Chapter 7: The Savior

Song Xiangqian’s face also pulled into a long, grim expression.

Song Chuman struggled to suppress a laugh.

Song Xiangqian shot Li Cuicui a meaningful look.

Li Cuicui had no choice. Fearing that the eldest branch of the family would truly cling to her and that she would be implicated and hurt by that "jinx" again, she could only compromise. "Fine, have it your way."

Song Hexiu glanced at the others; seeing that no one had any objections, he stopped hesitating and personally wrote the family division deed.

By the time both sides had pressed their thumbprints, the sky had already darkened.

They could only wait until tomorrow to go to the government office to file the deed and have it stamped with the official seal.

After dinner, Song Hexiu led his family back to their own room.

Of course, since the eldest branch had already been divided from the family, they had set up a small makeshift stove and cooked food in a clay pot—the simplest of rice congees.

Recalling how his daughter had stared blankly at her food for a long time before eating, Song Hexiu stroked her head and said softly, "A-man, I know this is unfair to you. After we move, Father will buy you meat again, alright?"

Song Chuman knew that since they were still living in the old Song household, even if her father bought meat, they wouldn't be able to eat it. Being very sensible, she nodded. "Mhm, I'll listen to you, Father. But Father, where will we live after this?"

Song Hexiu considered it. Given his current strength and the money in his hands, it was impossible to build a house in the short term.

Furthermore, it was currently February, and it was highly likely to snow again. Moving the whole family out right now was truly bad timing.

Song Hexiu was conflicted. "If we move now, I worry you won't be able to endure it, and your mother is still pregnant."

Song Chuman pointed toward the mountain and said in a clear, crisp voice, "There is a huge cave over there. Wild beasts rarely frequent it. Let's move there temporarily. Besides, our family's land is not far from that cave, so it will be easy for us to keep an eye on it."

She understood her father's concerns. He only had a few hundred wen in total; forget building materials, he wouldn't even have enough to pay laborers.

If they stayed here, although the living conditions were slightly better, it was only a marginal improvement, and they would certainly be targeted by the old couple and the second branch. Life would be even more miserable that way.

Although the cave was damp, as long as they kept a fire burning constantly to dry out the interior with high heat and ensured proper ventilation, it would be bearable for a short stay.

Living in a cave was only temporary; she had her "golden finger" and should be able to earn money to build a house very soon.

According to the regulations of the Xuanling Kingdom government, those without a permanent residence could temporarily live in caves, but for no longer than five years.

Even when living in a cave, the required taxes still had to be paid.

Song Hexiu opened the window and looked in the direction his daughter was pointing. He shuddered from the bone-chilling wind, closed the wooden window, and turned to look at his family. "But the conditions there are truly too poor."

Sheng Shuwan urged him, "A-man's father, I am not afraid of poor conditions. As long as the family is together, I fear nothing."

The feeling of knowing her daughter was being sent to her death while she herself was locked in a room, unable to do anything—she never wanted to experience that again.

If they stayed here, that old couple would surely set their sights on her two children again.

Song Chuchuai also added, "I'm not afraid of anything either. The cave sounds great; it's even quieter there. We won't be woken up every morning by people shouting at us to go work."

Looking at the determined eyes of his wife and children, Song Hexiu pondered for a moment and finally nodded. "Alright, we'll do as you say."

Song Chuman suddenly asked, "Mother, who was the person that saved me that day?"

(End of Chapter)