Lu Debang, as the village chief, had to maintain order. Even though Shen Meng was a soldier’s wife, wielding a knife in public wasn’t appropriate. As a military spouse, she was expected to be more patient and reasonable, setting an example. If things escalated into violence, the backlash wouldn’t fall solely on her—it would impact her husband’s reputation as well.

“Shen Meng, put down the knife. Let’s talk things out calmly. Even if Jiahe’s wife is at fault, resorting to a knife isn’t the solution,” Lu Debang urged.

Wu Xianglan retreated slightly, finally feeling fear. Her arm was injured, but if something happened to Xie Jinghao’s baby, not only would her in-laws be furious, but even Jiasheng, that rascal, wouldn’t let her off the hook.

Looking around nervously, she realized the entire Lu family had gathered, but her own husband, Lu Jiahe, was nowhere to be seen. Anxiety bubbled within her.

“Village chief, everyone here can bear witness. Mingyang is Lu Zhenping’s eldest son, and in his absence, he can make decisions. I demand we separate the households today. Wu Xianglan was right about one thing: as long as we’re not separated, they’ll keep freeloading off my food. Meanwhile, how long has it been since my children and I ate at their table? Everyone here knows the truth. If we don’t separate today, the Lu family is forcing my children and me to our deaths. Tomorrow, I’ll take them and throw ourselves into the river.”

Lu Jiaxuan frowned, his irritation growing at Shen Meng’s outburst.

“Sister-in-law, don’t rush. Didn’t we agree to wait for Father to return? At least let’s write to my brother first. As the eldest son, he’s the most filial. If he hears about this separation when he comes home on leave, he’ll be angry.”

“Let him be angry. What do I care?” Shen Meng sneered. “Everyone knows Mingyang, Mingliang, and Mingfang aren’t Lu Zhenping’s biological children. I overheard someone claim they’re cursed, that they bring bad luck to their parents. Ha! Their fathers were brave men who died defending this country. The only reason you’re standing here comfortably is because they built a wall of flesh and blood to protect you. That wall included the fathers of these children. They are the descendants of heroes! Wu Xianglan and anyone who gossiped about them, you insult heroes. How dare you say such things?

“These three children have brought so much to the Lu family over the years. The soldiers sent countless good things to our home for them. Wu Xianglan claims the Lu family raised them, but haven’t they also brought benefits to the family? From today on, Mingyang, Mingliang, and Mingfang are my children. Anyone who dares say otherwise will face me. I’ll fight anyone—be it their father, grandmother, uncles, or aunts.”

Finishing her impassioned speech, Shen Meng slammed the knife into the locust tree by the gate. The deep mark she left seemed to etch itself into everyone’s hearts.

Outside the gate, the three siblings expelled by Liu Sanjin were in tears after hearing Shen Meng’s words. Mingfang, in particular, sobbed uncontrollably.

The onlookers’ faces shifted, some with guilt, others with regret, and a few still discontent. However, no one dared to argue with Shen Meng. Even Zhou Jiaojiao and Lu Jiaxuan, who had come intending to mediate, remained silent.

Realizing Shen Meng’s seriousness, Lu Debang waved a hand and said, “Wu Xianglan, apologize to your sister-in-law and the children. You’ve lived all these years and still can’t control your mouth? You’ve forgotten what Zhenping told us when he left. If he finds out his children have been mistreated, you’ll face the consequences.”

Shen Meng saw that the evening’s drama was nearing its end. Lu Debang clearly wanted to smooth things over. Household separations were family matters, and he couldn’t make the decision for them. Last time, when he and Zhang Hongfa divided the Lu family’s grain, Lu Jiahe had been openly dissatisfied. If they pressed further this time, Lu Jiahe’s father would have plenty to say upon his return.

Wu Xianglan hesitated, scanning the crowd for her husband but finding no sign of him. Feeling aggrieved, she turned to Zhou Jiaojiao and burst into tears.

“Jiaojiao, you have to speak up for your second sister-in-law. I didn’t mean anything bad. I just got carried away. Now they want me, as an elder, to apologize to the younger ones. How can I live with that? Besides, Yongqiang and Yongli were hit too. Can’t we just call it even?”

Zhou Jiaojiao stepped forward, trying to mediate. “Eldest Sister-in-law, we’re all family. Let’s not escalate things. Second sister-in-law can take care of third sister-in-law during her confinement in a couple of months. Would that work?”

Shen Meng ignored them, focusing instead on trying to pull the knife from the locust tree. Despite her efforts, using her hands, feet, and even her face for leverage, the knife wouldn’t budge.

“This has nothing to do with me,” she finally said. “Talk to Jinghao yourselves. I’ll say it again: separate the households and apologize to my children. Otherwise, I’ll take them to their father’s army unit tomorrow. I hear his rank qualifies him for a house. Once we move, we’re not coming back, and don’t come asking him for help with anything.”

Lu Jiaxuan’s expression tightened. Already frustrated that his eldest brother wasn’t helping him with connections at the commune, he feared Shen Meng might sow further discord if she went to the army. If she never returned, it could permanently alienate Zhenping from the family.

“Sister-in-law, calm down. I’ll write to my brother about the separation. Second sister-in-law, you made a mistake. Apologizing to the children isn’t a big deal. Besides, they’re the children of heroes. What’s so shameful about apologizing to the descendants of heroes?”

“He bit me, and we’re just going to let it go like that? Look at my arm, it’s bleeding so much!” Wu Xianglan protested.

“I’ll have Jiaojiao get Dr. Lu to take a good look at it later. It’ll be fine. Second sister-in-law, just apologize to the kids. Everyone’s watching,” Lu Jiaxuan said, his tone smooth as he tried to mediate.

Shen Meng observed Lu Jiaxuan’s maneuvering silently. This man was all about self-interest, crafting pretty words to appear impartial while subtly mocking her for causing trouble. However, after glancing around, Shen Meng realized most of the crowd didn’t pick up on his underlying sarcasm.

With a bitter expression, Wu Xianglan grudgingly apologized to Mingyang, Mingliang, and Mingfang. After mumbling a half-hearted apology, she dragged Yongqiang and Yongli away. Lu Debang quickly said a few placating words and dispersed the onlookers.

Shen Meng shot a cold glance at Zhou Jiaojiao and Lu Jiaxuan before turning to head home. The three children hurried to follow her.

As they walked, Mingliang sniffled, wiping his nearly dripping nose with his sleeve, and said, “Mom, we forgot to take the kitchen knife back home!”

Shen Meng replied matter-of-factly, “I swung it too hard and buried it too deep. I couldn’t pull it out.”

The three kids: “…”