The Art of Teasing - Chapter 152

Chapter 152

Wen Zhengyu lay in bed every day recuperating. Sometimes doctors came to check on her, sometimes they added more instruments — some to assist with treatment, some to monitor her physical condition.

She was constantly dizzy and lightheaded. When walking, she needed someone to support her, otherwise she easily stumbled and bumped into things. The doctor said it was because there was stagnant blood in her brain. Considering the risks of surgery and her current recovery progress, they recommended conservative treatment.

She had already caused her family so much trouble, made everyone worry about her, with people taking turns watching over her every day. The only thing she could do now was not cause them more trouble — try her best to appear fine, cooperate with the doctor's treatment.

Wen Jing had been injured. According to Ye Ling, she had spotted a pickpocket stealing money on the way over and acted righteously, only to be surrounded by a group of them. During the altercation, she was accidentally stabbed. Ye Ling handled Wen Jing's case as a work-related injury and also gave her a sum of money as a Good Samaritan award.

Family members came to see her every day. Occasionally, elderly gentlemen and ladies would visit, exhorting her that she must properly take care of her health, that she couldn't go running around before fully recovering like last time, telling her to listen to the doctor's words. They went on and on, treating her like a child. She took in every word.

She didn't see Old Master Wen. Not even once.

Second Aunt said they were keeping it from the old gentleman, hadn't let him know.

Ye Ling said the old gentleman had come to see her, but she had been asleep each time. Afraid of waking her, they hadn't called her.

She had Zhuo Yao inquire which hospital the old gentleman was staying in. Zhuo Yao hesitated for a moment, then nodded in agreement. Half a day later, he came back and told her which hospital it was, said the situation wasn't serious, but they didn't want her worrying. Even more, they feared her going to visit would worsen her injuries, so they had kept it from her, not daring to tell her.

Wen Zhengyu nodded. "Understood." She knew. Everyone was not telling the truth. Even if the old gentleman was ill, he would have called her. If something was wrong with the old gentleman, he wouldn't hide it from her. Even if gravely ill, he would have explained a few things to her. She and the old gentleman had agreed on this long ago. At his age, he was bound to go before her. She was to fulfill her filial duties in daily life. When that day truly came, she was to handle his funeral affairs according to his wishes, and then simply make sure she herself was well. The old gentleman had said: "Birth, aging, sickness, and death come to all. One day, you too will face this day. If you cannot bear to part, then spend more time with me while I'm here. Fulfilling your filial piety while I'm alive is far better than anything you do after I'm dead. When I'm gone, I have nothing else I can't let go of. Take good care of yourself, and I will have no lingering attachments. As for you, continue living your life as you should. If you can't let go, I will instead be uneasy and unable to rest in peace."

Wen Zhengyu understood. The old gentleman was either in very bad shape, or already gone. She asked Ye Ling to help her invite her Eldest Aunt and Second Aunt over; she had some matters to discuss with them.

The two of them came that afternoon. She could tell; although they had deliberately tried to cover it up, it was still visible. There were customs: when an elder in the family passed away, before burial, the descendants could not wash their hair or bathe, as a sign of respect for the elder. Although customs didn't need to be followed to the letter, they also wouldn't wash every day; at least two or three days would pass between washings. Her Eldest Aunt and Second Aunt were both meticulous people. Without encountering such circumstances, they wouldn't go two or three days without washing their hair.

Though she had already figured it out in her heart, Wen Zhengyu's nose still tingled with sorrow. Tears welled up and spilled over. She didn't hold them back, nor did she cry. She wiped the tears away herself and said, "Since I'm hospitalized, I won't be able to see Grandfather off. His affairs... with you all handling them... I can be at ease."

Wen Shishu held Wen Zhengyu's hand and gently patted it, saying, "Grandfather is doing fine. Don't let your imagination run wild."

Ye Ling sat down beside Wen Zhengyu and gathered her into her embrace.

Wen Zhengyu softly said "Mm," and continued, "He must be laid to rest eventually. Although it's a bit sudden, Grandfather and I had already discussed everything beforehand. Only, I cannot carry his spirit tablet for him. Regarding the matter of smashing the basin, Grandfather said that if Cousin Dong returns, let Cousin Dong smash the basin. If not, let Cousin Bai do it."

Wen Shili nodded in agreement and asked, "What else?"

Wen Zhengyu said, "He said he wants to be buried together with Grandmother. When Grandmother was buried back then, you were all there. Grandfather's place was already reserved. Only, when he sold the Old Family Mansion last year, he also sold his coffin. There is timber in my courtyard. Pick the best pieces and make him a coffin."

