After breakfast, Jiang's father invited the Jiang clan head, Lin Lizheng, who was also the grandfather of Jiang's sister-in-law Lin Wanru, as well as two other close relatives of the Jiang family. One was Jiang's eldest uncle, who was the elder brother of the Jiang clan head, and the other was Jiang's father's brother-in-law, who was also the elder brother of Jiang's mother.
Once everyone was present, Jiang's father said that the children in the family were all grown up and had reached the age of independent living, so the family decided to divide the household.
"Ziwen, the matter has been decided, and everything in the family has been distributed. In the Jiang family, siblings don't undermine each other. Even if we can't be inseparable, we must still be respectful and loving towards each other."
Uncle Jiang was one of the oldest members of the family and was known for his fairness. When the Jiang clan chief succeeded his elder brother as clan chief, it went without any controversy because Uncle Jiang knew his own abilities were limited and that his younger brother was more suitable, so he voluntarily stepped down.
"Uncle, it's been decided. The family's belongings have been distributed, and I believe I've done a fair job."
"That's good. If you think it's necessary to separate the family, then you're right."
Uncle Jiang understands his nephew; he does things methodically.
Lin Lizheng and Uncle Wang were just there to bear witness; they weren't representing anyone.
This time, the Jiang family's division of assets proceeded without any of the usual squabbles, so they didn't invite the daughters-in-law's families. They'll go back to their parents' homes to discuss it after today.
"Ziwen, I've looked at the family division documents you listed. Was Shuyun's copy requested by himself?"
"Third Grandfather, it was my own request and my father's request that we exchange five mu of paddy fields for ten mu of woodland and five mu of dry land."
Jiang Shuyun quickly stood up to answer her third grandfather's question, saying that it was their own idea and they couldn't let her father take the blame.
"That's good, that's good. There's nothing else wrong. Your parents don't need you to give them money for their retirement right now, that's because they care about you. But when they get older, you'll have to pay them their due amount. The amount is all written down."
"Yes, we understand."
Jiang Shuyun and Jiang Shuwen quickly agreed; it was a must.
Each family received a copy of the division agreement, one copy was kept by the clan head, and another copy was taken to the county government for registration. From then on, everyone was in charge of their own household, and the head of the household changed. Lin Lizheng was in charge of this matter; it was his responsibility.
After finishing the business, Jiang's mother and the women prepared lunch. There was a farewell meal after the family division.
Uncle Jiang and the others didn't refuse; it was a customary practice.
Jiang Shuyun and the others helped the group wash their hands and then arranged for them to sit down.
"Grandpa, Third Grandpa, Grandpa Lin, Uncle, I have something I need your help with."
Jiang Shuyun's respectful attitude made the elders feel comfortable. Especially the clan leader, who knew the details of the family division and what Jiang Shuyun had done.
"Just say what's on your mind, don't be so polite!"
The eldest grandfather of the Jiang family made his statement, and no one else had any objections.
"I wanted to ask if there are any houses for sale in Jiangjia Village? I've been studying at the county school, so I don't know much about what's going on in the village."
Everyone here knows what kind of person Jiang Shuyun used to be: she was someone who only wanted to study the classics and didn't care about worldly affairs.
Are you planning to move out?
"Yes, Third Grandfather. The children in the family are all grown up and need their own space. Especially Shao Ming, who has started his early education."
Jiang Shuyun didn't say anything else. Now that the family has separated, it's perfectly reasonable for them to be able to buy a house and move out.
"A house? You're planning to buy a bigger one?"
Jiang Shuyun's maternal uncle is the head of the Wang family. Their family produced a scholar who passed the imperial examination. Although he was not from Jiang Shuyun's branch of the family, he was still within the fifth degree of kinship.
Jiangjia Village has three major surnames: Jiang, Wang, and Lin.
The Jiang family, needless to say, has lived in the village for over a hundred years. The village head comes from the Lin family, which is Jiang's sister-in-law's maternal family. The Wang family produced a scholar who passed the imperial examination. Although they all live in other places, they still have their ancestral home and brothers living there.
“Uncle, I do have this plan. The next provincial examination is in three years, and I don’t know the result yet. Besides, no matter what, this is my root, and the Jiang family’s ancestral graves are here.”
Jiang Shuyun knew that people at this time especially valued returning to their roots and clan, and did not want to become a lonely ghost or a person without roots.
After getting the information he needed, Wang's eldest uncle had a better understanding of the situation.
"Shuyun, if you want to buy a bigger house and have enough money, you can take a look at your cousin's old house, which belongs to the family of a scholar. Although it is old, it was renovated a few years ago, so it's fine to live in."
"Ah! That house is fine. A few years ago, Scholar Wang had it extensively renovated, but after living there for less than two years, his family built a new house. The old house has been empty ever since, and only his brother has been looking after it for the past two years."
Third Grandfather also remembered that the Wang family's house was quite nice, with five main rooms, left and right wing rooms, and large front and back yards. The yard walls were also higher than those of ordinary houses. When the house was renovated, the yard walls were also newly built, with a high section at the bottom made of stone and the top made of adobe bricks.
"Uncle Shuyun, is the Wang family's house for sale?"
"I heard my cousin mention a while ago that they sent word back that they wanted to sell the house, worried that it would lose its life and collapse if left unattended for too long. The price won't be cheap, but I didn't ask for details."
Shuyun, come with me to take a look later. If you like something, I'll ask around for you.
"Thank you, Uncle. After we finish eating, I'll go with you to take a look."
Jiang Shuyun was surprised that things went so smoothly and the house size was just right.
“That house is nice; there’s no better one in the village. There’s one at Jiang Laowu’s house in the front row, but the main house only has three rooms and the yard isn’t very big.”
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