Chapter 230: Drawing the Line
“Sister-in-law, I was just stating the facts. Besides, even if they live in a new house, what does that have to do with us? That house was built by Ye’s family. If you want to live in one, why don’t you ask your own family to come to this wasteland and build you one?”
Zhang Fen, who had always been the one to yield to Liu Lan, couldn’t hold back anymore. Thinking of how much Yu Haojie’s family had helped them since their exile, she fired back without hesitation.
Liu Lan was furious when she saw the usually meek Zhang Fen daring to talk back to her like this. She threw down the fire poker in her hand, stood up, and shoved Zhang Fen hard on the shoulder.
Caught off guard, Zhang Fen stumbled back several steps before falling hard onto the ground.
Yu Shanhe and their son rushed forward immediately to help Zhang Fen up. After checking her over and confirming she wasn’t hurt, Yu Shanhe finally relaxed—then turned to glare at Liu Lan, who was still scowling at them with undisguised hostility.
“Sister-in-law, arguing is one thing, but laying hands on someone? My wife may have a gentle temper, but that doesn’t mean she’s easy to bully!”
“So what if I pushed her? I’m the eldest sister-in-law! Do any of you even know how to respect your elders? Just listen to the nonsense your wife was spouting! I could’ve slapped her instead—that would’ve been merciful of me! Just because Yu Haojie’s family saved your son once, you think you can talk back to me now? Why don’t you go live with them instead of crowding our cave? I’ve had enough of your family—nothing but useless brats, barely any workers among you, and yet you dare challenge me?”
Zhang Fen had endured so much, knowing her children were still young. But today, she’d finally reached her limit.
“Let’s split the household, husband. I refuse to share a pot with her anymore. The children get beaten or scolded by their aunt every single day. We’ll build our own stone house. Even if we die out there, at least we’ll die together as a family—and I’ll be happy with that.”
With newfound resolve, Zhang Fen strode up to Yu Shanhe, her mind made up.
“Enough! What nonsense is this? Liu, you need to rein it in. As the eldest sister-in-law, you should set an example. Why split up when the family’s been fine?”
Yu Liang hadn’t expected his two daughters-in-law, who had coexisted peacefully for months, to suddenly erupt into conflict now that life had stabilized.
But splitting the family? That was unacceptable. If they divided, where would he, as the patriarch, live? With the eldest son or the younger one? He didn’t want to choose—having everyone in one cave meant everyone could take care of him. Why make trouble for himself?
“No. We’re splitting. This cave is already overcrowded with so many of us. I won’t fight you for it—Father can stay with Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law. We’ll build our own stone house.”
Zhang Fen stood firm. For the first time, she defied her father-in-law.
Honestly, this separation was inevitable. There was no way the entire family could keep living together forever.
If her father-in-law had no shame, she had had enough.
“What’s all this arguing? Yu Haojie’s back! Second Brother, come with me—everyone’s already heading over!”
Yu Shanhai, who had just returned from inspecting the vegetable garden, heard the commotion inside the cave. As he was about to step in, he spotted a group of people approaching the stone mountain with light-footed agility.
When they landed, he recognized Yu Luo and her father, accompanied by several armed guards. They looked nothing short of imposing.
The other cave dwellers had already rushed out to greet them. Yu Shanhai, no longer caring about the family dispute, quickly called for his younger brother.
At this news, even the fuming Liu Lan forgot her quarrel with Zhang Fen and hurried outside.
“I heard you moved into a house built by Ye’s brothers? What kind of house is it? Is it safe? Could a wild beast just knock it down with one charge?”
By the time the Yu family’s second branch arrived at the cave where Yu Luo’s family used to live, Bai You was already bombarding Yu Haojie and his daughter with questions about their new home.
After a few pleasantries, it was Liu Lan’s turn.
She pushed through the crowd and shamelessly patted Yu Luo’s shoulder with a forced smile.
“Xiao Luo, since you’re not living here anymore, I suppose you won’t need the land we cleared. How about settling our wages first?”
Seeing Liu Lan’s ingratiating grin, Yu Luo had braced for another of her schemes. But it turned out the woman was just here to collect payment.
Fair enough. The rain had lasted over ten days—of course these people were worried about being stiffed.
But looking at Liu Lan’s face, Yu Luo couldn’t resist messing with her.
“Lady Liu, are you in a hurry?”
The moment Yu Luo addressed her so formally, Liu Lan’s smile froze. Her facade of friendliness crumbled instantly.
She hadn’t expected Yu Luo to hold a grudge just because she’d spoken up twice before. Now the girl wouldn’t even call her “Aunt,” just “Lady Liu.”
Well, if Yu Luo didn’t consider her family, why should she bother being polite?
“Of course I’m in a hurry! So many of us worked for your family for days. Then it rained nonstop, and you just left without a word. Now that you’re finally back, I want my wages. Who knows when you’ll disappear again? The deeper parts of the wasteland are crawling with beasts—I’m not risking my life for a few coins!”
Watching Liu Lan’s mask drop so blatantly, Yu Luo smirked.
“If you’re that worried, then your family doesn’t need to work for us anymore. I’ll settle your wages right now.”
“Xiao Luo, don’t lump me in with her! My wife and I were just talking about splitting from her when you showed up. Don’t worry, Second Uncle isn’t in a hurry for payment. Settle it whenever it’s convenient for you! Liu Lan and I won’t be family soon—her words don’t represent us!”
Yu Shanhe, who had been itching to distance himself from Liu Lan, finally spoke up. If he didn’t clarify now, he feared Yu Luo would group them with Liu Lan’s kind.
“That’s right! We’re not in a rush either. After all, would Xiao Luo and Second Young Master Yu ever cheat us?”
To Yu Shanhe’s surprise, as soon as he finished speaking, the crowd immediately backed away from Liu Lan and Yu Shanhai, eagerly vouching for Yu Luo’s trustworthiness!
