Chapter - 51 - Dividing the family property 2

When Gu Xiulan learned that she might be arrested and confined in the dreaded "black kiln," she felt a mix of fear and hesitation.

Although she put up a front, inwardly, she was anxious.

Yi Wanjing, sensing that things were going in the right direction for him and wanting to make sure that he gets the best and most from the division, decided to intervene.

He stepped forward, gently took hold of Gu Xiulan's arm, and whispered persuasively, "Mom, it's getting late, and let's not make matters worse. They're only interested in some broken items, and we won't miss that bag of food. Just let them have it."

After some contemplation, Gu Xiulan reluctantly agreed and asked Zeng Yazhu to draft a written agreement.

In the document, she declared their family separation, promising to deliver a certain amount of grain each year, along with other items.

These included a bag of food, a pot, and the mattresses from the room Tang Li had occupied.

It was really a pitiful.

Zeng Yazhu penned these terms begrudgingly, shaking his head and sighing as he sympathized with Yi Minghuan and his wife. He couldn't help but feel sorry for them.

However, he also recognized the difficult position they were in, thanks to the aggressive and uncompromising demeanor of the elderly Gu Xiulan.

Gu Xiulan emphasized that they could only stay one last night in the house and needed to vacate it immediately the next day.

Zeng Yazhu was about to express his frustration when Tang Li intervened, urging him not to argue further.

"Captain Zeng, thank you for your help today. We wouldn't have been able to separate our families without you. I'd like to request a day off tomorrow as we won't be able to come to work. Minghuan and I will first find a temporary place to live," Tang Li said gratefully.

Zeng Yazhu agreed and suggested, "Okay. If you encounter any difficulties come to me. You can inquire with Uncle Wang from the second team, as our own team have no vacant houses. I believe Uncle Wang might accommodate you if you offered him some compensation."

Tang Li accepted his offer with gratitude, noting that they both thought that Old Man Wang's house would be the best choice for them.

As Zeng Yazhu was being escorted out by them, he remembered the reason for his visit and slapped his forehead.

"I almost forgot! Minghuan, I came here today to ask if you'd be willing to teach the guards how to shoot. We were about to look for someone but we didn't expect you to return."

"How about joining our village's guard team? We need individuals like you. You could serve as a coordinator and you wouldn't have to work in the fields. You'd also receive daily wages. What do you think?"

Yi Minghuan didn't immediately agree. Instead, he replied, "Captain Zeng, let me think it over."

Zeng Yazhu nodded and departed, "No problem. Just let me know when you are ready."

"We're moving out tomorrow. Should we go to the east side of the village now and ask Uncle Wang about his vacant house? If he declines, we can find an alternative place as soon as possible," Tang Li suggested, interrupting Yi Minghuan who had been lost in thought.

Yi Minghuan nodded, his expression still somber. Gu Xiulan's mention of his grandfather and her resentment towards him for causing her suffering weighed heavily on his mind.

He had never fully understood why she harbored such animosity toward him, her own child.

Today, he finally heard her side of the story. It turned out that he had caused her a great deal of suffering. He couldn't help but wonder what exactly she endured during her pregnancy and childbirth with him.

Yet, as he contemplated this, he found it ultimately futile to dwell on.

Their mother-child relationship had long since dissolved.

"Minghuan, what's on your mind?" Tang Li noticed his distracted state and saw him walking without paying attention to his surroundings. She tugged at his sleeve and asked.

"It's nothing," Yi Minghuan replied, shaking his head. He stopped, turned to face her, and said, "Accompany me to my grandfather's grave some other day. Let him know that we've gotten married and take his blessings."

"Of course," Tang Li nodded, offering her heartfelt support.

After a moment of hesitation, she reached out and held his hand, saying, "I am your wife, your family. Don't be sad over those who aren't worth it."

Yi Minghuan gazed at her for a while, and finally, a small smile appeared at the corner of his mouth...