Wen Shishu lowered her head and wiped the corners of her eyes. Yet, worried it would stir Wen Zhengyu's grief, she forcefully swallowed her tears back.

Wen Zhengyu said, "His burial clothes were made long ago. They are in that sandalwood chest in his room. The things he would need, he had also prepared them all; they are kept together."

"Second Aunt was always by his side. He had nothing else to entrust to her. He didn't know if Eldest Aunt would be able to return in time, so he left his words in advance. The things Eldest Aunt didn't take with her before, he kept them all. After he is gone, these things all go to Eldest Aunt. Whether she throws them away or takes them with her, it's up to her. He said Cousin Dong has been far away and he never got to teach him anything. The old gentleman dabbled in antiques his whole life and gained some insights, which he wrote down in a notebook. Beyond that, some small collectibles he left behind — just as a keepsake for Cousin Dong. His paintings are to be divided into three portions, one for each of us three siblings."

Wen Shili said, "I won't be leaving until after the new year at the earliest. Those few things he left behind — wait until you are better, then go back to arrange and deal with them. Right now, peacefully recovering from your injuries is most important. For his funeral affairs, if there is anything you need arranged, we will handle it."

Wen Zhengyu thought for a moment and said, "The cremation... Let Ye Ling go in my place to send off the old gentleman. Tell him I am well." In her current physical condition, she couldn't go. Even if she tried, she couldn't endure it.

Ye Ling held Wen Zhengyu tighter and said, "Don't worry."

With Ye Ling there, there was absolutely nothing Wen Zhengyu couldn't feel at ease about.

The people staying with Wen Zhengyu were somewhat worried about her. The matter couldn't be kept from her, and they feared she would grieve and something would happen.

Wen Zhengyu leaned lazily against Ye Ling's embrace and said, "Other than that, there's nothing much else." She added, "Now that I've given my instructions, I feel relieved. No more lingering concerns."

Wen Shili said, "Then rest well. The old gentleman's funeral affairs will be handled by us. When you are better, go back to see him."

Wen Zhengyu looked toward Cui Dong standing nearby and called out, "Cousin Dong."

Cui Dong quickly bowed his head and leaned closer, saying, "Tell me."

Wen Zhengyu said, "There are only two men in the family. You are the eldest. Whatever needs to be done by the eldest son or eldest grandson, you do it."

Though Cui Dong didn't understand the domestic customs, he still agreed, saying, "Alright. Rest assured. If there's anything I don't understand, I'll have my mother teach me. I will definitely handle it properly."

Ye Ling glanced down at Wen Zhengyu and immediately understood that although Wen Zhengyu said nothing and showed nothing on her face, she understood everything clearly. Both Cui Dong and Kang Bai were maternal grandsons, but in terms of closeness, Kang Bai should have been the nearer relative. Matters Wen Zhengyu couldn't handle herself would have been more fitting for Kang Bai to manage. But even understanding this, she wouldn't let anyone lose face. Cui Dong was the elder, considered the eldest brother. Entrusting it to him, no one could criticize it.

Having set the necessary tasks in order, Wen Zhengyu peacefully lay back on the bed to rest.

She couldn't really say whether she was grieving or not. Yet, the stronger emotions were longing and reluctance to part, though she had long understood that such a day would come. She didn't ask how the old gentleman had gone. The old gentleman's health had always been very good. For him to leave so suddenly, it could only be those kinds of situations. Now that he was gone, to ask further, to bring it up, would only cause her grief and make others sad too.

Ye Ling stayed with her every day. Even when occasionally she needed to go out for matters, she would be back within half a day.

Wen Zhengyu knew Ye Ling was very busy. She said, "You guard me like this, aren't you afraid the company will lose money from neglect?"

Ye Ling smiled, her eyes full of mirth, and said, "Not afraid even if it's all lost. As long as I guard you well, you can support me." She then told Wen Zhengyu, "You are very valuable, you know."

Wen Zhengyu smiled softly but said nothing. Ye Ling liked her, that's why she thought she was valuable. With her own abilities, let alone protecting her own assets, she couldn't even protect herself as a person. It was only because Ye Ling guarded and protected her that she possessed everything she had now. Otherwise, even if her maternal grandmother gave her mother's dowry to her, she would have squandered it all.

Ye Ling said, "You might not believe it. This time you suffered such a calamity, yet we all made fortunes. Wang Zidao's case was later handed to your youngest uncle to handle. He even got promoted by one rank because of it. Only your losses were the most devastating."

Wen Zhengyu held Ye Ling's hand tightly. "But I have all of you caring for me and protecting me." She was on the brink of death, and someone held onto her tightly, pulling her back. She wasn't afraid of death; people ultimately reach that day. But she couldn't bear to leave Ye Ling, couldn't bear to make those around her worry and suffer. She was very useless, now injured to this extent — one could almost say she was nearly a cripple. But they didn't treat her as useless. They had no other demands of her, only hoping that she could live well.

