five bucks worth.
Of course, if you choose not to give, it’s okay, I’ll report you to the team. You return the money and house to me, and I’ll consider you not as sons.
The old man’s words were harsh, and the two brothers lifted their heads in surprise, looking at their father.
Seeing the old man’s suppressed anger, they became frightened.
But the two women disagreed, crying and wailing.
Chen Guoliang stood up and went out. His second brother immediately went out and brought him back.
"Third, what are you doing?"
"I’m going to find the village chief. If you don’t want to, then give back Mom and Dad’s things. They raised us, made us families. And now they’re old, and this is how you treat them? You have sons too, and they’ll treat you ?"
His words silenced the room. Even crying ceased. Yes, they have sons; will it be in the future?
"The most important thing is to be a role model. From a young age, you show them how you treat your parents. How can they not learn from you?"
"No, my Dazhuang wouldn’t do that," the eldest daughter-in-law said without a smile.
"Elder, do you remember when you dragged me, and I carried your second brother? You said you’d be filial all your life. You said I love pastries, and when you grew up, you’d let me eat pastries every day. How well-behaved were you back then? And now?" Mother Chen cried.
The elder brother of the Chen family hung his head, speechless.
"Okay, you decide now. What to do. Mom and Dad will take back the money, house, and items given to you. Even without you, they’ll do fine."
"Wouldn’t they need us when they pass?" The second sister-in-law challenged with her neck held high.
"No need." Father Chen was practically exploding with anger.
"Looks like you’re aiming to leave with just your bodies, fine, I’ll call the village branch secretary, village chief, and the Captain over, and we’ll settle today.
Dad, arrange to sell those two houses, they can fetch four hundred bucks. This way, you have six hundred, enough for Mom and you, we’ll still send money monthly, and when you’re older, grain too."
Chen Guoliang finished, didn’t even look at his brothers, and turned to leave.
"Third, are you disregarding brotherly ties?"
Chen Guoliang stopped, turned to his elder brother "Brotherly ties? Do you have any?" He sneered and walked out.
"Wait, we’ve agreed."
Chen Guoliang didn’t stop, but the second one ran back and dragged him back.
"You’ve agreed? I don’t trust you at all now.
Write it down. If you fail to pay for two consecutive months, hand over what was distributed at the time.
If you’re willing, write a note. If not, make it simpler."
The brothers, biting their anger, nodded firmly.
Wang Ailing took out paper and pen, blue paper but no ink, had to borrow from the team department.
"I’ll go borrow. The village branch secretary must also write and witness."
Chen Guoliang went out. The room quieted, Wang Ailing got down and poured the old lady a bowl of hot water.
Half an hour later, the village branch secretary arrived, writing according to Father Chen’s words and acting as witness.
"Given this, let’s start from this month."