Chapter 99: with translation of chapter title

Transmigrated into a cat 21 (birth mother is the female lead of a mother-way novel)

Luo Lao Ye finally decided to split the household, he sent people to invite the clan elders over

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This time Luo Lao Ye had no soft heart, he hardened his resolve and said: 'From your birth until now, you haven't earned a single silver dollar for the family! You only know how to spend money; after adulthood, the time you spend in brothels is longer than at home. You are more filial to the brothel madam than to your own parents—at least the madam can spend your money, you are so unfilial…… I and your mother, however, harbor a kind father and mother's heart, hoping you will mend your ways.'

The four sisters rushed over upon hearing the news, personally witnessing their father being scolded by Luo Lao Ye until he knelt begging for mercy, tears streaming down, vowing to mend his ways and so on—a series of actions

Even the dim-witted Er Ya felt that their father was not dignified enough at this moment

Although Luo Jia Ming, having endured two months of painful education in prison and fully understood the importance of money, he still did not care

In prison, he could even kneel for a moldy steamed bun; now, in order to get a larger share of the family property, his knees could not be stiff

The clan elders also felt Luo Jia Ming's behavior was undignified, but on the other hand they felt Luo Lao Ye and his wife were truly unfair—clearly they were abandoning the second son for the youngest, a son they had doted on for over thirty years, and could ruthlessly discard him once he was no longer useful; their hearts were also quite hard

Only Xu Shi rejoiced at her husband's joy and grieved at his sorrow; her tears never ceased

She said to her daughters: 'Your father is in such agony; we mothers must be of one mind to lift him up…' Even the decent Da Ya and Er Ya could not agree

San Ya looked on coldly, while Si Ya bit her own finger; she was still young, her little head couldn't figure it out

In the ancestral hall, the division of the household continued; the reluctant expression on Luo Lao Ye's face gradually faded

He sighed and said: 'Jia Ming, don't blame Father; what you did to Mu Dan has already spread, the Luo family's business partners think you are too ruthless, you spent two months in jail, and our Luo family's reputation has been ruined because of you.'

In Pomegranate Flower Town, among those respectable families, who would have gone to prison? It would be too embarrassing if it got out

'Mother and Father won't make things difficult for you regarding money,' Luo Lao Ye said magnanimously, 'Take twenty percent.'

The Luo Family is wealthy and prosperous; the eldest son has no offspring, so twenty percent of the estate is enough for him to live comfortably

Luo Jia Ming knew the situation couldn't be salvaged, yet he insisted: 'Sixty percent! I am the eldest son, I want sixty percent!'

Luo Lao Ye flared up in anger: 'A eunuch, that's all—there's no way he could ever have a son to inherit the estate; on what grounds does he demand sixty percent?'

Luo Jia Ming was also furious; according to old custom, the eldest son should inherit seventy percent

His elder brother Luo Jia Mao had already died, leaving no descendants; he himself is the Luo family's eldest son, and asking for sixty percent is already more than enough for that little brat who can't even walk yet

'I will leave the Luo family; you won't have to worry about me embarrassing you anymore,' Luo Jia Ming said threateningly, showing no trace of the earlier useless leg-clutching tears, he coldly said: 'Father, you only have this little brat to support, while I have four daughters to provide for; if you can't be fair, I don't mind burning bridges.'

The clan elders present sighed, watching this father and son finally tear apart their facades, ultimately settling the estate at a sixty-forty split

On the surface the sixty-forty split gave the Luo couple sixty percent and Luo Jia Ming forty percent, but in reality only the liquid assets were divided this way; the bulk of the shops and real estate were the truly valuable assets

This person, once his heart leans to one side, can lean all the way to the horizon

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The Luo Family moved smoothly, and Luo Jia Ming also began to consider his future

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'Moving house? Father, are we really leaving Pomegranate Flower Town?' Da Ya's face showed reluctance; she had lived in Pomegranate Flower Town since birth, and felt a little afraid of going to an unfamiliar place

Er Ya was also reluctant, sharing her sister's fear and worry; San Ya had a blank expression, while Si Ya looked puzzled at her parents and sisters

'I'm fine,' Xu Shi told her husband, 'I'll follow you wherever you go.'

