Zhu Guifu naturally knew that discussing the bricks at this moment was ill-timed. However, if he did not speak up, there would be no bricks left. After thinking for a moment, he said to Zhu Shun Yao, "Eldest brother, I have something to discuss with you. Let’s go outside and talk."
"Father, I am busy today. Let’s talk about it tomorrow. Today, I need to break ground and lay the foundation. There is much to do, including stacking the bricks. If we run short, it will be troublesome. So, I have no time for other matters," Zhu Shun Yao answered Zhu Guifu with a serious face.
Zhu Guifu hurriedly said, "This matter is urgent too. Please stop stacking the bricks for now."
"Why?" Zhu Shun Yao had a very bad feeling.
"Allocate your bricks to me first. We are in short supply there," Zhu Guifu said.
Zhu Shun Yao looked at Zhu Guifu, his gaze steady. The people nearby who were originally chatting noticed the situation and fell silent. Zhu Shun Yao said directly, "Five cents per brick. I don’t know how many you want to buy, Father. I can have the Qingshan Brick Kiln deliver them."
"Who said I was buying them?" Zhu Guifu blurted out. "I am asking you to delay building your house and give me the bricks first."
Zhu Shun Yao chuckled. "Father, are you joking? I remember we have already divided the family property."
"Even after dividing the family, I am still your father," Zhu Guifu said, acting unreasonably.
"I do not deny that. I am just reminding you, Father, that I have separated from the family. What does the Second Branch’s business have to do with me? Besides, I did not take the subsidies Xiang Yao sent after joining the army. These bricks were bought with money my wife and I earned cent by cent. Father, do you have the face to take my things?" Zhu Shun Yao looked respectful, but his eyes showed his impatience. Since Zhu Guifu had brought it up, he might as well say it in front of everyone. If you do not care about your face, then I do not need to save yours.
Zhu Guifu felt a bit embarrassed but was in urgent need. "It is not taking them for free."
"Fine. Then pay me now. I will not even charge you for the tractor fee. At the original price, five cents per brick. How many do you want?" Zhu Shun Yao was direct.
"No money." Acting shamelessly was a skill Zhu Guifu was very familiar with.
Hearing such a shameless remark, Zhu Shun Yao laughed out of anger. "Father, you say you are my father, but I suspect I was picked up. Xiang Yao is your son, am I not? Why do you always scheme against me? You dote on your youngest son, but I also have a wife and children to care for. Anyway, today, in front of everyone, I leave these words here. If you want bricks, you can buy them with money. Otherwise, there are none. You can go to the government and accuse me of unfilial behavior. I might as well throw myself into prison for free meals. At least, I will not lose face in this matter."
Zhu Guifu did not expect Zhu Shun Yao to be so tough. He wanted to speak, but before he could open his mouth, Zhu Enfu spoke up. "What nonsense, eating prison food? Who dares?" Although Zhu Enfu was over eighty, his eyes were not dim and his ears were not deaf. He came over and looked at Zhu Guifu. "Fourth brother, say that again in front of me. What are you doing here?"
Zhu Guifu then remembered that today was Zhu Shun Yao’s ground-breaking ceremony, and everyone was invited to the ground-breaking meal. Zhu Enfu must be present too. Zhu Guifu could be domineering with Zhu Shun Yao, but he did not dare to be so in front of Zhu Enfu. He could only say, "Eldest brother, I have no choice. Xiang Yao is short of bricks."
Zhu Enfu looked deeply at Zhu Guifu. "Fourth brother, I remember that the subsidies Xiang Yao sent after joining the army were all taken by you. After all these years, where did that money go? Do not tell me it was given to Shun Yao. I do not believe that."