Chapter 290 - 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.