Chapter 9: Dad is Back
Elder brother, please speak
Dividing the family? He never even dreamed of it. The Wang family is a four-generation household that everyone envies! With prosperous descendants, how could it possibly fall apart just because of a debt of one hundred guan? It is simply unacceptable. However, this time, the second brother was indeed too outrageous; if we do not divide the family and share the debt together, it is possible that the other branches will be overwhelmed.
"Forty guan might be manageable, and our family can at least come up with twenty or thirty guan. We can also borrow some money, and in a few months, it will be harvest time..." Wang Liangjing calculated, then suddenly shook his head, "Ning An, you don't understand. The lenders definitely know our family's financial situation. After taking out forty guan, there won't be much left at home. They will surely pressure us to repay early, forcing us to sell our land and property at a low price, so they can take advantage and profit significantly."
In the room!
Elder brother, Fourth brother, a man should take responsibility for his own actions. I owe money, so I should bear it alone. As you said, elder brother, let us divide the family immediately!" Wang Liangxun pounded his chest and declared, full of bravado, startling both Wang Lianggui and Wang Liangjing. They thought to themselves, has the second brother taken some wrong medicine? Just a few days ago, he was adamantly refusing to divide the family, making everyone take the blame for him. How has he suddenly become so manly today? It is truly puzzling! Just a few days ago, he was adamantly refusing to divide the family, making everyone take the blame for him. How has he suddenly become so manly today? It is truly puzzling!
... ...
Wang Lianggui suddenly said: "Let Ning An go as well, this kid is quite clever!"
Looking at the joyful and lively children, Wang Liangjing truly could not bear to let them suffer
"Perhaps it can be done without involving the family," Wang Ningan said. "Using the methods of a fraudster, to deceive more money, one must cast a wide net; therefore, there are certainly many victims. It is possible that the authorities have already filed a case. If we can recover the lost money, the pressure will be significantly reduced."
I will go tell Second Brother to report to the yamen!" Wang Liangjing took off running
Grandmother, I must study. Over the years, I have endured so much hardship. As long as I can gain admission to the provincial school, if I study diligently for a few years, I might bring honor to our family...
Elder brother, it may not be appropriate to divide the family! Aside from the ridicule from others, we also have our mother and grandmother, both of whom are in poor health. If anything were to happen, we would all be deemed unfilial sons.
In the evening, suddenly, my second uncle Wang Liangxun returned home. As soon as he arrived, he called for the family members Wang Lianggui and Wang Liangjing to come over.
Indeed, we should report this to the authorities! How did I not think of that!
... ...
Alas, it is all the fault of your father. Had I known that Second Sister-in-law would act this way, I should have taken you all along... Just wait, I will go and reason with Second Sister-in-law!
The old man's mind is still sharp, aware that those who lend money have dark hearts. Taking advantage of a crisis is their usual tactic; the more desperate the situation, the more they will press for repayment. To put it bluntly, it is akin to drinking blood and sucking marrow.
The wind and rain outside the house were bleak, yet they had no effect on Wang Luoxiang and Wang Ningze. The two little ones were well-fed and full of energy, frolicking joyfully in the yard, releasing their excess vigor, carefree and worry-free, which truly made one envious
Returning to the room, Wang Liangjing was filled with mixed emotions
Ah
Father! Upon seeing my father, the suppressed longing in my heart erupted. The chubby little hands wrapped around father's chin. The little one was still a bit dazed, unable to comprehend what had happened, but the fact that brother had been beaten, that second aunt had come to the house in a commotion, and that cousin had also been beaten, all filled the little one with fear. Clinging to father's embrace, regardless of the prickly stubble, the child rubbed against him, sobbing incessantly
In the afternoon, I rode back home in Uncle Wu's cart and was overjoyed to see the three children. Wang Luoxiang and Wang Ningze were much cleaner than before, making them even more endearing. However, no matter what, Wang Ning'an refused to let me hold him.
"Shut up!" The old lady's sharp gaze was more piercing than a knife, "Just do as I say!"
"The fourth brother has returned, Grandma wants you to go over and discuss it."
Although Wang Ning'an has been on the road for so many days and harbors a belly full of complaints against the cheap old man, his concern is genuine, and Wang Ning'an feels warm in his heart
"Ning An has suffered so much!" Bai held Wang Ning An's head, crying for quite a while. The family of five was reunited, enjoying a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.
Perhaps it is not so bad
Cui is the daughter-in-law of the Wang family, yet she is actually abusing the descendants of the Wang family, which is no trivial matter. Wang Liangjing was so furious that he shouted loudly, demanding discipline and wanting to hit someone, clearly indicating that he was being bullied. He instructed his wife to return slowly while he borrowed a donkey and swiftly made his way back home.
What are you saying? Wang Liangjing was completely confused
Seeing his grandmother in this state, Wang Liangjing felt very uncomfortable, suppressing his sadness, "Grandma, are you alright?"
Wang Liangjing hurriedly walked in and saw Wang Ning'an lying on the bed, which startled him, causing him to quickly put down the two little ones and let them continue playing. He rushed over a few steps, picked up Wang Ning'an, and reached out to take off his clothes.
