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Han Yan's chopsticks hovered above the bowl, untouched. The clatter of dishes was deafening in the cramped room, children's quarrels rising and falling like restless waves. Yet to him, it all blurred into a dull hum, as though he stood apart from the table itself.
Old Man Han's voice cut through the room; he still couldn't hide his surprise at what he had heard.
"you want to leave this home? Han Yan, Explain yourself. Do you really even know what you're asking for?"
Han Yan met his father's gaze, calm and steady, though a faint distance lingered in his eyes, unnoticed by most.
"Yes, father, I know what I'm doing. As you can see, there is no more room left for me and Xin'er. That is why I wish to move out."
It was the simple truth. The previous Han Yan had worked endlessly, yet this so-called family of his never gave him even a proper room, nor a moment of peace. Always overlooked, always placed last sometimes not thought of at all.
Old Man Han's brows furrowed, a deep crease forming between them. He shook his head slowly, as if still struggling to process that this quiet son of his was actually speaking of breaking away.
"You can still manage here. If we had the means, perhaps another room could be built but as you know, everything was drained because of your treatment."
Old Man Han's sigh was heavy, almost accusing. "Since your accident, you haven't brought back any game, and every bit of silver was poured into your recovery. Now we don't even have a single copper left, not even enough proper food on the table"
"Tell me, with things as they are, how could you speak of splitting off? Do you think it's easy for us to shoulder everything and yet you choose to bring this up while we're eating."
Han Yan set down his chopsticks with a soft clink.
"Father, I know this may seem improper, but my decision as been made. I will leave today and I want nothing from this household. My filial piety will still be sent every year, just as my brothers."
Across from them, Lin Xin's hands trembled faintly around his chopsticks. He dared not meet Madam Wei's gaze, his small body tense with dread, yet he forced himself to eat carefully, not daring to spill a single grain of the thin, tasteless rice.
Han Yan noticed this and gently reached for his hands beneath the table. He flinched faintly, but didn't pull away, as if seeking comfort.
His head remained bowed, green eyes glimmering like hidden glass, his small body tense with fear yet clinging to a fragile thread of hope.
Old Man Han's eyes narrowed, fixed sharply on Han Yan. Empty-handed… leaving without a single thing? Why insist on this now? The thought weighed heavily on him.
Madam Wei's nostrils flared, a low snort escaping her crooked lips. Her smile was faint but sharp, eyes glinting with restrained malice.
"If you want to leave, you'd better send back two teals of silver and also meat whenever you go hunting. Otherwise, don't speak of filial piety or leaving."
Han Yan's lips curved faintly as he looked at her, then at his so-called brothers.
"Mother, have you forgotten something? I leave here empty-handed. If two teals of silver is meant to be given, then your other sons should provide it as well."
Madam Zhang shifted uneasily, clearly not expecting to be dragged into this mess. She smoothed her robe and forced a tight smile, but it wavered, flickering and faltering as she struggled to keep it in place.
"Mother-in-law, two teals of silver is far too much. Second Brother-in-law is still recovering. Perhaps you should reconsider," she said softly, glancing toward her husband for support.
Madam Liu twisted the hem of her robe, her lips pressed thin as her gaze darted between the Han sons.
Han Qiang, the First Brother, leaned back, a smug smirk tugging at his lips. He waved dismissively, knowing full well that Madam Wei would yield her doting on her only grandson made it certain.
"Two taels each? that's far too much, mother. We're brothers, not strangers. A few copper coins from each of us will be more than enough, right, Third Brother?"
Han Sheng, the Third Brother, swallowed hard, jaw tight, then nodded.
"Yes… that will work. We can share the burden it's fair and enough for the family," he said quietly, his tone honest and practical.
Madam Wei's lips tightened, her earlier confidence faltering for the briefest instant. Still, she straightened her back, though, determined not to show any sign of conceding.
Han Yan remained seated, composed. He glanced at Madam Wei, who pressed her lips into a thin line, forcing herself to stay calm despite the flicker of frustration in her eyes.
"Since it is settled, let us handle this fairly. Third Brother, help me invite the village head and explain the situation to him. Tell him our Han family needs assistance drafting the agreement. Once it's done, Xin'er and I will leave immediately."
For a moment, Han Sheng hesitated, caught between the weight of their gazes. He felt like a shrimp trapped in a whale's struggle. Then, with a shallow nod, he set his bowl aside and pushed back his chair, scraping softly against the wooden floor as he made his way to the door.
Old Man Han sank slowly into his rocking chair, gripping the armrests, his smoking pipe untouched. The two sisters-in-law busied themselves with the dishes, the clatter of porcelain against wood a hurried backdrop to the tension.
Madam Wei's gaze snapped to Lin Xin, sharp and unforgiving, though a trace of unease lingered beneath her fury.
"You little brat! Can't wait to leave already? Won't even help clean like your sisters-in-law. Truly ungrateful!"
she spat to the ground with a sharp, wet smack, the sound cutting through the room leaving a heavy, stifling silence.
Madam Zhang and Madam Liu both froze mid-task. A flicker of disgust passed over their faces before they lowered their gazes they resumed carrying the dishes, their movements faster and more rigid than before.
"Yan-ge… let me go." Lin Xin shivered, tugging on his robe, his voice barely above a whisper, trembling with dread.
"I… I'll do what Mother-in-law asked. Please…"
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