Unreasonable, she’s also afraid of those who don’t care about their lives. Lady Zhou forced herself to be calm but no longer asked Lian Yeye to apologize.

This storm thus subsided, and Lady Zhou did not ask Lian Shouli for more support.

When other families discuss the issue of supporting the elderly, they usually start with the eldest son, but the Lian Family acts strangely; they start the discussion with the youngest, Lian Shouxin, then Lian Shouli. After these two are done, it’s Lian Shouyi and Lian Shouren’s turn.

"Old Master is gone, from now on, I’ll live on my own. Yuchang, since you’re here, please help me divide this family." Lady Zhou spoke astonishingly, "I don’t want much, just this house, the back half of the courtyard, and six acres of land. The rest can go to the eldest and second. If they want to live together, they can. If they want to separate, they can separate."

Rarely does Lady Zhou speak such a big chunk of words without any anger. However, what she said left everyone in the room stunned.

After Old Master Lian passed away, Lady Zhou demanding a family division again; somewhat, everyone anticipated this. But her wanting to live separately, this kind of division, was unexpected.

From the old house’s family property, besides the part Lady Zhou wants, what’s left is two existing rooms for Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi, the west half of the backyard, the east half of the front yard, and twelve acres of land.

Actually, according to the standard of ordinary tenant farmers, the property divided between Lian Shouren and Lian Shouyi could sustain them. However, neither of these two groups thinks that way. They both want to live an easier and better life.

"Mother, no matter what is said, we can’t let you live on your own." Lian Shouren then knelt down again, "If this happens, I wouldn’t dare face Father in the afterlife. Mother, let your son take care of you till old age, and give you a proper send-off."

"Why do I need you to take care of me? I can currently walk and crawl. With these possessions in my hands, what do I fear? Later on, even if I can’t walk or crawl, having these possessions, I won’t fear lacking care." Lady Zhou said, "Living with you, you might bear the reputation of supporting me, yet despise me as a lonely old woman, ignoring me both upfront and behind. I can’t bear such indignity."

"Mother..." Lian Shouren, hearing Lady Zhou, hurriedly professed his devotion and swore to treat Lady Zhou well in the future, "Mother, Father is gone, but you are the backbone, the head of the family."

Lian Jizu and Lady Chiang then also knelt and said they would listen to Lady Zhou in the future and filially care for her.

Lian Manman watched from the side, suddenly realized. Lady Zhou didn’t truly want to live on her own; she intended to seize the chance to grip her children and grandchildren, thereby further establishing her future position.

Retreat to advance, what a clever stratagem, what a skillful method, thought Lian Manman. These days, Lady Zhou neither argues nor makes trouble, speaking less, seemingly planning carefully for her own future. And this is the result of her meticulous thinking.

In handling her children and safeguarding her status and life, Lady Zhou has always been an exceedingly intelligent woman.

Lian Shouyi saw Lian Shouren’s group doing this and quickly summoned Lady He, Lian Yaya, and Liulang to kneel before Lady Zhou, all promising faithfully to be filial to her in the future.

But Lady Zhou didn’t even spare them a glance.

"Your father is gone, I can’t handle that kind of burden. When your father was alive, you wouldn’t listen, what am I? The eldest group pleads with me, I’ll live with them first. As for you, I don’t need you to serve me. Do what you like." Lady Zhou waved her hand, as if shooing off something annoying.

"Si Lang stole all the family’s money and my dowry jewelry too. Strictly speaking, I shouldn’t give you anything, let you leave empty-handed... Yuchang says I have a sharp tongue but a soft heart. I just cause trouble with my words. I have a soft heart, I’ll give you your rightful share. You’re on your own!"

"I won’t ask anything from you anymore, it’s like I raised a son for nothing. From now on, we’ll be independent. When I die, whether you want to pay respects at my spirit tablet or laugh heartily, it’s up to you. I expect nothing from you."

Lady Zhou’s attitude was resolute and her words uncompromising.

Lian Shouyi’s family was immediately dumbfounded. When they recovered, Lian Shouyi began to wail loudly, Lady He joined in the lament, and though Liulang and Lian Yaya didn’t fully understand, soon they too started crying.

The room instantly descended into chaos. Lian Shouyi kowtowed to Lady Zhou, swore oaths, begged, and made a scene, trying every possible tactic to avoid the division and continue living with Lady Zhou. But unlike Old Master Lian, no matter how Lian Shouyi acted, Lady Zhou wouldn’t relent; she was determined to split Lian Shouyi’s group apart.

This turmoil need not be described, but ultimately the situation escalated, bringing in outsiders. In front of the Lizheng and others, Lady Zhou didn’t hold back, blatantly stating that Old Master Lian’s death was related to Lian Shouyi, that she couldn’t manage him, and if she lived with Lian Shouyi, she would be oppressed, perhaps even harmed by Lian Shouyi and Lady He.

"I should give him nothing, yet I still allocate property to him, I am completely fair to him."

In the end, seeing it’s hopeless to reverse the situation, Lian Shouyi demanded more property, but Lady Zhou stood firm, refusing to distribute more. When Lian Shouyi got anxious, Lady Zhou straight away threatened him with eviction, even forcefully removing him from the Lian Family.

"I broke the mourning pot for my father. Even my mother can’t expel me." Lian Shouyi resisted using the reason of having performed the filial duty for Old Master Lian. "I should get the lion’s share of what Father left!"

...

Extra Chapters offered, the penultimate day of the month, asking for everyone’s pink support.

(Knowing this writing isn’t pleasing, but, life...) (To be continued. If you enjoy this work, you’re welcome to visit Qidian (qidian.com) to vote with recommendation tickets, monthly tickets, your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users please read at m.qidian.com.)