Married but Untouched! Her Soldier Husband Came Home Dumbfounded! - Chapter 21

At the break of dawn, the gates of the Shen family compound opened.

Ever since the discussion about splitting the family yesterday, none of the Shen brothers slept well through the night.

After breakfast, the three brothers lingered at the table, hesitant to leave.

Shen Chunsheng lit his hand-rolled cigarette and took a couple of drags before lifting his eyes to glance at his sons. “What are you all standing around for? Aren’t you going to get ready for work?”

Shen Jianguo, eldest son, had always feared his father. Yesterday, he had spoken freely about splitting the family with his younger brothers, but now, facing his father’s gaze, he stuttered, unable to utter the words “split the family.”

Shen Jianjun, sitting nearby, grew impatient. He discreetly shot a glance at his ineffectual eldest brother and decided to speak for him.

“Father, yesterday, big brother called Second Brother and me to his room. He said he wanted to split the family. Second Brother agreed, and I have no objections. How do you think we should divide things?”

The hand holding the cigarette froze, and Shen Chunsheng’s expression darkened instantly.

Shen Zhang, who had been wiping the table, suddenly looked up sharply. “What? Split the family? Is this Big Brother’s idea?”

The sharp question made Shen Jianguo shrink back, forcing a smile. “Father, Mother, I thought… the children are all grown now. Living together constantly isn’t practical, and the house can’t accommodate everyone. Perhaps it’s better to split.”

Shen Zhang’s anger flared. “This yard is big enough! How can it ‘not accommodate everyone’? Sounds to me like you all are getting arrogant and no longer respecting me or your father!”

Neither the eldest nor the youngest dared speak.

Shen Jianhua sighed and tried to mediate. “Father, Mother, Big Brother isn’t wrong. The children are grown; it’s not practical for everyone to live under the same roof. Splitting up is reasonable.”

Seeing their parents’ grim expressions, he added earnestly, “Don’t worry, even after the split, the three of us will still honor and care for you.”

Shen Jianjun nodded in agreement. “Father, Mother, it’s just splitting the family. Big Brother, Second Brother, and I won’t neglect you. The house will still be under your authority.”

Shen Chunsheng smirked inwardly. So, the three ungrateful sons had clearly agreed among themselves—they intended to divide the family.

If he and his wife tried to resist, controlling them in the future would be impossible.

He scanned their faces, then asked gravely, “There’s only this one compound. How do you intend to divide it?”

The three sons immediately realized their father was reluctant, he didn’t want to split the family, nor did he want to relinquish control.

The Shen family’s current home was formed by merging two plots of land. The three brothers could apply to the village for another plot, but due to recent population growth, there weren’t enough available plots. They had applied, but the request had yet to be approved.

Liu Wenjing, paying close attention to the commotion in the main hall, overheard the discussion about splitting the family. Smart as she was, she knew this was not the time to speak up—even Shen Zhanping had no say.

When she heard there was only one compound, she exchanged a glance with her mother-in-law, Li Guiying, and the two quietly returned to their room.

Moments later, Li Guiying emerged and quietly went into the main hall.

“Father, Mother, why don’t we follow the example of Third Aunt across the street? Split the family but not the home—still live together, just eat separately.”

“That’s a good idea. I agree,” chimed in the youngest, Shen Jianjun.

Before he could finish, Shen Zhang shot him a fierce glare. “What nonsense is that? How is that different from not splitting the family at all?”

Li Guiying calmly responded, “Mother, what’s wrong with this plan? Each household keeps their own earnings, everyone lives separately, and no one feels short-changed. It’ll prevent constant complaints and tension.”

Shen Zhang ground her teeth in frustration. “I’ve never heard anyone complaining, and it’s only you whining constantly about being shortchanged! You’re petty over trivial matters!”

“I’m not that kind of person! Don’t wrong me! I already have two grandchildren—what you’re saying makes me question how I should act in the future!” Li Guiying shot back, glaring and arguing fiercely.

Shen Chunsheng ignored his stubborn daughter-in-law, taking a drag from his cigarette as smoke curled across his wrinkled face. Finally, he turned to Shen Jianhua. “Second Son, you agree? Split the family but not the home?”

Shen Jianhua had indeed considered the housing situation the previous night.

Living with parents and siblings all these years had never been peaceful. His wife had endured her share of stress too.

He glanced around the compound—ten clay-brick rooms housing three generations, over twenty people. Bathing and using the toilet were awkward at best.

He withdrew his gaze without a hint of attachment. “Father, Sister-in-law’s suggestion is reasonable, but the house truly isn’t enough. In a couple of years, it will be even more cramped.”

“There’s that old family house of Grandpa and Grandma’s, half of it belongs to us. I’ll clean it up and move Xiuju and the children there, leaving this compound for you, Mother, Big Brother, and Third Brother. That way, you’ll have more space.”

The eldest and youngest brothers exchanged pleased glances. If the Second Brother moved out, five fewer people would remain—problem solved.

Shen Chunsheng, seeing their thorough planning, knew he couldn’t stop them. Reluctantly, he allowed it. Fortunately, he and his wife had controlled the family finances all these years.

After the split, having the sons contribute monthly for their upkeep would ensure a comfortable life.

Though he wondered, would Zhanxun continue sending ten yuan every month? He’d need to ask Second Son about that later.

Thinking of this, Shen Chunsheng’s expression softened. Concerned, he said, “The old house is mostly ruined. If you plan to move there, it’ll need some fixing.”

“I’ve thought it through. The fields are quiet now. Once the split is finalized, Big Brother and Third Brother will help fix the roof. Once the house is ready, we’ll move in, freeing up this compound for them.” Shen Jianhua’s plan was clear: his family could move, but Big Brother and Third Brother had to prepare the house first.

Both Shen Jianguo and Shen Jianjun agreed. They would check the old house that afternoon, prepare necessary materials, and start cleaning tomorrow.

Once the house division was settled, money, possessions, and elder care had to be addressed.

Shen Jianhua suggested inviting the village chief and accountant to witness the arrangements, ideally drafting a written family-split agreement. After all, elder care involved interests, and a written agreement would prevent future disputes.

Shen Chunsheng didn’t oppose the idea. “Second Son is thorough. Invite the chief and accountant, and also Uncle and our cousins to witness.”

Shen Jianguo thought it unnecessary but followed along. The three sons left to fetch the chief.

Shen Chunsheng and Shen Zhang returned to their room and closed the door.

Shen Zhang produced a small black box and whispered, “Old man, how much should we give them?”

Shen Chunsheng counted the stack of cash—1,148 yuan, the family’s savings over the years. He set aside 700 yuan for Shen Zhang to hide and left the remaining 400 in the box. After some hesitation, he reluctantly added another 100 yuan to the box.

“When the chief arrives, bring out this box and say it’s the family’s total savings.”

“Alright,” Shen Zhang sighed, muttering curses at the eldest son for instigating the split.

Shen Chunsheng waved dismissively. “Let it be. Better this way than constantly watching them quarrel over trivial matters. Less fighting, more peace.”