Chapter 023 (3/3)
Author: Feast of Masks
Raws: https://www.jjwxc.net/onebook.php?novelid=3185016
Translated by Pillbug
Edited by Gumihou
In the second branch’s room, Zhao’er could not help but glance over at Xue Tingxiang. Neither of them spoke as they continued to listen quietly in their room.
In the main room, Xue Qingbai’s clearly agitated voice exclaimed, “What, how did it come to the point of selling land? Land is the livelihood of all farmers. We depend on the land to support several generations of our family from the cradle to the grave. Once the land is sold, what will we eat, drink or use, ah?”
Old Man Xue raised his hand to stop him. “Old Third, calm down first. Wait until Father finishes explaining. I have a plan.”
Although he said that, instead of explaining himself, he stuffed more tobacco into his pipe, lit it up and took in a deep breath before continuing, “I believe that Juncai also did not have it easy. After studying for so many years, it was not easy for him to reach this point only to suddenly be told to give up his studies. It is a shame for him to stop now. Therefore, I thought it would be good to send him to the school for a year. According to Eldest, with Juncai’s knowledge, he should be ready to take the exam after just one year of further studying [3]. If Juncai really succeeds, our family will enjoy good days in the future.”
“Then, what about Gouzi?”
“Naturally, Gouzi will attend as well.”
From start to finish, Old Man Xue had never considered not letting Xue Tingxiang attend school. With the entire village watching and waiting to see what he would do, he did not have a thick enough face to go back his word.
“Therefore, I thought of selling some land. You brothers should know our family’s financial situation. It is already a struggle to send one child to school. There is just not enough money to send both.”
He paused, then continued, “It’s not like we’re selling all the land, just 2 mu to cover one year’s school expenses for Gouzi and Juncai. We have plenty of land. Selling 2 mu would not hurt our bones.”
“Regardless of whether it’s 1 mu or 2, we are still selling land. Father, how will the villagers look at our family?” asked Xue Qingbai.
“What does it matter how they look or not look at us? I am selling land to send my grandsons to school. Why should we care what others think?”
Despite Old Man Xue’s tough words, the fact that he would even say this showed that he cared very much indeed.
In the village, selling land was shameful.
“Regardless, I have informed all of you about this. I shall look for a buyer in the next two days.”
Seeing how resolute Old Man Xue was, Xue Qingbai bit back his anger to say, “We have already worked on the land. If we sell it now, isn’t it a waste of our efforts?”
“That’s right, ah. Eldest Brother, look at how Father is now selling land for the sake of sending Juncai to study. Why don’t you say something?” Sun’shi had been pinching Xue Qingbai’s back for a while now, but since he did not say anything, she could not help but speak up.
Xue Qingshan said evasively, “Look, you, isn’t this all Father’s decision?”
“Eldest Sister-in-law, you don’t have anything to say? Once this land is sold, even if you want to buy it back later, you might not be able to.”
The land near Yuqing Village was limited. Over the years, all the arable land had been cultivated, but the population kept increasing every year. Any families with land will hold onto theirs tightly, unwilling to let go. Now that Old Man Xue wanted to sell land, all he had to do was say the word and buyers would be running up.
However, selling was easy; getting it back would depend on luck.
Yang’shi lowered her eyes and said softly, “Land is dead, but people are living. Once Juncai becomes a Xiu Cai, we can always buy more land. Moreover, even if this wasn’t Father’s idea, as a mere woman, I have no say in family matters.”
Seeing the couple from the main branch sitting serenely on the side while she and the others were fussing about like a bunch of clucking chickens, Sun’shi felt something constricting within her chest.
Unable to stand it anymore, she sneered, “Eldest Brother said that Juncai will succeed after studying for just one year. Well, I recall that Eldest Brother said that he would definitely pass the exam a few times. However, I have yet to see this happen after so many years. What if Juncai failed after that one year? Will he continue to study? If he were to continue, would you sell more land?”
Xue Qinghuai jerked her back. “What are you saying!?”
