I Became a Vicious Supporting Role in the '70s
Chapter 82: It’s Uncertain Whose Territory Will Be Buried in the Future

Chapter 82: Chapter 82: It’s Uncertain Whose Territory Will Be Buried in the Future

Lu Zhenping’s words were like a cup of cold water thrown into hot oil, instantly exploding with disorienting force, yet he stood there, calm and collected, seemingly oblivious to the devastating impact of his own words.

Lu Changzhu realized that his son was saying all this at the doorstep of their family home as a way to support Shen Meng. Otherwise, they could have closed the door and had a proper family discussion instead of demeaning his own brother in front of everyone, saying he had no abilities of his own and could only find temporary work at the commune with his elder brother’s help.

He was blaming himself for overstepping as a father, but this damn fool didn’t even know what was happening. If he did, he would definitely side with the Lu Family.

"Zhenping, you just got back and don’t know the problems at home. I don’t blame you for taking the side of your wife. Let me explain: your wife has some real skills – buying a bicycle without a word and even secured a clay-tile factory job placement certificate. Before that certificate could even warm up, she took it back to her maiden home. What do you say about such a wife? Should she be beaten or not? You weren’t home, your brothers couldn’t hit her, so naturally, I, as your father, took the responsibility to discipline her. Otherwise, she might just walk all over you in the future."

Lu Zhenping remained silent. His father’s words were loaded with information, and the people standing outside began to gossip. But he appeared more interested in sizing up Shen Meng.

Shen Meng: "...."

What did that mean? Was he disparaging her height???

Zhou Jiaojiao’s face turned somewhat pale. When Zhenping belittled Lu Jiaxuan in front of so many people just now, it made her quite uncomfortable. She had previously hoped that once her big brother returned, Shen Meng would no longer have good days, especially since she heard from Wu Xianglan that the relationship between the big brother and his wife was quite cold, and she believed it.

But just now, her big brother didn’t pay attention to anyone else and went straight to check on Shen Meng’s injuries. This made her very uneasy. Last time when they fought over the bicycle, she was quite certain that the bike must have been bought by her big brother for Jiaxuan. As their father had said, working at the commune was an honor, a matter of face, so it was only right that he should have a bicycle for show.

She had been looking forward to her big brother’s return, hoping that then the bicycle would go to her Jiaxuan, allowing her to ride it whenever she wanted, to go wherever she wished.

Now, it seemed that was not going to happen. What was more terrifying was that her Jiaxuan’s temporary job might be in jeopardy too. The month wasn’t even up, and she wondered whether he would receive his pay.

After Lu Changzhu finished speaking, Liu Sanjin, Wu Xianglan, and Lu Jiahe all fixed their gazes on Lu Zhenping, curious to see how he would deal with Shen Meng. After all, those things belonged to the Lu Family; it made no sense for the eldest son of the Lu Family to take the side of an outsider.

"Since we’ve already split the family, everyone should just carry on with their own lives. The money is with her, and what to buy is for her to decide. What now, should I send her a stipend that requires her to itemize every expense for me each month? Another thing, if she has a clay-tile factory job placement certificate, did she get it owing favors to the Lu Family or to me? Her own possessions, whom she wants to give them to is her own business, isn’t it? Mom and Dad, what do you say?"

"But... but, she is a daughter-in-law of the Lu Family. Even in death, she should be buried in the Lu Family’s ancestral tomb, naturally, so everything should belong to the Lu Family."

Lu Zhenping finished his last cigarette, stubbing it out against the base of the wall. It was a pity; Ma Xiang had bought him a pack on his way back, and this was the last one. He had wanted to enjoy it fully, but instead, he was faced with such a headache. Anyone coming home to find their whole family ganging up on their wife and child wouldn’t be calm inside.

"Shen Meng is so young; what’s all this talk about death? Besides, she and the child have been living so suffocatingly, constantly harassed by her father-in-law, mother-in-law, younger brother-in-law, and sister-in-law. Who ends up buried where is still undecided, so Dad, don’t speak too soon."

"You... what are you even saying? She couldn’t possibly leave you, could she? You are..."

Lu Zhenping chuckled and said, "What am I? I’m just a poor soldier who, at this age, has finally married a wife who has to endure a lonely life without me. She doesn’t complain, and you, my elderly parents, should count your blessings. What were you thinking, coming here to beat her? Are you trying to say she’s not pitiful enough?"

Lu Changzhu and Liu Sanjin, among others, turned red and then pale with irritation, but Lu Zhenping kept going without pause, airing the Lu Family’s dirty laundry in front of everyone, determined to get back Shen Meng’s dignity today.

"The military always advocates taking care of military families, and the top priority among military dependents are military wives. I’ve been gone for three years without coming home, and who else has been left to handle all the household affairs, children’s needs, illnesses, social obligations, if not her? When I’m discharged from the military with a body full of ailments, who will take care of me—my parents, or my siblings?"

Another silence fell. His ability to argue and his commanding presence left the Lu Family and others, including those who hadn’t left the doorway, looking at him in stunned silence.

As the conversation continued, Wu Xianglan and Zhou Jiaojiao both hung their heads low. Even if they had the urge to show off, they couldn’t claim to take care of their elder brother. That would be blatantly telling everyone that they were there to bully Shen Meng, that even if she left, they would still take care of Lu Zhenping and their nephews and nieces.

How shameless!!!

Lu Jiasheng felt a bitter tang in his heart. During the days he took care of Xie Jinghao in the hospital, he had come to a profound realization. A young couple should grow old together harmoniously; the decision to split the family was unshakable.

"No one’s speaking? Then I’ll continue. Mom and Dad, since we’ve split up and since the clay-tile factory job placement certificate is Shen Meng’s, what’s the reasoning behind you beating down our door?"

Lu Changzhu was left speechless. But he was the one who had done the hitting, and with stubborn conviction, he said, "So what if I hit your wife? She can’t hit me back, can she? I am your father!"

"Big brother, what are you trying to do? Mom and Dad are only thinking of your welfare. If that clay-tile factory certificate is sold or given away, wouldn’t all the benefits go to Mingyang’s children? Mom and Dad never intended to take that advantage. We’re old now, living only for you kids. Why can’t you understand Mom and Dad’s good intentions?"

Lu Zhenping shook his head; the idea of Shen Meng hitting back was far from reality. If word got out, wouldn’t it break Shen Meng’s back? She would probably become legendary throughout the county.

He turned to face Shen Meng, looking at her intently, waiting for her to make a decision.