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Han Yan stepped forward with a composed smile and bowed.
"My greetings to the Village Chief. Please, have a seat. I ask your forgiveness for my earlier rudeness."
The Village Chief stroked his beard thoughtfully, giving Han Yan a measured look before inclining his head. He did not sit; his sharp eyes swept over the room, observing every villager with a faint, impatient glint. Han Yan noticed how the villagers leaned forward, eyes bright with curiosity he would need to be clear and unwavering.
Old Man Han rose from his rocking chair and bowed respectfully.
"Village Chief, we must trouble you today to settle a matter in our Han household." He cast Madam Wei a subtle glance that spoke volumes. "please, fetch some tea."
Madam Wei hesitated, clearly reluctant, before she could move the Village Chief waved his hand dismissively.
"No need for tea. Let us not waste time with formalities I have other matters to attend to. Speak plainly, and we shall resolve this swiftly."
Old Man Han inclined his head slightly, serious but urging the matter forward. A faint stiffness marked his shoulders; he disliked this second son of his, not wanting further entanglements and wishes to conclude the issue promptly.
"My second son wishes to separate from our family household. We seek a written agreement, with all conditions clearly stated."
A ripple of shock passed through the room. The Village Chief's eyes narrowed slightly he knew Han Yan as the diligent son among his brothers. What could drive him to such a drastic decision?
"Han Yan," the Village Chief asked after a pause, "are you certain? You have only just gotten married."
Han Yan clasped his hands respectfully, smiling faintly but firmly.
"Yes, Village Chief. It may seem sudden, but I have resolved to leaving without claiming any share of the household."
A wave of gasps spread through the crowd thoroughly shocked.
"Is he a fool?" mocked Old Man Li.
"Not taking anything at all? Who does that?" muttered Han Ping, pursing his lips in disbelief.
Whispers swirled like smoke as villagers leaned toward one another, exchanging glances between Han Yan and Madam Wei, curiosity and incredulity flickering in their eyes.
Han Yan ignored the murmurs.
"Please include in the statement that we shall live separately and refrain from interfering in each other's affairs," he said, directing his words toward Madam Wei.
Before the Village Chief could respond, Madam Wei's sharp voice cut in.
"What about half of the meat you owe us don't think you can get away with it?"
The Village Chief arched an eyebrow, half-amused.
"What meat?" He looked between Old Man Han and Han Yan.
Old Man Han, seeking to avoid unnecessary involvement, gestured toward his son.
"My son will explain."
Han Yan inclined his head politely, feeling the villager's eyes upon him. He drew a steadying breath.
"Village Chief, Madam Wei wants to claim half of every hunt I undertake. Hunting is uncertain I cannot guarantee enough to sustain even myself and my wife. As brothers, we agreed to fulfill our filial piety with ninety copper coins annually, yet Madam Wei insists otherwise. I ask you to judge fairly."
The Village Chief's gaze hardened, and he struck his cane against the floor with a sharp thud.
"Preposterous! How can anyone demand half of a hunt when even the heavens decide the prey? Meat is uncertain, but ninety copper coins a year is fixed—more than fair. Madam Wei, do you treat the division of a household as a marketplace bargain?"
More whispers flow among the villager's. Some shook their heads, others exchanged astonished glances, all riveted by the unfolding drama.
"She has gone too far," muttered Old Man Zhang.
"Ninety copper coins is generous enough. What more does she want?" whispered Liu Hua, fanning herself while keeping her eyes on Madam Wei.
"Mother, look at her face! She's about to explode!" giggled a little girl, hiding behind her mother's skirt.
The tension in the room was palpable, yet the villagers were captivated, unwilling to miss a single moment.
Madam Wei's face flushed crimson. She opened her mouth to retort, but Old Man Han's sharp glare silenced her instantly. She twisted the edge of her handkerchief, trying to calm herself, cheeks burning with anger.
The Village Chief stroked his beard, voice firm and unyielding.
"Since Han Yan has spoken with clarity, let it be recorded: from this day forward, he and his wife shall live separately. Their filial piety shall be fulfilled with ninety copper coins per year no more, no less. Neither party may interfere in the other's household affairs."
He turned to the table where an inkstone and brush awaited. Sitting down, he ground the ink with steady hands and began to write the agreement. The scratch of the brush echoed through the hall, every stroke carrying finality. Han Yan observed quietly.
The villager's craned their necks, whispering under their breath.
Han Yan bowed respectfully, calm as still water. Beside him, Lin Xin tugged lightly at his sleeve still a little worried. He just smiled at him faintly.
"It is done," announced the Village Chief, stamping the document. He handed one copy to Han Yan then another to Old Man Han.
Raising his voice deliberately, he addressed the room.
"Everything has been recorded accurately. Han Yan is henceforth separated from the Han family household without claiming any of the shares. He shall not interfere with the household, and the Han household shall not trouble him." His gaze lingered on Madam Wei.
Madam Wei shrank back, avoiding his eyes. She twisted her handkerchief until it nearly tore, while Madam Zhang and Madam Liu the sisters-in-law exchanged glances, uncertainty and simmering resentment flickering between them. Han Yan noticed this which only improved his mood.
Han Yan bowed again, smiling faintly.
"Village Chief… I apologize for troubling you once more, but I must ask for a favor."
The Village Chief leaned on his cane, curiosity flickering in his old eyes.
"Oh? Speak, then. What is it that you seek?"
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