The Art of Teasing - Chapter 147

Chapter 147

It was late at night by the time Qi Wei returned home from the hospital. She washed up, managed a brief nap, and rose just as the sky began to lighten. Then she went to the Lian family residence.

When she arrived, Old Madam Zhang and Old Master Lian had just finished breakfast.

Qi Wei entered and stood by the doorway, looking uneasily at the elderly lady.

Old Madam Zhang beckoned her over. "Come here. I'm not going to eat you."

Qi Wei shrank into a huddle as she edged up to Old Madam Zhang's side. She said, "Perhaps you should hit me?"

Old Madam Zhang said, "What would hitting you accomplish?" She sighed. "It's just worrisome. We assigned so many people to look after her, yet she still got struck by someone utterly without strength. At this age, how much longer can we keep watching over her?"

Qi Wei felt utterly ashamed. She said, "You entrusted me with her care, and I ended up sending her to the hospital. This can't be blamed on Zhengyu. She trusted me, and I didn't stop her, which is tantamount to telling her it was fine to go meet them."

Old Madam Zhang swept a reproachful glance over her. She said, "You certainly deserve a beating, but she's grown now and ought to have her own judgment." She then asked, "She wasn't knocked senseless, was she?"

Qi Wei said, "It doesn't appear so." She then recounted yesterday's events in exhaustive detail to Old Madam Zhang—what had happened, the reactions of Wen Zhengyu, Ye Ling, Ma Lu, and the others.

Qi Wei added thoughtfully, "There's one thing that struck me as rather strange."

Old Madam Zhang asked, "What's strange?"

Qi Wei said, "Cen Lang's reaction." She told Old Madam Zhang, "Yu'er was struck by Cen Xun in her home. When you boil it down, it was a matter of apology and compensation, and if Yu'er had come to any serious harm, whether she'd need to hand Cen Xun over. At the time, her house was full of guests. She left Cen Lin to attend to them, personally followed to the hospital, and waited until Ye Ling arrived. She wanted to discuss matters, but we both refused. Only then did she leave." She pondered and said, "I feel there's more to this. Should we investigate?"

Old Madam Zhang said, "Hongtu International. Zhao Er and Wang Zidao each held ten percent. The remaining eighty percent is said to be under Cen Lin's name."

Qi Wei's eyes widened as she stared at Old Madam Zhang. She said, "That can't be right, can it?"

Lian Xin came down the stairs, called out, "Grandfather, Grandmother," and greeted Qi Wei. "Yo, so early?"

Qi Wei said, "Confessing my sins, so naturally I'm early." Zhuo Yao had carried Wen Zhengyu out yesterday, witnessed by so many people—trying to conceal it was impossible. However, since the incident involved Wen Zhengyu, how it would be handled still depended on Wen Zhengyu's own attitude. After exchanging greetings with Lian Xin, she said to Old Madam Zhang, "If the Zhao and Cen families were business partners, there's no way the Zhao family would take only ten percent. Unless there's someone else within the Cen family who holds a stake, and the Zhao family accepted only ten percent out of consideration for that person." The Zhao family taking only ten percent while the Cen family took eighty percent—was this some kind of joke?

Old Madam Zhang said, "You're familiar with the capital. You tell me."

Qi Wei said, "I'm just aimlessly muddling through." Despite saying this, she counted off on her fingers all those connected to the Cen family.

She had dealings with Cen Lang, but it was purely cooperation for mutual benefit—business and investment, nothing more. Truly speaking of deep ties, the Qi, Bian, and Lian families shared bonds forged in iron.

Her grandfather, Grandfather Bian, and Grandfather Lian had grown up together from childhood, studied together. Later, Grandmother packed up and sold off half the family assets, recalled the armed men from outside, selected three hundred of the most battle-capable from among them, and gave them to Grandfather Lian, telling him to become a soldier and carve out a future. Her grandfather and Grandfather Bian also wanted to go, but their families forbade it. In the dead of night, they scaled the walls and chased after Grandfather Lian. Grandfather Lian divided the three hundred men Grandmother had given him, along with half her dowry, into three parts, and directly gifted two-thirds to her grandfather and Grandfather Bian. The three brothers each led one hundred men—carrying guns, money, and personnel—recruiting soldiers and buying horses all the way to join the army. With money in hand, they could recruit men and afford to maintain troops. The original three hundred crack soldiers were directly promoted to squad leaders and company commanders to train new recruits. Along the way, they swept through countless bandit and brigand gangs; those who weren't killed were conscripted into their ranks. By the time they joined the main forces, each had raised several thousand soldiers. The Bian and Qi families, originating as minor landlords and small merchant households with modest assets, were utterly transformed from that point on. Of the three hundred soldiers Grandfather Lian had originally taken out, many died in battle, some carved out careers and stayed in the military, some returned to civilian life after discharge, and some went abroad after amassing wealth. Many have since passed away, but their descendants still maintain contact and ties with the Lian family.

