Chapter 51 - 051 Split money
Tian Mantong did some rough calculations, smiled contentedly, this was best. If one were to get too much at once, he feared it would make it awkward for all the relatives; after all, minor favors breed gratitude, major ones breed resentment. If one helps too much, it could inflate people’s greed.
Tian Manjin soon returned, reporting that Tian Bajin and the others were still eating and would arrive shortly. After some thought, Tian Mantong led Old Man and Tian Manjin into the inner room. The two were puzzled, staring with eyes wide open as Tian Mantong chuckled, pulled out a red booklet from his chest and handed it to them to look at. Tian Manjin took the booklet, opened it and immediately saw his daughter Tian Sisi’s name with a 500 yuan savings account on it.
After seeing the booklet, Tian Manjin handed it to Old Man; both looked at Tian Mantong, waiting for his explanation. Tian Mantong briefly explained, "Daddy, Fourth Brother, I just feel that Ah Nan has been at a disadvantage, and I wanted to save more money for her dowry. Besides, if Second Uncle’s family finds out how much the liquor sells for, who knows what might happen? People change, we trust Second Uncle, Big Brother, and the Second Brother, but what about everyone else? The longer the time, the weaker the bond!"
The words of Tian Mantong caused Old Man and Tian Manjin to lapse into deep thought. Indeed, people’s hearts are the easiest thing to change. Their generation might be okay, but future descendants are not guaranteed. What if a greedy person emerges, seeking more and harming Ah Nan? The thought of Ah Nan possibly being hurt because of the liquor wrenched the hearts of Old Man and Tian Mantong.
Right then, both men agreed with Tian Mantong’s plan, "Let’s settle it this way; if this ever gets out, just say it was my decision," declared Old Man, resolved to be the one to take the blame.
"How would it get out? Only the three of us know about this, and only I know the price of the liquor. As long as neither of us speaks, nobody will know; rest assured, Daddy," said Tian Mantong, infusing confidence.
Tian Manjin felt this was inappropriate, as if they were wronging Second Uncle’s family, but thinking of the potential harm to Ah Nan, he immediately suppressed that guilt. Fear the worst even if it’s unlikely; he would rather be the bad guy than let his daughter face even the slightest chance of being hurt.
The three reached a consensus. Tian Mantong handed the booklet to Old Man for safekeeping. Old Man specifically instructed his two sons that no one should be told, not even in bed with their wives, which caused both Tian Manjin and Tian Mantong to blush and proudly puff out their chests saying, "Men’s matters aren’t meant to be discussed with women."