Blood is thicker than water. It would break his heart to drive them away so suddenly. He had lived a long life, and family ties were the only thing he truly valued.
Zhu Shunyao saw through the situation immediately. He also caught the hidden meaning in Zhu Enfu’s words: Uncle Enfu was hinting that Uncle Guifu should beg for his help. A faint smile touched Zhu Shunyao’s lips, but he quickly hid it. He turned to Zhu Enfu and said, "Uncle Enfu, Fourth Uncle is my father’s younger brother. I don’t know what happened back then, but old matters are past. I won’t dwell on them. Fourth Uncle is old now. If he is expelled from the clan, he will have nowhere to go.
Besides, even though they treated me poorly, they did raise me. But I am not one to repay hatred with kindness. Since they spent all the money my mother left me, I won’t ask for it back. However, the support money must be reduced. Yellow croaker usually sells for thirty thousand per root. I won’t count it at thirty thousand, but at twenty thousand. That makes one hundred thousand. At fifty yuan a month, I have already paid enough."
Zhu Shunyao looked at Zhu Zhibin and asked, "Son, how many years have I paid?"
Zhu Zhibin answered smoothly, "Two thousand months. That is one hundred sixty-six years and seven months. But no one lives that long, so I’ll round it down to one hundred sixty-six years."
His math was incredibly fast. The adults nearby were almost impressed, if not for the serious situation.
Zhu Shunyao nodded. "Correct, one hundred sixty-six years. I won’t start counting from now. I’ll start from when Fourth Uncle was born. He is sixty-eight now. I will subtract those sixty-eight years. That leaves ninety-eight years. After ninety-eight years, I will resume supporting Fourth Uncle. Uncle, is that acceptable?"
"Cough, no problem." The real question was, could anyone live to be one hundred sixty-six? And starting support from birth—was that support or raising a child? It was obvious Zhu Shunyao was unhappy with the unfair treatment. Zhu Enfu could only smile bitterly. "Let’s do as Shunyao says. From now on, don’t worry about the Fourth Branch. Xiangyao is gone, but Jinkui and Yinkui are still here."
"Guifu," Zhu Enfu looked at Zhu Guifu. "You are not young anymore. Don’t overthink things. Children have their own blessings. Some things are not for you to decide. The past is past. Sigh."
Zhu Enfu sighed deeply. "Today, I would have definitely expelled you from the clan. But since Shunyao spoke up, I will give you one more chance. Control your temper. If this happens again, no matter how much you cry or shout, it will be useless. You will be expelled."
Zhu Enfu shook his head, then clapped his hands at Zhu Shunyao. "Shunyao, Uncle feels sorry for you this time."
She knew Zhu Shunyao had suffered a loss, but she still cared for her cousin. So, she could only feel guilty and apologetic.
Zhu Shunyao smiled lightly, looking indifferent. "Uncle, please don’t worry about it. I don’t mind."
I don’t mind, he thought, but I certainly won’t complain to you about it now.