Explore Chapter 83 of 'The Story of the Golden Powder Family' with the original Chinese text, English translation, detailed Chinese vocabulary explanations, and audio of the Chinese original. Listen and improve your reading skills.
After Jin Quan's death, the Jin Family immediately lost its pillar. Although Mrs. Jin forced herself to stay strong and manage the aftermath, the children each harbored their own thoughts and had already begun secretly scheming about the family property.
One day, Mrs. Jin gathered the whole family to discuss the distribution of the family property. No sooner had she spoken than Feng Ju interjected, "I am the eldest son, so naturally I should inherit the majority of Father's estate." Upon hearing this, He Sun said with a cold laugh, "Elder Brother, you've always been focused on your own squandering. What contribution have you made to the family? I, though the second son, have done the most for the household."
Peng Zhen, not to be outdone, spoke up from the side, "Second Brother, you're mistaken. When Father was alive, he loved me the most, so the assets should also have a share for me." Seeing this, the daughters also chimed in. Peifang said, "Although we are daughters, we are also the flesh and blood of the Jin Family. Shouldn't we get a share?" Yufen stated plainly, "Father's will did not specify that only sons should inherit. Daughters should have their portion as well."
Everyone spoke one after another, arguing fiercely. Mrs. Jin, trembling with anger, slammed the table. "All of you, be quiet!" she said. "Father's body is not yet cold, and you're already arguing like this. What kind of behavior is this?" But with their interests at stake, no one would listen. Instead, the quarrel grew even more intense.
In the courtroom, the judge inquired about the details. The children of the Jin Family each stuck to their own version. They exposed each other's shortcomings and made a disgraceful spectacle. Mrs. Jin, sitting in the gallery, watched as her children showed no regard for face. It felt as if a knife were cutting her heart.
After hearing the case, the judge ruled according to the law that the inheritance should be distributed based on Jin Quan's will. However, since the will did not specify in detail, the judge had to divide it equally. Still dissatisfied, Feng Ju, He Sun, and others immediately announced their intention to appeal.
After the court adjourned, Mrs. Jin returned to her desolate home and wept alone. She recalled how her husband had strictly managed the household during his lifetime and how filial the children had been. Now, they had turned against each other over money. She couldn't help but feel overwhelming sorrow and burst into loud sobs.
Nanny Han tried to comfort her from the side, but Mrs. Jin, heartbroken to the extreme, said, "I've toiled all my life for my children. Who would have thought that in their eyes, there is only money? Where is the family affection?" From then on, Mrs. Jin became disheartened and ceased to involve herself in family affairs.
This is indeed: The litigation over family wealth disappoints the offspring; the court battle for inheritance breaks a mother's heart. To know what happens next, listen to the explanation in the next chapter.