Old Madam Zhang's creed was that nothing surpasses having capable men and guns at hand, and one must never place all eggs in a single basket. She would even cite examples: "Look at my father back then. If he hadn't divided the family property into three—one share for each of my two brothers, and one share for me—our old Zhang family would be scattered to who knows where by now. It's just that I, a member of the old Zhang family, have now become part of the old Lian family."

Old Madam Zhang listened as Qi Wei sorted through the web of interpersonal relations but said nothing. She was old; the family enterprise had gradually been handed over to her children and grandchildren. She no longer managed many affairs. Yu'er had only just been reclaimed and was still unsteady on her feet, which naturally caused her some worry. But she could only help for a time, not for a lifetime. How to proceed was up to them now. What she could do, she had done. From here on, it was up to them. Just like back then, when Huaijin had taken a fancy to Wen Shiyi. His family background, upbringing, and social graces were impeccable in every way. His looks were good too; his smile was sweet, and the flute he played was exceptionally beautiful. He stood downstairs playing the flute while Huaijin leaned on the upstairs balcony listening. Even two floors apart, she could smell the sugary sweetness wafting through the courtyard. She had recognized back then that he was the type who liked to linger among women. She told Huaijin to consider carefully, to observe his character further. Lian Huaijin had been exceptionally confident at the time, saying, 'If I can't even keep him in line, I might as well not bother living.' And with a smile, she added, 'Mom, I just like that he's handsome and has the air of a scholar. He's also terribly timid. Scare him a little and he's guaranteed to be strictly obedient. There's no way I'd let him run wild and fool around outside.'

Who could have imagined that Huaijin would stumble just that once, and then be gone, just like that?

Ultimately, she chose the man herself, walked the path she chose herself, and the fall she took was one of her own seeking. She couldn't blame anyone else. Even if she died with her eyes open in unending resentment, what good did it do? Huaijin was dead, and Yu'er was still small. She couldn't allow anyone to see Wen Zhengyu and say to her, 'Your mother was blind and chose your father; your father caused your mother's death; your grandmother then beat your father to death.' What kind of person would a child grow up to be, carrying such a debt of sin on her back? Her daughter was already gone; she couldn't let her granddaughter be destroyed as well.

Old Madam Zhang was ultimately unable to rest easy about Wen Zhengyu. Too restless to sit, she sent Qi Wei, who clearly hadn't rested nearly enough, upstairs to catch up on sleep. She ordered the kitchen to prepare congee, then went with Old Master Lian to the hospital to see Wen Zhengyu.

When Old Madam Zhang and Old Master Lian arrived at the hospital, Ma Lu was seated on a chair outside the hospital room.

Seeing Old Madam Zhang supporting Old Master Lian, who leaned on a cane, as they approached, he shot to his feet, stood ramrod straight, and called out, "Grand Matriarch, Grand Patriarch."

Old Madam Zhang swept a glance over him, raised her hand, and smacked him on the back. "All that size, grown for nothing! If you were still under my direct supervision, you'd certainly be in for a thrashing. If you can't properly protect Eighth Miss, you'd best tell me sooner rather than later, so you don't end up courting heaven-shaking disaster. The Fourth Branch has only this one precious shoot remaining. Is this how you look after her for me?"

Ma Lu didn't dare even raise his head, nor utter a single sound.

Entering the hospital room, Old Madam Zhang saw Wen Zhengyu sitting up in the hospital bed wearing a patient's gown, her head resting against a soft pillow behind her. She was so weak that a sickly pallor showed through on her face. Wen Zhengyu's appearance was already delicate and pampered; set off by this sickly hue, she looked even more frail, as if a breeze might topple her. The look she cast toward Old Madam Zhang was also timid, carrying a distinct trace of pitifulness. Old Madam Zhang had originally intended to lecture her, but seeing her in this state and recalling that she had never been the resolute sort, the words that reached her lips transformed into a sigh. She said, "Suffered again, have you?" Then she asked, "Where's your Ye Ling?"

