The people present began to whisper among themselves. Since this was a matter concerning the Zhu Guifu household, most felt awkward offering their opinions.
"Men and women are equal, Uncle Guifu. You are overthinking it," Zhu Leiyao spoke up. "Xiangyao is a Party member. I trust he does not favor sons over daughters. Nanhong is a lovely child. Today, the country promotes gender equality. Men and women are the same."
"Leiyao, your words lack sincerity," Zhu Guifu tapped his tobacco pipe, then lit his dry tobacco. "Let’s not talk about other things. During Cold Food and Qingming festivals, our Zhu family requires sons and grandsons to make sacrifices. We have never seen women performing these rites."
This remark caused the women present to frown in unison. Although Zhu Guifu claimed he did not favor men over women, his actions demonstrated extreme bias.
"Uncle Guifu, didn’t you say you don’t favor men over women? If men can perform sacrifices, shouldn’t women also be allowed to participate?" Leiyao remained calm, offering his suggestion without anger.
Zhu Guifu was left speechless by Leiyao’s words. "Leiyao, historically, there has never been a precedent for women performing sacrifices."
Zhu Leiyao smiled slightly. "It doesn’t matter. Starting this year, we can allow women to participate. Traditions are meant to be broken." Undoubtedly, Leiyao possessed far greater insight than Zhu Guifu, and his rebuttals were forceful and well-reasoned.
Zhu Guifu, at a loss for words, looked toward Zhu Shunyao, who sat quietly to the side. "Shunyao, what do you think of this matter?"
Zhu Shunyao looked as if he didn’t understand what they were discussing. "What is Fourth Uncle trying to say?"
"Will you help Xiangyao?" Zhu Guifu stated his purpose directly.
Zhu Shunyao smiled. "Fourth Uncle, did you drink too much wine at lunch? Why ask me this? I belong to the third branch. The third branch cannot interfere in the affairs of a cousin from a different branch." His implication was clear: you have no reason to ask for my help, nor should you ask such questions.
Hearing this, Zhu Guifu’s expression changed slightly. "Do you mean you will not help?" His tone carried a subtle threat.
Zhu Shunyao glanced calmly at Zhu Guifu, showing no discomfort despite the change in atmosphere. "Fourth Uncle, your words suggest that today’s discussion is targeted at me. Regarding this issue, I would like to ask you: how exactly should I help? In terms of status, I am merely a distant cousin. Furthermore, the country’s laws and regulations are clear. Shouldn’t we, as common citizens, enthusiastically support and strictly enforce them? In this regard, Xiangyao should have more insight than I do."
She paused briefly. "Of course, I also believe Xiangyao’s quality and understanding are necessarily higher than mine. After all, Xiangyao is a Party member, while I am just a muddy-legged farmer. Xiangyao eats public grain; she should be more familiar with national laws and regulations than I am. Naturally, she will definitely lead by example. We need not worry that Xiangyao will do anything that violates the country or the Party."
Zhu Shunyao’s words elevated Zhu Xiangyao’s moral standing to the highest point. Not only was Zhu Xiangyao stunned, but everyone present was also slightly taken aback. If Zhu Xiangyao were to refute Zhu Shunyao, it would contradict the conduct expected of a Party member—something Zhu Xiangyao could never do. However, if he did not refute him, the topic would become unnecessary to discuss. Zhu Shunyao’s speech effectively placed Zhu Xiangyao on the spot, leaving him with no easy way out.