Chapter 46

Aunt Er was overjoyed. Having married into the Second Uncle's family, she had been immersed in the benefits of holding a position of power for years. Now that her husband had finally secured a title just as he neared retirement, she believed their family’s prosperity was at hand, and the caution she had once exercised began to fade. During work hours, Xu Damao and the Second Uncle had already consulted each other, concluding that since the factory had taken on a new atmosphere, the Siheyuan naturally required adjustments as well. Upon returning home, Xu Damao first went to the Third Uncle’s home to smooth things over, after which the three of them invited the First Uncle to sit in the courtyard. Once the three were seated, the First Uncle sat in the center, with Xu Damao standing behind the Second Uncle. The First Uncle looked around the circle but said nothing. The Second Uncle and Third Uncle exchanged glances, and the Third Uncle lowered his head. The Third Uncle knew well that he could not replace the First Uncle; it was not a role he should step forward to claim, so he chose to retreat. The Second Uncle, however, knew that this matter was meant for him alone and that no one else could take his place.