With that, Su Sanlang urged Chen Hu to find a sack to fill the food with.

Although Chen Hu did not know the reason, upon hearing that Su Sanlang was so anxious, he went to find a sack first. His wife was woken up by the noise and was about to ask when Chen Hu whispered, “Dear, don’t ask anything. Come and help.”

Madam Qian swallowed the question that was on the tip of her tongue. She had always been a quiet person. Chen Hu was a good person, so she listened to whatever he said because Chen Hu would never do anything to hurt her. Ever since the two of them started a family, Chen Hu had never made her sad.

After getting the rice and grains into the house through the window, Chen Hu was about to ask when Su Sanlang said, “Huzi, thank you. Remember not to say anything. You can keep these things. Remember, don’t let my hard work go to waste.”

With that, Su Sanlang turned around and left before Chen Hu could say anything.

Chen Hu looked worried. He called out to Su Sanlang, but he did not dare to shout loudly.

They could only watch as Su Sanlang disappeared into the night.

Chen Hu felt terrible and immediately said to Madam Qian, “No, I have to go to Sanlang’s house and ask what’s going on!”

Madam Qian hurriedly pulled him back and said softly, “Dear, you can’t go. If you go, his efforts will be in vain. Calm down first. Let’s keep these things well. Tomorrow, go and find out what happened to his family.”

Madam Qian’s words made sense, and Chen Hu calmed down. After some thought, he nodded. “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Madam Qian sighed softly and pulled Chen Hu back to bed.

…

When Su Sanlang returned home, he climbed into bed in the dark and said softly to Madam Zhao, “Darling, go to sleep.”

Madam Zhao replied softly, “Yes, you should sleep too.”

Neither of them spoke again. The night was quiet, but neither of them slept.

How could they sleep at a time like this?

The next morning, Madam Zhao and Su Sanlang, who had not slept the entire night, got up. The two of them did not speak and killed the few pheasants and hares they had raised in silence.

By the time Su Sanmei, Su Chong and Su Hua got up, the house was filled with fragrance.

The soup was thick and delicious. Madam Zhao let the three children drink a bowl of soup each before eating the meat.

She hadn’t even cooked any rice.

The family ate the entire pot of meat and soup cleanly.

After eating, Su Sanmei asked softly, “Mother, can I still catch insects to feed the chickens?”

The bunny had to eat grass, too.

Madam Zhao stroked Su Sanmei’s hair with heartache and said with resolve, “You don’t need to. You don’t have to catch bugs today. I’ll feed them with fine rice today.”

Madam Zhao went to feed the chickens and rabbits with rice. She felt horrible, but she did not stop.

She had just finished feeding when she turned around and saw many people coming down the road.

There was the village chief, Old Master Wang, Old Master Li, who was an official who lived in another village, as well as Grand Duke Su Si, who was of a high seniority in the Su family. There were also some other relatives and neighbors in the village.

Madam Zhao’s eyes darkened. Under such great pressure, her family seemed so helpless. She looked around and saw that they had no one to rely on.

She felt a little sad.

Not long after, they arrived outside the Su family’s house. Old Master Su looked at Madam Zhao coldly and said, “Why aren’t you opening the door?”

Madam Zhao lowered her head and went over to open the door.

The village chief looked at Madam Zhao and sighed.

On the way, Old Master Li had also heard about what had happened from Old Master Su. His expression was calm. Although he had some sympathy for Madam Zhao, he was also furious that Su Sanlang had disobeyed his parents for her.

Su Sanlang heard the commotion and came out of the house with the children.

He seemed to be prepared and appeared to be neither servile nor overbearing. Old Master Li glanced at him and said calmly, “Su Sanlang, you should know why your parents invited us here today, right? Let me ask you, are you really unwilling to admit your mistake and go home? Are you determined to cut ties with your parents?”

To be so unfilial to his parents over a woman was something that he could not tolerate.

After all, he could still remarry if his wife was gone, but his parents could never be replaced. He should never forget the kindness of them raising him up.

As the village chief, Old Master Wang sighed and advised, “Sanlang, why are you so stubborn? Apologize to your parents. Otherwise, if you insist on doing this, I won’t be able to help you.”

Madam Wang glanced coldly at Su Sanlang and Madam Zhao. She spat and said coldly, “Village Chief, Old Master Li, you must teach this unfilial thing a lesson. I don’t want to have such a son. Chase them out. Don’t ruin the reputation of our Southern Mountain Village.”

With so many people around, Madam Wang was not afraid that Su Sanlang would play rough.

She didn’t want such a disobedient son.

Since they’re so stubborn, they should get lost. They would not be an eyesore for her then.

Su Sanlang clenched his fists and gritted his teeth. His eyes were red as he looked at Madam Wang and Old Master Su.

Madam Wang hurriedly took a step back and pointed at Su Sanlang with a trembling finger. “Look, his eyes look like they want to eat someone up. Who would dare to keep such a beast as a son?”

Su Sanlang closed his eyes. His lips trembled for a long while before he said with difficulty, “I, Su Sanlang, am willing to be removed from the family tree and serve my wife and children. From now on, I have nothing to do with the Su family.”

Old Master Su snorted coldly. “Alright, in that case, I’ll fulfill your wish.”

“Sanlang, you have to think this through carefully. This is your father and your mother, don’t be so rash. Even if they did something wrong, they’re still your parents. You’re so disobedient and merciless. You can’t blame them for not tolerating you.”

Grand Duke Su sighed and said earnestly.

They all lived in the same village, how could he not know about Su Sanlang’s family?

Although Su Sanlang had suffered, he could not be so disobedient to his parents. This could not be reversed.

Fourth Duke Su also advised, “Sanlang, if you are removed, you won’t be able to come back. You have to think carefully. Don’t regret it later and blame us for not persuading you.”

Su Sanlang kept his eyes lowered, avoiding any eye contact. His voice was calm. “I’ve already decided. I’d rather take my family with me.”

There was absolute determination in his calm voice.

Since Su Sanlang had already taken this step, no one wanted to persuade him anymore.

Since he had to hit his head against the wall and die, let’s not try to stop him, everyone thought.

Old Master Li said, “Since you’ve made up your mind, I’ll tell you how to deal with this matter. Those who contradict their parents and refuse to repent must leave in vain. They can’t bring along anything that belongs to the family.”

“These are three pieces of proof. If you make the decision, you and your parents will both place your fingerprints on them, representing your approval of this proof. In the future, you will live your own lives and will have nothing to do with each other. Your parents’ things have nothing to do with you, and you don’t have to support your parents in their old age.”

Old Master Li took out a pen and some paper, then dipped it in ink and started writing.