Chapter 36 - 036 Wants money even when dying
Just a few days after Li Erfu left, the matter of adoption was settled, with many elders from the Li Family’s branch attending.
Li Dafu greeted the circle of elders, then saw his second brother and sister-in-law come in with somewhat listless expressions, followed by the eldest’s family and Jianqing. Jianwen did not come, which made him shake his head - Li Huai Ren’s second brother had been really spoiled. Such an important matter of his sister’s adoption and he didn’t show up, showing how indifferent their familial affection was. And to think that Er Fu’s wife had the children endure the bitterness for his sake.
Everyone sat together, and the Third Uncle was the first to speak: "It has been agreed upon previously that Er Fu’s little girl will be adopted by Huai Ren, and they, as a couple, have also agreed to it. Today we plan to settle it and have everyone here as witnesses."
Looking around to see that everyone had arrived, and seeing that Li Huai Ren was also seated beside Li Dafu’s house, he continued, "Let me lay out today’s terms. Huai Ren said before, whoever gives him a child for adoption will receive 300 catties of fine grain, as a token for nurturing the child. Er Fu, what do you think of this?"
As soon as these words were spoken, various gazes shot towards Li Erfu’s family of five - some envious, some jealous, and some resentful.
Today was the day to discuss the adoption. Originally, Li Erfu and Ge Sanmei alone would have been sufficient, but An Cuicui insisted on tagging along, so Li Jianye followed, and Li Jianqing came along forcefully, while Li Jianwen did not show up.
Li Jianwen made a fuss and fasted at home when he heard his sister was being adopted out, but Mom was unyielding. Plus, his sister told him that even if she were adopted out, she would still be his sister. But once adopted out, could things really remain the same?
Ge Sanmei looked around stealthily from her seat below, then carefully shifted before speaking reluctantly, "Third Uncle, just giving 300 catties of grain might not be enough."
Like a thunderclap in the night, her words stunned everyone there.