Property Division Contract of the Zhou Family, Mercyheart Town, Qinghe We, Zhou Qiyan, along with younger bro…
Property Division Contract of the Zhou Family, Mercyheart Town, Qinghe
We, Zhou Qiyan, along with younger brothers Qishi, Qilei, and Qidang, hereby establish this contract. Our ancestor, Master Zihui, was a skilled stone carver who braved hardships to establish our family business, accumulating considerable wealth. From the sixth year of Kaiyuan to the present day, our craft has been passed down faithfully through sixteen generations without neglect. Yet since the Emperor's ban on Buddhism three years ago, our trade has withered. No work means no food. To secure our livelihoods, we divide all assets to save the single house reserved for our father, Xiuli, in his retirement, into monetary shares. The total value of stone materials, houses, fields, and tools amounts to 176 strings of cash, divided equally into four portions. Zhou Qiyan receives the single house and 26 strings; Zhou Qishi receives 50 strings; Zhou Qilei receives 50 strings; Zhou Qidang receives 50 strings. From this day forth, each shall hold their share without dispute. Should any violate this agreement, the offending party shall be reported to the authorities, and this document shall serve as binding proof. Four identical copies are made, marked Heaven, Earth, Man, and Harmony for each party to keep in perpetuity.
14th Day of the Third Month, Fifth Year of the Xiande Era
Signatories:
Zhou Qiyan (seal)
Zhou Qishi (seal)
Zhou Qilei (seal)
Zhou Qidang (seal)