Transmigrated as My Aunt in the 70s
Chapter 51 - 051 Split money

Chapter 51: 051 Split money

Tian Mantong did some rough calculations, smiled contentedly, this was best. If one were to get too much at once, he feared it would make it awkward for all the relatives; after all, minor favors breed gratitude, major ones breed resentment. If one helps too much, it could inflate people’s greed.

Tian Manjin soon returned, reporting that Tian Bajin and the others were still eating and would arrive shortly. After some thought, Tian Mantong led Old Man and Tian Manjin into the inner room. The two were puzzled, staring with eyes wide open as Tian Mantong chuckled, pulled out a red booklet from his chest and handed it to them to look at. Tian Manjin took the booklet, opened it and immediately saw his daughter Tian Sisi’s name with a 500 yuan savings account on it.

After seeing the booklet, Tian Manjin handed it to Old Man; both looked at Tian Mantong, waiting for his explanation. Tian Mantong briefly explained, "Daddy, Fourth Brother, I just feel that Ah Nan has been at a disadvantage, and I wanted to save more money for her dowry. Besides, if Second Uncle’s family finds out how much the liquor sells for, who knows what might happen? People change, we trust Second Uncle, Big Brother, and the Second Brother, but what about everyone else? The longer the time, the weaker the bond!"

The words of Tian Mantong caused Old Man and Tian Manjin to lapse into deep thought. Indeed, people’s hearts are the easiest thing to change. Their generation might be okay, but future descendants are not guaranteed. What if a greedy person emerges, seeking more and harming Ah Nan? The thought of Ah Nan possibly being hurt because of the liquor wrenched the hearts of Old Man and Tian Mantong.

Right then, both men agreed with Tian Mantong’s plan, "Let’s settle it this way; if this ever gets out, just say it was my decision," declared Old Man, resolved to be the one to take the blame.

"How would it get out? Only the three of us know about this, and only I know the price of the liquor. As long as neither of us speaks, nobody will know; rest assured, Daddy," said Tian Mantong, infusing confidence.

Tian Manjin felt this was inappropriate, as if they were wronging Second Uncle’s family, but thinking of the potential harm to Ah Nan, he immediately suppressed that guilt. Fear the worst even if it’s unlikely; he would rather be the bad guy than let his daughter face even the slightest chance of being hurt.

The three reached a consensus. Tian Mantong handed the booklet to Old Man for safekeeping. Old Man specifically instructed his two sons that no one should be told, not even in bed with their wives, which caused both Tian Manjin and Tian Mantong to blush and proudly puff out their chests saying, "Men’s matters aren’t meant to be discussed with women."

Tian Bajin and Tian Xinhua arrived quickly. Tian Bajin was clueless as to why Tian Manjin hurriedly called them over, while Tian Xinhua sensed it had something to do with liquor sales, having seen his uncle’s car earlier and anticipating his first earned income. Tian Xinhua’s heart pounded, eyes gleaming with excitement.

Tian Sisi had been yawning and was escorted to bed by Granny Zhao. She wanted to keep participating in the discussion, but her body was just too tired; it wasn’t even eight o’clock yet, and she was already being ushered to sleep! Drowsy-eyed Tian Sisi insisted that Tian Manjin safeguard her share of the money, not Mama, as with Mama, she wouldn’t be able to get back a single cent. Tian Manjin cheerfully agreed, and Tian Sisi went to sleep at ease.

Granny Zhao and Zhu Aiqing conscientiously retired to sleep as well. Typically, in such momentous family matters, women were not involved. This was not unique to the Tian Family; in the 70s and 80s, rural Chinese families operated similarly. Even after the year 2000, many rural areas in China maintained this way of life, with many rural women accustomed to it; in their eyes, men should handle important matters, while women should manage the household finances and the children.

Tian Mantong took out the stack of money, pleased to see the shocked expressions on Tian Bajin and Tian Xinhua’s faces. He then handed the money to Old Man, who extracted 300 yuan from the 750 yuan, saying, "Last time, Xinhua and Ah Nan brewed about 540 kilograms of liquor. We kept forty kilograms for ourselves, and the remaining 500 kilograms were sold by Mantong for 1.5 yuan per kilogram, totaling 750 yuan."

Upon hearing the amount, Tian Bajin’s hands shook with excitement—he had never seen so much money in his life! Tian Xinhua, however, remained calm, his eyes only grew brighter. Old Man scornfully glanced at his brother, but was quite pleased with his grandnephew’s temperament—a potential great leader, unfazed and composed.

"The cost of brewing includes grains, vat, and wine medicine. I did some rough calculations, and rounded it to an even number, 300 yuan. The remaining 450 yuan will be divided as we previously agreed, with each share being 90 yuan. I called you here tonight to distribute the money and will do the same in the future. Once I get more grain, I will have Xinhua and Ah Nan brew again."

