Chapter 16: Can She Really Turn the World Upside Down?

Glancing toward the ward, Liu Chuxue continued, "Let my brother-in-law guard the health station tomorrow, handle the paperwork, and pack everything up. We'll return just in time for the noon bus to the city, so nothing gets delayed."

Now that Chuxue was their backbone, the two answered in unison, "Good."

Liu's mother recalled the words her second daughter had spoken to her in private, and a wave of anticipation rose in her heart; she had dreamed of splitting the household and living independently, but before, it was something she dared not even imagine.

That girl was right; before her own husband was injured, life for her and her daughters had not been good either. If her husband's legs truly could not be cured, their future would likely be even harder. For their second branch of the family, splitting the household would bring more benefits than drawbacks.

However, for their second branch at this moment, the most urgent task was to raise money and take people to the big hospital in the city; as for whether it would be shameful, there was no time to worry about that now.

With such a huge commotion in the house tonight, the neighbors must have heard almost everything, so the effect her daughter wanted should have been achieved.

Having understood all this, she took a deep breath, lifted her foot, and entered the ward.

Liu's father and his eldest son-in-law had been about to fall asleep, but seeing the three of them—mother and daughters—enter, their drowsiness vanished instantly.

The two spoke in unison, "Why have you come again?"

Liu's mother recounted what had happened after they returned: "That is how it is. Not a single person in the house agreed to give money for your leg treatment. In my panic, I argued with them a bit, and the thirty yuan your father had originally mentioned was not brought up again."

Liu's father's breathing grew heavier with anger, but what could he say? Closing his eyes, he said, "If it really cannot be helped, then let it be. This is my fate."

Though he spoke that way, the veins bulging on his neck revealed how unsettled his mood was at that moment.

After hearing this, Qiu Shaofeng stepped back to his wife's side and whispered, "How could Grandfather and Grandmother treat Father like this?"

Liu's mother's eyes were full of hostility: "Liu Shanliang, tomorrow morning we mothers and children will return to the village. If the family still holds this view, the only path left is to split the household. Be prepared in your heart, and do not blame us for being unreasonable when the time comes."

Having finished speaking, she no longer looked at her own husband, but turned to her daughter and son-in-law and said, "It is getting late. See if there is an empty bed in the next ward. If not, the bench in the corridor by the office can accommodate someone; you two can make do for the night."

Fortunately, there was still one unoccupied bed in the next ward. Qiu Shaofeng let his wife and sister-in-law rest there, while he went to find the bench his mother-in-law had mentioned.

While things were unsettled here, the Liu family was equally unsettled.

Liu Pozi lay on the kang, tossing and turning, unable to sleep: "Husband, with the commotion the second branch made today, if we truly do nothing, we fear the villagers will point fingers at our backs."

"Having people point fingers at our backs is better than throwing money into the water. Besides, we agreed before; you must not soften your heart."

"Judging by the attitude of the second daughter-in-law today, she will not compromise so easily."

"She hasn't even given birth to someone to smash the basin or wave the banner; can she possibly turn the world upside down?"

Remembering something, she let out a light scoff: "This is for the best. If he becomes a cripple in the future, he can still work, which makes him even easier to control. That girl Chuxue has grown up nicely; in another half year she will graduate. Then we can demand more betrothal gifts from the Chen family, and our Dongzi can secure a good marriage."

"Old man, what if in the future..."

She had not finished speaking when Liu Laotou interrupted her: "How many times have I told you? Do not mention the past again."

Immediately, silence fell over the room.

After a long silence, Liu Laotou spoke again: "Do not spend your days thinking this and that. If something were going to happen, it would have happened long ago. Besides, even if someone does come in the future, it cannot be blamed on us. Do not forget, on that day we were not at home."

"Besides, over these years, the family has treated everyone fairly, like a bowl of water held level; no one can say anything."