1970s: A hot-tempered wife who accompanied a soldier to the military compound and made a fortune.

Chapter 17 The Root of the Problem
Unbeknownst to them, Chu Xue, who had returned to the Liu family home from outside, overheard these words clearly. Although she didn't know what secrets they were hiding, she realized that her father was very likely not a member of the Liu family.

They really dare to say "treat everyone equally." If I hadn't heard these words, I probably would have thought that my grandparents were so cold-blooded because my parents didn't have a son. Turns out, that's the root of the problem.

The next day, as soon as it was light, Liu's mother returned to the village. Regardless of whether they could separate the family, she had to risk everything for her husband's leg. When she saw Old Man Liu in the yard, she said, "Father, please have mercy and agree to send Shanliang to the city hospital to treat his leg. We really can't delay any longer."

There was a commotion yesterday evening, and the news has already spread among the neighbors.

As soon as there was a commotion, the villagers gathered around, and some who didn't know the situation asked in a low voice, "What's going on?"

"It's all because the Liu family is shameless. The commune health center couldn't treat Liu Lao Er's leg, so they were told to go to a higher-level hospital, but the Liu family refused to pay for the treatment."

"No way, the Liu family is usually quite united. Besides, wasn't the second son of the Liu family injured at the reservoir construction site? Would the government really ignore him?"

"I heard that the injury occurred outside of working hours, and the reservoir only bears half the responsibility."

“Yesterday, the second daughter-in-law of the Liu family came back for a visit, and we almost had a big fight.”

"The second son of the Liu family is much more honest and kind than the eldest and third sons, so why hasn't the Liu family treated him yet?"

"I heard that the Liu family used their connections to get Dongzi from the eldest son's family a job in the city. If it's for treating Liu Lao Er's leg, then he can forget about the job."

"This is so unfair to Liu Lao Er. The family's money wasn't earned by Dongzi. Why should Liu Lao Er sacrifice himself for his nephew?"

"It's because the second wife doesn't have a son, so she has no say in the family."

For a time, all sorts of rumors circulated outside. Seeing the crowd surrounding the courtyard, Old Man Liu's head throbbed with anger: "Second son's wife, why can't you talk things out behind closed doors? Why make such a scene?"

Mother Liu was desperate: "Father, I'd like to talk this out, but what have you been doing? My husband's leg will be ruined if he's not transferred to another hospital for treatment. How can I not be anxious?"

Granny Liu walked over with a sullen face: "Why don't you listen to advice? The doctor said that even if you go to a big hospital in the city, your second son's leg won't be fully healed. Can't you think more about the family? Do you have to waste all the money before you give up?"

"Mom, I'm not forcing you. The doctor said there might be hope in a city hospital. Why won't you agree? Hasn't my husband sacrificed enough for this family?"

At this moment, Ge Xiulan broke free from her husband's restraint and rushed forward: "Zhao Lamei, are you never going to stop? Didn't I tell you yesterday that the money is related to my Dongzi's future? The second son's leg can't be cured anyway, so why can't you be a little considerate to your nephew?"

Ignoring what she said, Liu's mother stared at her father-in-law in front of so many people and said, "Father, I'll ask you one last time, will the family take care of my husband's legs?"

Old Man Liu's face was as black as ink: "Second son's family, it's not that we don't want to take care of it, it's just that we really don't have the ability?"

Liu's mother wiped away her tears and stood up: "Since you're not going to help, I'll find a way myself."

He turned and walked out.

Old Liu wanted to call out to them, but seeing the people pointing and whispering about him outside, he opened his mouth but couldn't make a sound. Thinking about how much he had lost face today, he angrily flung his sleeves and went back into the house.

(End of this chapter)