Rebirth in the 50s: The Couple with the Hidden Space-Chapter 353 - 269: Separation

As night fell, in the kitchen, Mother Zhang led her daughters-in-law to prepare the banquet early. The mediators they invited were about to arrive, and after the household was divided, they had to treat them to drinks. In the meantime, they were all eavesdropping, so it was necessary to prepare in advance.

In the main room of the Zhang Family house, two oil lamps were lit, and the table was set with pen, ink, paper, inkstone, yellowed account books, and an abacus. Once the Zhang Family Village’s clan leader, clan elders, Old Captain, and Uncle Zhang sat down, Mr. Zhang called over his three daughters-in-law to join as listeners.

The Zhang Family, including the children, gathered together, all quietly sitting and waiting for Mr. Zhang to speak.

Mr. Zhang gazed at his children and grandchildren in front of him, beaming with a smile. He cleared his throat and said, "Today everyone is here, so I’ll say a few words first. As the saying goes, when a tree grows branches, children grow and separate. Your grandfather used to say that when the children grow up, after a year of marriage, they separate to live independently. Initially, the second one should have separated early, but due to various reasons, it dragged on till now. Fortunately, you brothers love each other, and your wives live harmoniously, never quarreling over trivial matters. Today, I’ve invited the elders to act as mediators to divide the household for you. Separating the family doesn’t mean separating bonds; you are brothers, connected by blood. Whatever happens, you must help each other, unite together, so the future path can be longer."

"Dad, don’t worry. Even after the separation, we are still blood brothers. We will certainly look after each other," Zhang Guofu said.

Mr. Zhang smiled and nodded, "The eldest, the second, and Xiao Wu, you’ve all married and had children. From now on, the money you earn is for your own use, and the upcoming path will rely on you."

Seeing the three nod, Mr. Zhang continued, "Before the separation, let me talk about our family situation. Our family relied on you three brothers to help your parents. The eldest worked tirelessly all year, never stopping. The second is clever, finding opportunities everywhere to supplement the family. Xiao Wu, he hunts on the mountain to support the family. Over the years, the family’s efforts have finally resulted in some savings.

Speaking of savings, I have to mention something. The separation divides the parents’ property. I can’t treat the money you contributed after marrying as parents’ property. The money contributed after marrying, I’ll return the amounts recorded in the account books to you. Once this money is divided, we can start the separation."

Mr. Zhang handed over some notebooks to the clan elders for them to inspect.

Several notebooks were consolidated into Old Captain’s hands. He calculated the total with the abacus, found no mistakes, and nodded.

Mother Zhang stepped forward to hand Old Captain a wooden box with an open lock, with three red paper-sealed envelopes on top, bearing names.

Old Captain took it, pressing lightly, and nodded repeatedly. He admired Zhang the Second and his wife’s meticulous and thorough approach. This method, regardless of the amount the sons contributed after marriage, it didn’t show. Following the names on the envelopes, he returned them to Zhang Guoqing and his brothers.

Once they accepted the envelopes, Mr. Zhang continued, "Alright, next is the separation. All the household’s money is in this box. According to Old Zhang’s family tradition, Xi Zi, as the eldest grandson, receives a descendant’s package. I’ve also divided the household’s money into four shares as per tradition. Xi Zi’s portion of money, the eldest will keep for him, and it must be returned to him when he marries."

Zhou Jiao noticed Lin Juhua staring intently at Xi Zi and quickly pinched her hand, signaling her with her eyes. At such critical moments, she mustn’t say anything rash that would make people laugh. Zhang Family clan members separate this way, so don’t be too frank about the longer it takes to separate, the more advantageous for the eldest grandson.

Lin Juhua smiled at her, seeing nobody brought it up, silently whispered, "Retirement fund."

Zhang Guoqing was indifferent to the separation and focused on everyone else. Observing Lin Juhua, he knew his father forgot to set aside a retirement fund, "Dad, your retirement fund hasn’t been set aside."

Old Captain laughed heartily, teasing Mr. Zhang, "Others separate by first talking about caregiving then money. Your dad is different, first talking about money without mentioning care. He thinks he’s a god, not needing you three brothers to take care of him. You should take the money and leave quickly."

His words caused everyone to burst into laughter.

Clan leader Zhang remarked, "The second one has three good sons and excellent daughters-in-law, so he’s not worried about none of them taking care of the couple. Otherwise, he’d be anxious long ago. So, how much do you want to set aside for retirement money?"

Beside them, a clan elder, who hadn’t seen inside the box, glanced at the box in front of Old Captain and was startled, "Folks, hold off on helping him separate first. Zhang the Second, why do you have so much money?"

Old Captain chuckled without speaking. He knew the Zhang family’s finances best. Years ago, Mr. Zhang and his three brothers earned a lot from hunting, allowing them to build a big courtyard. As the children grew up, each one learned to earn money. Wouldn’t Zhang Guoqing, who often stayed on the mountain for days, have money? If he didn’t have money, there wouldn’t be high-priced dowries for all three daughters-in-law.