"Elder sister-in-law, what do you mean by that?" Xu Zhiqin was a bit angry, his face stern as he questioned Anning. Anning replied with a face full of reminiscence, "When my husband was alive, he once said to show filial respect to our parents, to take care of brothers and sisters, and to improve our family’s status. I, as a woman, cannot achieve improving our family’s status, but I can still fulfill the duty of caring for our parents and siblings. Though I may not be highly capable, I can’t abandon the second branch at such a time. If... if something really happened to my second brother, how could I ever face my husband again in the future?" Xu Zhiqin’s face turned very unsightly, he held a bellyful of anger, yet he could not blame Anning one bit. In a soft voice, Anning said, "I know it’s not easy for third brother, too. Third brother speaking of dividing the family is quite reasonable; which family does not divide eventually? Even a large tree will grow branches. If the third brother wants to split, then split. In the future, father, mother, and second brother’s family can live with me. Even if I work myself to death, I will not abandon any of them." Having said this, Xu Zhiqin originally wanted to argue against dividing the family. However ruthless he was, he could not leave his elderly parents and disabled brother to the care of a widow like Anning. If he really did that, people in the village would surely criticize him behind his back. Yet, Mrs. Li quietly pulled at him and whispered, "If the elder sister-in-law is willing to play the fool, then let her be. Our family cannot afford to be dragged down." Xu Zhiqin clenched his teeth, "Then, let our third branch separate." The old master’s face was a dark shade of iron, his eyes filled with disapproval as he looked at Xu Zhiqin. Xu Zhiqin acted as if he hadn’t seen it. Old Madam took Anning outside. She made sure there was no one around before speaking, "Are you foolish? Second brother’s leg is a bottomless pit. How much money will you have to pour into it? How capable can you, a woman, be to support such a family? Don’t drag my precious grandchild into this." Anning whispered into Old Madam’s ear, "Mother, Ying Ge’er is going to study and take the imperial examinations. His reputation is of the utmost importance. If we abandon second brother’s family now, it will affect Ying Ge’er. Moreover, my husband also once said that second brother was simple-minded, that we should take extra care of him in the future. I remember all that he said; even for my husband’s sake, I cannot ignore it." Anning affectionately hugged Old Madam and continued, "Mother, I know this is hard on you, but which family doesn’t have its troubles? Life has to be lived day by day. If we all do well, we can surely overcome hard times. Don’t worry, we will all be fine." Moved by Anning’s words, Old Madam couldn’t hold back her tears any longer. She had been strong all her life, but in her old age, her sons had grown distant, and only this daughter-in-law remained close to her, which made Old Madam’s heart ache even more. She patted Anning, "You also don’t be afraid. I can’t promise much, but I can help you manage the household and won’t let Mrs. Feng make trouble." "Thank you, Mother. You are the one who cares for me the most." The two exchanged a few more whispers before entering the house. Neither of them noticed Xu Daya standing around the corner, having heard everything. Xu Daya watched Anning help Old Madam inside, feeling very conflicted. She really didn’t know how to face Anning anymore. Now that Xu Zhiyong was in his condition, and the third branch was clamoring to split the family, yet Anning, a woman, stepped forward to shoulder the heavy burden of the family at this time. This made Xu Daya start to wonder, were the words Mrs. Feng said before right? Or did Mrs. Feng have a bias against Anning? To tell the truth, Xu Daya was quite grateful to Anning. Regardless of Anning’s reasons, she stood up at this time and declared she would treat Xu Zhiyong’s injuries, saving Xu Zhiyong’s life, and in fact the lives of the entire second branch. This act of grace was truly immense. Xu Daya clenched her fist, thinking in her heart that no matter what she encounters in the future, she would be grateful to her aunt for the rest of her life. Xu Daya was still worried about Xu Er Ya and, after standing for a moment, entered the room shared by the sisters. She saw Xu Er Ya still lying on the bed, eyes open, seemingly lost in thought, so she poured a bowl of water and handed it over, "Father’s leg is broken, and there’s chaos at home. I’m afraid no one is in the mood to cook, and I... can’t find any food either, so you should have some water first." Xu Er Ya took a couple of sips of water then pushed the bowl aside, "Sister, how is father? What did the doctor say?" Xu Daya repeated the doctor’s words to Xu Er Ya. Follow current novels on novel•fire.net Xu Er Ya’s gaze dimmed slightly, "Sister, with father , I’m afraid our grandparents wouldn’t be willing to spend money on his treatment. Perhaps the first branch and the third branch will even clamor for dividing the family assets. It might just take a few days before our family gets chased out." Xu Daya, thinking of Xu Zhiqin’s attitude, nodded slightly, "Uncle wants to separate the family." "And what about our grandparents? Do they want to split?" Xu Er Ya was very concerned about this matter. She was eager to split the family. If the family were to split at this time, first branch and third branch’s reputation would be ruined, and the people in the village would gossip about Old Madam and Old Master. Even if the second branch succeeds later and ignores the first and third branches, no one would say anything. After all, the first and third branches are now pushing the second branch out without regard for Xu Zhiyong’s well-being. It’s like they’ve created an enmity. It’s only natural for the second branch to have grievances. Moreover, Xu Er Ya thought that after the family splits, she would be much freer, without having to worry about this and that. She has spiritual spring water and can cure Xu Zhiyong’s leg. When that time comes, let the first and third branches regret it. Xu Daya shook her head, "No, our grandparents didn’t mention splitting the family. Our aunt stood up and said she wouldn’t let the second branch be separated. She will take care of us. She remembered our uncle’s words before he passed away that our father was naïve and needed extra care. Thinking of our uncle, she said she wouldn’t abandon us no matter what." With that, Xu Daya hugged Xu Er Ya, "Erya, I know you have complaints in your heart against our aunt, thinking that she provides better food for Brother Ying and Lan and dresses well, eats well, while also making our family do work. You think she has a bad heart, but isn’t it only right? Our aunt buys food for Brother Ying and Lan with her own dowry silver, not the family’s money. It’s only natural she wants her own children to have better things. Why should she spend her dowry silver on us?" The more Xu Daya spoke, the clearer her heart felt, and things she previously couldn’t understand now became clear to her. "Also, our mother and third aunt didn’t work for nothing. Our aunt needed to protect her hands and couldn’t do the work herself, so she compensated our mother and third aunt with money. Since our mother and third aunt have received money, shouldn’t they be expected to do a bit more work?" Xu Er Ya felt quite impatient listening to Xu Daya saying all this. She simply despised the haughty demeanor of the main branch and didn’t want them to have an easy life. Xu Daya rambled on, "If for nothing else, just for our aunt’s kindness and duty towards us today, you should stop arguing with her from now on. We should be nicer to our aunt for our father’s sake." Xu Er Ya didn’t want to listen to any of it. She pulled up the covers, "I want to sleep now. Big sister, please leave." Xu Daya knew Xu Er Ya was not taking it in. She shook her head and left the room with a sigh.