Years: Return to the Leisurely Fishing Village

Chapter 97 Separation
Tan Shaoyang said with a stern face, "Second sister-in-law, either you take the bowl and chopsticks to eat, or you think carefully about what to say and what not to say."

"I don't have the time to gossip about you. As long as you don't feel guilty about it, you can do whatever you want."

"My second brother is not at home. I don't want to argue with a woman like you. If there is anything, wait for my second brother to come back and let him come to me to talk."

"I don't care about other people's gossip, but if you think I'm slandering you, you're wrong. I'm not that bad."

"I can ask my parents to pay for building a house for you, so why would I care if you live a simple life behind closed doors?"

"If you think it's troublesome, you don't have to come. I never force anyone."

After saying this, Tan Shaoyang took the bowl and left, completely ignoring their embarrassed expressions.

The children seemed to sense that something was wrong with the atmosphere and they didn't dare to say anything. They just kept eating with their bowls and chopsticks. The scene was very quiet.

Tan Shaoyang felt uncomfortable and didn't want to care about these trivial matters, so he slipped away to his grandmother's house.

When everyone saw him, their eyes widened.

"Third brother, you actually came over when it was so busy. This is not like you."

Tan Shaoyang shrugged, pulled a chair and sat down, and asked lazily, "Have you almost finished cutting the sugarcane?"

Several days have passed, and we’re almost done chopping the trees!
Uncle Zhang laughed and said, "You are just a lazy boy. It's such a coincidence that you came just when we were finishing."

With so many people helping out, plus the replacement workers, the sugarcane was cut and transported away by the trucks.

Tan Shaoyang nodded, which was not much different from what he expected. "Then we can take a break. It's freezing cold, and it's really hard to work."

Mother Tan said, "We are all planning to go back. Are you going to stay here for two days, or are you going to come back with us?"

Tan Shaoyang was unwilling to move, and waved his hand, saying, "There's no rush to go back, I'll stay here for two more days."

He will go back after they have dealt with the troubles at home.

Everything was obviously going in a good direction, so why did something dirty happen?
I really can't figure out the reason and I feel speechless.

The group didn't stay long before returning home, mainly because they had been away from home for a long time and missed it a lot.

But when I returned to the village and heard gossip, my originally happy mood became gloomy.

The eldest and second sons stayed at home for a while and then went home.

When the eldest brother learned what had happened, he was extremely moved. Fortunately, his wife was a person who could be taken seriously and did not mind the trouble and give rise to gossip.

"Wife, the third brother is a good earner. It's better for us to live with him than to live behind closed doors."

"Besides, we have to support our parents. If we separate and live on our own, we will definitely be scolded."

"The third brother has been very kind to us and has even lent us a lot of money. We can't be such ruthless people."

"We are a family. If you work harder, you can have more people to take care of you."

Mrs. Tan nodded and said, "I understand the reason and don't need your guidance. Although it is troublesome, I am willing to go down and start the fire." Not having to worry about it is better than starting the fire yourself.

Moreover, the third brother is willing to eat it, and he can smell the meat every now and then. If they really have to cook it themselves, given their current debt situation, they definitely won't be willing to buy it.

As for what her sister-in-law thinks, that is not something she considers. If she really makes a big deal out of it, she feels that she will not get any advantage.

Of course, this cannot be said, otherwise it will easily cause trouble.

At dinner time, the whole family gathered together. No matter how reluctant Mrs. Tan was, she had to come along. She curled up and was a little trembling.

She was afraid that Tan Shaoyang would complain and she would be blamed by her whole family. Even when her husband explained that Tan Shaoyang did not complain, she was skeptical.

Tan's mother simply ignored her. She was not happy with her. She usually helped take care of the baby, holding her in her arms and coaxing her, but now she didn't even look at her.

She is not stupid. If she wants to know the situation, she can just go to her friends' homes in the village and she will find out. What can be hidden about such a small piece of land?

Mrs. Tan Er was unwilling to come down and was being talked about by others. She couldn't bear the accusations and blamed it on the third brother. It was unreasonable for her to take advantage of the third brother and still have to endure his anger.

During the meal, Tan's mother saw them trying to leave and stopped them. She had been silent just now, but now she was coming to settle the score.

"Second brother's wife, we've only been away from home for a few days and you've caused so much trouble. Are you thinking of splitting up and living on your own?"