She didn't want to let them down.

In the blink of an eye, it was almost the New Year.

The doctor said she could be discharged, and gave a long list of precautions: no strenuous movements, try to avoid intense emotional fluctuations, no alcohol, no mentally taxing activities — in short, continue convalescing quietly.

She still experienced some dizziness and headaches, but it was within a tolerable range. The issue was she couldn't concentrate at all. She couldn't read books or look at account ledgers. Staring at something for more than a few minutes would trigger dizziness, headaches, and even nausea. Walking required someone to support her, otherwise it was very easy for her to fall or bump into things and people.

After being discharged, she first went back to the Lian family residence in Beijing to stay for two days. With New Year's approaching, her maternal grandparents had to return home for the holiday. The Wen family still had many matters to attend to, so everyone went back together.

Zhan Cheng had managed the household very well. Her Eldest Aunt and Cousin Cui were also living at home.

Grandpa Lu had also taken up residence next door. As soon as they returned, he came over. Grandpa Lu felt deeply apologetic, believing he had implicated her and Old Master Wen. He knew they had just returned and there were many things to attend to, so he didn't disturb them further. After seeing Wen Zhengyu, he went back.

The next day, Wen Zhengyu brought Ye Ling, along with Wen Shishu and Wen Shili, to pay respects at Old Master Wen's grave.

Her grandmother's headstone had been replaced. Added to it were her grandfather's photo and name. The name of the person erecting the tombstone had changed from Wen Shiyi to Wen Shili and Wen Shishu.

She offered incense to them, told them that she was being taken very good care of by everyone.

She returned home, ate lunch, took an afternoon nap, and once her energy had improved somewhat, she called Ye Ling and went together to the main courtyard, to her grandfather's room. She took out her family's clan genealogy register. Her family's clan register had undergone branch separation in her great-grandfather's generation. Her great-grandfather had two sons and two daughters, all now deceased. After her great-grandfather passed away, since her grandfather was the eldest son, the clan register was passed down to him. Originally, this register should have been passed to Wen Shiyi.

She brought out the clan register and said to Ye Ling, "Ye Ling, help me handle two matters."

Ye Ling nodded. Seeing Wen Zhengyu even bring out the clan register, she knew it was something of great importance.

Wen Zhengyu said, "The first matter: Move Wen Shiyi's household registration out of our family's residence booklet. The second matter: Help me find Wen Li. Have her invite my several paternal uncles and aunts, as well as their children. Also call Eldest Aunt and Second Aunt. I will host a dinner for everyone and, along the way, explain a few things."

Ye Ling said to Wen Zhengyu, "You still haven't recovered. The doctor said you need to rest quietly." Wen Zhengyu still couldn't walk steadily, yet here she was worrying about these things.

Wen Zhengyu said, "These are important matters. If not properly handled, my mind will not be at ease."

Ye Ling had no choice but to follow her wishes.

Wen Li came early in the morning. Her several paternal uncles and aunts, along with cousins, had all arrived by morning. Kang Bai and Cui Dong, as well as her former uncle-in-law, also came. Her former uncle-in-law arrived together with Kang Bai, having booked an early-morning flight, arriving just after ten o'clock.

Wen Zhengyu invited everyone to the guest hall, brought out the clan register, and first announced the matter of her grandfather's passing. She asked her Eldest Paternal Uncle to fill in the date, month, year, and time of death in the register. The cause of death and biography were also to be recorded.

Because her energy was not very good, the matter of how to record her grandfather's biography was left for her several paternal uncles and two aunts to discuss. Once this matter was recorded, Wen Zhengyu then announced her second decision — to expunge Wen Shiyi's name from the clan register. From this day forward, he was no longer a member of the Wen family.

The moment she said this, the entire hall erupted in an uproar.

Wen Chen was the first to speak: "That is your biological father. No matter his faults, he is still your biological father. How can you do this?"

Wen Zhengyu replied faintly, "Sister Chenchen, our family is already broken, with members dead and scattered. Do you still feel this isn't enough? Must our family line be entirely wiped out before it's to your satisfaction?"

Wen Chen cried out, "Don't you turn this back on me! I'm saying this for your own good. Go listen for yourself to what's being spread outside right now. They're all saying you sent your own father to prison..."

Wen Li shouted to stop her: "Wen Chen!"

Wen Chen's father also told her to be quiet. Her mother, however, said, "It's really just that the rumors outside are far too unpleasant."

