Chapter 191: Divide the Household

Following Third Aunt's advice, Li Bao told his parents before bed about how Gu Xing'er had snatched his chicken cake and threatened him.

Gu Gu Yuanshan and Huang Huang Xiulan were both furious.

The latter immediately stormed off to confront Gu Xing'er, but Gu Gu Yuanshan held her back.

"Wife, it's late at night—your father and I are asleep. Don't act rashly. Calm down first; I'll go speak to your father and mother about this."

Huang Huang Xiulan listened to her husband but remained seething, her chest heaving violently, her teeth clenched together with a grinding sound.

She wanted to tear Gu Xing'er's face off!

Gu Gu Yuanshan gave his two sons a look, signaling them to comfort their mother, then walked straight to his parents' room.

When the old couple learned of Li Bao's mistreatment, their faces turned grim.

The old man's face darkened like ink; after a long pause, he said: "Divide the household."

Gu Mu was stunned. "Old man?"

"Gu Qingzhou isn't even engaged yet."

Here, we wait until all sons are married and daughters are wed before dividing the household.

Though the old man had spoken impulsively, he felt no regret—on the contrary, he thought it was better this way.

After the division, at least on the surface, Gu Xing'er could only torment the two of us.

Then we'll have the sons move out, build new houses, or just build a wall inside—surely our grandson won't suffer anymore.

"Divide." In just a few breaths, he made up his mind.

Gu Gu Yuanshan's heart quickened, his eyes filled with reluctance. "Father, I don't want to divide the household."

"You don't want to, but your wife does," Gu Mu said.

She'd been a daughter-in-law herself—every woman wants to be her own mistress when the household splits.

"Mother…" Gu Gu Yuanshan called out.

"Divide. Tomorrow. I'm old—I deserve a rest. Managing this whole family is exhausting. After the division, your father and I will live alone." Thinking differently, Gu Mu suddenly felt lighter, as if a heavy boulder had been lifted from her shoulders.

"Mother." Gu Gu Yuanshan tried to plead again, but Gu Mu shoved him out and slammed the door shut. "Stop nagging. It's happening tomorrow."

"…."

When Huang Huang Xiulan heard they'd divide the household tomorrow, her eyes widened in shock, her voice stuttering. "D-Divide? Is this real?"

"It's real," Gu Gu Yuanshan said, frowning. "Your father and mother both said so—how could it be fake?"

Huang Huang Xiulan's heart pounded, her eyes gleaming, a wild joy rising inside her.

She wanted to laugh, but seeing her husband's grim face, she held it in, clamping down hard—yet her lips refused to stay straight.

Gu Gu Yuanshan looked at his wife. "If you want to laugh, laugh. Holding it in won't help."

"Puh—" Huang Huang Xiulan couldn't hold back, her laugh too loud; she quickly covered her mouth, but the joy in her eyes couldn't be hidden.

Gu Gu Yuanshan: "…"

Tie Dan asked excitedly: "If we divide, can we eat meat every day now?"

Huang Huang Xiulan's smile vanished; she shot her son a glare. "Dream on! Where are you going to get meat coupons?"

Tie Dan's excitement vanished instantly; he muttered, "Xiang Yubao and Hengbao eat meat every day—why can't we? What's the point of dividing if we can't eat meat?"

"…"

Suddenly, it all felt pointless.

Tie Chui showed no emotion, climbed quietly onto his small bed, pulled the blanket over his belly, and closed his eyes to sleep.

His brother watched him with an envious gaze—he knew his younger brother often got meat from Third Aunt.

He climbed onto the bed, nudged him with his elbow, and pleaded sincerely: "If Third Aunt gives you meat again, save me a piece?"

He remembered the meat strips he'd eaten before, his throat bobbing.

"No," Li Bao didn't open his eyes, only shook his head. He didn't even have enough for himself.

"I'll pick you sweet fruit?" Tie Dan shook his brother's body.

"Stop shaking me—I'm sleeping. Third Aunt said she'll let me eat with her tomorrow—I need to wake up early." Li Bao said eagerly; he loved it when Third Aunt had days off.

Tie Dan nearly cried. "Why is Third Aunt so nice to you?"

His brother grinned foolishly. "She says I'm good."

"I'm good too…" Tie Dan hurried to say.

"You're not. Mom says you're a little monkey—you're even naughtier than Xiao Jin," Li Bao finally opened his eyes, his gaze serious and unyielding.

Tie Dan: "…"

Tie Dan glared accusingly at his mother.

"Mom, it's all your fault—you ruined my reputation!" He turned away, sulking.

Huang Huang Xiulan laughed bitterly and patted Tie Dan's head.

"Who ruined your reputation? Aren't you a troublemaker? When I tell you to do something, when have you ever been found? Xiang Yubao and Hengbao help Third Aunt—you're older, why don't you help me lighten my load?"

"I do work! I gather firewood, dig wild vegetables, catch fish, and even work in the fields—don't believe me? Ask Dad…" Tie Dan argued, turning to Gu Gu Yuanshan, who was watching like it was a show. "Dad, say something—right?"

