The jewelry and miscellaneous items brought back by Yu Sanlang were all rewards—or rather, bestowed gifts—from the nobleman he served, who was none other than the current Magistrate Tan Bailu.
The specific details weren’t explained by Yu Sanlang, or perhaps Yu Hongdou had missed them. However, judging from the conversation between Yu Sanlang and Yu Laoyezi, it likely involved Dongshan. Yu Hongdou speculated that her father might have truly uncovered the clue the female lead had left for the male lead, thereby earning the nobleman’s favor.
Yu Hongdou glanced at Yu Silang, who was seated beside the old master. When he caught her gaze, she didn’t hurriedly look away but instead flashed a sweet smile. Inwardly, she felt a bit apologetic toward the original author: “Sorry, she really didn’t mean to disrupt the plot. Anyway, the male and female leads still have plenty of opportunities and trials ahead—surely missing this one won’t matter.”
Tomorrow, Yu Silang would assume his official post. At this point, he was likely still only a ninth-rank official.
Yu Hongdou recalled it was some kind of Xiaowei, but she wasn’t clear on the specific duties of the position.
In romance dramas, such details weren’t important. After all, male leads from humble origins always soared through meritorious deeds and rapid promotions. By the story’s end, the male lead would inevitably become a great general.
At this moment, the entire Yu Family—except for Yu Song, who was working away from home, and Liu Shi, who had been sent back to her maternal home—had gathered in the main hall. One reason was Yu Sanlang’s return with numerous gifts; the other was to bid farewell to Yu Silang. The old master decided to take the opportunity during the meal to announce a few matters.
“These are the items brought back by Sanlang and Silang, said to be rewards from the Magistrate. Every household has a share—your mother has already divided them. Take them back to your rooms later.”
Yu Laoyezi pointed to the assortment of goods spread across the kang, then scanned the room. He noticed the eldest son and his wife darting their eyes about, the second son and his wife beaming with joy, the third son and his wife remaining dutifully expressionless, and the fourth son looking entirely indifferent. He couldn’t help but sigh inwardly.
“We previously decided to divide the family once Silang married, but his wedding won’t happen anytime soon. Meanwhile, the second son’s child, Liz, might even marry before his fourth uncle. Our current home won’t be enough to accommodate everyone. I’ve been thinking—why not divide the family early? We can request Homestead plots from the village for each of you. Once your houses are built, you can move out.”
The old master had initially been reluctant. Having been alone for much of his life, he had only felt a sense of family with Lao Zhanggui. After marrying and having children, he grew increasingly attached to the bustling atmosphere. Even after discussing it with the village chief, he had intended to delay the matter. But now, things were different.
“I came into this world alone. Your mother, though she has her family of origin, might as well not. So, the Yu Family’s standing today is largely the result of your mother and me persevering step by step. All we have now is this courtyard, eighteen mu of land, and half a mountain. Mother of our children, how much savings do we have?” At this, the old master sighed and turned to his wife.
“Two hundred and fifty taels of silver in total, plus twenty-five strings of loose coins,” replied Yu Laotaitai, Li Shi. She glanced at her husband, then at her sons and daughters-in-law, her gaze lingering a moment longer on her fourth son.
“The house will be for your mother and me to live in. We’ll keep fifty taels of silver, and divide the remaining two hundred taels into four equal shares for you four brothers. The extra 25 strings of cash will be set aside for Old Fourth’s wedding. In the future, whether you choose to provide for us during festivals is up to you. But when we grow old or fall ill and run short of money, you must share the expenses equally.”
“The family’s eighteen mu of land—we’ll keep three mu for ourselves. The remaining fifteen mu and half the mountain will be divided among you four. If you choose more mountain land, you’ll get less farmland, and vice versa.” Old Master Yu wasn’t worried about his sons lacking money. Most families in the village could hardly scrape together a few taels of silver. Moreover, over the years, he had turned a blind eye, allowing each branch to accumulate some private savings.
“Father, since I’m seldom home, I’ll entrust my share of the land to you. Any income from it shall be my filial offering and compensation for troubling you and Mother.” Yu Silang felt somewhat uneasy. His return had triggered the family division, and he couldn’t help but feel guilty.
“Father, I’ll be traveling frequently between the city and the village. I’ll take three mu of land and that half of the mountain.” Yu Sanlang also stated his position. He knew he wouldn’t stay in the village permanently, but he still claimed what was rightfully his.
“Alright. Does Laoda and Laoer have any objections?” Though Old Master Yu phrased it as a question, his tone made it clear the matter was settled. This division was fair to Laoda and Laoer, especially since their children were already grown.
Yu Laoda stole a glance at his father, shook off the hand pinching his back from behind, and nodded. “Father, I have no objections.”
With Laoda agreeing, Yu Laoer naturally had no objections either.
Since they would continue eating and living at home before moving out, grain, chickens, and ducks were temporarily excluded from the division. Each branch of the Yu family took their silver and the gifts brought by Yu Sanlang, returning to their quarters with mixed feelings—some joyful, others resentful.
Yu Silang stayed behind. He glanced outside, closed the door, and pulled a paper from his chest, handing it to his parents.
“Father, Mother, Third Brother and I performed a meritorious deed this time—we captured several notorious bandits. This is the reward from the county magistrate. Third Brother said the family division ultimately stemmed from his household, which hurt you and Mother deeply. He’s filled with remorse and asked me to give half of this silver to you both, hoping it will ease your minds and provide financial security.”
“I’ve been away for years, failing in my filial duties and causing you worry. The other half of the silver is my belated birthday tribute to you over all these years. Please accept it.” When Yu Silang heard his third brother’s intention to give the money to their parents, he felt both admiration and guilt. Previously, he had thought Third Brother’s family had been somewhat excessive in their demands.
Old Master Yu remained silent for a long while. The old lady’s tears streamed down instantly. They had raised four sons, but after marriage, each seemed to drift away. Sons grown must prioritize their own families, and the old couple had become useless. If they died swiftly, it would be one thing, but if they lingered ill for years, their fate would be uncertain.
“Enough, old woman. Why cry? We’ll accept our sons’ filial piety. Even if they can’t care for us in the future, with money in hand, we can hire people to attend to us.” Old Master Yu comforted his wife, taking the banknote. His hand trembled at the sight.
It was five hundred taels—more than the old couple had earned in their entire lives. Old Master Yu thought, no wonder Sanlang said financial ease brings peace of mind. Money emboldens a person. His earlier words were meant to reassure his wife, but with these five hundred taels, that reassurance became reality.
Li Shi was startled to see the old man tremble and followed his gaze. Though barely literate, the old woman who recognized money also trembled.
Truly, wealth moves hearts. As this silver note came before them, the elderly couple’s sorrow over dividing their family estate, the heartache of their children’s distance, and their anxieties about the future all vanished in an instant.
Meanwhile, Yu Hongdou remained unaware that her father had just given away over two hundred taels of silver. Instead, she was secretly pondering whether to spend another point to squeeze two taels from Zhang San’s private savings, or to go plunder the ill-gotten gains of the gambler Lai Mazi…