The idle time changes Wang Lung and his relationship with O-Lan. Whereas the two were once a loving couple, Wang Lung now finds a concubine named Lotus who stays with him for year. Yet Wang Lung also starts to criticize O-Lan for being unattractive because of her big (unbound) feet. O-Lan becomes sick, which devastates Wang Lung as he rekindles his love and affection for his wife. Wang Lung's uncle, who borrowed money from Wang Lung on several occasions without gratitude or anything to show for it, now moves into Wang Lung's estate. The uncle and his family become opium addicts and Wang Lung enables them, especially because their addiction makes the family easier to control and subdue. When Wang Lung is wealthy enough he buys the old Hwang estate and therefore finds a residence separate from his annoying uncle.

Wang Lung's sons...

They each marry but their wives bicker and vie for control. The sons also show few signs of following in their father's footsteps. None of the sons demonstrate any respect for working on the land or any enthusiasm for using farming as a viable means to make a living. The second son decides to fight in a northern war and the family shows signs of fragmenting due to the changes taking place in Chinese society.
Moreover, O-Lan dies. Wang Lung's new concubine Pear Blossom was Lotus' servant for years and is poised to become the new matriarch. The uncle and his family continue to be burdens to Wang Lung. Meanwhile, Wang Lung's sons show an increased desire to leave the farm and after he dies they dismantle the hard work their father poured into the "good earth."