"When a tree grows up, it branches out. When a son grows up, it's normal. If you really want to do that, just do it!"

"Now that the house is built, we can live on our own. We are both old and strong, and we don't need you to take care of us."

"The money earned from going out to sea is divided equally. You get what you pay for. No one should expect to get money for free."

"You all have your own houses, so the two of us will follow the third brother and not interfere with your affairs. This old mud house will belong to the third brother."

"If you agree, then this matter is settled."

Tan Laoer knelt down immediately, "Mom, we don't want to separate. If we separate right after we move into the new house, where will we be placed?"

"It's hard to hold your head up when people in the village talk about you! This woman was wrong for a moment. Give her a chance to reform!"

Mother Tan's voice was cold, without any warmth, "Your wife's actions are based on this consideration. She has been away from home for just a few days, and she has forced the third child not to go home."

"If you want to show off, go home. No one can see you behind closed doors."

Mrs. Tan turned pale when she was accused in person. She had never been criticized since she got married. Now, looking at the fierce look of her mother-in-law, who really wanted to bully her daughter-in-law, how could she have a good life?

"Mom, this is all my fault. I got lazy while taking care of the kids. I won't dare to do it again. I must learn how to come down and start a fire."

Tan's mother waved her hands and said, "Harmony is the most important thing in a family. When a large family is together, there are many people and a lot of work. It's normal that they are not happy."

"There's nothing to share at home. Take the tools you're used to. I'll divide the vegetable garden into two plots for you. You can prepare your own pots, pans, and utensils. We won't cook together tomorrow."

Mrs. Tan stepped forward and advised, "Mom and Dad, we are the eldest children. It is our responsibility to support you. How can you separate us? Isn't this justified?"

"You are both in good health, so it is not the time to separate the family. Besides, I have many children, and it is better for me to have your help."

Mother Tan didn't want to talk about it, and said firmly, "I know you are a good person, but I have decided on this matter. You don't have to get too tired if you start the fire yourself."

Second Mrs. Tan was trembling as she listened. The eldest sister-in-law was a good person, but she was the one who was annoying.

Although she wanted to divide the family, she never thought it would be like this!

Mrs. Tan tried her best to persuade her, but was rejected by her mother one by one. "It's decided. Just do as I say. I will still take care of you during the confinement period after you give birth."

"You want to separate the family just because you are afraid of being scolded. I will explain this matter clearly and will not let you be pointed at by others."

"It's getting late, take the kids back home to take a shower and go to bed!" The two brothers sat still, obviously wanting to persuade them alone.

Mother Tan looked at Tan Shaonan and softened her attitude, saying, "Boss, although you only have three daughters, I treat you all equally."

"It's my children, and I don't treat anyone lightly. They should eat and drink as they should. Girls can also have a bright future. Let your wife relax and don't feel ashamed because she has a daughter."

"According to her personality, she can keep the house in order so that you don't have to worry about anything."

"You don't have to feel any psychological burden. I can live better with the third brother than with you two. He is smart and can make money now."

"He has the ability, so it's only right that he supports his parents more."

"You go back first, I'll talk to the second brother."

Tan Shaonan was not good at speaking and was stopped before he could say anything. He looked at the tired faces of the two elders, sighed, and left.

After Tan Shaonan left, Tan's mother looked at Tan Shaobei again, "Your wife is too wild, she needs to be punished!"

"You complain that it's inconvenient to bring children with you. That's an excuse! Your sister-in-law is a big woman with three children. Did you see her say it's inconvenient?"

"She is usually lazy and avoids things whenever possible. She works hard to make money but doesn't want to get involved in household chores if she can avoid it. We are all human, and no one is dumber than anyone else!"

"They are both pregnant, is your sister-in-law a spoiled child?"

"You are all made of flesh. If I favor one person over another, you will all feel uncomfortable."

"For the sake of family harmony, some words are not said, but that doesn't mean others are fools who can be easily fooled."

"Don't say you don't want to split up the family. Your wife does want to split up. She's just afraid of being scolded by others."

"You gain something and you lose something, isn't that normal?"

"Go back and take good care of your own little family. Be diligent and you will live a good life."

Mother Tan shook her head and went back to her room. She had said everything she needed to say, but it just took some time for her to adapt.

