"Dad, please don't force me. For so many years, Xiao He has been considering me and this family. I stand with Xiao He."
Su Xiaotian: "..."
Everyone else: "..."
Su Changjiu and Li Yuling, the couple, couldn't believe these were words spoken by their son.
"Good, you two are truly remarkable. Su Ping'an, you are very good!" Su Changjiu trembled with anger.
The daughter-in-law cursed the mother-in-law, yet the son could utter such words.
He was a failed father.
When Su Ping'an heard Su Changjiu say that, he just lowered his head, not taking his father's words to heart.
Recently, his wife had a lot of complaints about his parents. If he didn't side with his wife, he didn't know how much more trouble there would be.
Besides, if they could use this matter to force Xie Nan to find them a job, wouldn't that be better than staying in the village?
It had to be said that Su Ping'an's thoughts were actually quite good.
However, he only considered the problem from his own perspective, completely disregarding others.
"I announce to everyone in the village today that from now on, Su Changjiu and Su Ping'an are severing their father-son relationship."
Su Changjiu sighed as he looked at his son, who showed no sign of regretting what he had said.
He felt completely chilled.
His son's words were like a basin of icy water in the depths of winter.
Su Changjiu could even feel the intense pity in the eyes of the surrounding villagers as they looked at him.
He had wanted to say this for a long time, but thinking that Su Ping'an was his son after all, he had tolerated it.
Who knew that this would only make the couple escalate, becoming more and more out of line.
Su Ping'an stared at his father in shock, clearly not expecting Su Changjiu to say something like severing their father-son relationship in front of everyone.
He was dumbfounded, and even Tian Xiaohe was momentarily stunned.
Su Xiaotian also found it hard to believe that Su Changjiu could say such a thing.
Severing a father-son relationship was not legally recognized.
But for Uncle Changjiu to say such a thing at least proved that Su Ping'an had not been doing anything good during this time.
She wondered what exactly the couple had done in the village to make Uncle Changjiu so disheartened.
The onlookers, who had initially come to watch the spectacle, did not expect the village chief to speak so decisively.
But on second thought, it seemed to make sense. With a filial pair like Su Ping'an and his wife, they could be expelled from the village.
This was a new era, and such things were not practiced, but this son was truly beyond redemption.
However, they worried that Su Changjiu, in his anger, might regret saying this later.
Some elders from the village quickly stepped forward to mediate, trying to ease the father-son relationship.
"Village Chief, the child is still young, just guide him well. As adults, don't be so calculating."
"Yes, Village Chief, no matter what, he's still your own flesh and blood."
"Blood is thicker than water. Village Chief, it's easy for you to say this, but there will be no chance for reconciliation between father and son in the future."
"Yes, Village Chief, there's no need to sever the father-son relationship. Don't people have children to take care of them in their old age? You're getting older, why would you sever ties with your son?"
The elders of the village chattered, trying to offer Su Changjiu a way out.
There were also younger people who advised Su Ping'an.
"Ping'an, quickly apologize to Uncle Changjiu. Look how angry you've made him."
"As children, we must be tolerant of our elders. Don't go against them for every little thing."
"It hasn't been easy for Uncle Changjiu over the years for the two of you."
Because of the addition of two factories in the village recently, Su Changjiu's popularity in the village had been growing day by day.
Although many villagers enjoyed watching the drama, they did not wish for Su Changjiu's family to be in such disarray.
"I'm born of my father and mother, so why can my mother-in-law hit me?" Perhaps sensing a flicker of emotion on her husband's face, Tian Xiaohe became indignant.
"Su Ping'an, if you don't give me an explanation today, then wait for my brothers to come and settle the score with you."
Tian Xiaohe's words were met with disapproval from those around her.
The situation had already escalated to this point, what was this woman trying to do?
Why was she fanning the flames?
She clearly didn't want the village chief's family to be well!
Su Ping'an had not expected his own father to say something about severing their father-son relationship.
He was actually a little scared and thought about backing down and apologizing.
However, he was still dissatisfied with his old father in his heart.
He felt that elders should be more tolerant, why must they be so calculative?
Wasn't this clearly forcing him?
If they had considered him even a little, they wouldn't have said such things, nor would they have laid hands on Tian Xiaohe.
"Dad, Mom, are you trying to force me to death?" Su Ping'an clutched his head in pain, looking accusatory.
"Su Ping'an, it's not that I, your father, want to force you to death, but that you, my son, want to force me, your father, to death! Just tell me what good things you and your wife have been doing recently!"
Su Changjiu's entire being felt unwell as he recalled the things his son and daughter-in-law had been doing lately.
The little bit of reputation he had accumulated in his life had been completely ruined by these two prodigals.
From the time they contracted the breeding farm, Tian Xiaohe had never had a peaceful day.
If she were capable, it would have been fine.
But she was someone with lofty ambitions but little skill.
She hadn't done well herself, and she dared to stir up trouble in the village, both openly and secretly.
Her words were sarcastic, as if her elders were not human!
This was simply not a son, but a wicked offspring, a calamity!
"Village Chief, why don't we just let it go? If you give him some cold shoulder for a while, maybe he'll change!"
"I, Su Changjiu, stand by my word. I'm putting it out there today: I no longer have a son named Su Ping'an. When I die, Su Ping'an doesn't need to be there to mourn me!"
These words were very serious. This meant cutting off all ties and not even allowing the son to fulfill his filial duties after death.
For a father in the countryside to say such a thing, this son would likely have no way forward.
Just being pointed at and gossiped about by people could kill him!
Su Ping'an stared at his father in disbelief for a long time.
Did he not know how heavy these words were?
What was he trying to do?
"Dad, you're trying to take my life!"
"From now on, just live your life well with your wife. Your life is your own, and I won't take it. I'm worried that you two will take my old life!"
After saying this, Su Changjiu didn't even glance at the couple again and walked directly back towards his own home.
Li Yuling had only intended to discipline her daughter-in-law, but she never expected her husband to ultimately say something about severing ties with their son.
She knew that when her husband said this, it was definitely not just an angry outburst; it was the truth.
But their son was her own flesh and blood, and Li Yuling was somewhat reluctant.
She wanted to say something to persuade Su Changjiu.
But she saw Su Changjiu sternly say to her, "Aren't you going home yet?"
Teacher Xie Nan felt a bit awkward at this moment. This whole incident had occurred because of her presence.
She didn't know if she should return with Su Changjiu and the others, or go for a walk and return after Su Changjiu's family matters were resolved.
She even regretted it, thinking she should have returned to the capital with the Sang Gong couple. Why did she have to stay in Nanling Village?
But now, no matter how much she regretted it, it was too late.
Teacher Xie Nan stood frozen, unsure whether to move her feet.
"Teacher Xie Nan, my grandmother is cooking a delicious meal tonight and asked me to invite you to eat with us."
How could Su Xiaotian not understand the awkwardness and unease Teacher Xie Nan was feeling?
Although this matter was caused by Tian Xiaohe's improper behavior, it had still involved Teacher Xie Nan and made her extremely uncomfortable.
Teacher Xie Nan smiled gratefully at Su Xiaotian.