Chapter 495: Chapter 176: Splitting the Family and Putting It in Writing
When Jie Jinghun was singled out, he wanted to look to the heavens in despair. ’Is Father just using me as cannon fodder?’ He had the least right to speak, yet he was the one being asked.
Remaining silent was not an option; his father clearly wouldn’t let him off the hook. After a moment’s thought, Jie Jinghun’s voice, as gentle and smooth as jade, sounded. "I disagree."
SLAM! Mr. Xie flew into a rage, slamming the table as he shot to his feet. He pointed at Jie Jinghun’s forehead, his intimidating eyes staring him down as he spoke with cutting words. "Jie Jinghun, what right do you have to disagree? Who do you think you are? This was the Qiao Family’s dowry to your Aunt Qiao! This is your Aunt Qiao’s courtyard! You need to get your status straight. Your surname isn’t Qiao! To put it bluntly, you’re just living off someone else’s charity. You disagree? Hmph! Are you even worthy?"
Mr. Xie was seething, his anger fueled by disappointment in Jing San. Jing San and Jing Er were full-blooded brothers, born of the same mother and father; they were the ones who should have been united. Jing San could have remained silent, but he should not have voiced his opposition.
Jie Jinghun’s expression darkened, his deep gaze turning unreadable. Those words—"living off someone else’s charity"—wouldn’t have hurt much coming from Aunt Qiao. But coming from his own father, they were a heart-piercing blow.
Ever since marrying Shen Qing, Jie Jinghun had understood his status and known his place. That was why he had never clashed with Aunt Qiao all these years.
"Jie Jianguo," Mrs. Xie snapped, her beautiful eyes flashing with displeasure. "If you can’t speak properly, then just shut up."
"Dear," Mr. Xie instantly deflated. He couldn’t act tough in front of Mrs. Xie. He was getting old, and kneeling on the washboard was genuine torture.
"I’ll deal with you later." Mrs. Xie didn’t rebuke Mr. Xie just yet. She rose and walked over to Jie Jinghun, standing behind him and patting his shoulder a few times. "Jing San, your father’s had too much to drink. Don’t take what he said to heart."
"Aunt Qiao, I’m fine." Jie Jinghun reined in the dark emotions in his eyes and forced a gentle smile for Mrs. Xie, but it seemed strained and didn’t reach his eyes.
Mrs. Xie watched him, her heart aching. The memory of Zhang Hongyan dying to save her life made guilt surge within her. Jing San was gentle and refined, yet extremely sensitive. Jie Jianguo’s words about him "living off someone else’s charity" had deeply wounded his pride.
When a heart is wounded, words of comfort are meaningless. Mrs. Xie shot a venomous glare at Mr. Xie.
Jing San and Jing Er were both born to Jie Jianguo and Zhang Hongyan. After Jing Er got married, Jie Jianguo’s favoritism toward him became obvious. Besides Jing Er and his wife being experts at currying favor, Jie You also helped them along.
Mr. Xie sat back down, picking up his bowl and taking a sip of pumpkin and mung bean soup to cool his temper. He realized he had gone too far, but he was Jing San’s father, after all. And what father on earth apologizes to his son?
The atmosphere was oppressive. A dark glint flashed in Jie Jingchen’s downcast eyes as he suddenly spoke. "Split the family."
Jie Jinghun’s expression was unreadable. Mrs. Xie was lost in thought. Mr. Xie struggled to maintain a calm facade, his deep gaze fixed on Jie Jingchen as he asked through gritted teeth, "How else do you want to split things?"
A terrible premonition washed over him. ’What kind of terrible idea is this rebellious son going to suggest now?’
Jie Jingchen met Mr. Xie’s stern gaze directly and said in a resolute tone, "Jing San will be splitting off."
"Jie Jingchen," Mr. Xie shot to his feet, his voice hoarse with shock. "It’s bad enough that you act so recklessly, but now you’re encouraging Jing San? Will you not be happy until this family is torn to pieces?"
Jie Jingchen ignored the apoplectic Mr. Xie and turned to the silent Jie Jinghun. "Jing San," he asked, "are you willing to move out with your wife and live on your own?"
"I..." Jie Jinghun hesitated. Of course, he wanted to, but he had reservations. He wasn’t Aunt Qiao’s biological son, and this courtyard belonged to her. He didn’t expect the same treatment as Jie Jingchen; he just hoped for a room to live in.
Just as his father had said, he was living on someone else’s charity. Everyone knew exactly what it would mean if he were to move out on his own.
"Fine. We’ll split," Mrs. Xie said suddenly, a faint melancholy in her beautiful eyes.
"Yan Qiu," Mr. Xie said, looking at her in disbelief.
Mrs. Xie didn’t even glance at him, stating decisively, "The three rooms in the east wing will go to Jing San and his wife. When Jing Wu gets back, I’ll have him move into the south wing."
"Aunt Qiao," Jie Jinghun stammered, completely stunned. The three rooms in the east wing... she was actually giving them to him. This was the same treatment Jing Si received. He was completely caught off guard.
"Yan Qiu," Mr. Xie was completely flabbergasted.
"Jing Si, go get a pen and paper," Mrs. Xie said to Jie Jingchen.
"What’s the pen and paper for?" Mr. Xie asked, bewildered.
"To draw up a formal agreement," Mrs. Xie said gravely.
"Draw up... an agreement?" Seeing Mrs. Xie’s stern and serious expression, Mr. Xie tried to dissuade her. "Dear, there’s no need for that."
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