FIMA Ch49.2: Family Division

This was Xie Changyue’s first time catching fish in the creek, and he was ecstatic. On the way back, he insisted on carrying the bucket himself, and Gu Siyuan couldn’t argue with him.

However, to keep the fish alive longer, the bucket was filled with over half a bucket of creek water. With his little strength, he couldn’t hold on for long.

Then, as usual, he started whining and calling for his husband.

When Gu Siyuan easily lifted the bucket, the little guy began praising him with starry eyes all the way home.

When they got back, Mu Xi looked at the fish swimming in the bucket and gestured approvingly, “You really caught them. Amazing.”

Xie Changyue squatted by the bucket, nodding proudly, his pretty eyes squinting into a line, “Husband caught them all, but… I helped a little too.”

Mu Xia had never seen such a cute and energetic young man before. He couldn’t resist wanting to rub his face, but as soon as he met his son’s piercing gaze, he abandoned the idea.

He gestured to his son’s husband and said, “Let Yang’er grill this for you. I’ll make some sauce to brush on it.”

“Thank you, Pa.” Xie Changyue nodded happily, and after thinking for a moment, he said softly, “Pa, I can split it into two pieces, one for you.”

“…” Mu Xia.

It really wasn’t necessary to force himself like that.

Xie Changyue hugged the wooden bucket. These were the fish he and his husband had caught together. He was reluctant to give even one away, but his father treated him well and was also his husband’s father.

Mu Xia shook his head with a helpless smile and got up to go to the kitchen. He didn’t plan to fight with his son’s husband over these precious fish.

Gu Siyuan entered the house, took out a few ears of corn he had saved earlier, and started a small fire in the corner of the yard.

Xie Changyue immediately carried the wooden bucket and eagerly followed.

Grandmother Gu came back from chatting outside and frowned when she saw the smoke rising from the corner. “We’re about to have dinner. What are you doing now?”

Gu Siyuan looked up and explained, “Changyue’s crops have been harvested, so we’re grilling some for him to taste.”

Grandmother Gu frowned, “Crops? Didn’t you say they were flowers?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression remained unchanged, “I made a mistake. They are crops.”

“I thought so. How could flowers look like that? Wasted money and wasted a plot of land,” Grandmother Gu muttered. After a moment, she said sternly, “You are a scholar. Don’t spend all your time with your husband. The exams are next spring. Focus on your studies. I’m not asking you to be as outstanding as Zhen’er and pass the provincial exam directly, but at least pass the county exam!”

“Yes,” Gu Siyuan nodded.

Grandmother Gu looked at his indifferent demeanor and lost interest in talking to him. Why was there such a big difference between her grandsons? One was so lovable, the other not at all.

Gu Siyuan didn’t mind and continued to focus on the things in the fire.

Xie Changyue tugged at his sleeve.

Gu Siyuan asked, “Hmm?”

Xie Changyue pressed his face against his wrist affectionately, “Husband is the best. I like you the most.”

“…” Gu Siyuan.

What should he do with a husband who confessed his love anytime and anywhere?

Corn and fish cooked quickly, and before long, a unique fragrant smell wafted through the air.

Everyone in the yard couldn’t help but sniff the air.

Li Xiangtao poked her head out and, seeing that Gu Yang was not there, ran out quickly, “Brother’s husband, are you making something delicious while A-Yang is on vacation? The smell is so strong that I can smell it from my room.”

Mu Xia handed the sauce to Xie Changyue, telling him to brush it slowly onto the fish.

Then, he rolled his eyes and went straight to the kitchen, not wanting to talk to Li Xiangtao.

If she had a question, she should ask properly instead of throwing in a jab.

Li Xiangtao hadn’t expected a reply from this mute and just walked over to Xie Changyue to watch. Then her eyes widened, “Grilled fish? When did you buy fish? Why is the family eating secretly? We haven’t even split the family yet. Even if you don’t give it to our main branch, you should at least honor the parents!”

Xie Changyue retorted, “What are you talking about? These fish were caught by my husband, and Father is already making fish soup in the kitchen. Grandparents will be able to eat it soon.”

Hearing there was fish soup, Li Xiangtao smiled and said indifferently, “We are all family. What’s yours, mine, or ours? We all eat from the same pot, don’t we?”

Xie Changyue raised an eyebrow and said, “Aunt, I just saw you buy dried persimmons from the peddler. Grandpa seems to like them, and I like them too. Could you share some later?”

Li Xiangtao’s expression changed, and she laughed awkwardly, “What are you talking about? There are no dried persimmons.”

Xie Changyue stared at her mouth and said leisurely, “The sugar frost is still on your lips. You were just hiding in your room eating them, weren’t you?”

Li Xiangtao’s eyelid twitched, and she hurriedly wiped her mouth.

Xie Changyue sneered, “Hmph, didn’t you say there weren’t any? You really know how to lie.”

“You… you…” Li Xiangtao pointed at him, almost jumping in anger.

Just then, Gu Siyuan came out holding something.

Li Xiangtao immediately retreated in fear.

Ever since the watermelon dispute, every time she said something about the second branch, Gu Yang would find ways to make her even more uncomfortable. She was now terrified of Gu Yang.