Gu Gu Yuanshan nodded. "Yes."

Tie Dan's dark face relaxed; he stared sternly at his mother. "Mom, stop saying bad things about me in front of Third Aunt. I already can't eat meat—now you're making me miss even the smell."

After speaking, he lay down to sleep pouting, his lips curled so high they could hang an IV bag.

Li Bao saw his brother's gloomy aura, poked his shoulder with a tiny finger, half-reluctant, half-soothing: "Third Aunt's making fried cakes tomorrow—I'll save you half."

Huh?

Huh!!

Tie Dan instantly cheered up, rolled over, and stared at his brother in delight. "Really?"

"I don't lie," Li Bao puffed out his cheeks.

Tie Dan tickled his brother's armpits, his sun-darkened face beaming. "I'll save you anything good I get too."

Li Bao squirmed away from his brother's hands; remembering the sparrow meat his brother had saved for him, his reluctance lessened.

The next morning, after breakfast, Gu Fu announced the household division.

The second couple stood frozen.

They exchanged glances, utterly baffled.

Gu Gu Yucheng turned slowly toward his father. "Father, why divide now?"

"Your mother and I are old—we want peace. You kids can already buy soy sauce on your own. It's time we stepped back," Gu Fu said.

He couldn't reveal the real reason—it would make Gu Xing'er cause a scene, and just thinking of it gave him a headache.

Gu Gu Yucheng opened his mouth. "Father, I don't want to divide."

Right now, everything's easy—we just work, and our parents handle food and drink. After division, I'll be head of the household, responsible for everything—I already feel tired just thinking about it.

Gu Fu secretly delighted, but his face showed nothing.

His sons didn't want to divide—this proved he and his wife had managed the household well. To them, after half a lifetime of toil, this was the highest praise.

Gu Gu Yucheng added: "Gu Qingzhou isn't even engaged. Why divide now? Wait until he marries."

Hearing her brother mention only Gu Qingzhou and not herself, Gu Xing'er flew into a rage, her voice shrill: "Second brother, what about me? I'm not married either—I'm your sister! Why do you forget me?"

Gu Gu Yucheng: "…"

He spoke his mind: "You're too picky—you're lucky if you marry before twenty. Gu Qingzhou's different—he's steady, studious, hardworking. He'll find a match right after high school."

Gu Gu Qingzhou: "?"

Gu Xing'er dared not provoke her reckless second brother, so she glared daggers at Gu Gu Qingzhou instead.

Gu Gu Qingzhou ignored her. "Division won't affect my marriage. If Father and Mother want to divide, I have no objections."

He had arms and legs—he wouldn't starve. Even if they divided, his parents wouldn't neglect him.

Gu Mu looked at her youngest son with pity—no matter what, Gu Qingzhou had been slighted.

Zhao Zhao Liuniang also wanted to be in charge; a flicker of delight appeared on her face.

After the village leaders arrived, the Gu household began the division.

Over the years, after expenses, the family had saved nearly three hundred yuan. Each son received fifty; the old couple kept fifty; the rest was reserved for Gu Qingzhou and Xing'er's weddings. There were few coupons—each family got a few. Pots, pans, bowls, and utensils? Only one set—couldn't be split evenly; whoever got it paid for it.

The village head nodded approvingly. Fair enough.

Gu Xing'er complained: "What about me? My brothers each got fifty—why don't I get anything?"

The village head knew Gu Xing'er's reputation—he'd heard she was a troublemaker. Seeing her now, he confirmed: the rumors were true.

"In every village nearby, daughters don't inherit household property," he said, seeing the old couple's dark faces.

Gu Xing'er: "Aren't I part of this family? Didn't Mother give birth to me? I was born at the same time as Gu Qingzhou—why does he get fifty more? Father, Mother, you're biased! The leaders say men and women are equal—you're patriarchal!"

Gu Mu tried to explain: "Gu Qingzhou will need a bride price, and if the house is too small, he'll need to build. The rest is enough for a decent dowry for you…"

"You're just biased!" Gu Xing'er refused to listen. "I want my share. If you don't give it to me—I won't agree to the division."

Huang Huang Xiulan had expected this—division wouldn't be simple. Here came the troublemaker again.

"Whether you agree or not doesn't change anything," Gu Fu said firmly.

He turned to the village head and others. "Thank you for coming."

"No trouble at all."

The village leaders didn't linger; they rose and left the Gu household.

"Don't go! It's unfair—I don't agree!" Gu Xing'er shouted.

The village cadres hurried away even faster.

They never meddled in others' family affairs—no one wanted to get soaked in dirty water.

In a breath, the village cadres vanished at the door.

Gu Mu looked at Huang Huang Xiulan. "Elder daughter-in-law, does the eldest branch want to stay in the old house, or build a new one?"

Among her grandchildren, she worried most about Little Tie Chui and Yu Yu—the former was simple-minded, the latter young, both easily bullied.

But.

Compared side by side, Little Tie Chui was more likely to be bullied—he was a boy, loved to run around, and was easy for his little aunt to catch, unlike Yu Yu, who was always with Second Daughter-in-law.

Huang Huang Xiulan froze.