“What am I saying? I am saying words! Why should everything in this house revolve around the main branch? The land is planted by Third Brother and our family. You also have to go out and sell goods every day! As for the main branch, they do no work but are quick to open their maws when they want money. When [c] there’s no money, land has to be sold for money! I’m telling you now, the Xue family does not consist of the main branch only!”
“Fourth daughter-in-law!” Old Man Xue pounded the kang table.
Sun’shi slapped Xue Qinghuai’s hand away and exclaimed sharply, “I’ve had enough! If Father wants to sell land, then let’s lay everything out clearly today. I won’t mention Gouzi, I know I am a petty person who likes to argue with others, but even I know from Maodan’s father that several mu of land were bought with Second Brother’s money earned from his carpentry skills. After Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law’s passing, Gouzi also did not spend much of the family money.
Therefore, I have no objections if Gouzi goes to the academy; that’s what the family ought to provide. But let’s talk about the eldest branch. Let’s not talk about how much money Eldest Brother had already wasted on his studies in the past. That is all water under the bridge. But what of Juncai? Because there is no money, the family is prepared to sell land to support his studies now. Are you saying that if Maodan lacks the money for schooling, will the family also sell land to support him?”
She did not wait for Old Man Xue to speak before continuing, “That’s right. It’s not just Maodan. There’s also Third Brother’s Shuanzi. They are all your grandsons. Everything should be fair. If Father says that the family is prepared to sell land to support Maodan if he cannot afford to study, I will have no more words to say nor will I object to this decision.”
Old Man Xue was in such shock that his pipe tipped in his hand, dropping hot embers on his trousers and burning his legs. The heat shocked him out of his stupor as he hurriedly patted the fire out.
He was so angry that his hands trembled, and he glared at Xue Qinghuai, “Old Fourth, are you unable to control your wife? Why are you letting her run her mouth like this?”
Xue Qinghuai tried to drag Sun’shi back to their room, but Sun’shi refused to leave. She sat her bottom on the floor and just refused to get up. “I shall sit here and wait for Father’s reply. Father, you just speak clearly.”
“What are you fussing about? Come back quickly!” Xue Qinghuai roared, trying to drag her away again.
Sun’shi slapped his hand away, “You might be a coward, but I am not. Xue Qinghuai, are you still a man? You work like an old ox for the family, but there is not a mouthful of good things for you nor a single spare coin. Take a look at what Eldest Sister-in-law is wearing and look at my clothes. How did I end up with a man like you?!”
Even as she cursed, tears rolled down her eyes. She then turned to Zhou’shi and shrieked, “Third Sister-in-law, say something! Are you willing to live like this forever? It was wrong of me to tease you and make you do more work. That’s because I was upset! Why should some people sit around like a young madam while the rest of us work like old maids? If she won’t work, I refuse to either. However, this matter has to do with our two families, so, say something!!”
Zhou’shi pressed her lips tightly. Xue Qingbai subconsciously pulled her, but could not hold her back.
She took two steps forward and smoothed the strands of hair around her temples. Then, with her eyes modestly lowered, she said, “Eldest Brother said that our Shuanzi is dull-witted and that being able to recognise a few words is already an achievement. I do not expect Shuanzi to achieve anything great in the future. There is just one thing, Fourth Sister-in-law said that everything should be fair. If Father is selling the land to support Juncai, Father must give us an explanation.”
“What explanation do you want? This land and this family all belong to this old man!” Old Man Xue’s face flushed crimson with anger.
“The land does indeed belong to Father, but it’s Shuanzi’s father who does most of the farming. Shuanzi’s father has no skills, unlike Elder Brother who can read, and Fourth Brother who can peddle. He puts all his energy into working the land, taking care of it like every day like he takes care of a child. Father, you said want to send a Juncai to school, and made the decision to sell the land just like that. Father, have you ever considered Shuanzi’s father’s feelings?”
Xue Qingbai squatted down, a big man, looking as aggrieved as a child, cried again, “Father, the land cannot be sold!”
“Old Third!”
“Of course, if Father wishes to sell, we cannot stop you. However, matters should be made clear now. If Father wishes to sell land, please sell the main branch’s share of the land. Land belonging to the other families cannot be sold.”
Unlike Sun’shi, Zhou’shi remained poised and calm. She was able to say all of this because she had been thinking about it for a long time.