It was actually her suggestion to leave Pomegranate Flower Town; although she was also reluctant, as long as she could be with her husband, she feared nothing

Luo Jia Ming said: 'Yesterday I received a letter from Brother Zhuang; he has been released from prison, and Brother Zhuang said Seaside City is a good place.'

Seaside City is not far from Pingjin City; there is a direct train, arriving in just two days and two nights. It is more developed than Pingjin City, with peace and prosperity, and is one of the most prosperous cities in the country

'Brother Zhuang said he thanks me for treating him to all those good things in prison; his younger brother has made a name for himself in the Green Water Gang, and if we go to Seaside City, he can look after us.'

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Luo Lao Ye and his wife knew that the second son's family would leave Pomegranate Flower Town after the New Year, which was not surprising; this son had always been proud and arrogant—how could he tolerate the gossip in Pomegranate Flower Town? Leaving was the best option

But they couldn't understand why he would go so far away; there are many towns near Pomegranate Flower Town, Luohe County is not far either, and even Pingjin City is better than Seaside City—it's really too far

For Luo Jia Ming, a two-day, two-night train ride is not far; for Luo Lao Ye and his wife, however, it is truly too far—so far that their secret hopes come to nothing

They are not young; waiting for Luo Tianci to grow up will take about twenty years, and since life rarely reaches seventy, they don't know if they will live to see seventy. Luo Tianci is still young, and they don't know how many enemies eye the Luo family covetously; they still hope the second son will be around to help deter them a bit

'Actually, taking the train isn't that far either,' Luo Lao Tai Tai said, trying to comfort herself and her husband, 'Look, going by cart over mountains and ridges to Pingjin City takes two or three days; I've heard the train is quite comfortable, with no jolting at all.'

The old woman looked full of longing; the old man had taken the train countless times, but she had never ridden it

Luo Lao Ye nodded reluctantly, feeling some regret inside; he sensed that the second son clearly knew about hiding a large amount of family wealth from him, not knowing whether it was because he realized he couldn't defeat this old father, or simply couldn't be bothered to continue the dispute; the second son took the apparent forty percent of the family estate and left cleanly

He sighed and said to his old wife: 'Old lady, we really need to take good care of our bodies.'

Otherwise, the little son is just a child, and that would truly be dangerous

Luo Lao Tai Tai nodded as she watched the little son rolling about on the bed, hoping only that before Luo Tianci grows up, they can still sustain the Luo family

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Luo Lao Ye and his wife several times wanted to speak but held back, wishing to talk to the second son and mend their relationship

'Jia Ming, look how adorable Tianci is—he can already crawl, and after the New Year he will walk.' Luo Lao Tai Tai displayed the little son with a loving expression

Luo Jia Ming couldn't be bothered to look at the little brat, until the brat spat saliva at him, whereupon he disdainfully shoved his chair back a few steps

The brat wailed 'ah ah ah', raised to be white and plump, and indeed very cute

Too bad he's cold-blooded, with no inner turmoil

San Ya's mouth corners twitched upward slightly; she felt refreshed and would from time to time move the good dishes on the table onto a plate on the side stool

The Three-Colored Cat squatting on the stool let out a soft meow, expressing approval

Si Ya also followed her sister's example, dumping the fish, meat, and vegetables from her bowl into the plate; this time the Three-Colored Cat's cry became full of resentment, making Da Ya and Er Ya laugh outright

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In her previous life, at this time the Luo family revolved around Luo Tianci, and the several sisters were directly confined to their rooms, because Aunt Mu Dan falsely accused them, saying they had splashed water on Luo Tianci to deliberately give him a cold

On that same New Year's Eve, the sisters could only eat cold, hard steamed buns, huddling together for warmth; no one noticed them, and Xu Shi was busy here and there, completely forgetting the existence of her several daughters

Ironically, the doctor the Luo family had hired to stay at home and prevent Luo Tianci from falling ill ended up attending to them instead; all the sisters caught a wind-chill, and the youngest, Si Ya, was so small she nearly became addled from the fever

These matters, one after another, how could she possibly forget them?

