Zhu Xiangyao pondered for a moment. "That works. I have no objections, but we must invite my brother over. Dividing the family is a matter for everyone."
Zhu Guifu waved his hand. "Your agreement is enough. Invite him to dinner tomorrow. I will ask your uncle, Zhu Enfu, to come over, and we will call Zhu Leiyao too. We will settle the division properly in front of everyone."
Zhu Xiangyao did not ask why Zhu Guifu was in such a hurry. The conditions proposed were not high. Zhu Xiangyao felt that dividing the family was good. They had already been living separately with divided assets. Although they claimed not to be divided, it was practically the same. Now, they just needed to formalize the procedure.
Having no objections, Zhu Xiangyao went to find Zhu Shunyao the next day. He did not say it directly, but simply invited Zhu Shunyao to come home for dinner. Zhu Shunyao looked at Zhu Xiangyao, did not refuse, and agreed to go.
"Why are they asking you to eat there?" Xie Xinlian asked, full of doubt. "Those people are not the type to be polite."
Zhu Shunyao said calmly, "Didn't Father and Mother say before the New Year that they would divide the family once Xiangyao returned? Now that Xiangyao is back, today is likely about the division. This is good. After the nineteenth, when Ani’s matter is revealed, we will be more relaxed. It saves us from their schemes later." Zhu Shunyao was very direct. He had completely seen through his parents' intentions. Although they appeared fair on the surface, they were actually biased.
Take the division of assets as an example. He did all the household work. His work points were ten alone, yet he received the least at year-end because his parents took his share. When dividing assets, he received nothing. There were many such instances. Without a doubt, Zhu Guifu and others intended to give these things to the second branch.
"Then be careful," Xie Xinlian said. "If we can truly separate, it is good. Although our family seems independent now with divided assets, some aspects lack proper legitimacy. It would be best to truly divide the family."
Zhu Shunyao nodded. "Rest assured. If the conditions are acceptable, I will absolutely agree to the division."
In the evening, Zhu Shunyao went over. Xie Xinlian was not notified to go, so she and Zhu Yanli ate at home.
When Zhu Shunyao arrived at Zhu Guifu’s house, he saw that besides Zhu Guifu, Zhu Enfu, Zhu Chanyao, and Zhu Leiyao were all present. This gave him more confidence. It was indeed about the family division.
After everyone finished dinner, Zhu Guifu spoke. "I invited everyone here today to discuss the division of the family between our eldest and second sons. Brother Enfu, you know that after Xiangyao’s wife joined the family, we divided the assets for fairness. So, the property remains as originally divided, with no additions. Today is mainly to handle the division procedures. According to our village’s requirements, elderly parents are supported by sons equally. My wife and I have discussed it, and we will live with Xiangyao. Therefore, we will not be separated. However, according to old customs, I will assign Shunyao to handle my funeral after I die. While I am alive, Shunyao must provide five yuan and fifteen jin of grain to me every month as support. Do you think this is acceptable?"
After speaking, Zhu Guifu looked at Zhu Shunyao. It seemed these words were primarily directed at him.