Li Lanzi, who had been watching the commotion, immediately perked up when she heard that the meat included portions for their Third Branch. She snatched the bowl from Li Suisui’s hands.
“Since this meat includes our Third Branch share, and the First Branch doesn’t want it, then it’s all ours. The Third Branch won’t refuse.”
Before Li Suisui could react, the bowl was gone. Momentarily stunned, she quickly grabbed another bowl of meat from her basket.
“Aunt Third, this bowl is for you. The other one is for the First Branch.”
Seeing that the two bowls were clearly different in size, Li Lanzi clutched the one in her hands tightly.
“I already have this bowl. This is ours. Give the other one to the First Branch.”
Li Suisui couldn’t help but roll her eyes—Li Lanzi was really shameless.
“This is outrageous. Third Aunt, are you trying to turn the world upside down? Hand me that meat bowl at once.”
“Mother, this isn’t fair! Why does our Third Branch get so little while the First Branch gets so much?”
“Aunt Third, the First Branch has more people, and our parents still live with them. Naturally, they get more.”
The First Branch’s wife, Zhang Chun’e, though outwardly gentle, was decisive in action. As she handed Li Lanzi the bowl meant for the Third Branch, she simultaneously reclaimed the bowl belonging to the First Branch.
Li Lanzi was furious—she dared not provoke the First Branch, so she vented all her anger on Li Suisui instead.
“I say, Suisui, if you had brought both bowls out earlier, this mess wouldn’t have happened, and I wouldn’t have been scolded!”
Li Sanzhu tugged Li Lanzi. “What are you saying? You grabbed Suisui’s stuff and now you’re blaming her? Suisui, Aunt Third is a bit stubborn. Don’t take it to heart.”
“Who are you calling stubborn, Li Sanzhu? I gave you two sons, and you call me stubborn? Today, we’re not done!”
Li Sanzhu’s face fell; he glanced apologetically at Li Suisui. He really was a henpecked husband!
Li Suisui decided to let it slide this time, out of respect for her uncle.
“Grandpa, Grandma, since the meat has been delivered, Niannian and I will head back first.”
Lin Guiying maintained a stern face. “We accept the meat today. Helping each other within the family is right, but don’t send meat here again. Also, we don’t need filial offerings from the Second Branch—just live your own lives well.”
When the Li family was divided, Lin Guiying and Li Laotou had intended to divide the property equally among the three sons. But Li Lanzi of the Third Branch had made a scene, claiming the Second Branch had no sons and thus couldn’t get an equal share.
This struck a nerve for the Second Branch. Li Erzhu, worried about causing difficulties for Li Laotou and Lin Guiying, waived his rights to the house and land, only taking some money to buy a boat.
Lin Guiying and Li Laotou felt guilty toward the Second Branch, and thus exempted them from annual filial contributions.
“Grandma, this won’t do. Without you and Grandpa, there wouldn’t be Father, and there wouldn’t be us. Father and Mother taught us to be filial. When we have good things, we must show filial respect to you.”
Hearing Li Suisui speak like this, Lin Guiying’s attitude softened, and she shot Li Lanzi a sharp glance.
“You are truly filial, unlike some people who seem to want to eat up these old bones of mine.”
Li Lanzi pouted. “Mother, what are you looking at me for? I’m just as filial as anyone!”
“Hmph, filial? You don’t even give us the basic filial money, and you dare say that?”
“Mother, that’s not fair. The First and Second Branch didn’t give filial money either, so why must the Third Branch?”
“Third Branch daughter-in-law, if you want to argue, I’ll have a proper talk with you.”
“That’s fine—let’s make it clear, so no one thinks the Third Branch is getting too much.”
Li Laotou, who had stayed silent until now, suddenly pounded the table. “Third, control your wife! Look at how she’s speaking to your mother—utterly disrespectful!”
Henpecked Li Sanzhu could no longer watch and once again grabbed Li Lanzi. “You shameless woman, looking for trouble? How dare you talk back to Mother. Come with me to our room; I’ll settle this.”
“Li Sanzhu, if you dare settle this with me, I’ll fight back!”
Smack…
“Li Sanzhu, you hit me!”
“I did hit you. And if you ever speak back to Mother again, I’ll hit you too.”
Li Lanzi plopped to the ground, wailing loudly. “Waa… life is impossible to live!”
“Since life is impossible for you,” Lin Guiying said, “go back to your mother’s house. Our Li family cannot accommodate such a Buddha. Third, send her away today.”
“Mother, you can’t be serious?”
“She is serious. Why shouldn’t we be? If you don’t send her away, you’ll go with her. Li Lanzi, I’ve tolerated you long enough. Don’t think that just because we’ve divided the property, I can’t deal with you. As long as Third still acknowledges me as Mother, I have ways to settle this.”
Li Lanzi nervously stood up. “There are still two little ones at home. If Third sends me away, what will happen to them?”
“Don’t worry. I’ll help Third manage them. If necessary, we can find Third a new wife.”
Shocked, Li Lanzi’s mind went blank. She could not be sent back—if she were, her life would be ruined.
“Mother, I spoke wrongly earlier. I apologize. Please forgive me this time.”
Lin Guiying was about to speak again, but Li Laotou wanted to calm things down. “Fine. Since Third Branch daughter-in-law has admitted her mistake, let’s let this pass. But you must watch your words and actions from now on. Never speak back to your mother-in-law again.”
“Father, I promise. I will obey from now on.”
Li Suisui had never expected that simply delivering a bowl of meat to the First and Third Branches would trigger such a huge family uproar.