Zhao Shi and Old Man Lin had departed, and He Shi also stomped off in a rage. What was supposed to be a shared meal at Lin He's house ended with everyone leaving in discord. Only Song Yue-mei lingered, taking her time to bid farewell to Er Niu’s family before finally heading out.

Back home, He Shi immediately began inventorying possessions, insisting on examining everything to determine how the assets would be divided. Da Jiang, who had only mentioned separation in a fit of anger, hadn't truly intended to divide the household. “Wife, do you really mean to split the family? Qingshan and his wife have nothing; how will they manage if they move out?”

“They can manage however they please. We settled the matter of separation in front of so many people; this home must be divided. Besides, you were the one who brought it up, so why are you asking me now? I just need some time to consider the specifics of the division,” He Shi retorted.

Da Jiang was a man of few words, and indeed, the idea of separation had originated with him. He certainly couldn't go back on his word now. However, if the family truly did split, it might be for the best; his wife and daughter-in-law constantly fighting at home was becoming unbearable.

Meanwhile, Qingshan and Song Yue-mei walked out of Lin He’s residence. Qingshan asked, “Wife, do we really have to split the family? Wasn't living with Father and Mother fine? If we separate, where will we live, and how will we support ourselves?”

Song Yue-mei shared her plan to build a new house. Qingshan found his wife’s strategy quite sound; moreover, she had already mapped out profitable ventures for their new, independent household. After some contemplation, Qingshan decided separation was indeed a good thing, and thinking of the better days ahead for their own small family, he quickened his pace to match Song Yue-mei’s, eager to return and finalize the split.

The moment Qingshan and Song Yue-mei arrived home, He Shi burst out of her room. “Separate the family! Do it now! Pack up the rooms you occupy and take only your belongings. And Song Yue-mei, you’ve been here since you married, and we’ve hosted several banquets. Bring out the gift money you received; by all rights, that belongs to me.”

Song Yue-mei inwardly scoffed, thinking her mother-in-law was either foolish or treating everyone else like fools. If she hadn't been willing to hand over the money before separation, why would she be willing to now? She also dismissed the claim of "rights" and "rules"—those rules were supposed to apply to the division itself.

Yet, Song Yue-mei only mocked her internally, showing nothing. She still needed to secure some assets from her mother-in-law. “Mother, you are right. I will bring out that money shortly. What is yours, I will certainly give to you. Since you insist on following the rules, then according to those rules, separating the family means we must divide the house and all household possessions. How do you intend to divide them?”

“You want to divide the house? Did you build this house? Did you buy the household goods? How dare you ask for a share! Just take your own things and get out!” He Shi shrieked.

“Mother, you initiated the separation, and it’s not just up to you to decide how the assets are divided. Everyone is here today—Father, Mother—see how this division should proceed. If you refuse to allocate anything to us, I will summon the clan elders to mediate the division according to tradition,” Song Yue-mei countered, refusing to back down.

Da Jiang stood nearby and looked toward Qingshan. “Qingshan, do you agree to separate the family?”

Qingshan was already on the verge of a breakdown from the constant bickering between his wife and mother. Furthermore, the plans his wife had just shared had solidified his resolve to separate. Qingshan was certainly not the type to always put his parents’ wishes first, so when Da Jiang asked, he replied without hesitation: “I agree to separate the family.”

Now that everyone in the house agreed, there was no backing out—separation was inevitable. Da Jiang turned to He Shi. “Wife, since the children agree, you handle the division. Just try to give them a little more.”

“Give them more? Do you not know what we even possess? Everything is right here; look for yourself. Are you suggesting we chop this house in half?” He Shi snapped back irritably.

Song Yue-mei had already anticipated this. Hearing her father-in-law, she stepped forward. “Father, I’ve thought about it too. This house is too small; two families certainly cannot live here. I propose that Qingshan and I look for a place elsewhere. But that requires money. I don’t want the house; you can just give me the monetary equivalent for the property. And as for the household items, just divide a portion for us.”

Given the customs of the time, Song Yue-mei’s request was not excessive. The practice dictated that if parents were sending a son and his wife out, they were to receive a share of the house and household goods. If no house was available, they were to be given money to secure their own lodging.

However, He Shi was determined to deny the money, claiming it belonged solely to the elderly couple. Song Yue-mei and He Shi then had another fierce confrontation in the courtyard. Finally, Da Jiang, utterly exasperated, took out the little over two taels of silver saved in the house and gave it to Qingshan and his wife. He claimed this was for building their house, and the remaining possessions would be accounted for later once their own home was finished.

Song Yue-mei accepted the money and fell silent, ceasing her argument with He Shi, and went inside to discuss construction plans with Qingshan. Once things cooled slightly, He Shi remembered the gift money again and marched into Song Yue-mei’s room. “What about the gift money you promised? Isn't it time to hand it over now?”

Song Yue-mei sneered. “When did I ever say I would hand it all over? I said I wouldn't shortchange you on what is rightfully yours. Think carefully about what here actually belongs to you. The money I received when I married was from relatives’ red envelopes. The gifts for the baby’s washing ceremony and the full-month celebration belong to my child. Which portion, precisely, is yours?”

He Shi was so enraged by Song Yue-mei that she was rendered speechless. Having no other recourse, she finally declared, “The family is divided now. The gift money and goods have been settled. You all get out of my sight now—this place is mine!”

Qingshan, witnessing his mother’s outrageous behavior, angrily interjected, “It’s late in the evening; where do you expect us to go? And we still have a small child. No matter what, we are still your son and daughter-in-law.”

“I do not have a son like you! You'd run off for a mere whim! Do you have any regard for your mother and father? You must move out tonight, or I will start tossing your belongings out into the street!” He Shi had lost all reason in her fury.

“Qingshan, let’s go. We’ll move our things and stay at Grandmother’s place tonight,” Song Yue-mei told Qingshan.

With that, she picked up the baby she was holding, instructed Qingshan to grab the few bundles he had already packed, and headed for the door. Song Yue-mei, with the child and Qingshan, deliberately took a long route, circling through Lin Village. When neighbors inquired, they simply stated that the mother-in-law had thrown them out.