Chapter 132 Not Foolish_1
Li Xiaomei had long wanted to separate from the main household, but the presence of her father-in-law and mother-in-law loomed over her. God knows how much she envied Zhao Erhu’s wife, who didn’t have to serve in-laws, could manage her own finances, and had no one overseeing what she ate or did. Zhao Cheng always listened to her. Imagine how comfortable life would be after they separated; she wouldn’t mind losing some benefits, especially since Li Xiaomei knew that even if she managed to take over Zhao Erhu’s family business, the benefits would all fall into her biased mother-in-law’s hands, and she wouldn’t get anything. Now that her mother-in-law had spoken in such a way, she saw an opportunity to propose the division of the family. If her mother-in-law, in a fit of rage, really separated their family, it would be a blessing.
"Divide the family!" The sound of those two words made Wei Family’s voice sharp with irritation, showing how deeply she was provoked, "Li Family, you unfilial wretch, you dare to encourage Erhu to separate from the family! Do you believe that I would have Erhu divorce you right now?"
Zhao Cheng was indeed tempted by Li Xiaomei’s suggestion. In his view, life would be easier if they separated. He wouldn’t have to be caught between his mother and his wife anymore, nor would he have to deal with his mother’s favoritism. "Mother, actually, what my wife is saying isn’t wrong. Separating from the family isn’t a bad thing. Even if we do separate, I’ll still be your son and will continue to honor you and father. You can keep all the benefits for my third and fifth brothers; I won’t covet them. Wouldn’t that be good?"
"Out of the question! You unfilial son, your father and I are not dead yet. If you want to separate, wait until after my death. There happens to be a pair of scissors on the table. Why don’t you just pick them up and stab me to death now, then you can live your good life with your wife without anyone stopping you!" Wei Family refused to believe that her second son and daughter-in-law could bear the guilt of driving her to her death.
Seeing Wei Family like this, Li Xiaomei knew that it was impossible for them to separate now. Although she hadn’t expected it to be easy, she couldn’t help feeling resentful. Yet, she knew that matters had to be taken step by step, and she was determined to eventually reach her goal. Wei Family’s behavior truly disgusted her, enjoying the advantages while expecting her and her husband to bear the reputation of being unfilial. Li Xiaomei thought, "No way!"
"Mother, it was you who, for the sake of not sharing the benefits with Zhao Cheng, my third, and fifth brothers, allowed us to live separately. It wasn’t me and Zhao Cheng who forced you. If you don’t want to, then forget it. There’s no need to make such a fuss. Everyone knows that our Zhao Cheng is a filial son, who has always swallowed his grievances. Are you trying to drive Zhao Cheng to his death? What kind of mother is so heartless? Poor Zhao Cheng, to have such a hard life!"
Li Xiaomei began to cry as she spoke, fully confronting Wei Family. Li Xiaomei was not intending to swallow her pride; if she remained as submissive as she used to be, Wei Family would only continue to bully and manipulate her. She might as well be assertive, so Wei Family wouldn’t dare to provoke her easily. Otherwise, she would make a scene all the way to her own family’s home and see how Wei Family would then explain things to her parents.
Zhao Cheng’s heart sank with his mother’s actions, and he just stood there woodenly. Unnoticed, Li Xiaomei pinched Zhao Cheng and gave him a meaningful look.
After being married for so long, and especially after spending every day watching the expressions of his mother and wife for guidance, Zhao Cheng immediately understood what Li Xiaomei meant and joined her in crying, "Mother, I am your own son as well. Why do you push me so hard? All these years, my heart has been filled with bitterness. Am I no longer your own son?!"