When Tan Shaoyang came back and learned about the division of the family property, he looked calm. Those who had divided the family property a few years later in their previous life also couldn't wait to move out as soon as the house was built.

But in the previous life, the whole family was in chaos because of the noise made by the mute sister. There was never a peaceful moment at home, so they broke up.

Everything is going in a good direction now, but why bother making such a fuss? He is not the kind of person who will just tolerate this. Let's just break up!
Otherwise, he has no sense of propriety and keeps taking advantage of others.

Tan Shaoyang brought a pair of water shoes for several children in the family. The road was muddy, and it was more convenient to walk with water shoes. Fatty naturally got one too. Adults' affairs should not involve children.

Besides, what do children know!

Everyone else has it, except Fatty. He’s probably going to cry loudly.

They can call him Third Uncle sweetly, and he, as the Third Uncle, will not ignore him.

Everyone was delighted when they got the shoes, and went home happily holding their new sneakers.

Mother Tan sighed, "You are so heartless."

Tan Shaoyang knew what his mother meant. It was nothing more than that Tan Ersao was being scheming. He even thoughtfully prepared gifts for the children.

"Mom, I'm a grown man, how can I be so fussy?"

"You guys can do whatever you want. It's not a good thing to get together in a mess."

"Don't feel upset. When the children grow up, we will have to separate. I am still with you. I will take care of you in your old age. In the future, we will live a good life and make them envious."

Mother Tan choked, "Aren't you afraid of being talked about? You're still eating and drinking lavishly. How many meals can you splurge on with the little money you earn?"

"There are many ways to coax people. Let me see if you can do it."

Tan Shaoyang spread his hands, "Why should I coax you?" He simply didn't bother to say anything more, just wait and see!
On the other side, when Fatty ran home excitedly with his beautiful waders, Mrs. Tan saw him and asked tentatively, "Didn't your uncle buy a pair for your brother?"

Fatty looked at her in confusion, shook his head, and finally put on the new shoes excitedly.

He wants to go out and show off to his friends.

Tan Shaobei stared at his wife coldly, thinking she was unreasonable, and said in an accusing tone, "You don't think before you speak."

"Can you put on your water shoes, second child?"

Mrs. Tan curled her lips and muttered quietly, "They can be worn next year. These water shoes are not damaged. I bought them for my eldest sister-in-law's three children. What's wrong with buying a pair for my second child?"

Tan Shaobei was angered by her self-righteous words and glared at her, "Just think about it, don't say it outside, or don't blame me for not giving you face."

"How dare you accuse others? How can my sister-in-law be a human being? How can you be a human being?"

"You had a conflict with the third brother, and he put aside the past and bought water shoes for Fatty. You should be content!"

"If he doesn't buy it, you can only watch helplessly. After all, you made it, so you can't blame him for not taking care of the child."

"You are becoming more and more rude. If you feel uncomfortable staying at home, then go back to your home, so as not to cause chaos and ruin your good life."

Tan Shaobei was already angry. He didn't like the family living in harmony, but they had to create some problems, causing him to be ridiculed when he went out and he lost all his face.

Why are you so short-sighted?

When Mrs. Tan saw that her husband had lost his temper, she frowned and dared not say anything. If she continued, she was afraid that she would be sent back to her parents' home!

She shrank her neck and didn't dare to refute. "I know, but I won't say anything." She went to wash clothes obediently.

Children don't have as many twists and turns as adults. When they heard their argument, they were curious and went over to ask Tan Shaoyang, "Uncle San, everyone has shoes, but my brother doesn't have shoes?"

"Mom said that my sisters all have it, but my brother doesn't. Are you partial to them?"

After hearing this, Tan Shaoyang was stunned for a moment. His second sister-in-law was really getting more and more outrageous. She actually instilled such thoughts in her children. It would be easy for them to become stingy when they grow up.

Tan Shaoyang squatted down, looked at him and said earnestly,

"Fatty, your brother can't wear shoes yet. When he grows up, Third Uncle will definitely not be bad for him. You see, Third Uncle never shows partiality to anyone. Everyone has something he brings back."

"Fatty knows how to care about his younger brother. He is really a good brother. Keep up the good work and the brothers will be more united in the future."

As he said this, he rubbed his hair and praised him again, and the fat boy went home happily.

(End of this chapter)