A Good Country Wife
Chapter 290 - 284: Let’s start with a number_1

Chapter 290: Chapter 284: Let’s start with a number_1

The village head and several clan elders arrived to clarify the cause and process of the dispute, and since Zhao Jingen, the head of the household, had agreed to the division, the Wei Family’s opinion was no longer important. The matter of the division was thus settled, with the specific details arranged and divided accordingly,

Zhao Dahuo and his wife were the happiest about the division, as Zhao Jingen was resolute this time in treating his sons Zhao Dahuo and Zhao Cheng fairly. Wei Family’s opinion was disregarded, and Zhao Quan didn’t gain any advantage either. Accustomed to getting the larger share, he felt extremely uncomfortable, but since Wei Family would follow his lead as the eldest son, he felt somewhat relieved. As for Zhao Xing, since he was the cause of the dispute, he had no right to voice his opinion.

As for Zhao Jingen, he made no mention of whom he would follow. He knew well the nature of the sons Wei Family had borne him; Zhao Cheng was still somewhat honest and reliable, but Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing were rebellious and would not be willing to take care of their useless old father. When he was ill, it was mostly Zhao Dahuo and his wife who looked after him, with the fourth son, Zhao Cheng, occasionally coming to see him. However, Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing never even bothered to visit or show any concern, which was truly disheartening.

Logically, it would have been most proper for Zhao Jingen to follow his eldest son, Zhao Dahuo, something he was indeed inclined to do internally. But now, wary of burdening Zhao Dahuo, he felt his days were numbered, often experiencing bouts of unshakable sleepiness.

If he were to pass away, he feared Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing would use the excuse that he was living with Zhao Dahuo to saddle his eldest son with the sole responsibility for his funeral arrangements. Funerals were costly and offered little return, requiring a significant financial outlay. Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing would surely expect Zhao Dahuo to bear all the expenses, although it’s only right for all the sons to contribute their share. All too aware of his sons’ disgraceful behavior over money, Zhao Jingen simply decided not to follow any of them, ensuring that funeral expenses would be shared evenly among his sons. After all, he didn’t have many days left and did not want to be a burden on his eldest son any longer.

Zhao Jingen had long taken the measure of his life but hung on, thinking of doing something more for his eldest son, Zhao Dahuo, to atone for past mistakes. As for his second son, Erhu, who he felt even guiltier about, Erhu was capable and didn’t require his father’s concerns. Now that the family division was finalized, he had also made arrangements with the village head and clan elders that the Wei Family would receive a share of the inheritance and go with Zhao Quan. From then on, Wei Family’s affairs would have nothing to do with Zhao Dahuo, who would no longer be subjected to Wei Family’s coercion.

Having arranged everything, Zhao Jingen let go of the burden in his heart and fell into a deep sleep. The following day, Wei Family discovered that Zhao Jingen had passed away and loudly summoned everyone.

Erhu and his wife were called over immediately as well. After all, Zhao Jingen was Erhu’s biological father and, in passing, it was only right that Erhu help out, regardless of the circumstances. But that was the extent of his obligations, as the other matters were not for him to worry about, especially since he had been driven out of the Zhao family home and had no part in the family division or other affairs.

Zhao Jingen’s death was abrupt; everyone knew he didn’t have long to live but had assumed he would hold on for at least another year or so, especially with good medicine and improved mobility compared to just after his fall. Some even thought he might recover, but no one expected him to leave so suddenly.

Normally, for a situation like Zhao Jingen’s, most families would have prepared the coffin and burial clothes in advance, even the healthy elderly would prepare for themselves. But Wei Family, wanting to hold onto the silver, had prepared nothing. As a result, the household was in disarray, hastily preparing for Zhao Jingen’s funeral. The brothers gathered to discuss how to manage his funeral and how much silver each family should contribute.

Given Erhu’s situation, having already severed ties with the Zhao family home, it made no sense for him to contribute money. Zhao Dahuo and Zhao Cheng felt it was unreasonable, especially since Erhu had already paid for their father’s medical expenses. However, Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing insisted that, regardless, Erhu was Zhao Jingen’s son and should contribute. Their shameless words were indeed laughable.

"Third brother, fifth brother, what you’re saying is absurd. When Erhu paid for father’s medical expenses, you didn’t speak up like this. Aren’t you also our father’s sons? Why did you let Erhu pay all alone? Besides, Erhu left the Zhao family home penniless, and father clearly stated that he didn’t expect Erhu to take care of his affairs after his death, not even expecting a bow. What Erhu has done for father is out of moral obligation; don’t take it for granted."

"What does it matter? He did it willingly. The Erhu family isn’t short on money; they aren’t missing a few taels of silver. He’s made so much, shouldn’t he show something when his father dies? Anyway, I’ll tell you this—if Erhu doesn’t contribute, don’t expect us to pay," Zhao Quan stated boldly, as if Erhu’s earnings meant he should naturally pay more. Zhao Xing shared Zhao Quan’s view, and although Zhao Cheng thought his brothers were going too far, his opinions were disregarded. He remained silent, knowing he wouldn’t be shortchanged for his share, nor would he pay a cent more than needed.

Erhu looked on calmly at Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing, neither agreeing nor objecting, simply asking, "How much silver do you think each family should contribute? Start with a figure."

Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing, thinking Erhu agreed, felt a reluctant irritation. Initially, they had hoped to avoid contributing any money, assured that dutiful son Zhao Dahuo would find a solution and not caring where the money came from. They wouldn’t pay afterward anyway, and now Erhu was thwarting their plans.

They knew that making a scene in the village would get them nowhere, just like with the division of the family property, for Zhao Jingen had discussed his funeral arrangements with the village head and clan elders in advance. Zhao Jingen’s intentions, focused on benefiting Zhao Dahuo and Erhu, would certainly go against them, so they best not involve the village authorities.

Eventually, the brothers agreed that each of the five would contribute two taels of silver for Zhao Jingen’s proper burial service.

Zhao Quan and Zhao Xing, seeing no way out of their responsibility, with Zhao Quan quick to scheme, sought to profit from the situation. They both eagerly wanted to manage the silver coin and make funeral purchases, thinking they might turn a profit from their dealings. But they seemed to forget that others were not as foolish as they presumed.

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