Chapter 89: Not Taking Enough Advantage
According to custom, people from both branches of the family were supposed to contribute grain and invite witnesses and in-laws to share a meal signifying the division of the family.
However, their witnesses, the Party Secretary of Xie Village, Xie Jianye, and the village head Xie Dahhu, unequivocally refused the strenuous entreaties of the Xie family’s two branches, refusing to stay for a meal at the Xie household no matter what.
In the end, they forcefully took away Uncle Lu from the second branch and his wife without further discussion.
Seeing that the family division meal would not come to pass, the one most discontent was actually Lin Meizhu, the wife of the eldest son.
Her eyes darting, she smiled at Xie Changgen, "Dad, even though we’ve divided the family, we are still kin after all. There might have been some minor disagreements between the two branches, but the bond of blood remains, doesn’t it? Even if the village cadres refuse to stay for a meal with us, we should at least eat this meal that signifies our division. We can’t just disperse without it, right? Why don’t we follow the custom and share this meal together?"
As she spoke, she tugged at Xie Changgen, "Hubby, you should persuade Dad, too. Once we’ve eaten, everyone can forget the past grievances, and we’ll still be able to help each other in the future. We’re still brothers after all."
Xie Changgen hastily nodded, finding his wife’s words reasonable. The family had been divided so swiftly and decisively that he was having trouble adapting. So, without giving it much thought, he sincerely looked at Xie Changgen and also tried to persuade him.
"Dad, Meizhu is right. Let’s all get together tonight and have a good meal. We can also clear the air about any misunderstandings between Mom, Meizhu, and my younger brother’s wife. Surely after the division, the two branches can’t really become enemies, right?"