Chapter 125: Liu Li
Editor: Atlas Studios
Liu Daqian and Liu Erqian’s families were still neighbors, and they were having an even more difficult time than the Mu family’s.
At least the Mu family had Mu Yangling to hunt a rabbit or something in the mountains from time to time for a snack. Coupled with the money from selling deer previously, their lives gradually improved after the initial difficulties. However, the Liu family did not have any additional income.
Mu Shi carried the things into the house and said, “Eldest Uncle, this is for you and Second Uncle.” Mu Shi put down the two bags of grains and took out two pieces of meat from the basket on his back.
Mu Yangling took out half a bag of grains and half a piece of meat alone and said, “Great-uncle, this is for Cousin Li. Get Ah Lang to send it over later. We’ll leave the rest to Great-uncle He, and let him distribute some to the villagers.”
Although the Liu family had been divided into various camps, they were from the same clan and the family tree remained unchanged. So, the things to be distributed to the villagers should be handed over to Liu He.
Liu Daqian looked at the things that were given to Liu Li in surprise and asked, “Why are you giving this to your Cousin Li?” After hesitating for a moment, he asked, “Your Uncle Zhuzi…”
“Father.” Liu Ting interrupted his father and said, “It’s not easy for Ah Ling and the rest. Shitou has to go to the camp, so there’s only her and Aunt left at home. Considering they’re small and weak, it’s not easy for them to squeeze out this bit of grain. I’ll take care of Zhuzi’s side.”
Upon hearing this, Liu Erqian, who had entered the house, snorted coldly. “Why does Big Brother still remember them? Second Sister can’t wait to treat us like strangers. She might even blame us for going near them.”
Liu Daqian sighed. “After all, we’re related by blood.”
Mu Shi and Mu Yangling did not speak. They did not have any feelings for Madam Fang-Liu, so they naturally would not consider them when preparing the New Year goods.
As for giving the stuff to Liu Li, it was because his family was having a really difficult time. Back then, Mu Yangling fought alongside him, so she inevitably became closer to him. Hence, she prepared some stuff for him.
Liu Erqian turned to Mu Yangling and said, “Deliver the things yourself and receive their thanks in person yourself. Their house is at the end of the village.”
Now that every family was hungry, if Liu Daqian really sent the things over, there would be more gossip in the Liu clan tomorrow. The Mu family was different. Mu Yangling was not a member of the Liu family, so she could give the things to whoever she wanted.
“Alright, then Great-uncle, sit down first. I’ll send it to them now. Father, accompany Great-uncle and the others.” Mu Yangling carried her things and went out.
Liu Li’s house was at the end of the village, half a village away from Third Great-uncle’s house. Ever since Liu Li was pushed out to kill the enemy with Mu Yangling, he and his widowed mother started growing distant with his grandfather and two uncles. Later on, when their family became a military household, he was the one who was pushed out to become a soldier. That was when he forcefully initiated a split of assets with them and moved to live at the end of the village with his widowed mother and only son.
Having lost his father when he was young, Liu Li was brought up by his widowed mother. His third great-uncle’s family did not split up their assets, so the mother and son lived with his two uncles. He had lived carefully since he was young and had yet to discuss marriage even though he was already 20.
In such a situation, by right he shouldn’t have been chosen to fight the enemy with Mu Yangling back then. However, when it was their family’s turn to choose someone, his two uncles didn’t want their children to take the risk and were also afraid of death. Thus, Third Great-uncle made the decision to push this eldest grandson out.
At that time, when he was on the verge of death, Liu Li had once told Mu Yangling that he had wanted to volunteer himself for no other reason than the fact that his two uncles had raised him since young. However, his grandfather and uncles’ anxious decision still disappointed him. He felt that he would not survive that, so he asked Mu Yangling to take care of his widowed mother in the future.
At that time, he and Liu Xuan were the most seriously injured. Mu Yangling almost thought that they would not survive, but somehow, he made it.
Before Qi Haoran said that he would pay for their medical expenses, Third Great-uncle’s family had clearly expressed that they would give up on Liu Li. Because of this, Liu Li’s widowed mother almost had a conflict with Third Great-uncle. After that incident, when Liu Li woke up, he became distant from his grandfather and two uncles. When he was pushed out to join the army, Liu Li did not object at that time. However, after the fields were divided, he suggested splitting up the family assets. Mu Yangling still remembered how Liu Li stood in front of Liu He and disregarded everything.
Liu Daqian and the older generation felt that Liu Li did not know the bigger picture and shouldn’t have contradicted his elders. However, Mu Yangling sympathized with him and admired his determination.
This era was different from Mu Yangling’s previous life. In her previous life, the concept of the family was weak. Many things were related to cause and effect. However, here, family was an important concept and one was expected to obey the clan’s wishes unconditionally. However, who had considered Liu Li and his mother’s feelings?
Liu Li took away the freehold field under his and his mother’s name and moved to the end of the village. Thereafter, he almost cut off all contact with the main family.
When Mu Yangling carried the things over, he was sitting at the door and fixing the iron plow. He had an iron plow and four hoes under his name. He directly took an iron plow and a hoe, leaving only two hoes for his two uncles.
No matter how much his aunt and grandmother kicked up a fuss, he refused to relent. When Liu Li took the things away, he said that if anyone dared to cause trouble for him and his mother, he would tell the platoon commander that they had already split up their family assets. In that case, one of his two uncles would definitely have to enlist in the army. Afraid that Liu Li would fall out with them, they naturally did not dare to cause trouble. They could only watch helplessly as he took away the only iron plow.
“Cousin Li, what are you doing at home?” Mu Yangling placed the things in front of him.
Liu Li hurriedly stood up. “Ah Ling, why are you here? Hurry up and have a seat inside. Mother, Ah Ling is here. Quickly start a fire and cook.”
“Hey, hey.” Madam Liu-Ma wiped her hands and ran out. When she saw Mu Yangling, she pulled her in enthusiastically. “Ah Ling, you’re here. Hurry inside and have a seat. Aunt will cook for you.”
“Aunt, don’t be anxious. My father is at my great-uncle’s place. I still have to go back later. I’m here to give Cousin and you something.” Mu Yangling handed the things to them and smiled. “We’re going back in a while. This is for you. Have a good New Year this year.”
Madam Liu couldn’t help but wipe her eyes. Ever since her son and father-in-law split up their family assets, the villagers didn’t interact much with her.
However, Mu Yangling didn’t seem to see it. After putting down her things, she was about to walk out and Madam Liu Ma couldn’t stop her no matter how hard she tried. Liu Li held his mother’s hand and said, “Mother, pack up at home. I’ll send Ah Ling off.”
Liu Li walked beside Mu Yangling and said solemnly after a while, “Ah Ling, thank you. If you need anything in the future, just look for me. I’ll definitely do whatever I can for you.”
Mu Yangling looked at Liu Li seriously. “Cousin Li, this is all I can do. The one who really treats you well is Aunt. You’re her only son, so you have to take care of yourself.”
Liu Li nodded with a dark expression, his eyes as bright as the stars. “Don’t worry, I’ll definitely live well.”
Only then did Mu Yangling smile. “Cousin Li, tell Aunt to look for me in Chenggu Garrison if there’s anything in the future.”
Liu Li nodded. “Thank you.”
Mu Yangling punched his shoulder. “Hey, we’ve been through life and death together.”
Among the few people who survived, other than Fang Zhuzi who hid behind others and survived, which one of them didn’t fight to the death?