The Peasant Wife: The Prime Minister's Beloved

"First of all, if you really don't want to separate, then please be prepared to accept the divorce letter."

After leaving these powerful words, Zheng Cuihua walked out of the room without looking back.

Zheng Cuihua's departure made the atmosphere in the room even more subtle. Chen Zhenwen's dissatisfaction finally found an outlet and he began to criticize Chen Zhenwu.

As Old Mrs. Chen watched this scene, she felt a mixture of emotions that were difficult to describe, and her consolation to Chen Zhenwu was filled with endless worries.

"Son, maybe separation is the best solution. Cuihua is a person of integrity. If it really comes to that, and your marriage hasn't even lasted two years and you don't even have a child, how will people outside look at us?"

The questions raised by Chen Zhenwu touched upon the little plans in the minds of Chen Zhenwen and Zhou Xuemei that had not yet been made public.

On the surface, they seemed to be filial and were competing to support Old Mrs. Chen, but in fact they had another more complicated plan in mind.

If he could get the old lady into his camp, then regardless of whether the lost silver could be recovered in the future, the wealth would all be in his pocket.

Even the usually shrewd old lady didn't notice what they were thinking.

"Mom, don't worry too much. Even if my second brother separates from us, I, Chen Zhenwen, will never abandon you. Just live with me and Xuemei with peace of mind. We will do our best to let you enjoy your old age." Chen Zhenwen's tone was sincere and firm.

After hearing this, the old lady felt relieved, but she had no idea of ​​the deeper meaning behind all this, and even mistakenly believed that she was quite popular among her daughters-in-law.

"I'm still in good health and can take care of myself." She pretended to be strong, trying to show that she was still independent.

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhenwen immediately showed his anxiety, "Mom, how can I let you live alone? You should stay with us. Xuemei and I will respect you wholeheartedly and ensure that you will not suffer any grievances."

This seemingly sincere filial piety actually contains so much unknown selfishness and calculations.

"Mom, I completely understand and support the idea of ​​dividing the family, but I cannot agree with letting you live alone. If you are willing to live with my eldest brother, that would be great. If you choose to live with me, I will have no objection. Our door is always open to you."

Chen Zhenwu's words were sincere and firm, completely different from Chen Zhenwen's smooth-talking style, and seemed more plain and unpretentious.

"Mom, you should consider coming with us. You know, my sister-in-law Cuihua often goes back to her parents' home, and you are often left alone at home. What if one day you can't even have a hot meal? On our side, Xuemei is at home almost all day because she has to take care of Dabao, making sure every meal is fresh and hot. You can definitely go no wrong if you come with us."

Chen Zhenwen was afraid that his mother would be moved by Chen Zhenwu's sincerity, so he quickly showed off his own advantages and criticized Zheng Cuihua in his words, trying to highlight his superiority.

"In the end, the decision is up to you. Whether you choose to be with my brother or me, we respect your wishes."

Chen Zhenwu expressed himself frankly without any pretense, and his attitude made the whole atmosphere seem more honest and direct.

Old Mrs. Chen pondered for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in her mind.

What Chen Zhenwen said makes sense. Zheng Cuihua's frequent absence from home does make people worry that no one will take care of her in her daily life.

In comparison, Zhou Xuemei is gentle and considerate, and she knows the elderly's preferences very well, so living with her may be more harmonious.

After making up her mind, the old lady looked at the children in front of her one by one.

"I've decided to live with Xuemei from now on. I'm used to her cooking skills. Besides, Cuihua often goes back to her parents' home, so it's hard for her to even have a hot meal."

After hearing this, Chen Zhenwu's face turned slightly worried.

His wife frequently went back to her parents' home, but he was helpless to do anything about it. This feeling of powerlessness made him feel mixed emotions.

"Since mom has made up your mind, then settle down in my eldest brother's house first. Whenever you want to come to our place, the door is always open for you." Although there was regret in Chen Zhenwu's words, it was more of a respect for his mother's wishes.

"Well, I am so lucky to have two filial sons like you and a virtuous daughter-in-law like Xuemei."

Old Mrs. Chen was filled with joy and felt that she was the happiest mother in the world.

In this way, the house was divided into two parts.

According to the old man's last wishes, Chen Zhenwen and Chen Zhenwu each got half of the house, with clear boundaries.

As for the little savings left in the family, they both agreed that there was no need to worry too much about it and just let it be distributed naturally.

The land was divided according to the principle of two-one plus five. Considering that Chen Zhenwen's family had to bear more expenses due to the birth of Chen Dabao, they got some extra land.

As for daily necessities such as pots, pans, and utensils, Chen Zhenwu did not want any of them and left them all to his eldest brother. He thought that since his mother lived with his eldest brother, these daily utensils should be inherited by his eldest brother's family and he would buy new ones.

"The family property has been divided up now. You should go and bring Cuihua back home as soon as possible. If a woman always lives in her parents' home, people outside will inevitably gossip about her. And if she lives outside for a long time like this, when will our Chen family be able to have a healthy grandson?"

"I still haven't gotten over the anger in my heart, especially her lack of respect for you, which is really hard for me to accept." Chen Zhenwu's inner grievances and dissatisfaction have not completely dissipated.

"Let the past go with the wind. The future belongs to the two of you. I will be satisfied if you can live happily and harmoniously and give me my grandson as soon as possible." Old Mrs. Chen comforted.

"That's right, mother is right. Don't let others laugh at you. We should bring my brother and sister home as soon as possible. Only then can we be together as a family."

Chen Zhenwen also echoed and once again emphasized the importance of family harmony.

The corners of Chen Zhenwen's mouth rose slightly, with a cunning light flashing in his eyes. His smug look was particularly dazzling in the sunlight.

"But what about the debt of one or two taels of silver?" Zhou Xuemei's voice penetrated the noise and went straight to the heart of the matter.

Although the family property has been clearly divided, the debt that hangs over one's heart is like a thorn that is difficult to remove.

Old Mrs. Chen stood up slowly. The years had left traces of vicissitudes on her face, but they had also endowed her with a kind of majesty.

"If both families contribute five hundred coins each, the matter will be settled." Her voice was calm and firm.

Upon hearing this, Chen Zhenwen and Zhou Xuemei couldn't help but exchange glances, which contained both reluctance and helplessness.

They knew very well that although these five hundred coins were not much, they would undoubtedly add insult to injury to their difficult life.

Especially when he thought about the fact that Old Mrs. Chen was still living with them, he felt even more resentful and muttered privately that the debt should have been borne by Chen Zhenwu.