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Upon hearing Chen Ming’s words, Alu was somewhat displeased, pouting as he said, “Dad said he doesn’t mind having Sister around. If that’s the case, why not live nearby? What’s so bad about that?” He continued, “I don’t want to be too far from Sister and Dabao. Things are good just the way they are now.”
Dabao also pouted, saying, “Dabao doesn’t want to be too far from Uncle, Grandma, and Grandpa.”
Mrs. Wang glared at Chen Lu and remarked, “Kids, what do you know? Your dad is doing this for your sister’s own good.” Then, turning to Chen Feng, she added, “Daughter, your mother also thinks your dad is right. You’re already independent, we can’t let others think we haven’t split up…”
Seeing Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang hesitating, Chen Feng began to understand. Perhaps Chen Ye and Grandma Chen had some ideas, most likely to ensure that Chen Ming gained the most benefit. However, Chen Ming didn’t want to take advantage of her, yet she also couldn’t go against Chen Ye and Grandma Chen too much.
After today’s events, Chen Feng felt that, although Chen Ye was somewhat petty, in certain aspects, he was still quite righteous. At least when their household was being bullied, he dared to step forward and protect them fearlessly. Grandma Chen was also good, at such an old age, she could still stand with her son in times of danger… With them like this, Chen Ming couldn’t possibly estrange herself from them, and he couldn’t let them be too troubled.
This is good. In the future, not only will their properties be separated, even the courtyards will be divided. They will truly become two separate families, allowing them to act independently. Perhaps this would help Chen Ming even more.
Chen Feng nodded and said, “Alright. Our two families won’t be wall to wall, but it’s better to be closer, to take care of each other.” Then, he patted Lu’s head and said, “In the future, our two courtyards won’t be far apart. Whenever little brother wants to come over for dinner or rest at his sister’s place, he can.”
Chen Ming nodded and said, “Yes, Mom and Dad also wouldn’t want you to be too far. Two courtyards separated by a yard or two will suffice, making it clear that we are two separate families. However, the money for building the houses will have to come from Dad. Right now, there’s still over ninety taels of silver under Dad’s chest we can build two brick houses, use bricks to enclose the two courtyards, and even dig a well in A’Feng’s courtyard for both our families to use…” As he spoke, his eyes gleamed.
Chen Lu teased, “Dad, you’re so generous, aren’t you afraid that uncle’s wife will come asking for money?”
Chen Ming blushed a bit and laughed, “Just say it was your sister who provided the money.”
This brought about laughter among them, finally easing the suppressed atmosphere.
Chen Feng chuckled, “Dad, don’t compete with me. I’ve already thought it through. I’ll cover the expenses for building the new house as a token of filial piety from your daughter. Let’s keep the money you have for later use. Little brother still has to study, and we shouldn’t make Mom go to the county town to do embroidery work anymore. If I have work at hand, Mom can help, and if I don’t, she can just take care of the household.”
As they discussed, there wasn’t much land left in the village. They decided to look for a piece of land at the edge of the village to build the house. This task was entrusted to Chen Ming to go out and scout for a suitable location.
After dinner, Chen Ming took out two taels of silver and three small silver ingots, handing them to Chen Feng, indicating that this was a matter of dignity and should be handled by her. Chen Feng accepted with a smile. They also carried two bags of snacks, a jar of wine, and two pieces of fine cloth for Grandma Chen and Chen Ye, which they had originally bought for Chen Ming and Mrs. Wang in the city. Now, they were giving these to the elders, not wanting them to miss out on new clothes.
When the father and daughter arrived, the main house had just finished dinner, and the dishes were still on the table.
Chen Ming first thanked Grandma Chen, Chen Ye, and Gao for their help, and then mentioned the plan to host a feast on the precious land of the main house.
Chen Ye was indeed very pleased upon hearing this and specifically asked if they were planning to invite Mr. Luo and his son. When he learned that they will be invited, he became even more delighted, ensuring that the occasion would be grand, making everyone happy. Chen Feng then presented the two taels of silver, saying it was for hosting the feast, and added that they need not prepare the alcohol and snacks, as they would bring those themselves.
Two taels of silver for hosting a feast in the countryside was more than enough, and since they were also providing the alcohol and snacks, it would be even more than necessary. The remaining money could serve as compensation for the main house’s troubles.
Afterward, Chen Feng handed the six silver ingots to Grandma Chen, Chen Ye, and Chen Gui, saying they were items from wealthy families, something new to play with.
Normally, the folks in the main house rarely handled silver, mostly using copper coins. This time, not only did they receive two taels of silver, but also these silver ingots used by wealthy families, and they were all quite intrigued, playing with them for a while.
The people in the main house noticed a change in Chen Feng after the trip to the city, especially upon hearing that they had bought so much land. Some were envious, some were resentful, and some were seething with jealousy.
Mrs. Hu once again began pounding her chest, recounting how Chen Ye had to forgo further education in order to support Chen Ming and Chen Shi, how he worked tirelessly at a young age, rising early and toiling late with the old lady, and how he couldn’t bear to see the second branch suffer. She also mentioned the fight he got into to help Chen Feng, resulting in a large patch of skin being torn from his arm, and so on.
Chen Ye waved his hand and said, “What nonsense are you spouting, woman? As the eldest brother, it’s only natural for me to take care of my younger siblings. When they went to the city, they even brought me such a fine tobacco pipe, showing that they still hold their big brother in high regard.” With that, he put the pipe to his lips and took a few puffs, looking extremely satisfied.
Chen Ming quickly interjected, “Brother, it’s all thanks to A’Feng’s efforts that we have these properties. When the fields yield a good harvest next year, I’ll give you a strong young bull. The old mule at your place is too worn out to plow the fields properly. You’re getting older, and you need to take it easy.”
Upon hearing this, Chen Ye burst into hearty laughter once again.
In truth, Chen Ming wanted to gift Chen Ye a bull right now, feeling sorry for his brother’s hardships. However, he didn’t dare, fearing that Mrs. Hu might find out about his substantial savings and demand a lion’s share.
Mrs. Hu was not pleased, thinking that Chen Ming was being stingy. A young bull wouldn’t even cost the price of two mu of land, and with his hundred mu of paddy fields, he was already a small landlord. He should have given at least twenty or thirty mu of land instead.
Despite her dissatisfaction, seeing Chen Ye so happy, she swallowed her words, resolving to sweet-talk Chen Ye later.
Observing Mrs. Hu’s restless eyes and her look of discontent, Chen Feng also guessed her thoughts. The human heart is insatiable, but fortunately, neither Chen Ye nor Grandma Chen were as greedy as she was.
While they conversed, Chen Feng noticed Chen Jue sitting still, gazing enviously at the small silver ingots in Chen Gui’s hands. Grandma specifically instructed her to help Gao and Chen Lan collect the dishes, and she dared not disobey, her mouth pouting high, clattering the plates and bowls loudly.
Chen Ye shot her a piercing glare, coughed once, and only then did her movements ease.