Chapter 25: Discussing the Division of Profits, the Li Family's Deep Emotion

“How about this: we save half of the earnings for Mother, and the other half is divided into five shares—one for Father and Mother, one for Eldest Brother and Sister-in-law, one for Second Brother and Sister-in-law, one for Third Sister, and one for me. The portion Mother keeps will be used for the household expenses, while the shares given to each are theirs to spend as they wish. What do you think?” Li Su felt rather pleased with this suggestion.

“No! You earned the money, Xiao Si, and it was your idea. How can you only get one share?” The issue was no longer whether to divide the money, but how many shares Li Su should receive.

Li Su was speechless. In other families, people worry about getting the short end of the stick; in the Li family, they worry about getting too much.

It was precisely because of this that Li Su was willing to treat these family members with genuine affection.

He smiled, “Mother, it’s not calculated that way. I’ve been studying for years, all using the family’s money, and my brothers and sisters-in-law have contributed so much. Would that be fair to them?”

“That’s different!”

“Yes, Xiao Si, letting you study was something the whole family agreed upon.”

Li Su looked earnestly at Feng Cuicui. “Mother, let’s divide it this way. I’ll still need money from you for my studies in the future, and it’ll surely cost more than what my brothers spend. I just want everyone to live a little better, to have some spare money in their hands. Isn’t that good?”

Faced with Li Su’s gaze, Feng Cuicui surrendered immediately and agreed to everything.

The rest of the Li family were deeply moved—Xiao Si was so good, always thinking of them and willing to share his earnings.

They were also excited. If things went like this, they would have their own money to spend as they liked, just thinking about it made them happy.

After Feng Cuicui nodded, she addressed the whole family seriously, “Xiao Si always keeps everyone in mind. I hope you all remember his goodness.”

“Mother, we know!” they replied in unison, and Feng Cuicui nodded with satisfaction.

Her youngest was truly thoughtful, sharing money with everyone, and even giving a share to her and the old man. Her heart melted—she was enjoying the blessings of her youngest so soon.

Li Zhengping was moved as well. If she had money, she could buy good food and clothes for her daughter.

Li Zhengyi, Jiang Yu, Li Zhengqiang, and Dong Fangfang were all smiling happily—having free money for their own family, how could they not be delighted?

And all this was thanks to Xiao Si. They would treat him even better in the future!

The children didn’t quite understand what it meant, but seeing the adults so happy, they followed suit.

Li Zixi rested her head on Li Zhengping’s lap, and her mother caressed her lovingly.

The Li family continued to discuss the division of labor, settling everything.

“Actually, we could pay someone to make the bamboo skewers,” Li Su suggested.

He was immediately overruled. “Making bamboo skewers is so easy, even the kids can do it. Why waste money hiring someone?”

Li Su could only concede. As long as they were happy.

“I’ll go read now,” he said, seeing that all had been settled and it was time to study.

Feng Cuicui hurriedly said, “Yes, yes, don’t neglect your studies, but also take care of your health.”

Li Su nodded and went to his room to study.

That night, in Li Daping and Feng Cuicui’s room.

Feng Cuicui’s smile was wide. “Xiao Si really cares about us, sharing his earnings, and thinking of his siblings. Our youngest is so filial—it’s not in vain that we dote on him.”

What could be happier than being cared for by the one you always worry about?

Li Daping nodded. “Xiao Si will have a bright future. He considers everything thoroughly. We need to be careful in our actions, so we don’t give anyone reason to speak ill of us, and certainly not hold Xiao Si back.”

“Yes, yes, we all need to be cautious. Maybe our Xiao Si will really become an official someday.”

“Then we’d be the parents of an official!” The thought made Li Daping’s heart burn with excitement.

The couple were moved for half the night.

In Li Zhengyi and Jiang Yu’s room.

Jiang Yu sat on the bed. “I never expected Xiao Si to share his earnings with us. All our previous efforts have been worth it.”

Li Zhengyi smiled. “Xiao Si has always been a good one.”

Jiang Yu was silent. She hadn’t always thought so—her husband’s perspective as the eldest brother was colored by affection, but she didn’t share it. Since Li Zhengyi was willing, and the parents-in-law were pleased, she had simply gone along.

Now, she understood. Xiao Si was indeed a good child; she had misunderstood him before.

“When the time comes, I’ll get some cloth to make clothes for you and the two children, and for Xiao Si as well,” Li Zhengyi said to his wife.

Jiang Yu replied softly, “Alright, life is getting more hopeful. It’ll only get better. I’ll make a set for you too.”

Li Zhengyi laughed sweetly and hugged his wife. “Wife…”

Jiang Yu’s cheeks blushed, and she hugged him back.

In Li Zhengqiang and Dong Fangfang’s room.

“Husband, I did have some prejudice against Xiao Si before, but he’s actually very good.” Dong Fangfang had held many complaints about Li Su, though she usually kept them to herself, sometimes sharing them with Li Zhengqiang. Her husband was good in every way, except when it came to his younger brother—he always thought Xiao Si was the best.

“Xiao Si is indeed very good,” Li Zhengqiang declared firmly. His little brother was the smartest and best in the world.

This time, Dong Fangfang didn’t argue. “When our child is born, we can provide even better conditions.”

Li Zhengqiang gently stroked her belly. “Yes, this child will be blessed.”

“When the time comes, let Xiao Si name the baby, so he’ll have a scholarly aura,” Dong Fangfang said with a smile.

Li Zhengqiang nodded. “Alright.”

In Li Zhengping’s room.

She held her daughter Li Zixi in her arms.

“Xixi, how do you feel about life now?” Li Zhengping asked.

Li Zixi, who looked taller and less frail than when she first arrived, leaned against her mother. “Mother, I like it here. Grandpa, Grandma, and my uncles are all very good to me, especially Uncle Xiao Si—he even gives me candy.”

Li Zhengping smiled at the mention of Li Su. “Your Uncle Xiao Si is the smartest in the family and treats us both well. I could divorce Wang Dafa so smoothly thanks to his help. When you grow up, you must repay Uncle Xiao Si.”

Li Zixi nodded vigorously. “I’ll repay Uncle Xiao Si when I grow up!”

Li Zhengping hugged her child tightly, feeling strength coursing through her. Xiao Si had even arranged work for her—things would only get better.

Both she and Xixi had a far brighter future here than they ever would have had in the Wang family.

…

Once the Li family started using the curved plow, their work in the fields sped up remarkably. Other families, seeing this, quickly bought the same plow, and soon the whole village’s productivity soared.

When people from nearby villages heard about it, they sought out the curved plow as well, and it became popular throughout the region. Many came to know about Li Su.

Praise for Li Su increased.

A scholar who, out of concern for his family, spent time designing a more efficient and convenient curved plow—filial and intelligent, this child was truly remarkable.

The story spread further, and even many classmates at the private school heard about it.

When Li Su arrived at the school, someone approached him curiously, “Brother Li, is it true that the famous curved plow was your design?”

Li Su hadn’t expected the news to spread so quickly. “The blueprint was indeed mine, given to the blacksmith. Why do you ask?”

His fellow students, sons of farmers themselves, were speechless. Their families had asked them why they hadn’t come up with such an idea. They thought it was just rumors, but it turned out Li Su really could do it!