Wen Zhengyu spoke slowly and softly: "This family, I am in charge now." She looked at Wen Chen and said, "If you want to acknowledge Wen Shiyi as your Third Uncle, that is your affair. My Wen family cannot tolerate him, Wen Shiyi. Oh, by the way, Sister Chenchen, Wen Shiyi still owes over three hundred million in debts. Are you willing to repay them for him?"

Wen Chen cried out, "You are his daughter, and you're asking me to repay for him?"

Wen Zhengyu said, "Then shut your mouth."

Wen Chen's father drove Wen Chen out. "Is there any place for you to speak here? Spouting nonsense. Get out!"

Wen Zhengyu asked her Eldest Aunt, Second Aunt, several paternal uncles, and paternal aunts if there were any objections to expunging Wen Shiyi.

Wen Shili saw her several male cousins still hesitating slightly while looking toward Wen Shishu. She said with a stern face, "What, do we still plan to keep him around for New Year's? Whoever wants to keep him, fine. On behalf of Wen Shiyi, repay my father's life and the over three hundred million in debt he owes Yu'er and her grandfather. Also, Yu'er's disability assessment report has come out. Speak up. Who here is willing to step forward and shoulder these responsibilities for him, as well as bear the consequences of any future troubles he causes, and keep him?" After speaking, she turned her head and stared fixedly at Wen Shishu, the one who had been managing the affairs of the Wen household.

Kang Bai, seeing this, said, "Eldest Aunt, this matter can't be blamed on my mother..."

Wen Shili snapped, "You shut your mouth! You and that cousin of yours taking benefits from Cen Lin — don't think everyone doesn't know!"

Lao Kang looked grimly at Kang Bai. He had initially intended to at least make a show of reprimanding his son. But meeting his elder sister-in-law's gaze, which seemed to see through everything, he didn't even dare to put on that act.

Wen Zhengyu said, "If there are no objections, Eldest Uncle, change Wen Shiyi's entry to: 'Expunged from clan register, biography unknown.' If you feel that isn't detailed enough, you can also write: 'Harmed his father, harmed his wife, harmed his daughter, bringing ruin to the family and death to its members; therefore, expunged from the clan register.'" As she spoke, she propped up her somewhat heavy-feeling head and leaned it back against the chair back.

Ye Ling noticed that the solid wood chair back was truly not suitable for Wen Zhengyu to lean against. She quickly went to fetch another cushion to place behind her.

With a soft support for her head, Wen Zhengyu felt somewhat more comfortable. She waited until her Eldest Paternal Uncle had finished writing before asking, "Has the obituary for Grandfather's passing been issued?"

Wen Shishu said, "It has already been issued. However, the procedures for canceling his household registration haven't been done yet." The Old Family Mansion was now under Wen Zhengyu's name, and she was also the head of the household register. Both she and Wen Shili weren't in a convenient position to handle this matter.

Wen Zhengyu said, "Grandfather's registration cancellation and the procedures for transferring Wen Shiyi's household registration — handle them together. Ye Ling, help me make the trip for this."

Ye Ling agreed. "Alright." She reassuringly held Wen Zhengyu's hand. Trapped by pain from her injuries, Wen Zhengyu couldn't afford excessive emotional fluctuations. But that didn't mean she wasn't grieved or angry. A close family member had passed away, and she couldn't even cry. This was the only way she could express it.

Wen Zhengyu continued, "Also issue a public statement: Wen Shiyi henceforth has no relationship whatsoever with the Wen family. Furthermore, help me file a lawsuit with the court. Due to the harm caused by Wen Shiyi's faults, resulting in head trauma, loss of independent living capability, and loss of the ability to support elderly dependents, I request the court to dissolve my obligation to support Wen Shiyi."

Ye Ling agreed.

Wen Zhengyu went on, "Should any accident or unexpected event befall me, Wen Shiyi is not among my heirs."

"Regarding the matter of my inheritance, since everyone is here, I will address it in passing: Should I live long enough to have the next generation, my estate will be inherited by my children. In case of misfortune, my shares in the studio will go to Wen Li. My paintings will go to Ye Ling. As for the rest of my assets — all inherited from my mother's dowry, property given by the Lian family — with the exception of the security company operated by Ma Lu, which shall belong to Ye Ling, everything else shall be fully returned to the Lian family."

Ye Ling's grip on Wen Zhengyu's hand couldn't help but tighten.

Wen Zhengyu said, "I'm clarifying this now, just in case." She then looked at the assembled crowd in the room and said, "There's nothing else. Eldest Aunt, Second Aunt, I will go back to rest now. I leave this place to you."

Wen Shili said, "Go on. Be careful."

Wen Zhengyu acknowledged this and had Ye Ling support her as she left.

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