The two are alike, neither of them is a loving elder.
The only difference is that one uses violence as coercion, and the other uses warmth to bind. Just different methods.
Old Lady Han had put on a cold face, and Mr. Tian came over to gently soothe her.
Sure enough, Mr. Tian came to Ms. Hetian’s side, first sighed, then said helplessly yet affectionately: "Daniu, don’t blame your mother, she’s always had this temperament, but she does care about you in her heart!"
"The main thing is that Yaozong is sick, your mother is in a hurry and came up with this bad idea."
"We’re not selling anyone, we’re not selling anyone. I know your husband is gone, and Xiao Bao is your only child, you surely can’t part with him!"
"However, daughter, your mother wants to sell Xiao Bao, and it’s not entirely just to cure your brother."
"Firstly, you’re still young, and who knows what’s become of your husband? You can’t just wait indefinitely, sooner or later you will have to remarry. But if you marry again, it’s not appropriate to have a child with you!"
"Secondly, we are fleeing the famine, the whole family needs to eat and drink. The little grain and copper coin we brought with us when we left are all gone. Even if we don’t sell Xiao Bao today, we’ll have to sell him when we’re out of food!"
"Thirdly, we’re also seeking a way out for Xiao Bao. The noble is willing to pay two thousand coins for a person, which means they are affluent. Selling Xiao Bao to them is better than letting the child suffer from hunger and hardship with us!"
Mr. Tian is an honest man, but he speaks very persuasively.
Listen to this reasoning, it’s logical and well-argued, step by step, retreating first then advancing.
If it were the past Ms. Hetian, she might have been hoodwinked.
"All the grain is used up? When I returned to my mother’s home, didn’t I bring a hundred pounds of mixed flour and two hundred pounds of sweet potatoes?"
Ms. Hetian calmly reminded him.
Mr. Tian: ... Of course, the grain isn’t all gone, it’s piled on the donkey cart.
But the problem is, they’ve just started fleeing the famine, and no one can guarantee when they will find a place to settle down.
There are several people, old and young, along the way, if you don’t account a bit more, sooner or later you’ll run out of food.
Mr. Tian doesn’t want to let his son and grandson suffer.
As for He Xiaobao, yes, he is indeed his grandson, but it comes with an "outside" word, after all.
They’re not even of the same family name, why should he eat their food?
Mr. Tian had long since forgotten that the donkey cart for transporting people and goods, and two-thirds of the grain, all originally belonged to the He Family.
Mr. Tian only recognizes one thing: What belonged to the He Family is now his eldest daughter’s, and what belongs to his eldest daughter belongs to Old Tian’s Family.
Rounding up, all those things belong to the Tian Family!
"Oh, with so many people needing to eat, drink, and live, how can that bit of grain be enough?"
Mr. Tian unnaturally waved his hand, dismissing Ms. Hetian’s question ambiguously.
But Ms. Hetian wasn’t brushed aside, instead pressed further, "Then sell the donkey cart, Dad, you also said we’re fleeing famine now, the donkey cart is worth more!"
"No way! Without the donkey cart, where will we put our luggage, and where will your brother sit when he’s tired?!"
This time, Old Lady Han didn’t even need to jump out and play the bad cop; Mr. Tian immediately rejected it!
"It’s okay, Dad, I have a lot of strength, I can carry the luggage! If Yaozong gets tired, I can support him!"
Ms. Hetian was not ready to give up, unwilling to admit that her father, who had been kind to her, was actually so selfish.
She said seriously, her tone lacking the previous coldness, but was more pleading.
"That still won’t do!" Old Lady Han shouted in opposition.
The grain couldn’t be handed over to the daughter. Not even if they treat her as strong labor.
Mr. Tian didn’t say anything, but his expression was very clear, he agreed with Old Lady Han.
As for Tian Yaozong, haha, he’s too lazy to pretend to be sick anymore, lying directly on the ground with a thick mat, watching the drama unfold while sneakily munching on a bun!
"This doesn’t work, that doesn’t either! Selling Xiao Bao is the only solution?"
Ms. Hetian trembled with her lips, looking as if she had been greatly affected.
"Oh dear, why are you so stubborn? I’ve explained everything, why don’t you understand!"
"Your father and mother are doing this for your own good! We are your real parents. Yaozong is your real brother, would we harm you?"
Mr. Tian saw the atmosphere become tense again and hurried to act as if he was "angry but caring" to mediate.
"Exactly, big sister, just listen to our Dad. I’m still ill!"
Having seen enough of the drama unfold, Tian Yaozong stuffed the last bite of bun into his mouth, giving muddled advice.