Zeng Ruixiang said he wanted to hold a family meeting, and the children were all confused, as this was something that had never happened before. Lin Kangping originally wanted to leave, but Zeng Ruixiang kept him there. The whole family sat down in the hall, and Zeng Ruixiang looked at his children and said: "Since we divided the family property, our days have been getting better and better. Your mother and I have come to understand a truth over the years: after the children get married, they all have their own thoughts, and the earlier they separate, the more beneficial it is for the children. The more people in the family, the less they think alike, and when working together, they will compare and compete with each other, afraid of being taken advantage of. When there's a little benefit to be had, they'll all be like chickens pecking at grain, resentful of each other, as if you ate my food and I ate yours. The thicker the blood ties, the more diluted they become in the face of money and personal interests. In the end, it may even be worse than with strangers. Your mother, the aunts, and I are an example of this."

  Zeng Ruixiang paused for a moment, looking at Shen Shi and continued: "Your mother has suffered so much over the years, you older ones may still have some impression. So, I and your mother had already discussed it long ago, when our own children get married, we will not tie you all together, let you go out on your own as soon as possible, rely on your own abilities to make a living, if you really don't have any ability, these years we have also set up some industries, honestly guarding the little property left by your parents, can also live a life without worrying about food and clothing. So, this family will temporarily separate like this, I and your mother decided, each child gets married and separates two shops, 100 mu of water field, plus 2000 taels of silver. Two shops have an annual rent of 100 taels, 100 mu of water field, as long as it's not a disaster year, can also get around 250 taels of rent. This is enough for a relatively wealthy family to live well for several years, so you should still have some surplus every year relying on the rent. Our family's current assets are 10 shops, 420 mu of water field, and there are more than 3000 taels of silver at home. First give Zifeng 2000 taels, plus two shops and 100 mu of water field, the shop's rent you can collect by yourself from tomorrow."

  "Dad, I'm the eldest son. How can we divide the family just after getting married? My younger brother and sister are still young, and I haven't done anything for this family yet. How can I start my own life first? Dad, I don't agree with dividing the family. Once divided, I feel like I'll be distant from my younger brother and sister." Zifeng said hastily.

  "Don't worry about this, I and your mother have thought it through long ago. This family is bound to be divided, and the sooner we split up, the better for all of you. We've understood this point after so many years." Zeng Rui Xiang said.

  "Alright then. Father, why not keep some of the silver at home instead of giving me so much? What if something urgent comes up? Besides, this year Xiao Er is also getting married, we should prepare more silver." Zi Fu said.

  Liu's face was dull and expressionless, as if she were in a dream. She would never have thought that the Zeng family had such a thick foundation. It was like a big pie falling from the sky, knocking her out.

  "No need, we have enough silver at home. Every year there is income. You are going to the capital, you still need some silver on hand. Last year was not a good harvest, production was reduced by a lot, early rice didn't even collect one cent of rent, watermelon and oranges were also reduced. Even so, the silver collected in a year is enough for Xiao Er's use." said Shen Shi.

  "Right, tomorrow I'll get the village head to separate your household registration, and transfer the land deed and house deed to you. Without a household registration, you can't buy property in the future. From now on, it's up to you yourselves. We only hope that from now on, you'll live a good life, take care of each other as brothers should, but don't go calculating against your own family members. Your mother and I have no other requests." Zeng Rui Xiang said.

  "There's one more thing, this family business was mainly built up by Qing'er's efforts, so from now on, Qing'er and Yu'er will be treated equally like you all, with 2,000 taels of silver and two shops and 100 mu of water fields. I'm saying this clearly beforehand, do any of you have any opinions? Don't say later that I, as a mother, favor my daughter." Shen Shi asked.

  "No, no, it should be. In my opinion, we should give more dowry to our sister. After all, she is marrying into another family, and having some extra silver by her side is also necessary." Zi Fu said.

  "It's not necessary to give too much, and it's not necessary for the family to split things clearly. Before the division of the house, what was earned was shared by the whole family, but after the division, the money you earn belongs to yourselves. However, it would be good if you could think about Qing'er a bit more." Madam Shen said with a wave of her hand.

  "Mother, it's okay if Qing'er doesn't give us anything. I can raise her myself, you don't have to worry. We'll definitely be fine in the future, let's leave the family property for our younger siblings instead." Lin Kangping said, nudging a dazed Zi Qing.

  Ziying was immersed in her own sadness, her elder brother got married and had someone to love, now he has to go far away to the capital city, their family is separated again, from now on, she might not be able to enjoy his love anymore, next it will be her second brother's turn, Ziying's tears fell one by one.

