Chapter 63

Madam Liang demanded a family separation right before her death. Her words left not only Wang Yuan’er stunned but also rendered Grandma Wang speechless.

The Wang family only had two branches. Wang Da had already passed away, and now Madam Liang was also nearing the end of her life. The children of the first branch were essentially orphaned, with no one to rely on but their grandparents and the second uncle’s family. Especially with a newborn child, separating the family at such a time seemed to be a deliberate act of bringing trouble upon herself.

But Madam Liang had thought it through. Wang Yuan’er had previously mentioned wanting a family separation, though Madam Liang hadn’t taken it to heart at the time. After going through Yuan’er’s marriage arrangement, she realized that the second uncle’s family couldn’t be depended upon.

Without a separation, the first branch, left without elders, would have only young children. If the second uncle’s family turned out to be unkind, those children would be like meat on a chopping block, at the mercy of others. She didn’t want her daughters’ marriages to be exploited and feared they would lead lonely and miserable lives because of it.

She was fully aware that proposing a family separation now was irrational—perhaps even insane in the eyes of others. However, it was the only thing she could fight for, one last effort to secure something for her children.

Taking advantage of her family’s presence and the fact that she was still breathing, she was determined to fight for it with all her might.

“Mother, I know I’m unfilial, but I’m about to die. I beg you and Father to grant my last wish: separate the family while I’m still alive!” Madam Liang stared unblinkingly at Grandma Wang.

Grandma Wang trembled with rage. “Do you even know what you’re saying? Separating the family at a time like this—are you crazy? With Wang Da gone and now you too… Who will those children rely on if this family is split?”

“Rongniang, why would you…” Grandma Liang was equally perplexed.

“With me and your father-in-law here, those children will never go hungry. Do you not trust us?” Grandma Wang asked through gritted teeth, her heart churning like a stormy sea. If word got out, wouldn’t people think they were forcing the first branch to their demise?

“Mother, I’m begging you,” Madam Liang pleaded tearfully, yet she remained unwavering.

“You… fine! If you don’t trust me, then we’ll separate the family,” Grandma Wang said with frustration, slamming the door and relaying Madam Liang’s decision to Grandpa Wang.

Grandma Wang still couldn’t understand, but by then, Madam Liang had already exhausted all her strength. She offered no further explanation, only saying that it was better for Yuan’er to take charge of the family than to be at the mercy of others.

“Mother, you must help look after the children in the future. My failure as a daughter means I cannot serve you in your old age. It’s a pity Father isn’t here, and I can’t see him one last time,” Madam Liang said, her face pale.

Grandma Wang turned away, crying.

“Go and call your sister in,” Madam Liang said, patting Wang Yuan’er’s hand.

Wang Yuan’er obeyed and left the room.

Outside, Grandpa Wang was equally shocked by Madam Liang’s request. After thinking it over for a moment, he sighed and agreed.

When one is at the end of one’s life, how can one be allowed to leave with regrets? After all, the first branch had a male heir; separating the family wouldn’t mean abandoning them entirely.

Upon hearing that Madam Liang’s condition was critical, Madam Zhang had already collapsed to the ground. When she heard of Madam Liang’s wish to separate the family before her death, she stood up abruptly, pondering Madam Liang’s intentions.

Was she out of her mind? Otherwise, how could she suggest such a thing at a time like this? What she didn’t realize, however, was that Madam Liang’s decision was entirely due to her own actions.

“What are you standing there for? Hurry up and help tidy things up!” Grandma Wang scolded Madam Zhang, venting her anger. If not for her, how could Madam Liang have given birth prematurely or made such an outrageous demand?

Chapter 64

Whenever a family separates, the head of the family must be present, and respected witnesses are required to ensure fairness and justice. However, it was already dark, and every household had closed their doors and extinguished their lamps, making it troublesome to find an esteemed witness. Fortunately, members of the Liang family were present, along with Aunt Tie Zhu. They also called her parents-in-law to act as witnesses.

Wang Er had just returned from the store with some goods when he was suddenly informed about the family separation. He was so startled that he dropped everything he was carrying.

Madam Zhang came out of the eastern room and, upon seeing him, quickly pulled him aside and whispered, “Eldest sister-in-law must have gone mad, making such a fuss about dividing the family!”

Earlier in the eastern room, feeling guilty and afraid, she didn’t dare look at Madam Liang’s face, fearing that Madam Liang would confront her. However, Madam Liang was entirely focused on talking to her daughters, not sparing Madam Zhang even a glance.

While relieved, Madam Zhang also felt a twinge of sadness. Glancing secretly at Madam Liang, she had never seen her look so defeated—her face truly ashen.

At that moment, Madam Zhang felt an inexplicable sense of sympathy. As a fellow woman, she knew what it was like to have a child, akin to stepping one foot into the gates of death.

“You all come in,” Grandma Wang called the two of them.

The eastern room had more lamps lit than usual, brightening the otherwise dim space. Wang Chun’er and the others were crying, unwilling to leave, but Wang Yuan’er sent them out, choosing to stay herself.

The Wang family had a shop, twenty acres of fertile land, and a few large houses. Dividing the assets wasn’t particularly complicated since the elders were still present. They split everything into three shares: one for Grandma and Grandpa Wang, one for the eldest branch, and one for the second branch.

The shop was divided first: Grandpa Wang’s share was 40%, while the eldest and second branches each received 30%. When Wang Laohan passed away in the future, his 40% would be equally redistributed.

The farmland was divided similarly. Grandpa Wang received six acres, and the remaining land was equally split between the two branches.

Upon hearing this, Madam Zhang objected, saying, “This is not fair.”

All eyes turned to her; even Madam Liang’s gaze slowly shifted to look at her.

Madam Zhang shrank back slightly and said, “Our branch has more male heirs, so we should get a larger share.”

Wang Yuan’er sneered. What kind of reasoning is that? Just because there are more male heirs, you think you deserve a larger share?

However, she wouldn’t say such things at this moment. The elders were all present, as were her grandmother and uncle. This was unlike in her previous life when no one stood up for them.

“This division of the family estate, regardless of the number of male heirs, should be equal since they all share the same legitimate lineage. Not to mention, the eldest branch also has male heirs to continue the ancestral line. According to our dynasty’s laws, the eldest son and legitimate grandson are entitled to an extra share; otherwise, how could they justify being called the ‘eldest legitimate heir’?” Grandma Liang said calmly, addressing Grandpa Wang and the others. “However, since you two elders are still here, we won’t bring this up. You can decide how things are divided in the future. For now, I believe equal division is fair.”

“But—” Madam Zhang still tried to argue.

Wang Er quickly pulled her aside and scolded, “Whatever Father and Mother decide is how it will be. Keep quiet and step aside!” He glared at her as if questioning her lack of tact.

Reluctantly, Madam Zhang stepped aside, clearly unsatisfied.

After dividing the land and shop, they moved on to the house. The eldest branch retained the eastern room. In the future, when the elders were no longer around, the main house would be given to the eldest branch.

Grandma Liang had no objections, but the second branch was visibly unwilling. Observing this, Wang Yuan’er said, “If Second Uncle wants the main house, that’s fine—we’ll take the plot of land in the southern section as compensation.”