She could only glare at Xie Changyue before stumbling back to her room.

Hmph, her son would be back tomorrow. She would make sure he taught Gu Yang a lesson.

In the main room, Grandfather Gu and Grandmother Gu listened to the commotion in the yard and exchanged a knowing glance.

Grandfather Gu sighed, “Zhen’er will be back tomorrow. It’s better to split the family early. Right now, it’s just verbal disputes.”

Grandmother Gu nodded but complained, “They only stand up for their wives once they’re married. Yang’er wasn’t like this before. Is it proper for a junior to scare his aunt like this?”

…

On the morning of September 3rd, Gu Zhen hired a fast horse-drawn carriage and returned to Huangyang Village. This time, he brought an unexpected guest.

Li Xiangtao saw the carriage stop at their gate through the window, and her mind raced. She quickly ran out with joy, “Zhen’er…”

But the first person she saw was Shen Changhuan, which made her smile even more.

“Oh my, it’s Xiao Huan! You came back with Zhen’er. I always said you two were close since childhood…”

She approached warmly, trying to hold Shen Changhuan’s arm, but two young maidservants stepped in front, “Do not be disrespectful to our young master.”

Li Xiangtao’s expression stiffened but quickly recovered, smiling continuously, “Of course, of course, Xiao Huan is now a young master of the Marquis Mansion. I was too excited and rude…”

Gu Zhen jumped down from the carriage and called out, “Mother.”

Li Xiangtao hurried over, “You arrived home so early this morning, it must have been a tiring journey. Take Xiao Huan inside to sit, I’ll go make tea!”

Shen Changhuan walked into the Gu family courtyard. As his boots stepped into the village he hadn’t seen in nearly half a year, he felt very calm.

When he saw Xie Changyue squatting under the eaves, wearing simple coarse clothes, with his white wrists rolled up and covered in dirt, he felt even more at peace.

Li Xiangtao noticed Shen Changhuan’s gaze and, wanting to please him, scolded Xie Changyue, “Can’t you see we have a distinguished guest? How can you be so rude, not even greeting him? You’re just born to be a country bumpkin!”

Xie Changyue put down the soil he had just prepared and looked up at Li Xiangtao, saying calmly, “If you dare to scold me again, I’ll immediately go complain to my husband.”

“You…” Hearing about complaining to Gu Yang, Li Xiangtao instinctively felt a chill, but then remembered her son was home today, and her eyes lit up, ready to argue with Xie Changyue.

At that moment, Xie Changyue suddenly chuckled, “Aunt, your guest is still waiting. Don’t be rude in front of outsiders, just leave me alone!”

Li Xiangtao snorted and said no more.

Shen Changhuan stared at Xie Changyue without blinking.

He originally wanted Xie Changyue to marry Gu Zhen, hoping he would settle down because he knew that no matter what, Gu Zhen would always be under his control.

After all, from childhood to now, Gu Zhen had always been like that.

On the other hand, he knew all too well how difficult Li Xiangtao was to deal with, especially since Xie Changyue’s current status made him her son’s husband, which would be very tough.

But unexpectedly, Xie Changyue didn’t marry Gu Zhen at all.

At this moment, Xie Changyue, despite wearing shabby clothes, had an even more spirited look between his brows, indicating he was doing very well, even better than when he was at the Marquis Mansion.

Previously, when Gu Zhen told him that Xie Changyue was living well at the Gu family and that he should not worry, he didn’t fully believe it.

It seems that the man named Gu Yang really took good care of him.

Shen Changhuan felt a bit unwilling and sarcastically said, “It seems that people thrive when they return to where they belong.”

Xie Changyue glanced at him, “Not necessarily. For example, you don’t seem to be doing well.”

Shen Changhuan paused and said nothing more.

After returning to the capital, he had indeed faced a lot of exclusion.

Those noble girls and boys, under the pretense of seeking justice for Xie Changyue, but in reality, he knew, it had nothing to do with Xie Changyue. It was just people’s usual instinct to exclude outsiders.

After all, those who claimed to have a great relationship with Xie Changyue never thought of contacting him again or sending someone to visit him.

Taking the main road, Huangyang Village was only half a day away from the capital.

Facing Shen Changhuan’s arrival, Grandfather Gu and Grandmother Gu were very enthusiastic, personally entertaining him and successfully keeping him for dinner.

Li Xiangtao was the happiest about this.

She excitedly went to the kitchen and said to Mu Xia, who was boiling water, “Brother-in-law, you must cook well this noon, make more dishes, and don’t be stingy with the oil. Didn’t your son catch fish yesterday…”

Xie Changyue, who was sitting by the stove, heard this and unhappily stood up to block Mu Xia, “Your son brought the guest, why don’t you cook? You only know how to boss my Pa around? And you want to take my fish? Dream on.”

Li Xiangtao’s face fell. Fortunately, she didn’t let Zhen’er marry Xie Changyue, who was bad luck. She really had bad blood with this couple.

