Shen Tangning looked at her father-in-law's back, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
Her father-in-law was always taciturn, and compared to her mother-in-law who managed all the affairs of the household, he was practically invisible.
I never expected him to have such a tough side.
Madam Chi bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes. As a daughter-in-law, her actions just now were already considered out of line, but her husband stood firmly on her side. How could she not be moved?
Even the usually stubborn Master Chi Er stood up and openly contradicted the old lady, plunging the whole room into a deathly silence!
After a long while, the old lady's lips trembled, and she clutched her chest in anger and slumped back down. The people around her rushed forward to help her up.
"Madam, are you alright?"
She shoved away the servant's helping hand, her eyes flashing with fury as she glared at her illegitimate son: "Fine! Fine! The whole world should see what an extraordinary person my Chi family has produced! You've wasted your education just to defy your stepmother for your wife!"
A vague and unreadable look flashed in Chi Yan's eyes. This was the helplessness of living in this era. No matter who was right or wrong, the word "filial piety" could be used to condemn people.
His body suddenly trembled, his voice weak and helpless: "Father, there's no need for you to do this for your son..."
Master Chi Er, who had been keeping his head down and silent with his back slightly bent, quickly straightened up again after hearing Chi Yan's words.
The lady is already under immense pressure and has nowhere to retreat. If he retreats, where will she be left? How will Ayan ever be able to hold his head high again?
If a man is powerless to protect his wife and children, what kind of man is he?
Marquis Ningyuan's face turned cold, and he looked at him with considerable disappointment: "Second brother, how could you hold a grudge against Mother? Quickly apologize to her, and this matter will be over..."
His younger brother was mild-mannered and had never had any opinions of his own. He was very obedient to him, and Marquis Ningyuan had no doubt that this time would be no different.
However, he misunderstood. Earlier, when Master Chi asked him for help but he ignored him, Master Chi's mindset had already subtly changed.
His jaw was clenched tightly. He raised his head and said in a deep voice, "Mother is simply afraid that Ayan will tarnish the Chi family's reputation and ruin its century-old honor. If that's the case, what's wrong with dividing the family? Whether it's a blessing or a curse, we, the second branch, will bear the consequences ourselves and will definitely not implicate the first branch!"
Marquis Ningyuan was so angry at his words that his face turned ashen. It was as if his eldest son's branch of the family was deliberately driving them out to avoid harm and seek their own interests!
The Lady Hou's expression was unpredictable. If the second branch of the family was under her watchful eye, she could still control it. But once it was separated from the family, there would be too many uncontrollable factors!
Therefore, she advised, "Mother, my second brother and sister-in-law acted impulsively..."
But the old lady was blinded by anger, and in her fury she laughed, saying "Fine!" twice: "Since they insist on dividing the family, then divide it! I want to see if you can stand firm in the capital without the protection of the Marquis's mansion!"
Lady Hou's expression shifted, and she gritted her teeth inwardly.
Mr. and Mrs. Chi were relieved and kowtowed several times, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Mother."
To divide a family property, a respected elder of the clan must be invited to witness the division. In addition, some preparations need to be made before the division, so it will take at least two days.
The second wife returned to the west courtyard first. Everyone was silent the whole way. Only after closing the door did Madam Chi dare to ask her son what he thought.
"Ayan, what are your thoughts on your parents suddenly suggesting separating the family?"
Chi Yan dropped his joking demeanor and said solemnly, "I know that your parents did this for my sake. In the long run, the decision to separate the family is very wise. Your grandmother's actions are biased, and your aunt harbors malicious intentions. They clearly do not treat us as family! In that case, we are better off without such family members!"
Master Chi was listening intently, but seeing him becoming increasingly audacious, his eyelids twitched: "You brat, keep your voice down! Is that something you can say?"
However, he didn't refute his words in the end; after all, Master Chi Er had his own judgment.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