Zhou’shi knew in her heart that her son had no talent for studying. Since he could not advance through studying, he could only work on the farm. Sons need to marry and daughters need to be wedded out, and both require money. However, the Xue family money all flowed in one direction, towards the main branch.
Just as Sun’shi had said, no one wishes to labour like an old maid for others for the rest of their lives. Even so, Zhou’shi was only a daughter-in-law with no right to speak up in the Xue family.
However, she was not made of clay. She had her own thoughts and way of thinking. After enduring this kind of life for many years, it could be said that she had reached her limit. Since Sun’shi had already taken the lead, she would use this opportunity to have matters set out clearly.
“What are you trying to say?”
Zhou’shi kept her head lowered, “This daughter-in-law is not trying to say anything. When there are many heirs, it is common sense for a family to divide, just like branches divide as a tree grows tall. Even so, a family should not divide so long as the parents are still around. This is also common sense. However, a family will have to eventually divide. If not now, then in the future. Since it is something that will eventually happen, naturally, each of the four branches should have an equal share, with no reason for any one branch to dominate the others.
Fourth Sister-in-law has already spoken a lot, so this daughter-in-law shall not repeat any of it. Each branch has its own children to look after, making them each a small family who must support their children’s marriage and future prospects. If Father wishes to support Eldest Brother, even if it’s for Juncai’s education, we can have nothing to say. However, if this support must be given, it should be taken out of the main branch’s share. It is best not to touch the shares belonging to other branches.
Old Man Xue was so infuriated that he actually laughed in anger, “Are you the family head now? Neither your mother nor I are dead yet!”
Xue Qingshan stepped forward, looking utterly flustered and exasperated, “Third Brother, are you not going to stop your wife? Why is she even here? This is a great offence!”
Yang’shi also switched from being demure and serene to scolding Zhou’shi for inciting discord within the family.
Sun’shi took the opportunity to chime in, “I agree with Third Sister-in-law! I won’t object to selling land. But the land that should be sold ought to be the main branch’s share. If they want to sell their portion, let them sell as they like. We have no objections.”
“Old Third, Old Fourth, is that your opinion as well?!” Old Man Xue suddenly looked as though he had aged 10 years as the younger generation started to quarrel among themselves.
“I…”
The two brothers looked at each other but remained silent.
At that moment, two people walked into the room.
They were Xue Tingxiang and Zhao’er.
While the people in the hall were quarrelling, the two of them had been listening at the door for a while now.
“Gou’er…”
Zhao’er had no idea what her little man was planning to do. She could not help but try and pull him back. Xue Tingxiang gave her a reassuring look before stepping forward to say, “Grandfather, I have something to say.”
His sudden interruption drew everyone’s attention.
“This grandson could not help but overhear a few things just now. What Third Aunt and Fourth Aunt said makes sense.”
Without waiting for Old Man Xue or Xue Qingshan to speak, he continued, “This grandson plans to study, and will still be using the family money in the future. If the family is wealthy, that is all fine. Unfortunately, we lacked money. Elder Brother has studied for many years, therefore, not having him continue his studies is certainly a pity. Even so, this grandson also wishes to study. However, this grandson cannot follow the act of “Kong Rong giving up the pear” either. [3]
Shuanzi will be eight this year and Maodan four. It is unfair for the two older ones to study while holding back the younger ones. Youngest Aunt is about to marry soon and in two more years, Elder Sister Tao’er will also need money for marriage. Everything requires money, how are we to decide who should receive support and who doesn’t? No matter who receives the support, dissatisfaction is bound to occur. Instead of birthing more conflicts in the family over these petty matters, it is better to divide the family early.”
Zhao’er, who had been trying to tug him back discreetly all this time stopped. Instead, she shuffled back a little to stand behind him, listening intently.
Old Man Xue was about to say something when Xue Tingxiang continued, “Please allow this grandson to finish, Grandfather. There is a saying in the village that families should not divide so long as the parents are living. We would invite ridicule from outsiders once word gets out that the family is planning to separate. Therefore, the family can still live together even after we have been divided. That way, the family would still stay together even as each branch manages their own finances.”