Luo Jia Ming did not know what his three daughters were thinking; he glanced at his wife and daughters behind him, they were all on his side, with no intention of approaching Luo Tianci at all, which made him very satisfied.

Actually, as a saintly mother, Xu Shi wanted to take a look; she especially lusted after men, but her husband disliked his younger brother, so she also reluctantly pretended not to like him, merely feeling regret in her heart—why couldn't she bear a son for Jia Ming?

In a good mood, Luo Jia Ming rarely gave his daughters a big red envelope.

This year he did not, as in previous years, stay up with his parents until midnight after the reunion meal; he took his wife and daughters and left proudly, leaving the old couple with grim expressions.

After the division of property, the conflict between him and his parents had become irreconcilable.

The old couple felt that the family property belonged to them, and how much to give the children was up to them; giving a portion to their childless second son was already kind enough, and the second son's family should be grateful.

But Luo Jia Ming didn't think that way; he felt that as the current eldest son of the Luo family, he deserved to inherit more, and since his parents were partial, he didn't want to be a filial son—he was not the sort who would endure mistreatment and still be foolishly filial.

Walking through the dark, freezing corridor, Luo Jia Ming revealed a cold smile.

His parents were also muddle-headed; they always wanted to leave the property to the youngest son, without considering whether such a tiny child could even be protected! Anyone with a clear mind knows that having an adult son in front to bear the burden is what protects their newborn son.

Believe it or not, if he were gone, the most endangered would be that little brat?

Of course, he would never say these words, lest he anger the old couple; anyway, in their view, even if the property division was unfair, whatever the little brat had, he as the older brother would have to pitch in.

Returning to the warm room, Luo Jia Ming saw, under the light, his daughters overjoyed about the New Year money, and the corners of his mouth twitched slightly upward.

Before, he never properly regarded these daughters, mistreating and ignoring them.

Now he finally understood that his parents were unreliable; only those who depended on him and wholeheartedly faced his wife and children were truly reliable—at critical moments, his parents would abandon him, but his wife and children would not.

Luo Jia Ming felt as if he were becoming a father for the first time, as if he had just discovered how lively and lovable his daughters were.

Now his paternal love surged to pour onto his daughters; upon reaching the new home, he decided to give his daughters whatever they wanted.

San Ya raised her head, saw the smile at the corner of his mouth, and the smile on her face faded slightly.

Although this life is a fresh start, some hurts are not gone just because they are in the past; they remain deeply lodged in her heart.

Her face is ruined, but her years of experience as a courtesan remain; not all establishments only sell flesh—there are always officials and nobles who appreciate refinement, and a top courtesan can be considered half a talented lady; without a bit of silver, one would be embarrassed to raise one's price.

Jiang He felt pity for the big wild cat for a second, so he said it had become a lonely cat again.

When he spoke of that dream he had, his face was full of sorrow; the immortals said he had become such an unfortunate eunuch because in his past life he had committed wrongdoing, and in this life he was destined to be childless and his line extinct.

Luo Jia Ming was about to drive it away, but Xu Shi hurriedly said, "This is the wild cat that helped me fight last time! Jia Ming, the shrewish women of the Zhu, Niu, and Yang families were speaking ill of you then, so I had to fight them… It was quite brave, scratching their faces all up."

After going through so much, A Ming also learned to use his brain to analyze, no longer blindly following the master's words.

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Da Ya felt that if she opened a restaurant in the future, she could actually remain unmarried, but she knew that this idea of hers would first not pass her parents' approval.

San Ya rolled her eyes and said to her anxious sisters, "We could hire a private tutor! Dad, would hiring a private tutor cost a lot of money?"

The big wild cat, feeling wronged, said: "My wife is no longer my wife—she's taken a liking to a younger, handsome wild cat! As for my daughter, I want to abandon my father, marry another cat, and start a new family."

When the old couple despaired that this son truly wanted to cut ties with them, he instead took a step back.

Luo Lao Tai Tai was frightened by the rat infestation; she had wanted to let the Three-Colored Cat stay, but the Three-Colored Cat insisted on going with the second son's family, and she could do nothing about it.

