Chapter 103: 103 Who doesn’t want to be in charge?

After the two men had left, Ye Jiu finally climbed up from the kang (a traditional Chinese bed-stove).

Although Ye Jiu had awoken some time ago, because they were just discussing the matters of Zhao’s, it would have been awkward for his second brother if he had gotten up at that moment.

Thus, Ye Jiu considerately pretended to be asleep.

Old Master Ye continued to grumble at Mrs. He, “Even though the youngest’s marriage is close at hand, isn’t it great that our whole family is living together? Neither the eldest nor the second has mentioned it, so why have you brought up the matter of dividing the family now?”

Mrs. He retorted mercilessly, “Great? That’s what you think! Haven’t you seen Zhao’s true colors, always talking about dividing the family day and night, as if I’m itching to live with them!

Moreover, even if we don’t bring it up, do you really think they can hold out much longer after the youngest marries his wife?”

Mrs. He, having endured and risen from the ranks of daughter-in-law herself, was well aware of the thoughts of Mrs. Zhang and Mrs. Zhao.

Aged in their forties, who wouldn’t want to manage their own household and live their days as they please?

Of course, if Mrs. He held on to her previous notion of not wanting to divide the family, she indeed had reasons to keep these two daughters-in-law in check.

But now, with her daughter becoming successful, she had no desire to see her child’s hard-earned money subsidizing those ingrates. It was better to divide the family early and let her daughter keep her own earnings.

That way, when her daughter was both wealthy and capable, even if her Jiujiu married and grew up, she wouldn’t have to fear being bullied by her husband’s family, nor would she have to live meekly and insignificantly–as Mrs. He herself had, with her life nearly passing by in the blink of an eye!

Old Master Ye simply couldn’t win the argument against Mrs. He. Ye Jiu didn’t interject but instead went outside.

When Ye Jiu stepped out, his eldest and second brothers were standing in the yard talking, but the expression on the second brother’s face wasn’t too good–presumably because of Zhao’s issue.

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“Eldest brother, second brother, you have returned?” Ye Jiu called out.

Although they had just learned of Ye Jiu’s recovery, knowing was one thing, and actually seeing was quite another.

Especially since Ye Jiu was so much older, old enough to be younger than their own eldest sons–this was the first time he addressed them as eldest and second brothers.

“Little sister, has your health truly recovered?” Likewise, Ye Gaoshi and Ye Gaoshui were delighted for Ye Jiu.

Her recovery meant more than just her health; it also signified future savings on Ye Jiu’s medical expenses, which had become a considerable financial burden over the years.

Though siblings, they were separated by a wide age gap, and there really wasn’t much they could say to each other.

Soon, Ye Gaoshui said, “Eldest brother, you talk to our younger sister for a bit, I’ll go to my father-in-law’s place and bring Zhao back to apologize to Mother.”

“Alright, go ahead. And don’t rush when you get there; take your time and talk things through with your sister-in-law,” Ye Gaoshi instructed.

After Ye Gaoshui left, Ye Jiu tactfully didn’t disturb Ye Gaoshi, allowing him time to hurry back to his room and reunite with Mrs. Zhang.

All being working-class farmers, Ye Gaoshi didn’t idle for too long. He spoke a few words inside before coming out to join Ye Gaosheng and others in quarrying rocks.

No one noticed that after Ye Gaoshui left, Mrs. Li quietly followed him out.

Near the courtyard’s pile of firewood, Mrs. Li called to Ye Gaoshui, “Second brother…”

Ye Gaoshui stopped in his tracks, turned back, and called out in confusion, “Stepmother, what’s…?”

In the past, when Old Lady Ye, Mrs. Li’s maternal aunt, was still alive, Ye Gaoshui had always followed Ye Gaoshi in addressing Mrs. Li as Mother.

After the old lady passed away, Mrs. Li lost her backing, and her status in the family declined more and more.

Accordingly, his and his eldest brother’s form of address for Mrs. Li gradually shifted from Mother to Stepmother.