Chapter 199: Chapter 199: In Our Family, Daughters Are More Precious Than Sons
Yuan Laidi chatted with Mrs. Peng for a while, then picked up her things and went out, first heading to her eldest brother Yuan Pandi’s room.
As it happened, Yuan Wangdi was already in Yuan Pandi’s room.
Yuan Pandi had an inkling that his two brothers might come by.
Of course, Yuan Pandi had no intention of accepting his younger brothers’ belongings.
If the brothers brought gifts, Yuan Pandi wouldn’t refuse, but receiving silver directly made him uncomfortable, feeling that his brothers were being distant with him.
"Big brother, that’s really not what we mean!"
Yuan Wangdi, being somewhat impatient, said, "The two of us could come back for the New Year because we happened to have some spare time, we barely had time to prepare any gifts."
"Even though we’re back for the New Year, we have to leave by the third day after New Year!"
"As for the silver, wasn’t it because we hadn’t divided the family yet?"
"When we divided the family, father split the silver equally. At that time, we brothers had already made quite a contribution, and although the rewards hadn’t arrived yet, it should be considered as a communal income."
"Big brother, if you don’t accept it, I won’t have the face to see you in the future!"
In the past, Yuan Wangdi wouldn’t have said such a thing. But after half a year in the army, he had matured in many ways.
"Big brother, the second brother is right!"
Yuan Laidi followed up.
"Besides, even though we’ve divided the family, we’re still brothers!"
"After my second brother and I leave, if there’s anything at home, wouldn’t it be big brother and sister-in-law who will have to lend a hand?"
"Alright, alright, can’t I just accept it?"
With his brothers speaking so earnestly, Yuan Pandi had no choice but to accept the silver.
What they brought wasn’t actually that much, just a hundred taels of silver each. But combined, the two hundred taels of silver were a considerable sum for many families.
After Yuan Wangdi and Yuan Laidi left, Yuan Pandi glanced sideways at Mrs. Li.
Although Yuan Pandi said nothing, the meaning was clear—Mrs. Li had to reflect on herself.
Mrs. Li felt deeply embarrassed.
Before, she had been murmuring, but now, she just felt she was too petty.
"In the future, keep an eye on the second and third sisters-in-law!"
Yuan Pandi finally advised Mrs. Li.
Mrs. Li immediately promised to pay attention.
With two hundred taels of silver, their family could easily build a new brick and tile house. By then, discussing a marriage for her son would certainly be a matter of pride, and she would have her pick of good girls.
...
Yuan Wangdi and Yuan Laidi, after leaving Yuan Pandi’s room, returned to their rooms and took another set of silver to Yuan Zhaodi’s room.
Even though Yuan Bao no longer lived under Yuan Zhaodi and Mrs. Xiao Li’s name, the brothers still came by.
Similarly, each gave one hundred taels of silver.
Along the way, they gave Yuan Zhaodi a few words of advice.
What could Yuan Zhaodi say?
He could only listen obediently to his older brothers’ advice and guidance.
"Fourth brother, a harmonious family leads to prosperity. You and your fourth sister-in-law should get along well!"
"Some things, once they’re in the past, let them go and look forward!"
"Fourth sister-in-law, I also have a few words for you!"
After speaking to Yuan Zhaodi, Yuan Wangdi turned to Mrs. Xiao Li, "No matter what you’re thinking, you have a long future ahead with the fourth brother. The two of you will surely have more children. If you have another daughter, you absolutely must not favor sons over daughters!"
"In the Yuan Family, we don’t do that!"
"In our family, daughters are more precious than sons."
"You may not like to hear this, but in our family, this is how it is!"
Yuan Wangdi didn’t care whether Mrs. Xiao Li liked what he said or not; he would speak his mind regardless.