Chapter 83

"Division of the family?"

"Alimony?"

"All the money was returned to Mother-in-law?"

Emily Johnson took the thin sheet of paper, her fingertips trembling slightly. At the very bottom, the signatures of the three brothers were clearly written.

The terms were laid out plainly: The division would take effect after this year's autumn harvest. The support payments would begin next year.

Each household was required to pay five dollars, fifty pounds of fine grain, and fifty pounds of coarse grain annually.

What was even more alarming was that the amount would increase by one-tenth the following year.

This meant next year’s payment would be five dollars and fifty cents, fifty-five pounds of fine grain, and fifty-five pounds of coarse grain.

And it would keep increasing every year.

"The amount isn’t that large," Emily murmured to herself.

Fine grain referred to snow-white rice and wheat flour.

Coarse grain included golden corn, purple-red sweet potatoes, and dark red sorghum.

Combined, the three households would only pay fifteen dollars, one hundred fifty pounds of fine grain, and one hundred fifty pounds of coarse grain per year.

On average, the two elderly parents would receive less than a pound of grain per day.

In modern times, with meat, eggs, milk, and fruit as supplements, this amount would be more than enough.

But in the lean 1970s, when oil and meat were scarce...

"Father can still earn work points now, but after the Household Contract System is implemented..." Michael Stone trailed off.

Emily raised an eyebrow. "You actually know about this? And you didn’t warn Father and the others?"

"The policy won’t take effect immediately—it’ll take at least two or three years." He paused, then abruptly changed the subject. "After this autumn rain, the wild game in the mountains should be out. What do you want to eat?"

"Meat! We want meat!" The two children jumped up and down, clearly not satisfied with yesterday’s meal.

"Alright, we’ll go hunting in the mountains today." Michael ruffled the children’s hair, then gave Emily a meaningful look. "And we’ll pick some walnuts—good for the brain."

Emily narrowed her eyes.

Why did that sound so pointed?

"Pick plenty, then. The whole family could use some brain-boosting," she said with a tight smile.

Michael felt a chill run down his neck.

Had he said something wrong? Wasn’t it common knowledge that walnuts were good for the mind?

His wife studied late into the night every day...

"The ground is muddy outside—stay home and behave." He hurriedly gave the instruction before stepping out.

Outside the courtyard gate, Daniel River had been waiting for some time.

"Third Brother, I heard your family split?" the younger man asked in a hushed voice.

"Yeah, completely divided now." Michael patted his cousin’s shoulder. "You should apply for homestead land too. Build a house—it’ll be easier to find a wife."

The youngest of the Stone family scratched his head. "I was thinking of picking land close to yours."

"Let’s set more traps today and gather extra walnuts." Michael suddenly sighed. "Your sister-in-law could use some brain food."

Daniel hesitated. "Third Brother, is Sister-in-law still preparing for the college entrance exam?"

After this trip to the city, he had truly seen the gap between urban and rural life. No wonder his sister-in-law was so determined to return.

"Yeah."

"What if... she doesn’t pass again?" Daniel asked cautiously. "Will you still support her?"

Michael gazed at the distant rolling mountains. "University is tuition-free, and graduates are assigned jobs. It’s a chance to change her fate."

His voice was quiet, but every word carried weight.