After Old Man finished speaking, he distributed the money. Holding nine crisp banknotes, Tian Bajin asked with trepidation, "Big Brother, isn’t this too much money? Holding this makes me feel uneasy!"

Hearing his uncle’s words, Tian Manjin felt even more guilt. What if Second Uncle later finds out they secretly kept so much money? How troubled will he be? Tian Mantong, on the other hand, found it amusing. Is this small amount too much to handle? It was fortunate he had the foresight to hide that 500 yuan; otherwise wouldn’t Second Uncle be frightened enough to faint?

"If I give it to you, just take it. After two years, don’t even come asking me, because I won’t give you anymore," Old Man glared at his brother.

"That’s enough, that’s enough. Our family has also recovered over the past two years." Tian Bajin chuckled and pocketed the money. Reprimanded by his elder brother like that, he suddenly felt at ease.

Old Man gave Tian Xinhua his share too. Tian Xinhua was overjoyed; he was finally able to earn money. It was all brought to him by Ah Nan. Tian Xinhua was more grateful to Tian Sisi than anyone else and made up his mind to protect her, to keep her secret safe and not to tell anyone, not even their parents.

After the money was distributed, Old Man grandly gestured for everyone to wash up and get to sleep. Man Tong wasn’t going back to town that night; he’d stay home to sleep. He and Man Jin took down several ten-jin vases that were on the truck. He bought these vases in Shanghai; you can’t buy too many at once in town or it would arouse suspicion. Even the crafty hare has three burrows to hide in, he couldn’t be worse off than a hare, could he?

When Man Jin returned to the room, Zhu Aiqing was waiting for him. As soon as he walked in, she eagerly asked, "How much money did our family get?"

"You already know, don’t you? Ninety yuan. Daddy just gave me all that money; he didn’t give any to the third brother or Man Tong." Man Jin handed the ninety yuan to his wife, but made up his mind to write a letter to the third brother explaining things. It was fine for the third brother, but not necessarily for the third sister-in-law; she would definitely argue with the third brother if she found out.

Zhu Aiqing joyfully took the ninety yuan, counting it over and over, her brows showing delight. Seeing her husband with a worried look, she asked in confusion, "What’s wrong with you? Aren’t you happy after getting the money?"

Man Jin shared his worries, and Zhu Aiqing’s joy also cooled down quite a bit. Alas, of all the sisters-in-law, the third sister-in-law was the most difficult to deal with; she was petty, sharp-tongued, and liked to take advantage. She didn’t know what the third brother was thinking when he chose such a wife back then?

"Why don’t we not keep all this money for ourselves and simply divide it into three parts? One part for our family, one for the third brother’s family, and one for Man Tong’s family, to prevent any conflicts in the family later and to avoid upsetting Daddy or Mama." Zhu Aiqing suggested. Although losing two-thirds of the money pinched her heart, spending money to maintain peace was worth it.

Man Jin held his wife’s face and kissed her fiercely, smiling gratefully at her. Actually, he had thought the same but was afraid that Ai Qing wouldn’t agree, so he refrained from speaking. To his surprise, Ai Qing had brought it up proactively; she was so understanding.

Zhu Aiqing swatted away Man Jin’s hand and asked again, "What about Ah Nan’s share?"

Man Jin immediately straightened up, asking with caution, "Why are you asking about Ah Nan’s money?"

"Why? Of course, it’s to save it for Ah Nan. Such a young child doesn’t know how to manage her money; she’ll surely squander it. Every year she spends all her New Year’s money without saving a cent. I need to save these ninety yuan for her to prevent her from wasting it again." Zhu Aiqing glared at her husband.

Man Jin laughed, "Ah Nan said to let me keep it for her first, she’ll decide after seeing the money tomorrow."

"Why let you keep it for her? Don’t you two father and daughter trust me or what?" Zhu Aiqing’s almond eyes widened, on the verge of anger.

Man Jin quickly blew out the oil lamp, coaxing his wife, "How could we not trust you? Ah Nan just hasn’t seen so much money and wants to have a look. Tomorrow, after she’s seen it, it will still be you keeping it. When was not the case that you manage the money in our family?"

Zhu Aiqing was about to say more, but her husband kissed her mouth, and his body pressed down on her. Soon, the room echoed with the sounds of intimacy. Love-struck Zhu Aiqing no longer remembered the matter of money; Man Jin had really gone all out for his daughter, even resorting to the trick of seduction.

PS: Thanks to I Love Myself XX, anna0626, Zhuo Ran, Youzi is so handsome, Jingshui Abyss, Fat Girl 0915, 123 Listen, Shi Ru Chu Jian Z, and several lovely girls for your support!

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