Chapter 82

"Old man, we can still pick a good spot for the homestead now," Mary Stone whispered urgently. "Once the new policy rolls in and the other villagers start scrambling, do you think Robert and William will get decent land?"

John Stone Sr. slammed his hand on the table. "William moves out, and so does Robert!"

Elizabeth Stone clenched the hem of her shirt, her nails nearly digging into her palm. She had hoped that with William gone, little Jack would finally have his own room. Now that dream was shattered.

"Now that we've settled the division, let's talk about supporting our parents," Michael Stone said, his gaze sweeping over his two older brothers. "Their hair has turned white—it's time we fulfill our filial duties."

Robert Stone nodded eagerly. "Of course we'll take care of them!" William quickly echoed his agreement. Neither dared to refuse—not when Michael's fists were known to settle arguments.

The three brothers finally agreed: each household would contribute five dollars a month, fifty pounds of fine and coarse grains, increasing by ten percent each year. Once the agreement was signed in black and white, Michael stood to leave.

"If you need help, just say the word," he paused, then added, "Blood is thicker than water."

The words stung.

Later, after the elderly couple had gone to bed, Mary suddenly pulled out a stack of bills. "Michael slipped me his share."

John was stunned.

"You always say I favor him," Mary murmured, running her fingers over the money. "But which of our sons is truly the most filial? Maybe it's for the best that Robert moves out. Our work points are enough to feed us, and with the grain they'll provide..."

"I had hoped Michael would pull them up..." the old man sighed.

In the eldest son's house, Robert was trying to placate his wife. "If we don't claim the homestead now, we'll lose our chance later. Lily can help with chores—we just need to work hard."

Meanwhile, the second son's household was in chaos.

"How dare Michael give them money!" William's wife shrieked. "Living off his wife's family and still acting high and mighty!"

William stayed silent. If he had a wealthy mother-in-law, he wouldn’t mind either.

That night, Michael climbed over the courtyard wall. Seeing the main house dark, he tiptoed into his sons' room. The two little rascals slept like wild animals, kicking so much he had to grit his teeth.

At breakfast the next morning, he pulled out a document. "We divided the family last night. I gave Mother the money—here are the details of our support agreement."