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Chapter 128: Chapter 128: Lost in Thought

Translator: 549690339

In the village, dividing property required the presence of the Village Chief to preside over the event, and it was best to invite a few reputable elders as well. Their collective witnessing could ensure a fairer division. Han Jincai had no intention of favoring any of his sons. He also sent the remaining three sons to invite people. Meanwhile, the daughters-in-law busied themselves with boiling water and preparing tea cakes as refreshments for the Village Chief and the other elders.

Mrs. Yang was disgruntled but could not object. She sat with a stern face, unwilling to speak to anyone. The other daughters-in-law did not want to incur Mrs. Yang’s wrath, so they diligently prepared the tea and tea cakes. Dividing the property had its advantages and disadvantages, but all things considered, the benefits outweighed the drawbacks. Therefore, aside from Mrs. Yang, the sisters-in-law generally felt quite cheerful.

Before long, the Village Chief and several village elders arrived. Under their witness, Han Jincai divided the family property into five portions—one for each of his four sons and one for the elderly couple. After the division, they would live with the Main House, so their share was assigned there. This was understandable to everyone, as it was a common practice in other family divisions as well. No one raised objections, and the process went smoothly.

Mrs. Wang felt dissatisfied that she had not obtained more, but given that the division was witnessed by all, even the Village Chief and the village elders had agreed to it, she chose to remain silent. She hoped to acquire more items later when the household effects were distributed, but with Mrs. Liu around, it was wishful thinking that she could gain any advantage.

The division was completed swiftly, and the household inside and out became a hubbub of activity. Everything had to be reorganized, and even the items not listed in the family separation documents had to be divided. However, a perfectly equal division was not possible; some items were singular or in pairs and couldn’t be split evenly into four. This caused disputes, primarily between Mrs. Liu and Mrs. Wang. Mrs. Yang usually sided with the Third House, so Mrs. Wang often couldn’t get the upper hand.

Like Mrs. Li, Su Wenyue accepted whatever she was given, even if it meant losing out a bit, without a word of complaint. She had already planned to arrange for a whole set of household items herself. After the allocation, Su Wenyue gave her portion to Mrs. Li. The people from the Second House were honest, and apart from the openly divided property, they received less than the Main and Third Houses. Su Wenyue’s gesture was just what they needed.

“Fourth younger sister-in-law, what are you doing? This isn’t right; these items were divided for you. I can’t take them,” Mrs. Li said, still not quite grasping why Su Wenyue would give their portion from the Second House to them. She repeatedly refused.

“Second sister-in-law, I’ve already had Xier arrange a set of household items for me. I don’t need these, and you can surely make use of them just after the division. If you don’t mind, please take them. They would only gather dust with me, but they’ll be of use to you.”

Su Wenyue was only willing to give them to Mrs. Li. If it were Mrs. Wang, Su Wenyue would rather throw or smash the items than let Mrs. Wang benefit. Even though they weren’t worth much, it was about feeling content. As for Mrs. Liu, despite appearing to get along well recently, Su Wenyue always knew there was no real sisterly relationship between them, and often she acted out of consideration for her big brother Han Hu.

Mrs. Li looked around and indeed Xiao Xi, who was usually around Su Wenyue, was nowhere to be seen. It seemed she truly went to the city to purchase items. Well, it made sense as the Fourth Daughter-in-law had ample means and likely preferred not to use these old things.

Still, Mrs. Li was grateful. The Fourth Daughter-in-law’s willingness to give these items was a kind gesture, and Mrs. Li couldn’t be ungrateful and take it for granted. In this family, the Fourth child and his wife were always the kindest to them, and they were thankful for the way the Fourth Daughter-in-law taught their children.

“Since you insist, fourth younger sister-in-law, I’ll accept this with a thick face. Our home lacks many things right after the division, and we aren’t flush with silver, so these will help us get by without additional expenses,” Mrs. Li said, being a straightforward person. She easily agreed, holding a mental note of the kindness and help the Fourth son and his wife had shown, and planned to repay them when the opportunity arose.

After delivering the items, Su Wenyue returned to her room, her mood uplifted. She had longed for the day when she could lead her own simple life; her joy was undeniable. As for Han Yu’s upcoming conscription, she had about ten days left, and he wasn’t going to the front lines but to a local military camp, not too far away. If she missed him, she could simply take a horse carriage to visit—there was no need to overthink and feel sad.

After Han Yu managed the affairs outside and came in, he saw his wife lying on the bed with a smile. He wondered what good thoughts were making her so happy. Seeing the smile on his wife’s face improved his mood, and he naturally wore a smile, too.

“You’re being so obedient today, just lying in bed quietly, not going to the city with Xiao Xi?” Han Yu knew his wife too well. Lately, thanks to his vigilance, she hadn’t been able to stay calmly in the room for long before wanting to get busy with something. Now, to see her resting contentedly, especially on such a ‘lively’ day, was quite rare and surprising. However, he was pleased and encouraged that she was taking good care of herself.

Su Wenyue gave Han Yu a sidelong glance and rolled her eyes: “Look at what you’re saying. I was raised as a young lady from a noble family after all. Don’t make me sound like a kid who likes to jump around all over the place.”

Under normal circumstances, Su Wenyue would have gone to the city herself to pick things out according to her taste, but now she had a little one to think about. It was hard-won, and she needed to prioritize its safety above all. Even though travelling by horse carriage might only take half an hour, the constant jolting was something she feared her tender passenger might not endure. It was safer to be cautious; she was just over a month pregnant and knew she had to be careful, especially during the first three months, to avoid harming the child within her.

With this thought, Su Wenyue subconsciously touched her stomach and glanced at Han Yu, debating whether to tell him about her pregnancy. She worried that revealing the news on the day they’d divided the family property might seem too calculating, so she decided to wait a few more days.

“What’s on your mind?” Han Yu asked his daydreaming wife with a smile. He had sensed something off about her these past few days, as well as Xiao Xi. It seemed like they were hiding something from him. Although they hid it well, Han Yu, being who he was, noticed the signs. Still, he reassured himself it couldn’t be bad, as his wife’s increasing smiles were proof.

“Nothing, just thinking about what to cook for dinner tonight,” Su Wenyue shook her head and brushed it off with a casual excuse, not realizing the thoughtful expression on Han Yu’s face.

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