Wang Ning'an briefly recounted the situation, emphasizing that his second uncle had been deceived and suddenly owed one hundred guan. Wang Liangjing was left dumbfounded. It truly echoed the saying, 'A wilted person produces a leopard!' The second brother, usually gentle and refined, speaks in an eloquent manner, possesses high knowledge, and is intelligent; among the brothers, he is the one who is most looked down upon.
The old lady lamented, "Everyone is here, right? The second son has made a grave mistake by borrowing one hundred guan. If he does not repay it quickly, the lender will not let him off the hook."
"Who says otherwise! This time, the second brother has truly brought disaster upon our family!" Wang Lianggui said with deep sorrow, "Fourth brother, there is only one way, it depends on whether you are willing or not."
Suddenly, a man embraced him and attempted to strip his clothes. Wang Ning'an's expression turned dark as he struggled and said, "I'm fine, really fine." Wang Liangjing, not understanding the situation, assumed that his son was just feeling upset. He awkwardly released his grip, his expression quite unpleasant.
What should be done after all
Division of the family
... ...
Well, my second uncle owes one hundred guan, of which sixty guan is from years of borrowing, and the most critical part is the forty guan lost in dog fighting. If we can repay this forty guan first, we might find a way to negotiate the remaining sixty guan.
Little Four has returned
Indeed, let us account for all the land and property, and let the second son bear the debts. At the very least, the land that rightfully belongs to us will not be diminished
After the uncle finished speaking, he hurriedly left
Do not!
Wang Liangjing slapped his thigh, saying that in an ordinary commoner's household, the greatest fear is the government; upon seeing an official, their legs tremble. If it weren't for Wang Ning'an's reminder, he truly would not have thought of it
After coming out of the old lady's room and not walking far, the uncle caught up and said in a muffled voice: "What is this all about? The old lady is still pointing at the dowry? It's been decades, and it's long lost its value. Even if there are some good items, they have all been taken away by the Cui family. Over the past few years, she has taken quite a few of our family's belongings to give to her relatives. In my opinion, this time it must be sold without fail"
Father..." he called softly, "it is better not to go; heaven has already punished us.
"Old Four, what do you mean by 'we'? It was Old Two who caused such a big problem. We cannot let it drag everyone down. Do you want to pay off his debts? Think it over carefully!"
Wang Liangxun's head buzzed; wasn't this the end of it all
Two days have passed in the blink of an eye, and the Wang family is filled with anxiety; apart from the faces of Wang Ningze and Wang Luoxiang, not a trace of a smile can be found.
Sigh, we are all family, let's bear this together! First, let's find all my dowry. The eldest and the fourth should also think of ways to help. No matter what, we must assist the second. As for the second... from now on, you and Ning Hong will work the fields and farm diligently to earn this money back
Wang Liangjing's nose felt sour; he patted his son's back, took a few steps, and then picked up Wang Luoxiang again.
Wang Ning'an stopped the old man, saying, "It's better not to go; Second Aunt is in a bad mood..."
Alas, I cannot die
She is in a bad mood? Then I am in a good mood? No need to be afraid, this time your father will take charge, no one can bully you!" Wang Liangjing lost his temper. After accompanying his wife to see off his father-in-law, he hurried back home. On his way through Cangzhou, he happened to run into Uncle Wu, the neighbor, who was delivering goods to Cangzhou. Uncle Wu informed Wang Liangjing that Wang Ning'an was beaten by his second aunt because he lost a horse, but that horse was not lost by Wang Ning'an. Uncle Wu saw Wang Ninghong leading the horse away and revealed this to Wang Liangjing.
Oh. Wang Liangjing nodded and turned to Wang Ning'an, saying: "You stay here for now, we will talk later."
Quickly let me see, how badly are you hurt?
In just over a day, the elderly Mrs. Wang has noticeably aged, leaning against the edge of the bed, her vitality completely drained, with a towel wrapped around her head, speaking in a weak and feeble manner
"Such a big child, still shy!" Bai feigned anger, while the father understood his son very well, saying, "The child feels wronged!" He informed his wife about the situation, and upon hearing that their son had been wronged, Bai's eyes immediately filled with tears.
Hmph, do not be deceived by the fact that she is my second sister-in-law; it is not her place to discipline the children of the Wang family! Ning'an, do not be afraid, Father will definitely seek justice for you!
The little fellow turned around in fright, and what came into view was a bearded face, smiling at him.
Wang Ningze was joyfully shouting "Giddy up, giddy up" as he ran, when suddenly someone from behind wrapped their arms around his waist and lifted him off the ground.
"Separate the family?" Wang Liangjing exclaimed in shock.
Such a shrewd person has unexpectedly gotten themselves into such a big mess
Where is your brother, Xiang'er
Wang Liangxun nodded continuously like a chick pecking at rice, saying, "Grandma is right, I cannot neglect my grandson, I can see him falling into the fire pit!"
Good boy, you've gained quite a bit of weight
"Has it really come to that?" Wang Liangjing was so frightened that he stopped in his tracks, "Brother, selling the land is easy, but buying it back is difficult."
"One hundred guan, how am I supposed to repay this?" Wang Liangjing felt a wave of dizziness. Just as he was still in a daze, someone suddenly knocked on the door; it was his uncle.
"How is it possible? Do you have a way?" the old man asked in surprise