Rebirth of a Farming Wife

Mrs. Wang, on the other hand, was somewhat conflicted. She knew her own man well enough; Han Lin was a good-for-nothing, idle and lazy. Without a division of the household, they could still mooch off the home, but if they separated, what would they live on? Yet, there were benefits to dividing the property. Right now, she endured the disdain of her father-in-law and mother-in-law, and no one in the Han family was fond of her. If they split, she could have some freedom, no longer having to face others’ moods every day, which was suffocatingly oppressive.

“Big sister-in-law is right,” she asserted. “If father has proposed the division, he must have his reasons. Big brother, you should stop obstructing it. I know you’re the eldest among us and remaining undivided is to your advantage, but you also have to consider us younger brothers. You can’t just think of your benefits and block our futures, right?”

Han Lin always spoke without considering the consequences, and these words now were especially devoid of conscience. Everyone in the Han family knew what kind of man Han Hu was—an exceedingly generous, honest, and responsible person. For the sake of the family and his brothers, he had given more than enough and truly deserved to be called ‘boss.’ These words were a knife to his heart; he indeed prioritized the family’s welfare.

“Third child, you should be ashamed to speak such words,” Han Hu retorted. “Do you really think I’m the kind of man who only cares for his own benefit and disregards his brothers? Everyone has seen my actions over the years, and now, to end up with such an accusation. Let me make myself clear; as for the division, do as you please. I’ll no longer intervene. I will abide by whatever our parents decide!” Wounded by Han Lin’s words, Han Hu had no desire to deal with the division any longer.

Han Yu and Su Wenyue both knew well what kind of person Han Hu was. Yet, now that Han Hu was no longer insisting, it was relatively advantageous for them. They could only look to persuade him otherwise.

“Third child, you worthless thing,” Old Man Han blurted out after hearing Han Lin’s words, his heart filled with displeasure. He was about to scold him when Mrs. Yang couldn’t help but interject, hurling abuse at Han Lin.

Although Mrs. Yang tended to favor the fourth child on normal days, she saw clearly enough what the eldest and the second had done for the family, especially the eldest. Truly befitting of the eldest son in the household, he was willing to suffer losses and cede to his younger brothers. Thus, with Han Lin uttering such cruel words, it wasn’t just Han Hu who felt aggrieved; Mrs. Yang also felt indignant on behalf of her eldest son.

“Mother, since you look down upon me so much, isn’t it better to divide the property? Sons grow up and have their own opinions. Being together all the time only leads to conflicts. Besides, you can’t stand my wife and me, so it’s perfect if we separate now. Frankly, I have never seen someone as biased as you, always favoring them over us. Separating suits your intentions, and we’ll be more at ease too.”

Han Lin didn’t consider whether his words would anger his birth mother. Whatever made him feel relieved was what he said. His nature wasn’t generous, and that sentence from Mrs. Yang – ‘it didn’t have to be the fourth child’ – truly embittered him.

Mrs. Yang pointed at Han Lin, her body trembling with anger at the inconceivable son: “Why did I give birth to such an unfilial thing? Had I known, I should have drowned you in the chamber pot when you were born, so I wouldn’t have to suffer your insolence today!”

Han Lin wasn’t angered by these words. After all, he was used to being scolded, and he retorted slickly, “Regret cannot be bought for a thousand gold, so temper yourself, mother. If you actually die of anger, don’t drag your son into infamy for being unfilial.”

Upon hearing Han Lin provoke Mrs. Yang, Mrs. Wang felt a surge of vindication. She pursed her lips and lowered her head, fearing that she might accidentally reveal a smile. These days, her mother-in-law had been grating on her. Although the pregnancy protected her somewhat, she hadn’t been spared from harsh words.

It was precisely these words from Han Lin that infuriated Mrs. Yang. Mrs. Liu, who stood beside Mrs. Yang, rarely had the opportunity to show her filial piety, hastily patted Mrs. Yang’s back: “Mother, calm down. The third child is simply despicable. Why bother listening to him and getting yourself upset? It’s not worth it. I think it’s good to divide the property. Let those unfilial ones go. It’s better this way.”

Initially, Mrs. Liu had reluctantly agreed to split the household so her man would not have to enlist, but now she saw advantages in the division. At least they could separate off the lazy couple, sparing the family’s food stores.

Mrs. Liu’s words weren’t meant to be soothing. As Mrs. Yang watched one aggravating person after another, she wished she could faint right then and settle the matter of the division. If anyone mentioned it again, they would bear the reputation of being unfilial. And yet, as angry as she was, she felt physically fine, even robust, a testament to how well Su Wenyue had cared for her; she was healthier than before following her recovery.

“Enough, all of you shut your mouths,” Old Man Han declared, his voice stern, still protective of his old lady. “Anyone who continues to babble, I’ll throw out of the house, and they won’t get a penny of the inheritance.” The meaning in his words seemed to lean towards the division, finally putting Su Wenyue’s mind at ease. Once the old master made up his mind, the division could happen. After all, Old Man Han, despite everything, was the head of the family and held sway at critical moments.

Hearing Old Man Han’s words, everyone fell silent, realizing that the division of the household was inevitable. Even Mrs. Yang ceased her protest, knowing all too well the temperament of her husband, who, once resolute, wouldn’t be swayed by her.

The sister-in-laws each harbored their own thoughts. Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang didn’t speak but their eyes darted about, each pondering how to secure a larger share of the inheritance.

Mrs. Liu, being the main house’s wife, naturally had the advantage: her father-in-law and mother-in-law would undoubtedly live with them, and their share would augment the main house’s portion. She never entertained any other ideas on this matter. Even disregarding the fact that the parents were still capable and could lend them significant help, even if they became entirely dependant, it was right that the main house should take care of them. This was Han Hu’s bottom line, and Mrs. Liu dared not contradict it.

Mrs. Wang, however, considered her husband’s ineptitude and the child in her womb—a grandson of the old Han family—and thus naturally deserved a larger share. Otherwise, how would they manage their future?

Mrs. Li was an honest person, simply jubilant at the prospect of separating. She could never have dreamed of such a day. As for the inheritance, she deferred to the wishes of her father-in-law and mother-in-law, never daring to have an opinion. After all, she and the head of the household were still quite young, the children obedient; even if they received less, by working hard, life would surely prosper.

Su Wenyue cared even less. In her view, as long as the family divided, life would be better. The Han family had so many assets – not to mention her own dowry, completely independent of the family’s wealth – and Han Yu was destined for success. Why would they care about a little inheritance in the future? Most importantly, when Han Yu enlisted, she wouldn’t work the fields, at most tending to some fruits and vegetables in the courtyard.

“Big brother, it’s up to you to make a trip to the village and invite the village chief over.”