Thinking about how Xie Changyue had just disrespected her at the door and knowing her son Gu Zhen was home, she wanted to vent her frustration, so she arrogantly said, “I’m talking to your father. What business is it of yours? Don’t you know it’s rude for juniors to interrupt when elders are talking? Get out of the way…”

As she spoke, she reached out to push him aside.

Xie Changyue, fully engaged in the confrontation, didn’t realize she would suddenly move. He lost his footing and would have fallen onto the rice jar if not for Mu Xia catching him in time.

Li Xiangtao blinked.

Mu Xia first steadied his son-in-law, then angrily pushed Li Xiangtao.

He couldn’t speak and didn’t like to argue, usually being very tolerant with his sister-in-law. But he couldn’t accept her laying hands on his son-in-law.

Immediately, Li Xiangtao screamed, “Great, you two are ganging up on me. Do you have any respect for your elders?”

Gu Siyuan, who was writing in his room, couldn’t concentrate with all the noise. He put down his pen and came out.

The family had already gathered around the kitchen door.

And his little husband was arguing like a fighting cock with his aunt Li Xiangtao.

Gu Siyuan chuckled and walked over.

As soon as Xie Changyue saw him, he pouted and complained pitifully, “Husband, Aunt pushed me. Look, I got hurt here, and she scolded me and pa…”

Li Xiangtao, not backing down, immediately screamed, “Who pushed you? I just accidentally bumped into you. With so many people around, how can you still have the face to complain?”

Xie Changyue puffed his cheeks, “So what if I complain? Your son brought the guest, but you’re lazy. Why don’t you cook? You’re sitting in the hall drinking tea while my pa is busy. The hot water you’re drinking was boiled by my pa. Give it back!”

“I’m entertaining the guest! Complaining… All you know how to do is complain, right?” Li Xiangtao was trembling with anger and turned to her son, “Zhen’er, you don’t know how they bully me when you’re not home.

Gu Zhen frowned and pulled his mother, “Mother, let’s talk about this later. We still have guests here!”

Xie Changyue sneered, “How can this be discussed later? Your mother has been waiting for you to come back and help her argue. It’s really interesting. Every time she picks a fight, she has the nerve to play the victim first.”

Shen Changhuan looked at this ridiculous scene, a sarcastic smile curling at his lips.

If he hadn’t left, hadn’t returned to the Marquis Mansion in Suining, he might have been part of this farcical scene too.

Li Xiangtao raised her eyes and just happened to catch that mocking smile. Instantly, a rush of uncontrollable anger surged through her. She raised her hand viciously, about to strike Xie Changyue, “You, a junior, dare to speak to me like this!”

“Get lost!” Gu Siyuan pulled Xie Changyue behind him with one hand, while the other swiftly grabbed Li Xiangtao’s wrist and threw it back forcefully.

Everyone’s expressions changed.

Gu Zhen hurriedly stepped forward to help his mother.

“Ah…” Li Xiangtao fell onto a stone, crying out in pain.

Gu Siyuan, as if he hadn’t heard, took a handkerchief from Xie Changyue, wiped his hands slowly and said calmly, “Aunt, your behavior is still so outrageous. My husband is my responsibility to protect. If this happens again, don’t blame me for taking real action…”

His sharp features turned cold, and as he spoke, his entire presence was so imposing that it seemed to crush people. He looked at Li Xiangtao as if she were a dead person.

Li Xiangtao trembled under his gaze.

Seeing his mother humiliated, Gu Zhen could not bear it.

He slowly helped Li Xiangtao up and glared coldly at Gu Yang, “My mother is your elder. How dare you treat her so rudely?”

Gu Yang glanced at him, “First of all, Changyue is my husband. I have a duty to protect him. Secondly, I have my father. If my husband does something wrong, my father will educate him. It’s not for my aunt to intervene.”

Gu Zhen gritted his teeth, “Even if my mother was wrong this time, you shouldn’t have…”

Gu Siyuan suddenly chuckled, “Cousin, have you ever thought that the reason Shen Changhuan, who grew up with you and was childhood friends with you, never wanted to marry you is because he can’t stand your mother?”

“You… What nonsense are you talking about?” Gu Zhen didn’t expect him to bring up something so irrelevant, stubbornly denying it, but his gaze subconsciously turned to Shen Changhuan.

Shen Changhuan hadn’t expected the topic to shift to himself and his expression changed. He forced a dry smile at Gu Zhen, “I’ve always seen Brother Gu as an elder brother.”

“You see?” Gu Siyuan wore a confident smile.

Although Gu Zhen had long known Shen Changhuan’s feelings, being so bluntly exposed at this moment, his feelings of loss were magnified immensely, and his face turned ashen.

Shen Changhuan couldn’t stand the atmosphere and turned to leave the courtyard, “It seems your family has matters to handle. I’ll go visit the Xie family first.”

Li Xiangtao watched Shen Changhuan’s departing figure, then turned to look at Gu Zhen, opening her mouth to say something but not knowing what to say.

Grandfather Gu walked out from the house and sighed as he looked at them, “Making such a scene in front of outsiders, it seems you really don’t want to live together anymore!”

The eldest and second sons of the Gu family were stunned and called out, “Father.”

The old man said to them, “Go to the county town and call your third brother back. It’s time to split the family.”