Zhang Dashan was deeply moved by his son's demeanor. He put himself in his son's shoes and realized that he would have resented his father and regretted his current predicament. He was surprised that his son, despite everything, still cared for him, a feeling he had never experienced before.
"The more you are like this, the more I feel I've wronged you. How about this? Go and ask your mother for forgiveness. After all, you are her only son, and her property is yours. As long as you sincerely apologize, she won't abandon you. We can't keep burdening you any longer. If you truly feel bad, you can provide us with some financial support each month." Zhang Dashan played the role of a loving father to perfection.
Hesheng fell silent. He had indeed considered this issue over the past few days, but he was too proud to go back after leaving with such conviction. Besides, he knew his father would be hurt if he initiated the reconciliation. Now that his father was suggesting it, he found himself longing for his former life of authority and command.
Seeing his son's reaction, Zhang Dashan understood his choice. Although his heart ached, a testament to his perceived inadequacy as a father, he knew he had to let his son seek forgiveness from his mother. The circumstances were dire, and continuing this way would make their lives unbearable. He truly did not want to live in such scarcity any longer.
Wu Caiwei watched Hesheng, who knelt before her, head bowed, sniveling and speaking pitifully. She felt he was increasingly embodying Zhang Dashan's ability to be flexible. He was indeed Zhang Dashan's son. If such qualities were found in someone else, she might have admired them. But she knew how strong-willed her son had been in the previous life of the original owner. This gave her a sense of division. She also felt that although her son had returned, his heart was still with them, and he would continue to be entangled with them. This thought made her feel a pang of discomfort. Besides, was their home a marketplace that he could enter and leave as he pleased?
She sent for Xia He and her two daughters. In their presence, she handed Hesheng the deed to the courtyard and fields that had been prepared for him long ago.
"What does Mother mean by this?" Hesheng asked foolishly, holding the deed and looking at his mother in bewilderment.
"Your children are all grown. I shouldn't keep you confined to my side. I know you have feelings for Zhang Dashan. From now on, all of this is yours, and you can decide how you want to live. However, I still want to give you some advice: stay away from them, live your own life well, and don't bother me in the future. I want to spend my world of two with Chen Renjie."
Wu Caiwei looked at him calmly. She had once held expectations for her son, believing he was teachable, which was why she kept him by her side to impart more knowledge. Now, she realized that some familial bonds could not be easily severed. Even if she forcefully kept him close and severed his ties with the Zhang family, he would not be grateful but would become even more attached to them. It would be better to let them be together, to see each other's true colors, and to end things early.
Even if they couldn't see clearly, living in confusion for a lifetime would be acceptable. Of course, she was here to complete the mission for the original owner and could not let Zhang Dashan's family live well. However, given how deeply entrenched they were in their conflict, if she were to intervene rashly and cause any harm to them, Hesheng would be heartbroken and would spare no effort to help. This was not something she wanted to see.
Xia He immediately understood her mother's intentions. She quickly pulled her two daughters forward and knelt before her. She said sincerely, "My husband has chosen to go with his father. I am willing to stay with my two daughters to show filial piety and to serve you."
Wu Caiwei examined her carefully. Seeing that she was not lying, she sighed. "It's not good for a husband and wife to be separated all the time. What if he fancies another woman outside, and you are not by his side? If feelings develop over time, it will be too late to regret it. You should leave with him."
"Since I dared to stay, I have already prepared myself mentally. I want to follow Mother for the rest of my life. Whether it's good or bad, it's my fate, and I accept it. The two children also do not object. I implore Mother not to send us away."
Seeing the resolute attitude of his wife and daughters, Hesheng couldn't help but feel hurt. He and his wife had supported each other for so many years without a single quarrel. He couldn't understand what he had done wrong for his wife to want to live with his mother and refuse to have anything to do with him.
He noticed that from the moment he entered, the other party's gaze had never been on him. Even when they met in the shop last time, there was no special emotion shown, not even a greeting. Anyone who didn't know would think they were strangers.
Hesheng was not one to pester. Since the other party had decided to abandon him, and he had a house and financial security, he was confident he could find another wife. He thought, "She will regret it if she loses her place in my life." With that, he stood up, feeling resentful, and said, "Thank you, Mother."
Watching him leave in a huff, Xia He had no regrets about her decision. Having spent so many days with her mother, she deeply admired her and felt she would not suffer by following her. Besides, the Zhang family was full of troublesome people, and she didn't want to live a life of constant chaos.
Wu Caiwei did not think Xia He was too cold-hearted. Having fled from the north and experienced much, Xia He had long since become indifferent to the warmth and coldness of human relationships. Now that she was choosing a life that was most beneficial to her, no one could blame her.
Zhang Dashan looked at the deed in Hesheng's hand and was somewhat pleasantly surprised. He hadn't expected Wu Caiwei to be willing to hand over these assets to her son and even send him away. This was equivalent to giving the courtyard and fields to the Zhang family, which made him overjoyed. However, seeing his son's somewhat dejected expression, he understood his inner disappointment and dared not show his joy. He comforted his son, saying that they were a family and would live harmoniously from now on.
A few days later, he recovered and excitedly brought the Zhang family to see the courtyard. The sight filled them with emotion. Wu Caiwei had indeed been quite thoughtful towards her only son. She had bestowed upon them a magnificent three-courtyard residence, something they had never even dared to dream of. With its pavilions, towers, bridges, and flowing water, it was a sight of unparalleled beauty. The thought of this place becoming their home filled everyone with excitement.
After touring the residence, they didn't mind the fatigue and rented a carriage to visit their fields outside the city. Looking at the endless expanse of rice paddies, they were filled with hope for the future.
Hesheng's sorrow was considerably lessened by this magnificent spectacle. He felt that with these possessions, he could create his own prosperity and earn his mother's admiration.