Er Ya wanted to speak but held back, again and again, and for a long time couldn't voice her thoughts.

To her, love was the best beauty elixir; after Luo Jia Ming settled down and stopped fooling around outside, she felt refreshed every day, as if she had taken an immortality pill.

Over there, A Ming, who had followed Luo Jia Ming to the big city to make a living after his investment succeeded, seeing Xu Shi like this, couldn't help but think of Mu Dan—she was pretty miserable, but compared to the vast number of women who lack food and warmth, she wasn't too miserable.

Mu Dan, on the other hand, was resourceful; she found an establishment with backing and taught the girls there music, chess, calligraphy, and painting.

"Dad, I want to open a restaurant." Da Ya, who loved cooking, had bright eyes; these days she had eaten at restaurants big and small in Haibin City, and she felt confident that eight out of ten cooks could not compare to her.

Luo Jia Ming only felt the stifling resentment in his chest instantly dissipate; no matter how partial the old couple were, his thirty years of living carefree were thanks to them.

A black big wild cat flew from the wall and leapt onto the carriage.

Jiang He's cat gave the big wild cat's head a disgusted pat; in such cold weather, it was obvious it hadn't bathed in a long time. The big wild cat nuzzled its head forward, indicating, "Boss, I want to follow you forever."

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Luo Lao Ye's cloudy eyes suddenly shed a tear.

Luo Jia Ming glanced at the old couple of the Luo family, who were holding the little son and standing at the door with a forlorn expression, seeing them off; he moved his mouth and finally spoke loudly: "My son has left today; Pomegranate Flower Town will always be my hometown; if you parents have any inconvenience in the future, just send someone to find me."

Da Ya and Er Ya heard this, and their expressions grew even more uneasy.

He understood the second son's meaning; the people coming to fetch the second son had guns in their hands, they had considerable backing, and with his words, anyone who later wanted to act against the Luo family would weigh whether it was worth it.

Xu Shi objected, saying, "Cooking will hurt your hands, and the fumes will ruin your face! You're fourteen—if a girl's face is ruined, it will be hard for her to marry."

Several girls were stunned by this proposal, and even the Three-Colored Cat raised its head, its eyes wide open.

Da Ya hesitated and said, "I'm this old—can I still do it?"

Oh my, the scumbag dad's brain suddenly became so advanced that even he was stunned.

He had in mind, "Dad can afford this money; I think we don't need to start from elementary school—if you pass the exam, you can go straight to junior high." This way, the elementary school fees would be saved, making it more economical.

That day, Luo Jia Ming called his daughters over and said, "Come, let's discuss what our family should do in the future—we can't just live off that little rent."

All right, it just so happens that he's going to the new site to recruit new followers; having this big wild cat around will save him some trouble.

After the New Year, Luo Jia Ming hastily departed with his wife and children.

Xu Shi, having received old-fashioned education, could not understand the new-style education's propaganda of freedom and liberation, and she especially disliked the new-style talented women who, in the name of true love, snatched other people's husbands.

Luo Jia Ming also agreed with Xu Shi's words, and besides, being a cook was too exhausting; he hoped his daughters could have an easier life.

San Ya also did not voice her opinion, and Si Ya was still young, so her opinion need not be considered.

Although he too had paid a great price.

The pressure on Da Ya and Er Ya was enormous; could they keep up?

She and Er Ya lacked confidence; in today's terms, they had received a backward feudal women's education, and they had never attended a modern school.

Luo Jia Ming pondered for a moment, then quietly told Xu Shi, "I had a dream; I saw an immortal."

What to do? The pressure seemed even greater.

After all, her face was ruined, but her money was still there.

Luo Jia Ming left one-third of the cash, intending to send his daughters to school, because education could raise their status, and only then could they choose a good family in the future.

What if one of the daughters is not living comfortably, and he starts feeling sorry for her again—what should we do?

After all, in terms of teaching ability, Xu Shi is the daughter of a scholar, had private tutoring from childhood, received a classical talented-woman education; the three of them really can't compare.

