Chapter 17: So This Is the Root Cause

What they didn't know was that these words were overheard clearly by Chuxue, who had just returned to the Liu family home. Although she didn't know exactly what secrets they were hiding, she could tell that her father might not actually be a member of the Liu family.

"To treat everyone with absolute impartiality"—they certainly had the nerve to say that. If she hadn't heard those words, she might have simply thought her grandparents were cold-blooded because her parents didn't have a son; as it turned out, this was the root cause.

The next day, as soon as dawn broke, Mother Liu returned to the village. Regardless of whether they could separate the household, she had to risk everything for her husband's leg. Seeing Old Man Liu in the courtyard, she said, "Father, I beg you to show mercy and agree to send Shanliang to the city hospital for his leg. We truly cannot delay this any longer."

A scene had broken out yesterday evening, and the news had already spread among the neighbors.

As soon as there was a commotion, the villagers gathered around. Some who were unaware whispered, "What's going on here?"

"It's the Liu family being inhumane. The commune health center can't treat Second Liu's leg, and they were told to go to a higher-level hospital, but the Liu family refuses to pay for the treatment."

"No way, isn't the Liu family usually quite united? Besides, didn't Second Liu get injured at the reservoir construction site? Shouldn't the government take responsibility?"

"I heard he wasn't injured during working hours, so the reservoir side is only responsible for half."

"Yesterday at dusk, Second Liu's wife came back once, and they nearly tore the house down."

"Second Liu is much more honest and kind than the eldest or the third. Why is the Liu family refusing to treat him now?"

"I heard the Liu family pulled some strings to secure a factory worker position in the city for Dongzi, the eldest son's boy. If they use the money to treat Second Liu's leg, that job is gone."

"That's so unfair to Second Liu. The family money wasn't earned by Dongzi; why should Second Liu sacrifice himself to fulfill his nephew's future?"

"It's because the second branch doesn't have a son, so they have no say in the house."

For a time, all sorts of rumors were flying outside.

Seeing the crowd gathered outside the courtyard, Old Man Liu's head throbbed with rage. "Second Liu's wife, is there nothing we can discuss behind closed doors? Why must you make such a scene?"

Mother Liu had reached her breaking point. "Father, I wanted to speak calmly, but look at how you've acted! If my husband's leg isn't transferred for treatment soon, it will be permanently disabled. How can I not be anxious?"

Old Lady Liu walked over with a dark expression. "Why won't you listen to reason? The doctors said even if Second Liu goes to a big hospital in the city, his leg won't be perfect. Can't you consider the family more? Do you have to throw the money down the drain before you're satisfied?"

"Mother, I'm not forcing you. The doctors said there might be hope at the city hospital. Why won't you agree? Has my husband not sacrificed enough for this family?"

At that moment, Ge Xiulan broke free from her husband's grip and rushed forward. "Zhao Lamei, aren't you finished yet? Didn't I tell you yesterday that money concerns my Dongzi's future? Second Liu's leg can't be fixed anyway, so why can't you step aside for your nephew?"

Mother Liu ignored whatever she said. In front of so many people, she stared directly at her father-in-law. "Father, I will ask you one last time: will the family take responsibility for my husband's leg?"

Old Man Liu's face was as dark as ink. "Second Liu's wife, it's not that we don't want to help, it's that we truly don't have the capability!"

Mother Liu wiped her tears and stood up. "Since you won't help, I will find a way myself."

She turned and walked out.

Old Man Liu wanted to call her back, but seeing the people outside pointing fingers at him, he opened his mouth but no sound came out. Thinking of the great humiliation he had suffered today, he flicked his sleeves in anger and retreated into the house.

(End of Chapter)