Chapter 113: The Ultimatum

Old Song San buried his head, pretending to be dead.

Old Madam Song was furious. She threw herself down in front of his door, pounding on it with a loud bang, bang, bang. “San, open the door! Don’t pretend to be dead in front of your old mother!”

Old Song San was determined to act like a turtle retreating into its shell.

Seeing this, Old Madam Song ground her teeth. “Second brother, Fourth brother, kick the door open for me!”

Song Fourth Brother had long been dissatisfied with San. Upon hearing their mother’s order, he didn’t hesitate and kicked the door hard.

One kick, two kicks...

The door flew open.

Old Song San opened the door with a dark expression. “Fourth brother, what are you doing?”

Fourth brother showed no mercy, grabbed him by the collar, and pulled him out. With the help of Second brother, they threw him outside.

Old Madam Song gave her two sons an approving look, took up a broom, and stood at the doorway. “I’m telling you, you can do whatever you want with San, but don’t cause a scene in front of me.”

“We’re here for Old Song San.” Song Qing, from Granny’s house, stood her ground without backing down. “Who told you to live with Old Song San?”

Old Madam Song sneered coldly. “You just reminded me.”

She glanced at her son lying on the ground pretending to be dead and felt a deep sense of disappointment. “San, you should move out.”

“Mother~” Old Song San’s cry was full of sorrow and torment, as if Old Madam Song had wronged him deeply.

Hearing this, Song Qing rushed out from inside and stood in front of Old Song San. “Grandmother, my father is also your son.”

Old Song San’s eyes flickered slightly. Looking at the frail figure shielding him, he gritted his teeth and got up. “Mother, Qing’s right.”

“This is also my home. If you want me to leave, does that mean you don’t want a son? After everything that’s happened, you still want to kick me out? Isn’t that pushing me to my death?”

Old Madam Song was stunned, staring at the accusing San. She couldn’t help but wonder: was this really the same San who used to be as silent as a wall? Or had he been pretending all along?

“Old Song San, if you don’t want to leave, fine. But you better sort out the mess you’ve caused, or don’t blame me for being heartless.” Old Madam Song snorted, “I’m not the only son you have.”

Since the family split, she had grown more and more disgusted with San’s family.

Especially Song Qing, that little girl, strange and peculiar at such a young age. It was better to tear things apart between them now than to drag down her little treasure Li Bao.

With that thought, she hardened her expression. “Don’t say I didn’t care for you, San. Here’s fifty yuan—enough to buy your room. Move out by tomorrow morning.”

Old Song San was somewhat tempted, but Song Qing was unwilling.

She had money; if she wanted to move, she would have long ago. The only reason she stayed was because of Song Yu. If she left, how could she compete for Song Yu’s opportunities?

---

“Grandmother, we’re family. Where do you want us to go?” Song Qing stammered. “My father is the most filial son you have. If you ask him to leave, aren’t you forcing him to his death?”

Old Song San was about to agree but stiffened at Song Qing’s words, swallowing his reply.

Old Madam Song was determined to split from them, showing no softness. “San, I’ve tolerated you this long only because you’re my son.”

She glanced at the crowd watching the commotion. “This house, built by your father and me, belongs to whoever I say it does.”

The evening grew late. She had no desire to argue further and issued an ultimatum. “If you don’t solve this, get out.”

“First brother, second brother, close the door!”

That night, the Song family’s doorstep was lively for a long time.

---

Early the next morning, everyone in the Song household and nearby neighbors showed dark circles under their eyes—clear signs of a sleepless night.

That day, Tang Banxia waited in the clinic but didn’t see her old companion. She only learned about the turmoil at the Tang household yesterday from Hu Xiayu.

Tang Banxia let it go. What she needed now was focus. “Xiayu, come here.”

Hu Xiayu trembled slightly and forced a bitter smile. “Tang Zhiqing.”

Tang Banxia poured him a cup of red jujube tea. Seeing it, Hu Xiayu’s anxiety deepened.

“Xiayu, you’re not cut out to be a doctor.” Tang Banxia was straightforward. “Have you thought about changing careers?”

Her words were mild compared to reality. Hu Xiayu was more than just unfit; he was utterly useless.

More than a year had passed, yet he still mixed up common herbs and couldn’t make any progress.

From Tang Banxia’s perspective, Hu Xiayu’s temperament suited a reporter better. He knew every village matter, every piece of gossip, and even some secrets from neighboring villages—a veritable all-knowing sage.

But in this day and age, it was hard for him to make use of those talents.

With the clinic finally running smoothly, Tang Banxia needed a capable assistant—not a bungler like Hu Xiayu.

Hu Xiayu twitched his lips. “Tang Zhiqing, please don’t send me away.”

Being sent away meant going back to the fields.

Compared to deciphering obscure herbs, he hated farm work even more.

Tang Banxia rubbed her forehead. This kid was surprisingly clever. “Have you considered joining the army?”

Hu Xiayu’s head shot up. “Tang Zhiqing, what do you mean?”

“Exactly what you think.” Tang Banxia didn’t beat around the bush. “My second brother wrote to me. There will be a military recruitment next year. When the date is set, he’ll tell me. If you’re interested, you can start preparing now.”

---

Recruitment wasn’t automatic just because you were male; it was better to be well-prepared than to scramble at the last minute.

“I want to!” Hu Xiayu said firmly, startling Tang Banxia.

He smiled apologetically, then looked full of hope.

Every boy dreamed of bearing a rifle to defend the nation. Before, he knew it was hopeless and sought other paths.

But now, with Tang Zhiqing opening a new gateway—even if the chance was one in ten thousand—he wanted to try.

“Tang Zhiqing, master, I understand your meaning.” Hu Xiayu was not stupid. “I’ll talk to my family.”

He stood and dashed toward the door but paused. “By the way, can I tell others about the recruitment?”

“As you like,” Tang Banxia waved her hand. “But only within the village.”

Though not big news, spreading it widely was too conspicuous. She disliked that.

“I understand,” Hu Xiayu nodded repeatedly.

He then hurried next door, called out his grandfather Mr. Hu, and pulled him aside for a quiet talk. The wrinkles on Mr. Hu’s face smoothed as he patted his grandson’s shoulder. “Grandpa supports you. Do whatever you want.”

Hu Xiayu’s eyes narrowed with joy.

That afternoon, he went to Tang Banxia to resign.

“Tang Zhiqing, master, thank you for teaching me so carefully. I have let you down. I’ve talked it over with my family. I won’t come to the clinic tomorrow,” Hu Xiayu said earnestly and bowed to Tang Banxia.

No matter what, Tang Zhiqing hadn’t held anything back when teaching him; he deserved this respect.

Tang Banxia nodded. “Don’t forget what I taught you. You’ll need it someday.”

“Your disciple thanks you,” Hu Xiayu said seriously.

Then he got up and left.

Hu Chunhua had married, so naturally wouldn’t come to the clinic anymore.

Hu Xiayu was gone too. Now Tang Banxia was alone in the clinic.

She thought it over and realized she still needed an assistant—but this time, someone with true talent, or she might just lose her mind...