  "There's no need to argue about this, yours is yours, dowry is dowry. Can't my son get along with his own sister just because of a dowry? I've said it before, sons and daughters are the same. After we're gone, you can divide the family property equally among yourselves." Zeng Rui Xiang said.

  Lin Kangping saw that Ziying didn't react after being touched, still lowering her head. However, he saw tears falling one by one, and Lin Kangping knew what was on Ziying's mind. He quickly took out his handkerchief and handed it over to her. If there weren't so many people around, Lin Kangping would have already wiped away her tears for her. Lin Kangping whispered in Ziying's ear: "Don't worry, from now on we won't leave, we'll stay with our parents. When big brother and the others come back, we can still live and eat together."

  "Sister, what's wrong? You're crying. Don't cry, is it because you think mom and dad didn't give you enough dowry? Don't worry, when brother grows up and earns money, he'll definitely give you a big gift." Zi Xi was standing next to Zi Qing, saw her movement, and jokingly said.

  "What's Xiao Si saying? Haven't you seen your sister is heartbroken?" Lin Kangping glared at Zi Xi.

  "You know what, I'm doing this just to make you laugh, sis. Sis, from now on, wherever I go, you'll go too, we won't be apart," said Zixi.

  Zi Qing burst out laughing, "What nonsense are you talking about? Why don't you say that wherever I am, you'll be there too? Why do you have to follow me? Can't you just be with me instead? Besides, wait until you get married in the future and then try saying this again."

  "Look, I'll just coax my sister. The two of us are no different from each other, we can definitely live a life of luxury." Zi Xi shouted.

  Zi Fu saw that Zi Qing's mood had improved a bit, and said: "Father and mother, you can rest assured. No matter where I will be in the future or what I will do, I will always remember my younger brothers and sisters in this family. And I will also remember my responsibility as the eldest son." After finishing speaking, Zi Fu led Liu Shi to kowtow three times to his parents.

  Shen's family covered her mouth with her hand and sobbed: "You must remember what your mother said, you have to come back home every year for the New Year, so that your mother can take a good look at you."

  Ziying looked at Shen's tears and couldn't help herself, Lin Kangping this time kindly wiped away Ziying's tears with one hand, while holding her hand with the other. If there weren't so many people around, he really wanted to hold Ziying in his arms and comfort her properly. These tears, drop by drop, fell on his heart, aching dully. Others hadn't paid much attention, but Liu was consumed with envy - this brother-in-law truly loved his little sister-in-law.

  "Child, these days your mother has been keeping a cold eye on you, but I can see that you are also capable and diligent. Live a good life. When you have children, it will be busy, so buy a maid to help you, don't be afraid to spend money. Our family's daily expenses are enough with over 20 taels, adding the cost of rice and clothing, 50 taels is sufficient. You should have a plan in mind for managing this money. This time letting you go to Beijing, it's mainly for Zifeng's studies. You can buy or rent a small house in Beijing, and use the remaining silver to buy a shop to rent out, collecting the rent will also give you a surplus. Child, Zifeng is your husband, he is your lifelong dependence, if he does well, you will do well too. So, usually pay more attention and take care of him for me."

  "Yes, mother, I remember. I will take good care of him, don't worry. I will also remind him to send more messages back home." Liu replied.

  "Big brother, it's not bad to buy a house in the capital. If you're going to stay in Beijing for several years, having a place to live is convenient. In the future, whether to rent or sell is up to you. I'll go with you, and you can first move into my house, then slowly look around, no rush, must buy one that you like. After two years, take Dad and Mom to Beijing for a stroll." Lin Kangping said.

  "That's even better, and there will be someone to take care of you along the way," said Zifeng.

  "Tomorrow, when you go to handle the household registration, bring your wife back to her parents' home for a day. This time, it will take a year before she can come back." Shen said to Zi Fu, then paused and said to Liu: "Family matters, I haven't kept secrets from you, considering you as part of the family. Maybe things that shouldn't be spoken outside, just don't speak them outside. Do you understand what I mean?"

  Liu agreed hastily. Shen then asked her to put away the things earlier and lock up those that were not needed in the chests.

  "Father, mother, should we tell grandfather and grandmother about the division of the house? I will definitely go there before I leave. The household registration is separated, they will know sooner or later. Such a big thing, if they find out from someone else's mouth, grandfather and grandmother will blame us." Zifeng asked.

  Zeng Ruixiang thought for a moment and said: "Tomorrow we'll go together to say hello, then find Li Zheng, let's get it done early and set off early."

  Zi Fu nodded slightly.

  Everyone continued to chat for a while, knowing that Zifeng was going to Beijing and had also started living separately. Everyone's heart felt a little sour, let alone Ziqing, who not only had to see off Zifeng but also Lin Kangping. The sorrow of parting surged in everyone's heart.