Establishing a Separate Household
"Oh, my good granddaughter, that's exactly right! You're part of the Evans Family, so your money is Evans Family money. Why don't Grandma go pack up right now and we all head home today! Don't worry, if you hand your silver to Grandma, you and your mother will never lose out." Grandma Evans was overjoyed, already dreaming of Lily Evans's thousands of taels—enough not only for Sean Evans's betrothal, but to rebuild the house, buy new clothes, and eat rice and meat every day!
Just thinking about it made Grandma Evans feel her future would be nothing short of wonderful!
Lily Evans let out a cold laugh, suddenly changing her tone to an unusually gentle voice: "What a shame, I've already married and must follow my husband. My father is gone, so of course my mother will stay with me. Since Grandma kicked us out of the Evans Family, asking us to come back now... I'm afraid that's not possible!"
The Evans Family were all busy dreaming of riches, when Lily Evans's words snapped them back to reality, leaving them stunned.
Grandma Evans panicked: "Lily, why don't you want to come back? Are you refusing the kindness we're offering?"
Lily Evans gave a soft snort, then turned to the Village Chief: "Village Chief, since you're here with everyone today, please be our witness. Now that I've married and have my own household, according to village rules, once a woman has a husband, she can establish her own family. I'd like to ask you to set up a separate household for me, my husband Lucky, and my mother."
"No way!" Grandpa Evans slammed the table, glaring at Lily Evans. "You unfilial girl, when Grandpa tells you to come home, you dare refuse!"
Lily Evans stood her ground: "Don't forget, a married daughter follows her husband. I'm now part of Lucky's family, how could I return to the Evans Family!? Besides, my mother was driven out as a widow and has no ties to the Evans Family anymore. Asking us to come back makes no sense, no matter how you look at it!"
The villagers had always disliked the Evans Family's attitude. Years ago, they kicked out a mother and daughter and never cared about them since, even wishing they'd die. Now that Lily Evans's husband has made a fortune, they're shamelessly trying to claim kinship and snatch his money. Such blatant greed disgusted everyone.
With Lily Evans and the Evans Family at odds, only the Village Chief could make a judgment.
The Village Chief stroked his beard and said, "Even though Lucky isn't the brightest, Lily Evans's household meets the requirements for a separate registration. I approve their new household; you can handle the paperwork at the magistrate's office later. As for the Evans Family, you severed ties with Lily and her mother three years ago. You can't just break off and reconnect whenever you please."
"How can they just set up a new household!" Grandma Evans watched the silver slip away, frantically grabbing Helen Parker's arm. "Eldest daughter-in-law, you're the best talker, say something!"
Helen Parker tugged hard on Grandma Evans's arm. She'd never thought this would work, knowing Lily Evans wasn't someone easily bullied. With Lily's stubbornness, there was no way she'd just agree to return to the Evans Family.
Besides, Lily Evans really had married and was 'water poured out'—once gone, never coming back!
"So you married a fool—what's there to be proud of? Setting up your own household, are you just trying to let everyone know you married a fool?" May Parker suddenly raised her head, glaring maliciously at Lily Evans. "Just wait until you and your stupid ugly husband have a bunch of stupid ugly kids. Let's see how proud you'll be then!"
If Lucky were truly foolish, maybe they'd have foolish children, but ugly? With Lucky and Lily Evans's looks, no matter how random, their kids would never be ugly.
Lily Evans rolled her eyes and retorted, "May Parker, don't worry about my kids. With your attitude, even if you have children, they'll probably be born sour!"