Chapter 114 Family Division Contract

The second uncle chimed in, "Satisfied. They are naturally satisfied with the old lady's magnanimity."

In front of these distinguished guests, the second uncle could no longer hide his temper towards the second and fourth branches of the family, and said with a sour face:

"Second brother, fourth brother, what do you have to say now? Since you both have so much private property outside and can move out and live separately at any time, stop talking nonsense and divide the family according to the deed."

Ma asked Wei, "Wait a minute, how come Yunzhang and Yunbo still own houses?"

"Good heavens, Second Brother and Second Sister-in-law! So it turns out that your second branch has embezzled so much more silver than our fourth branch over the years! This won't do!"

Not to be outdone, Madam Wei immediately retorted, "What's it to you? Yun Zhang and Yun Bo are the oldest among the children's generation, so they have naturally contributed the most over the years. They both have wives and children, so what's so strange about them having their own houses?"

I haven't even mentioned you yet, and you own such a huge estate! Where did the money for buying the estate come from? Don't tell me it was secretly subsidized by your eldest brother; I don't believe it!

As the two women got more and more carried away exposing each other's shortcomings, the second and fourth masters were so angry that they glared and puffed out their beards.

Lu Yunzhang and his brothers were all intelligent enough to know that they absolutely could not afford to fight amongst themselves at this time, so they quickly stepped forward and quietly persuaded their mothers to separate the two.

Yu Jingsheng had long been impatient with these people. He glanced at his daughter, and seeing her nod slightly at him, he slammed his hand on the table and said:

"Alright, we're too lazy to listen to your two families' affairs anymore. Since you have no objections, just sign and seal this family division agreement. We've been sitting here for so long, it's time for us to go back."

The other adults, having watched the spectacle to their hearts' content, nodded in agreement.

The second master and the fourth master exchanged a glance. The second master stepped forward and said with a fawning smile, "It's not that we're unwilling to sign, but there's one more thing we're really worried about."

My lords, once we move out, our huge General's Mansion will be left with only three frail women: my sister-in-law, my niece, and my niece-in-law. How can we possibly feel at ease about this?

"Since you gentlemen are all here today, and it's best not to trouble two people with one matter, let's have you all witness and settle the matter of the eldest son's adoption. Once this is settled and the eldest son has a male heir, we can move out later."

The others nodded in agreement, which showed that they all thought the same thing.

The third aunt also looked over, her eyes rekindling with hope. She hadn't received a share of the inheritance earlier, so she wanted to see how the adopted son would choose.

Yu Jingsheng wasn't going to tolerate these people's bad habits and said bluntly:

"One thing at a time. Let's settle the division of the family first, and then we can talk about the rest."

The other officials shared the same sentiment. They had truly been amazed today. They never imagined that the imposing General Ningyuan would have such a disreputable family. It was truly unbelievable.

Under duress, the members of the second and fourth branches of the family had no choice but to reluctantly sign the family division agreement.

Next, Yu Jingsheng, Duke Li, and other elders, including the Second Uncle, stepped forward to sign the papers one by one.

With this contract in hand, given their status and position in the court, the second and fourth branches of the family would surely not dare to renege on it.

After everyone had signed, Yu Jingsheng solemnly handed the contract to Old Madam Ning.

After glancing at it a few times, Old Madam Ning turned and handed the contract to Yu Qingci, saying with satisfaction:

“Good daughter-in-law, now that the family has been divided, in front of your father and several other adults, I am handing over the management of the household to you today. Don’t refuse anymore. I have the most confidence in you taking charge of this family from now on. Therefore, it is best for you to keep this contract safe.”

Now that the family division is complete, Yu Qingci no longer refuses and generously accepts the gifts in front of her father. After all, although she has been using the name of her mother-in-law, she has actually been exercising the power to manage the household, and these gifts are more conducive to her managing the household affairs.

Yu Qingci said to the second master and others, "Second Uncle, Fourth Uncle, please let us know in advance when you are moving out so that I can arrange servants to help you."

The expressions on everyone's faces were somewhat stiff.

Second Master: "Niece-in-law, don't rush to send them away."

He then put on a fawning smile and bowed to the guests seated above him, saying:

"My lords, we should not trouble you with two matters at once. Now, let's talk about the adoption issue we just discussed. Please help us make a decision."

Then he spoke with deep emotion, expressing that the most suitable heir should be chosen from among his brothers' children and grandchildren. He also said that as long as Madam Ning was willing, he and his wife would have no objection to either his two adult sons or his young grandchildren.

The Earl of Nanping sneered: "Give the old lady a good son to adopt? How could you even think of that! Before your general's mansion married my daughter, the old lady personally guaranteed that she would be adopting a son for my daughter. Do you intend to go back on your word?"

Madam Ning immediately stood up and said that she had no such intention. She was only willing to give her daughter-in-law an adopted grandson.

Madam Wei forced a smile and said, "It's really because the eldest branch of the family is left with only an orphan and a widow. Even if we were to adopt a child for my niece-in-law now, it would be many years before the youngest child grows up. So, it would be better to..."

Yu Jingsheng interrupted him directly, saying, "Why don't you adopt your two married sons so they can become ready-made Ningyuan Generals and enjoy this wealth and honor? Hmph! You really don't take our Nanping Marquisate seriously. Who gave you the guts?"

"Let me make this clear today: since it was agreed that my daughter would be adopted, that's the only way. And it's solely my daughter's decision regarding which family's child she should be adopted from. Everyone else, shut up."

Second Uncle quickly stepped in to smooth things over: "Lord, please rest assured, this matter is naturally up to Yunqi's wife to decide."

Yu Qingci stepped forward and bowed solemnly to her father and the other adults, saying, "Father, uncles, my mother-in-law and I have already discussed this matter. It is not the right time for adoption. Firstly, my father-in-law and husband have just passed away. The most important thing right now is for the whole family to observe mourning to express our grief."

Secondly, I've only just entered the family and am still young. How can I rush into becoming a mother? If something goes wrong, wouldn't I be neglecting my child?

"Why not wait until the three-year mourning period is over before deciding on adoption? Both uncles have already expressed their willingness to adopt their children at any time. It's better to let the child live with his biological parents for a few years, and then discuss this matter when he's a little older. That way, everyone will feel at ease."

Yu Qingci said this to appease the two families of the Second Master and the Fourth Master. In any case, the young general would return in three years, and the adoption would naturally no longer matter.

The people from the second and fourth branches of the family exchanged glances, clearly displeased with Yu Qingci's words. The second master said:

"That's true, but at least we'll decide on someone so we can help my niece-in-law teach the child properly."