Luo Jia Ming doesn't think age is an issue: "Fourteen is still young; there are people who start elementary school at seventeen or eighteen."

A few days ago, he went drinking with Zhuang Ge; Zhuang Ge sighed and said, the young gang leader's matchmaking prospects are all female college students nowadays—not like before, only talented women are in demand.

However, if this man wants to be good to those few sisters, she won't stop him—this is naturally his responsibility, something he should do.

He didn't want to cause complications, so he didn't mention it; anyway, with Mu Dan up front taking the lead, Fang De Li won't pay too much attention to the Second Master.

Luo Jia Ming couldn't help clicking his tongue; he originally wanted to buy four shops, one for each daughter, as their dowries, but now it looks like he needs to increase income and cut expenses, still lacking one shop.

Zhuang Ge specially sent people to pick them up, a few shiny guns, making the residents of Pomegranate Flower Town dare not gossip about Luo Jia Ming anymore, keeping their distance.

By now, he has finally learned how to be a father, and also finally learned how to be a son.

"You don't want daughters and wives anymore?"

The Three-Colored Cat meowed and jumped onto the carriage where the sisters were sitting.

He feels he's getting smarter; as long as he works hard and improves, the Second Master will surely be willing to let him be the steward of the new household.

However, those are usually boys.

Luo Jia Ming suddenly asked: "Seaside City has many female college students; do you want to go to school?"

Seaside Residence—it's not easy; after buying a small building and then three shops, the money left on them is only one-third.

A Ming guessed that Mu Dan probably still had some money hidden on her person, but no one knows where that money is hidden.

Hardship truly is the best teacher.

Only San Ya's eyes lit up, eager to try.

Fang De Li deeply resented Mu Dan, always keeping an eye on this matter.

Upon learning that Mu Dan's face was ruined, she immediately sent people to seize all of Mu Dan's visible money, hoping to make Mu Dan live in dire poverty, wishing her dead rather than alive.

He afterwards had no sons; these four daughters are his bloodline—for a man who longs to continue the family line, it's undoubtedly painful, but that pain compared to being beaten and kicked in prison seems nothing.

The family's divided wealth could support a good life in Pomegranate Flower Town, but in Seaside City it's really nothing.

She also wanted to start studying from junior high; elementary school really is a waste of time—more than ten years later war will break out fully, and she wants to get into medical school before then and become a doctor.

"As long as you study well, you can take the graduation exam early—that's skipping grades; many fifteen- or sixteen-year-olds are just starting junior high." Luo Jia Ming encouraged them: "Da Ya is so smart, she'll definitely be able to skip grades; by then she can study with peers her own age."

Even with Zhuang Ge around, he didn't put on airs of wealth, keeping a low profile as he bought a small building in Seaside City to live in.

"How old is Si Ya, and you're already thinking about her marriage?" Xu Shi laughed upon hearing this.

"You reap what you sow"—she wouldn't even give the little dried fish to the cat; her granddaughters often research how to make the dried fish tastier so the cat ancestors will favor it and eat more, and if she were like them she'd follow suit.

Moving was indeed tiring, but the whole family felt hopeful about the future and didn't feel tired.

So she couldn't understand why her husband wanted the daughters to receive modern education.

Well, it seems this is a righteous cat; his family isn't lacking this bit of food, so let's keep it.

Luo Jia Ming looked admiringly at the three daughters; Xu Shi was right—among the four daughters, San Ya is indeed the smartest.

Thinking back to that excruciating pain, Luo Jia Ming shuddered, wishing he could enshrine the few daughters like bodhisattvas.

San Ya recalled her past life: in their sisterhood, the first three girls were fine, Xu Shi had personally taught them for a while, but when it came to Si Ya, Luo Tian Ci was just born, Xu Shi spent all day revolving around him, and Si Ya's education was handed over by the three older sisters—so she wasn't illiterate, but could hardly compare to the first three sisters.

In prison he not only learned to be down-to-earth, to lower his gaze when looking at people, but also gained some experience from various fellow inmates; Luo Jia Ming finally understood the principle of concealing one's abilities and not revealing one's wealth.

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