Wen Zhengyu hurriedly shook her head, but this motion immediately intensified the dizziness and pain, making it even more unbearable. Unable to help herself, she turned, clutched the spittoon, and vomited.

Old Madam Zhang quickly stepped forward to rub her back, even asking, "Did you eat breakfast?"

Wen Zhengyu was in the middle of vomiting up the congee she had just managed to eat when she heard her grandmother's question. She immediately began retching even harder.

A sound came from the bathroom, and moments later, Ye Ling emerged. Seeing Old Madam Zhang rubbing Wen Zhengyu's back, she recalled the force of those hands and quickly took over the task.

After Wen Zhengyu finished vomiting, Ye Ling first wiped her mouth, had her rinse, handed the spittoon to the attending nurse to be cleaned, then carefully cradled Wen Zhengyu's head, settling it back against the soft pillow.

Ye Ling said, "You rest well. I'll go outside and have a word with Grandmother."

Wen Zhengyu grabbed Ye Ling's hand at once. She wanted to shake her head but feared triggering another bout of vomiting. She also couldn't well say in front of her grandmother, "Don't go." "Talking here is just as good. I'll listen too." She refused to believe the old lady would strike Ye Ling right in front of her, the patient.

Old Madam Zhang said to Ye Ling, "What is there for the two of us to discuss? I have nothing to say to you."

Wen Zhengyu asked, "Is Ma Lu outside?"

Ma Lu, hearing the voices inside, hurried in. He called, "Miss Zhengyu, it's me."

Wen Zhengyu said, "Go accompany Ye Ling to handle matters first. Grandmother will keep me company here." Fearing the old lady would settle scores with the two of them, she quickly sent them away.

Ma Lu didn't dare assent and looked toward Ye Ling.

Ye Ling said, "Pull everyone watching the Cen family. If the items can't be found, watching people is useless. Every place has its own rules. Don't act too far out of line. Be careful you don't overreach."

Ma Lu acknowledged, saying, "Then I'll go attend to matters."

Ye Ling said, "Handling the matter is the priority. No need to keep coming over constantly."

Ma Lu acknowledged again, then added, "Grand Matriarch, Grand Patriarch, Miss Zhengyu, I'll go attend to things now." Only then did he leave.

Wen Zhengyu glanced at Ye Ling, thinking: Staying here is just asking to be scolded.

Ye Ling returned Wen Zhengyu a look: Hardly that serious.

She knew Old Madam Zhang was concerned about Wen Zhengyu's condition and showed her both the examination reports and the medical records. "A mild concussion. There's a slight shadow here on the forehead—not very distinct. She'll need to remain under observation for a while."

Old Madam Zhang finished reviewing the records and examination reports. Seeing Wen Zhengyu in this state, she sighed inwardly. When a person is injured, they can't manage anything at all. Matters must always be attended to by someone. Wen Zhengyu was in this condition. If it weren't for finding a partner like Ye Ling to protect her at every moment, managing affairs inside and out, her life would have had little hope. But a household can't fall as long as there's one person capable of standing firm. She said to Ye Ling, "Until she recovers from her injuries, don't let her run around anymore. Restoring her health is more important than anything." She said nothing more, asked nothing further.

Cen Lin arrived at the Lian residence, bringing Cen Xun with him.

Old Madam Zhang and Old Master Lian had gone to the hospital to see Wen Zhengyu. Lian Xin was at home.

Cen Lin intended to hand Cen Xun over to the Lian family for disposition.

Lian Xin let out a derisive chuckle. He said, "You've come to the wrong person, haven't you? Though I am her elder cousin, I have no authority over my sister. I can't make decisions on her behalf." As he spoke, he pushed back all the items Cen Lin had placed before him, untouched.

Cen Lin said, "Fourth Master, our two families have never had any history of enmity, nor any irreconcilable conflicts. Everything was stirred up by those blind, reckless underlings. I've taken a massive fall this time. I concede it. To be frank, if you were merely holding leverage over me, I wouldn't submit. Even with a blade to my neck, I wouldn't admit defeat. But so many brothers follow me to make a living. I have to consider them too. We've fought and struggled; we couldn't win, and I accept that. I can't send them to their deaths for nothing."

Lian Xin said, "Every grievance has its instigator, and every debt has its debtor. Wouldn't you agree, President Cen?"

Cen Lin nodded, saying, "Fourth Master, for those words, my thanks."

