After dinner, everyone dispersed. Jiang's father pondered for a while, then turned and left.
The Jiang family is a large clan in the village, with its own clan leader, who is Jiang's father's cousin. His branch of the family had dwindled in number until he was the only one to have three sons and two daughters.
"Ziwen, what brings you here? Is something wrong at the school?"
Jiang's father's name was Jiang Xin, and his courtesy name was Ziwen.
"Third Uncle, I have something to discuss with you."
"Come in, let's talk inside."
The Jiang clan chief, who is also Jiang's father's third uncle, has a house that occupies a considerable area. The Jiang family is a land-based family, and their homesteads have been passed down from their ancestors, with each plot of land being quite large.
"Ziwen, what's wrong? You don't look too good."
"Third Uncle, have you heard? My Jiang Qi got divorced."
"I heard that it rained heavily yesterday, so I went around to check if anyone's house was leaking. I haven't had time to come to your place yet to see what's going on. Is it still because you don't have children?"
Uncle Jiang is in his fifties. He is the youngest son in his family. When he was young, he was bold and always wanted to venture out into the world. Later, he did go out, but he didn't achieve great success. However, he did experience some things.
Originally, he wasn't supposed to be the head of the Jiang family clan, nor did he aspire to it. However, that year was a difficult one, and he led his clan through the crisis, which led to his election as clan head.
"Having no children is only one aspect; the Fan family has become somewhat unscrupulous in their conduct."
Jiang's father rarely spoke so rudely; this time, he was truly angered.
Jiang's father recounted everything the Fan family had done, but he still felt very uncomfortable.
"Ziwen, you did well. Although our Jiang family is not a high-ranking or prestigious family, we have existed for over a hundred years. Jiang Qi may be a woman, but she is still a woman of our Jiang family, and she cannot be humiliated."
There will be plenty of gossip about this in the village. I can control things within our own family, but I can't silence everyone else. You need to comfort Jiang Qi, tell her to be strong, and not take it to heart.”
Unlike some family patriarchs who are indifferent to girls and can easily abandon them, Uncle Jiang is different.
"Third Uncle, Jiang Qi is a decent person. She was able to make the decisive choice to divorce because she was mentally prepared."
I'm here today because my family has different opinions about Jiang Qi's divorce. Jiang Lan, in particular, is of marriageable age and aspires to a better life. Although I disagree, the children are grown up and have their own ideas, so I can't force them to stay away.
The problems at home are irreconcilable right now. I have two daughters, and they're both my favorites. I'm really torn.
Jiang's father still feels depressed when he talks about this matter.
"This is really difficult to resolve. Since Jiang Qi has divorced and returned home, we can't let her stay there feeling uneasy. As for Jiang Lan, she is willing, and we can't force her to compromise, otherwise, it will cause resentment."
When Chief Jiang was making a living outside, he had heard of and seen similar things.
“Uncle is right, that’s what I was thinking too. Yesterday, Shuyun suggested that we separate the family and move out with Jiang Qi. That way, it won’t affect the other branches of the family. Uncle, do you think this idea is feasible?”
Although Jiang's father had already made up his mind, he still wanted to hear his third uncle's opinion and hoped that someone would give him a push.
"Taking Jiang Qi with her when separating from the family? What is Shuyun's wife thinking? Doesn't she care?"
"Shuyun said his wife doesn't mind, and the two of them have discussed it."
Jiang's father later realized that Shuyun's wife might also want to separate from the family. But that's not important. Everyone has their own selfish desires. What's most important is that both children are very broad-minded.
"Shuyun is a good boy, he's responsible. Before, he always buried himself in his books and didn't care about anything else. But recently, I've noticed he's changed a lot. He's become much more worldly-wise and knows how to care about the family's fields."
If neither of them objects, then it's not impossible. As the tree grows, branches separate; dividing the family is inevitable. Once the children are grown, their future depends on their own abilities.
Uncle Jiang was not the eldest son in his family, and when the family property was divided, most of it was left to the eldest son. But how much wealth could people from the countryside possibly have?
"Third Uncle, I understand. Actually, I already have the answer in my heart, but I just want to hear your opinion."
At this time, Jiang's father was neither a teacher nor the head of the family; he was simply a junior who needed the affirmation of his elders.
"I understand, you've done a great job."
Uncle Jiang understood. His cousin had passed away early, and Ziwen had taken charge of the family at a young age. It was understandable that he would occasionally feel lost. But when it came to his children, he was afraid that his decisions would harm them.
"Third Uncle, it's getting late, you should rest too. Once I've sorted things out, could you please come and be my witness?"
"Okay, don't worry too much. The children are grown up and they are parents themselves. Let them go and make their own way. No one can rely on anyone else for a lifetime."
"Understood, Third Uncle, I understand."
Jiang's father thanked his third uncle, left his uncle's house, and walked towards his own home, his steps much lighter than when he had come.
"Where did you go? You're so late. I was about to call Shuheng and the others to come find you."
As soon as Jiang's father entered the house, Jiang's mother asked anxiously.
"I'm going to my third uncle's house to talk to him for a bit. I'll talk to you again after I've washed up."
Jiang's mother had the words on the tip of her tongue, but could only wait and see.
“Yesterday, Shuyun told me that the family issues need to be resolved. He suggested that his family could move out and live separately with Jiang Qi, and that would solve the problem.”
"Divide the family? He wants to divide the family?"
Jiang's mother was preoccupied with the idea of separating the family property. She longed for her children to be around, for the family to live in harmony and happiness. She had never considered separating the family so soon, and it saddened her.
"It was Shuyun and the others who led Jiang Qi to separate from the family, so that the eldest daughter-in-law and Jiang Lan couldn't have any objections. Otherwise, the atmosphere at home wouldn't be good for anyone."
Jiang's father understood his wife; she was used to having the children around. The sudden suggestion of separating the household might be difficult for her to accept.
"Let me think about it. Why should we separate the family?"
Jiang's mother's mind was in a mess, so she lay back down on the bed, wanting to think things through.
Jiang's father didn't say anything more. He also needed to think about how to divide the family property. He couldn't just separate Shuyun's family; that would damage his reputation, even though it wasn't his business anyway. So, a complete division was necessary. They would live with the eldest son; it was customary and a long-standing rule, and his family couldn't be an exception. But the division of property needed to be clear.
Jiang's parents lay in bed, neither of them able to sleep, both lost in thought.
In Jiang Lan and Jiang Qi's room, the two sisters still hadn't broken the ice, mainly because Jiang Lan refused to communicate. Jiang Qi didn't know what to say either; she just hoped that her parents would agree to what her second brother was saying, so that she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
This night is destined to be another sleepless night for many.
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