Zhao Yongqiang was very clear in his heart—over the years, he’d relied entirely on his glib tongue.

His whole family had been living off the common family resources.

If they were separated, life certainly wouldn’t be as easy as it was now.

As long as the family split didn’t include him getting kicked out, he’d be fine.

In contrast, Sun Meiping was secretly delighted when she heard about the possible separation.

Once her family was split from the eldest branch, no matter what tricks Zhao Yongqiang pulled in the future, it would have nothing to do with her third branch.

“Father, you and Mother are both in good health—let’s not talk about splitting the family,” Zhao Yongqiang said with a cheeky grin.

Whether he wanted it or not, he still had to say the right things.

Zhao Daqing glanced at his eldest son.

“A few days ago, the second branch cut ties with us. At that time, I should’ve separated you two brothers as well. But…”

He paused, then continued:

“But I still hoped the family could stay together and enjoy some liveliness. Now, it seems separating is for the best.”

Back when Qian Chunhua split from the Zhao family, the family’s farmland had already been divided—Qian Chunhua and Zhao Yongwen each got one mu of land, while the remaining five mu were kept for Zhao Yongqiang and the elderly couple.

But now, if they were truly to divide the family, it wouldn’t be that simple.

The house, money, and care for the elderly would all need to be clarified.

Also, the silver spent on his current illness should not come from the third branch’s pocket.

Zhao Daqing had already made up his mind, and nothing would change it.

He waved over Zhao Qingshui.

“Qingshui, run and invite the clan elder.”

Zhao Qingshui, still shaken by the events of the morning, was terrified of the village and clan elders.

He was young, but he now understood that his father’s life or death was in their hands.

Hearing his grandfather’s request, he quickly shook his head.

“I’m not going. I won’t go.”

Every time the clan elder or village head showed up at their house, it meant something bad was happening.

Just then—clang—the courtyard gate was pushed open, and Zhao Qingyun appeared at the entrance, schoolbag on his back.

He stormed inside with rage in his eyes.

No one came to see him off in the morning, and now no one came to pick him up in the evening either.

Had they forgotten?

He was still a sick child!

Zhao Qingyun didn’t even notice that the third branch was present.

He shouted angrily at Zhao Yongqiang: “Dad, I’m exhausted! Why didn’t you come pick me up?!”

Still running a fever, he burst into tears of grievance after yelling.

Only then did Zhao Yongqiang remember his son.

So much had happened today that he’d completely forgotten about the boy.

After all, the child hadn’t been raised by his side, so forgetting him seemed almost natural.

Sigh—if they really got split off from the main family, Qingyun would be finished too.

There would be no money for his schooling. Zhao Yongqiang looked at his son with some regret for having claimed him back.

He didn’t lack sons—he lacked a son who could bring glory and earn academic honors.

Now that Qingyun was back with him, but he had no money to fund the boy’s education, it was clear: the child had no future.

At least Zhao Yongqiang had that much self-awareness.

After crying for a bit and getting no comfort from either parent, unlike before, Zhao Qingyun sobbed loudly, dropped his schoolbag, and ran to his room.

Zhao Yongwen and Sun Meiping exchanged a glance.

Then they looked at the eldest branch.

The child’s parents showed no concern—how could they, as the uncle and aunt, go offer comfort?

Zhao Daqing looked at his once most beloved grandson.

The boy had come home without dinner and was still sick, yet his own parents ignored him.

He silently shook his head. Forget it—he couldn’t even take care of himself now. How could he worry about the younger generation?

“Go. Go invite the clan elder,” Zhao Daqing said to Zhao Yongwen.

The eldest didn’t want to divide the family, and Zhao Yongwen was the only one he could still count on.

Zhao Yongwen looked at his wife.

Sun Meiping gave him a barely noticeable nod, signaling him to go.

Only then did Zhao Yongwen leave the courtyard, heading toward the clan elder’s house.

As for whether the family split happened or not, Zhao Yongwen didn’t care much.

He wasn’t home most of the time anyway.

Whether they split or not made little difference to him.

Zhao Yongqiang watched his younger brother leave and started thinking rapidly. It looked like the third branch was on board with splitting.

He sneaked a glance at his father and third sister-in-law.

This time, the family split seemed unavoidable—he had to find a way to maximize his gain.

While Zhao Yongqiang was lost in thought, Zhao Daqing gave Zhao’s mother a signal, and she nodded in understanding and went back to the main room.

That afternoon, Zhao Daqing had already discussed his intentions with her, and she agreed—they should separate from the eldest branch.

Everything that had happened today, Mother Zhao had seen and remembered.

Relying on the eldest to care for them in their old age—who knew how they’d end up dying?

Soon, she brought out a box made of huanghuali wood, and handed it to Zhao Daqing.

When Zhao Yongqiang and Li Cuihong saw the box, their eyes lit up.

They knew—all the family’s money was inside.

Zhao Daqing placed his hands on the box but said nothing.

He was waiting for the clan elder to arrive.

Eventually, the Zhao family clan elder appeared at the gate.

Zhao Daqing stood up to greet him, but Mother Zhao quickly reached out to steady him.

Not to be left behind, Zhao Yongqiang and Li Cuihong rushed over.

“Second Granduncle’s here! Please come in, Second Granduncle!”

The couple both reached out obsequiously to help the elder inside.

Startled, the clan elder stepped back to avoid their hands.

“No one gives flattery without a motive—unless they’re up to something.”

He already had no good feelings toward the couple.

Now, he would keep his distance as much as possible.

Zhao Daqing led the clan elder into the hall and took a seat.

By the dim oil lamp light, the elder studied Zhao Daqing’s face.

When Daqing fainted that afternoon, it had truly frightened him.

He may not have liked the man, but he didn’t want him to die from anger either.

“How’s your health?” the elder asked with concern.

“It is what it is. The doctor has seen me and given me medicine,” Daqing replied with a bitter smile.

The clan elder nodded.

It was already considered lucky for a country family to afford medicine and treatment.

Most people just endured sickness without help.

After some polite conversation, they got to the point.

“Second Uncle,” Daqing said, “I invited you over today to help us with dividing the family.”

“Dividing the family?” the elder was slightly puzzled.

Zhao Daqing explained:

“Last time, the second branch cut ties with us. But the eldest and third branches were never officially split.”

After the explanation, the clan elder understood.

Today’s events had clearly shaken Zhao Daqing, and it looked like he’d made up his mind.

He nodded and looked around the room at the gathered family.

“Alright then. I’ll serve as witness.”

Then Zhao Daqing laid out the plan he and his wife had already decided that afternoon:

Putting aside the second branch, the remaining family assets would be split into three parts.

One part for him and his wife, one part for the eldest branch (Zhao Yongqiang), and one part for the third branch (Zhao Yongwen).

All remaining silver and the house would be divided evenly.

The west wing, where Zhao Yongqiang’s family already lived, would go to them.

The main house would continue to be occupied by the elderly couple, and after their passing, would be left to the third branch.

The remaining grain in the house—every variety—would also be split into three equal shares, one per family.