Zhang Dashan was somewhat speechless. Honestly, he deeply regretted his current situation. If he had known his wife possessed such abilities, why had he toiled so hard? He should have just gone along with her and let her support him.
But it was too late to say anything now. When he married her, he had kept a contingency plan, coaxing her into raising his child. If possible, he never wanted her to have a child in this lifetime, for with children, she would develop selfish affections. Yet, some things were beyond his control. The moment she learned she was pregnant, her joy was evident. He knew she would absolutely not agree to an abortion. She might even distance herself from him later. Since the child was his anyway, it was fine to let it stay.
In fact, he knew he had been very harsh on her. But he had paid a substantial sum to marry her. Furthermore, he had deep affection for his original wife, which was why they had so many children. Every time he saw his current wife’s family’s greedy faces, he felt irritated. He couldn't vent his frustration openly in front of them, so he would scold her upon returning home. His original wife was rather slow-witted and couldn't defend herself, so she could only endure his harsh words, tears streaming down her face. But after her sorrow, she would wipe her tears and continue with her chores.
Thus, they stumbled forward for years. Their children grew up healthy and strong. The original wife's family was also very satisfied with their current situation. There were people to handle household chores and farm work, and no arguments were heard. To outsiders, they appeared to be a harmonious family, and that was enough.
If it weren't for that flood, he believed their lives would have continued on that path. When the floodwaters arrived, his two sons quickly grabbed the grain and gold, and holding his hand, they left.
At that moment, Zhang Dashan understood their intentions. He knew they had always harbored resentment towards his stepmother and Hesheng. Although he disliked Xiaocao, Hesheng was his son regardless. He hesitated, wanting to go back and check on him. But his two sons’ words were sharp and decisive. "It’s not that we are heartless, but reality doesn't allow it. If he comes, his family will surely follow. He certainly wouldn't leave his mother behind. That would be five more mouths to feed. We are fleeing famine. We don't know what will happen on the road. We might even run out of food before reaching our destination. So, from the very beginning, it's best not to bring them. Let's see if they can find a way to survive."
Zhang Dashan pondered for a moment and nodded. Knowing Hesheng’s character, he would never abandon his mother. Besides, Hesheng’s temper was something most people couldn’t handle.
Zhang Dashan had long been dissatisfied with this son, but he had thought that since he was of Zhang family blood, and now, as his sons said, if he came, he would be a burden with his family, not only unable to help but also adding to their troubles.
So he hardened his heart and embarked on the journey of escape with his sons. Though home was pleasant, the outside world was harsh. It was only when they were out in the world that they understood the warmth and coldness of human hearts. Although in the beginning, with fewer people to work, there were minor frictions at home, things gradually improved. As the road ahead became uncertain and the food supplies dwindled, he felt his sons were right. It was fortunate they hadn't brought them along. The journey was long, and though they had brought enough food and provisions, various situations could arise during their escape. Sometimes, to seek help from others, they would offer them some food to travel with the main group. They noticed the amount of food was decreasing, praying to reach a peaceful and quiet place to start a new life. But often, their wishes were in vain.
Lost in the mountains, they would have starved to death without this food. When they first set out, they were very glad that their choice was correct. If they had brought those people, the food would definitely not have been enough. But unexpectedly, they were proven wrong. Seeing their affluent lives, they regretted their decision immensely.
"It’s too late to say anything now. You must help me. Eldest and second are not good people. If you don't give me money today, they might not let me in. I am old and have no source of income, so I can only rely on them. If you don't help me, I can only die," Zhang Dashan said, tears streaming down his face as he looked at his son, speaking pitifully.
Based on Hesheng's understanding of his father, he knew his words were exaggerated. He understood his elder brothers. They had no affection for their mother and son, wishing they would hand over all their gold and silver. If their father were no longer alive, they would be kicked out with nothing. But to say they were unfilial towards Zhang Dashan would be a lie. This was also why he had harbored resentment towards him for so many years. He knew his elder brothers listened to their father very much. If their father had spoken a few words for his mother and son or asked them to treat them better, his mother and son wouldn't have been bullied in their hometown.
"It's not as serious as Father says. I can still support you alone. The cost of living in the capital is high. How about this: from now on, I'll send you ten taels of silver every month. This ten taels of silver will be enough for your living expenses." Although Hesheng felt a bit soft-hearted, his reason was not lost. It was his duty to support his father, but his elder brothers and their families were capable. Why should they rely on him?
Zhang Dashan was somewhat disappointed to hear this. He had expected his son to be in sync with him and gain considerable benefits, but to his surprise, after all the talk, he would only give him ten taels of silver a month.
Ten taels of silver was not a small amount in the countryside, and he would have been overjoyed. But after coming to the capital, he knew ten taels of silver could buy very little. It could only cover his own food expenses, with some surplus left for buying clothes and daily necessities, leaving almost nothing. It was impossible to help his two sons, which was different from what he had imagined.
"Ten taels of silver is too little. I have so many children at home. I can't eat while they starve," Zhang Dashan said, looking at him with some difficulty. From this matter, he could tell that this son of his truly had money. He offered ten taels a month so readily, something most people wouldn't do.
"I also receive a monthly salary. This ten taels of silver is deducted from my own expenses. I can't give any more. If Father thinks it's too little, I can't help it. It means I am a useless son. Why don't you rely on Eldest and second?" He knew it would be like this. Although he had prepared himself mentally, he still felt a little sad and disappointed.
"No, no, I was wrong. As you said, they are already so old and should rely on themselves. There's no need for a younger brother to support their wives and children. We've agreed: you'll send me ten taels of silver every month." Seeing that he was serious, Zhang Dashan quickly took the two silver ingots from his hand and said somewhat flatteringly.