Before Lu Guilan could finish speaking, Li's mother couldn't help but tear up again. She was thinking about what had just been said at home and the touching moments that Lu Guilan had evoked in her. She really couldn't hold back her tears.

She used to think that her family was quite harmonious, with the three brothers working together towards a common goal, just like the three Lu brothers, but in reality, it wasn't the same.

The third master of the Lu family has been missing for more than three years. Only He Jiuniang and Gou'er, an orphan and widow, are left in the third branch. During those three years, they relied entirely on the help of the first and second branches, and the family still managed to maintain such a harmonious relationship.

But her three sons were all scheming, always thinking of spending more public funds and trying every means to get money from her. The eldest and second wives exploited the unmarried youngest son, only knowing how to take and not how to give back.

But the three Lu brothers were different; her three sons lost completely in this respect.

Her family was on the verge of splitting up because of this mess, but the Lu family was willing to put aside their past grievances and continue to employ her family, even giving her a managerial position. This showed that they truly valued her.

She wasn't stupid; she even knew that it was He Jiu Niang's scheme that her sister-in-law agreed to the engagement that day. This had helped her a lot; otherwise, given her husband's indecisive nature, there would have been no way he would have broken off the engagement with that clueless sister.

Her family already owed the Lu family so much, and she didn't know when she would be able to repay this kindness. Yet the Lu family was still willing to give them a chance to continue working for the Lu family and find a way out. This was something she never dared to imagine.

"Auntie, let's talk this out. Don't cry! You can't shed tears during the New Year, or you won't be happy all year. Smile more, and things will definitely get better!"

Although Lu Guilan didn't know what had happened to the Li family, she knew that for someone as strong-willed as Li's mother to cry like this, something her family had done must have upset her, so she decided to comfort her.

Mother Li wiped away her tears and smiled sincerely, "Madam Guilan, thank you, thank you so much! The kindness your Lu family has shown to my family is something we can never repay in three lifetimes! The Lu family trusts me, and I will certainly not let them down. From now on, I am willing to serve the Lu family like a slave!"

As she spoke, Li's mother knelt down right at the door for Lu Guilan. Lu Guilan tried to help her up, but Li's mother said, "You have to kneel, otherwise I won't be at peace with myself!"

She spoke loudly, intentionally making sure the people inside could hear her.

In fact, everyone inside had already heard their conversation. Upon hearing that they could return to the Lu family to work, they were all very excited. They wanted to come out, but they were afraid that Li's mother would be angry, so they could only hide not far away and eavesdrop.

Hearing Li's mother deliberately raise her voice, he hurriedly came out, knelt down, and kowtowed to Lu Guilan.

Lu Guilan was somewhat overwhelmed to see this whole family kneeling before her, but seeing their serious and grateful expressions, she didn't stop them and let them kowtow three times.

Others may not know much about this, but Li's mother felt that her third sister-in-law was truly insightful and would definitely be able to do this job well in the future, saving her a lot of effort.

After they kowtowed, Lu Guilan personally helped Li's mother up, then stuffed a large red envelope into her hand, saying, "Since everything is settled, accept the red envelope. Go to the workshop later to report for duty and prepare to resume work."

The Lu family has a tradition of giving out red envelopes after the Lu New Year. They had done it once last year, so Li's mother wasn't surprised. But this year's red envelope was exceptionally large, clearly meant for her. Li's mother felt a surge of gratitude once again.

"Okay, I'll go change my clothes now and be there in a bit!"

The family watched Lu Guilan walk away with exceptional warmth. The eldest son of the Li family said, "The Lu family is so kind. Now my third brother doesn't have to go to the county town to find work, and our lives can continue to be better!"

The others chimed in, and the two daughters-in-law even tried to justify their earlier statement, saying, "Mother, things will be better at home from now on, and we won't have to worry about my third brother's marriage anymore. You won't have to worry about paying extra dowry..."

Li's mother gave her a cold look, then smiled and said, "You're right, life will be better from now on, so let's separate the family."

Before, she felt sorry for her grandchildren. Even if she had opinions about her son and daughter-in-law, she could only endure it because life was hard at home. If they didn't live together, it would be these little kids who would suffer. But now that she knows the work at the Lu family's side can continue and the eldest and second wives won't be unable to support their children, it's time to put the matter of dividing the family property on the agenda.

"Mother, everything is the same as before, why do we still need to separate the family? Aren't we living a good life now?"

Li Laoda looked at his mother anxiously, and glared at his wife, thinking that it must have been his wife's words that angered his mother.

They haven't separated yet. They contribute some of their earnings to the public fund so everyone can use it together. They don't have to worry about the children's expenses, and they can even save some money as their own private savings.

But if the family really splits up, they won't have to hand over the money, but they'll have to pay for all the children's expenses themselves. Before, they could benefit from their parents and the third child, but after the family splits up, they won't be able to anymore.

Besides, this time when my mother returned to the Lu family, she was in charge of the household affairs. Her salary was three times what it used to be, and she was the one who earned the most money in the family. If the family were to split up, how would it be divided?

The second wife's family panicked, thinking that if they were to divide the family property, they would definitely fight to take care of their mother in her old age.

Li San Niu didn't say anything; he listened to his mother.

When Li's father saw the behavior of his two sons and daughters-in-law, he felt a pang of disappointment. His two sons' true natures had been exposed by such a small matter.

Li's mother saw through their thoughts at a glance and said directly, "I have made up my mind. This family must be divided. From now on, you will all go and live your own lives. Your father and I will live with the third son for the time being until he gets married and has children. For now, the two of us can still earn money and do not need you to support us. But when we are really unable to move, the three of you brothers will have to take turns taking care of us, otherwise don't expect to get the money we have saved now."

She had thought all these things through. After the family division, she would no longer give money to the eldest and second sons. All the wages would be saved for their retirement, and then divided equally among the three brothers after she passed away. In order to get that money, they would not dare to be unfilial.

As for the third son, aside from anything else, at least some money should be spent to help him get married and have children; we can't favor one over the other.

The first and second wives wanted to say something, but dared not speak, fearing that if they said too much, their mother would change her mind again.

Li's mother added, "Our third son has helped you a lot over the years. When he gets married, you, as his older brother and sister-in-law, should show your appreciation. Otherwise, all of our money will end up in the third son's family!"

"Mother, you're being way too biased..."

The second son's wife muttered something, and Li's mother said, "Whether I'm biased or not, you should ask your own conscience first! Alright, I don't want to waste any more words with you. This matter is settled. We'll discuss it when we get back tonight. Now everyone go change your clothes and get back to work. Don't delay important matters!"

After saying that, she grabbed her husband and turned to leave, completely disregarding her son and daughter-in-law's thoughts.

Anyway, both the first and second wives are married, she has done what she should do, and she doesn't owe them anything.

From now on, I can do whatever I want without having to consider others anymore.

The village is busy resuming work, while the main group that set off has been walking all morning and is preparing to split into two teams.