Her mind raced; she understood her mother-in-law was thinking of her youngest son, and she leaned toward building a new house.

She looked at Gu Gu Yuanshan.

"I'm the eldest—I must care for Father and Mother. I'll stay," Gu Gu Yuanshan said.

Gu Mu waved her hand. "No need. Whether you stay or leave is up to you. Your father and I are still healthy—we can work for a few more years."

She looked at her eldest son. "You have two sons, and Alan is growing up. Your house is too small. Why not move out and build your own?"

Tiedan spoke up. "... I want my own room too. Xiang Yubao and Hengbao are younger than me, and they already have their own houses."

Little Li Bao wasn't here to voice his opinion.

Gu Mu added, "Don't hesitate. We're all in the same village—just a few steps away. Building your own house won't stop you from caring for me and your father."

Gu Gu Yuanshan thought for a moment. "Alright. We'll build our own."

He turned to Gu Gu Yucheng. "Second brother, what about you?"

"If you're leaving, we'll definitely stay," Gu Gu Yucheng said. "Big brother, give me your two rooms."

Giving meant paying.

Gu Gu Yuanshan had no objection. "Fine."

They settled on twenty yuan.

Twenty yuan was enough to build three mud-brick rooms for the eldest branch. Huang Huang Xiulan didn't feel cheated.

After the division, the Gu family men and women went to work.

Gu Xing'er sought out Gu Gu Qingzhou.

She extended her hand, boldly demanding, "Give me twenty-five yuan."

"No."

Gu Xing'er widened her eyes, furious. "Why not?"

"Why should you?"

Not wanting to waste words, she shoved Gu Xing'er aside, grabbed her straw hat, and ran out the door.

Gu Xing'er stumbled backward, bracing herself against the wall to steady her balance. She glared furiously at the direction Gu Gu Qingzhou vanished, stomping her foot in rage.

She turned to enter Gu Gu Qingzhou's room to search it—only to see the iron lock on the door.

She slapped the door twice in frustration, then stomped back to her own room.

Lin Zhao learned from Little Li Bao that the old house planned to divide the family.

"Dividing is a good thing," she said. "Does your family need a pot? I have one—if you want it, send your mother to fetch it."

Little Li Bao's eyes sparkled. "Third Auntie, I'll go tell her right now."

As he spoke, he dashed toward the old house.

In his hand, he still held the greasy pancake he was eating.

Seeing this, the twins feared their little aunt would snatch Little Li Bao's pancake again. They shouted for Da Huang and hurried after him.

Little Li Bao ran to the old house and saw Huang Huang Xiulan at the gate. "Mama, Third Auntie asked if you want a pot?"

"A pot? Yes, we do!" Huang Huang Xiulan shoved the farming tools into Gu Gu Yuanshan's hands and hurried toward the third branch.

Afraid that if she delayed even a moment, the pot would vanish.

Getting a pot was so hard.

Tiedan, drawn by his brother's greasy pancake, walked without thinking—suddenly found himself at the third branch's gate.

"Sister-in-law, sister-in-law, do you have a pot?" Huang Huang Xiulan's excited voice rang out.

Lin Zhao was eating with the children.

She looked up, catching sight of her elder sister-in-law and Tiedan trailing behind.

"Yes, under the kitchen counter. Go look," she replied, then waved to Tiedan. "Gu Zhihang, come in. Why stand at the door? Come eat the pancake."

Tiedan's face lit up with surprise as he stepped inside.

"Xiang Yubao, take your brother Gu Zhihang to wash his hands," Lin Zhao instructed, then added a bowl of white porridge.

Tiedan washed his hands clean, sat down happily, and murmured shyly, "Thank you, Third Auntie."

Lin Zhao smiled lightly. "Eat. There's plenty more in the kitchen—take as much as you want."

After the men left, she never lacked supplies. Her storage ring still held many fruits—more than she could finish.

Tiedan thought Third Auntie was wonderful, so generous—more generous than any Third Auntie in the whole village.

He'd just started eating when Huang Huang Xiulan emerged from the kitchen, holding a double-handled iron pot, beaming. "Sister-in-law, is this the pot? This is a good one—you really give it to me?"

Lin Zhao's expression was calm, indifferent. "It's a gift. Consider it a housewarming present for your division."

"The second branch has one too. Don't feel obligated," she added.

Huang Huang Xiulan was delighted yet embarrassed. "How can I accept this? A pot costs several yuan, plus industrial coupons—I'll pay you."

"No need," Lin Zhao truly didn't think it mattered. She had a lottery system—acquiring anything was easy.

"If you feel uneasy, make me a few quilts." The remark was ambiguous; she clarified: "I'll provide the cotton and fabric. You just sew them."

Huang Huang Xiulan immediately agreed. "Done!"

She stared at the pot, her grin stretching ear to ear.

Now, when the new house was built, they'd have a pot to cook with.

She spotted Gu Gu Zhihang wolfing down the pancake, her face darkened. "Gu Gu Zhihang, how are you still eating? Didn't you just finish..."

Tiedan's mouth was full. He mumbled, "... I wasn't full."