Lian Xin said, "Don't thank me. In this matter, I truly cannot make the decision. Let me also give you the bottom line. My fourth aunt passed away young. Yu'er was bought with my fourth aunt's life. Among our generation, there are ten of us siblings, but Yu'er is the only daughter. All the rest are sons. The old Lian family's Fourth Branch has only her, this one precious shoot. Even if you lot brought knives down on us brothers, us brothers wouldn't even furrow our brows. Each family has plenty of sons; losing one or two is of no great consequence. If they fall, we'd only blame their own lack of ability. But Yu'er is different. She's a girl, and gentle and yielding by nature. She's easily bullied. We, her elder cousins, must shield her some."

"When we were small, our parents were busy and left us with Grandfather and Grandmother. We brothers were all raised by Fourth Aunt. We must protect this last trace of our Fourth Aunt's bloodline. We don't ask that Yu'er achieve greatness. As long as she can be safe and sound, we're content."

"Even if Wang Zidao had chopped Wen Shiyi to pieces and fed him to the dogs, I'd simply consider that avenging my Fourth Aunt. But he wanted to seize Yu'er's property and even intended to deliver her to Zhao Si. President Cen, you also have an elder sister. If this were you, could you tolerate it? That it didn't end with a blade going in white and coming out red—consider that my showing some restraint, wouldn't you?"

Cen Lin nodded, saying, "It does. This matter was genuinely over the line. When seeking wealth, don't harm the person. Wang Zidao broke the rules. Whatever should be done, shall be done." He pushed the thick document folder in front of him toward Lian Xin again. "This is to purchase the materials Zhao Er held. Do you think this price is appropriate?"

Lian Xin pushed it back once more. "No rush. One must eat mouthful by mouthful; matters must be handled one by one." He had someone escort Cen Lin and Cen Xun out the door.

Once outside the Lian residence, Cen Lin got into the car with Cen Xun.

Cen Xun said thoughtfully, "He hinted at things, but refused the items..." It seemed to leave room, but in reality, conceded nothing at all.

Cen Lin asked Cen Xun, "Where are you going now?" Lian Xin had spoken plainly, and clearly didn't want her life. Why was she still sitting in his car? He was utterly sick of her, his own elder sister.

Cen Xun threw out the words, "I'm not going!" To go to the hospital and apologize to Wen Zhengyu in front of Ye Ling—she'd rather die than go.

Cen Lin was so furious he flipped on the spot. The two siblings, right there in the car at the front gate of the Lian residence, fought again.

Cen Lin was a man, with greater strength, but Cen Xun was utterly reckless, grabbing and hurling whatever she could seize. Not only that, she kept her nails long and clawed at his face, scraping it raw. She even grabbed his hair, nearly tearing out his scalp. Infuriated, he bellowed, "What are you all standing there for? Pull this madwoman away!" Once the bodyguards separated them, Cen Lin raged, "Letting you out to roam about is nothing short of a plague upon the world. Sending you to an asylum for a hundred and eighty years wouldn't be unjust."

Cen Xun cursed back at Cen Lin from the other side of the car, "You caused this mess yourself, and you blame me? I am absolutely not going to apologize to her! Dream on!" She pulled open the car door, sat in the back seat, and hollered, "To the police station! I'm turning myself in!"

Cen Lin grabbed the door again and roared, "What insanity is this now? Turn yourself in for what? Are you afraid this matter isn't big enough?" He tried pulling the car door repeatedly but couldn't open it; it was locked from the inside. He shouted for it to be opened, but Cen Xun simply sat in the back seat, looking ready to lash out at any moment. The driver didn't dare unlock it.

Cen Xun was utterly brazen. "I just hit someone. Worst case, I squat in the detention center for a few days. Why are you yelling? It's not like I haven't done a stint before. Start the car."

Cen Lin couldn't open the car door and kicked it furiously, spitting out a string of profanities as he watched Cen Xun drive off in the car. His car. He took the tissue handed to him by a bodyguard and wiped the scratches on his face and the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth, gnashing his teeth with another curse. All the scars on his face had been left by Cen Xun's scratching. In his seething resentment, he hurled the tissue to the ground. "Truly, calamities last a thousand years!" He squeezed into the bodyguard's car behind him and called Cen Lang to report the situation.

Cen Lang: See, if you'd just tied her up and brought her, this wouldn't have happened.

Cen Lin: I was trying to save her a bit of face.

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