“Then who will farm on the family’s land? You?” Xue Qingshan sneered at him.
Xue Tingxiang gave a slight smile and said confidently, “We shall all manage our own lot, whether by planting it ourselves or leasing it out. Or, as before, Grandfather and Third and Fourth Uncles will continue to cultivate the land. Those who cannot contribute labour may contribute in terms of food or money. The cost would depend on the current market price, that way, no one will lose out.”
“Then do you still want to go to the academy in town? Once the family is divided, who will support your studies?”
This question did not bother Xue Tingxiang at all. He replied, “If the family is divided, naturally, everyone will have to fend for themselves. In return, they cannot blame others!”
“This little brat, you have scheme after scheme up your sleeve, don’t you? Well, I, your uncle, do not agree with this nonsense! Pei!” Xue Qingshan spat, his true nature finally rearing its head.
He never expected that his plan to pressure Old Man Xue into finding a way to send Juncai to school would turn into this farce of dividing the family.
Xue Qingshan had a clear understanding of himself. He had never worked the land since he was a child. Not to mention, his son still had to study. As for Yang’shi, the less said, the better. She came from a scholarly family who only knew how to do household chores at best. If the family split up, who would work the land? Moreover, there were also Old Fourth’s earnings. The paltry amounts that came from working the fields alone were not enough to cover the main branch’s expenses.
Zhou’shi and Sun’shi’s eyes lit up at Xue Tingxiang’s suggestion. Before, they only thought defensively, that if land had to be sold, then it’s better to sell the main branch’s land. They never thought that matters could be resolved this way.
Zhou’shi began to imagine the days of taking charge of the household finances while Sun’shi thought of the beautiful days when she could spend all the money her man earned as a peddler on herself. If they also planted the few mu of land, wouldn’t life be so much more comfortable?
Sun’shi clapped her hands and said, “Gouzi’s method is good. It covers every single aspect. No one can say anything against it.”
“Old Third, Old Fourth, is this what you think as well?”
This was the second time Old Man Xue asked the same question.
He stared hard at his two sons with a pair of ancient eyes. So long as Xue Qingbai and Xue Qinghuai did not nod their heads, those two women couldn’t stir up any trouble.
“Shuanzi’s Father!” Zhou’shi looked at Xue Qingbai.
“Brother Huai! We can manage our family! When the time comes if we want to send Maodan to school, we can send him!”
Both men visibly struggled against their natural inclination to not disappoint their father.
After a while, Xue Qinghuai wiped his face and took a step forward. “I think this method is not bad.”
“Old Third, what about you?” Old Man Xue’s subconsciously gripped the still-smoking pipe tightly. Although it was obviously very hot, he did not feel it at all.
Xue Qingbai dare not even lift his head. His voice was like the tiniest mosquito buzz as he whispered, “How about we listen to Shuanzi’s mother.”
[Gumihou: Bitch! I love you here Sun’shi!!!!! Yeah! Bitch at those dumb people!!]
Gumihou:
[a] Adjust details for a smoother delivery[b]
Pillbug: Oi, you think the exam is so easy? Even Senior Yang has failed so many times, and Juncai is no genius!
Gumihou: Yeah, like, this coming from that guy who had failed his Xiu Cai exam several times?
[c] 没钱就没卖地 – if no money then don’t sell land… seems kind of weird? The second 没 seems odd. 没钱就卖地 seems more correct
Pillbug TL Notes:
[3] 孔融让梨This guy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kong_Rong
A well-known story commonly used to educate children – even in contemporary times – on the values of courtesy and fraternal love involves a four-year-old Kong Rong giving up the larger pears to his older and younger brothers. This story, commonly known as “Kong Rong giving up pears” (孔融讓梨), is also mentioned in the Three Character Classic, a text used for elementary education since the Song dynasty.
Why is a random Kong Rong person used as a story?
Because this Kong Rong person eventually becomes the Chancellor of an entire commandery. This would be roughly equivalent to becoming the Chief Minister of a state! Also, he was competent enough to humiliate Cao Cao multiple times and was eventually executed due to that. He’s not such a random person after all.
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