Chapter 20: His Understanding and Forbearance Were Taken for Granted

Qin Zhonghui had always been acutely aware that, among his three brothers, he was the least favored. His sister seemed to occupy a higher place in their parents' esteem, but when it came to his own standing among his brothers, he was clearly the least popular.

Growing up, Qin Zhonghui was accustomed to wearing his older brother's hand-me-down clothes and shoes. When he needed stationery for school, he used the worn-out or broken supplies left behind by his elder brother. Even though he had the opportunity to continue his education beyond junior high school, his family insisted they couldn't afford it and refused to support his schooling any further.

The family often spoke of Qin Zhonghui with a sense of disappointment, describing him as slow-witted and less intelligent than his elder brother, Qin Jiqun. They claimed he wasn't suited for academic pursuits, suggesting he lacked the brightness of his older sibling. This constant comparison and negative judgment were difficult for Qin Zhonghui to bear.

It was particularly ironic when, after just a day of attending junior high school, Qin Jiqun decided he didn't want to continue. He claimed it was too tiring. This turn of events stirred feelings of envy and a sense of injustice in Qin Zhonghui. He had always felt it was unfair that his younger brother could avoid the burdens and sacrifices he had to endure.

Throughout his childhood, Qin Zhonghui had to make do with less. His younger brother always got the first choice of new clothes and shoes, especially during special occasions like the New Year. When the family went to the market, it was his younger brother who got to select what he wanted. Qin Zhonghui had to constantly remind himself to be understanding, knowing that his younger brother was younger and perhaps deserved a bit more leniency.

As the years passed, Qin Zhonghui's frustration did not abate. His elder brother, Qin Jiqun, married a city girl and found work in the county town. The parents showed their support by spending money to buy a bicycle for Qin Jiqun's wife. When Qin Zhonghui's younger brother married, their parents were even more generous, buying him a three-piece suit for the occasion.

But when Qin Zhonghui married Su Yun, the situation was starkly different. Instead of receiving a wedding house or a substantial gift, the only thing his parents gave Su Yun was a single silver bracelet and a few quilts. The bracelet was a leftover piece from a pair—one had been lost, and the remaining one was given to Su Yun. It was a meager token compared to the generosity shown to his brothers.

Qin Zhonghui was painfully aware of the disparity. He felt that his wife was suffering because of this unequal treatment. Determined to make up for it, he tried to be a supportive and caring husband, hoping that his own efforts might compensate for the lack of familial support they had received.

It was only on this day that Qin Zhonghui fully realized how his understanding and forbearance had been taken for granted by his family over the years. His quiet acceptance, patience, and sacrifices seemed to have gone unnoticed and unappreciated.

His sense of injustice sharpened with the realization that his patience had only led to further exploitation. It was no longer just about him; he was now a husband and the father of two children. He was the pillar of his own family and couldn't bear to see his wife and children suffer because of his own passivity and fear of conflict.

Old Master Qin was visibly stunned by Qin Zhonghui's declaration. His eyes widened in disbelief as he exclaimed, "Are you trying to rebel? I'm still alive—why are you talking about dividing the family?"

After expressing what he felt was the most challenging thing to say, Qin Zhonghui felt a strange calmness settle over him. He had reached a breaking point where he could no longer tolerate the ongoing injustice. "A few years ago, when my elder brother and his wife separated from the family, I chose to stay because I thought my children were still young. But now that they are grown, I think it's time to make a change."

Old Master Qin, known for his quick temper, picked up a stick from beside him, clearly ready to confront Qin Zhonghui. However, Qin Ju, who had been carefully observing the situation, noticed the movement and called out sharply, "Who's there?!"

Old Master Qin halted, turning his attention to Qin Ju. She had noticed someone climbing over the wall. The implication was clear: if the family dispute became public knowledge, it would be a severe blow to Old Master Qin's reputation. He was a man who placed great value on his image, and the thought of their internal family conflicts becoming public was unacceptable to him.

Taking a deep breath, Old Master Qin forced himself to calm down. His voice was cold and laced with frustration as he spoke. "Is it because you want money for medical treatment that you're talking about dividing the family?"

Qin Zhonghui, though honest, was not foolish. He understood better than to directly admit the real reason behind his request. Instead, he sighed and said, "I'm not sure if this hand can be healed. If it becomes disabled, I won't be able to work. I might even have to return to manual labor, but some types of labor might not accept me."

From the side, Qin Ju offered words of encouragement. "Dad, don't be so discouraged. My grandfather and uncle won't just stand by and let you suffer. Even though Xiao Shi and I are still young, I'm sure Grandpa and Uncle will support you."

Old Master Qin fell silent, looking at his son with a mix of anger and regret. The presence of Qin Jiqun and his wife in the room added to the tension. Their expressions had already shifted, and Feng Lan couldn't help but whisper something in Qin Jiqun's ear, clearly discussing their next steps.

The room was charged with emotion, the air thick with unspoken words and simmering resentments. Each family member had their own perspective, grievances, and hopes for resolution. The path forward was fraught with uncertainty, and the prospect of family separation loomed over them like a storm cloud, threatening to bring further disruption and discord.

As the chapter drew to a close, the family found themselves at a critical juncture. The decision to separate was not just about dividing property or addressing financial concerns—it was a profound reflection on their relationships and responsibilities. The struggle to balance personal needs with family dynamics would shape the coming days, leading them through a period of intense change and introspection.

The resolution of this conflict would require more than just practical solutions; it would demand emotional resilience and a reevaluation of their familial bonds. The future remained uncertain, but the decisions made in this pivotal moment would determine the course of their lives and their relationships with one another.

(End of this chapter)

---