Chapter 126: Tear Down the Wall or the Chicken Nest?

Lu Cheng thinks it won't happen; after the big meeting in the courtyard last time, Wu Guiwen should understand that before cutting into the old Lu family again, he must first get past Lu San'er.

Moreover, Wu Guiwen should also realize that, as the decision‑maker, if he wants to act prudently, it's best not to provoke Lu Cheng proactively.

In fact, Wu Guiwen indeed thought that way.

He stood in front of the high table, patted the television, as if he held the floor.

He first glanced at the seated Lu Cheng, then quickly averted his gaze; since he had snagged the TV, it was better not to ruffle this guy.

Seeing Wu Guiwen silent for ages, the big fellow grew impatient.

"Teacher Wu, if you have something to say, speak quickly."

"Just say it, then turn on the TV right away; we're all waiting."

Amid everyone's impatient shouts, Da Hu, unable to wait, tried to twist open the TV, but Wu Guiwen slapped it away.

"Everyone, don't be anxious. What I have to say concerns our Da Za Yuan; since I've become the decision‑maker, I must do my utmost for everyone."

Seeing that no one paid him any attention—some smoking and chatting, others knitting—Wu Guiwen paused briefly and continued.

"Regarding this illegal building issue, I reflected a few days ago; indeed, with so many people in our courtyard, illegal structures are unavoidable—otherwise where would so many live?"

"Take my Dong'er Fang, for example: besides the child's mother, there's also an old lady; it can accommodate them for now, but if two children return, there truly will be no room…"

Zhao Daye's youngest son, Zhao Yue Min, upon hearing that the illegal structures wouldn't be torn down, immediately supported, saying, "Teacher Wu, you finally said something reasonable; I back you—quickly turn on the TV."

Wu Guiwen didn't turn on the TV, scowling, "Yue Min, illegal structures are the ones you built the most; if they were useful I wouldn't say anything, but you erected a wall in this courtyard that can't house anyone and makes it hard for everyone to walk—what does that mean?"

The wall Zhao Yue Min built was actually his wife's idea.

Because his wife is infertile, everyone seems to look at her with ridicule.

So she wanted to enclose a small courtyard, both to separate from the elder brother, sister‑in‑law, and grandfather's house, and to have a two‑person world of her own.

But trying to build a small courtyard, the courtyard space is already limited, so it would inevitably meet unanimous opposition from the big fellows.

Therefore they first erected a wall; after everyone got used to it, they would wait for a moonless, windy night to quickly raise the other three walls. That way, when people wake up, the small courtyard is already built, and it won't be easy to tear down.

However, this plan cannot be voiced before the small courtyard is finished.

Seeing Zhao Yue Min stammer for ages without making a clear point, Wu Guiwen immediately decided, "Since it's useless, I suggest we tear it down tonight."

Perhaps wanting to watch TV forced them to support Wu Guiwen; perhaps also because the wall was a nuisance and served no purpose, everyone unanimously shouted approval.

Yue Min's wife, however, objected, standing up: "It can't be torn down—on what grounds do you tear down my family's wall! It was hard‑won; who would be eager to tear it down with me?"

This time no further words from Wu Guiwen were needed; everyone eager for the TV naturally had someone step forward.

"Yue Min's wife, be content. You built so many little houses; considering we're all in the same courtyard, and Zhao Daye's family is truly crowded, no one quarrels with you, but what use is that wall you built?"

"Exactly, it's useless and even obstructive; tear it down, tear it down, don't delay everyone watching TV."

Yue Min's wife opened her mouth: "Of course it's useful; I want…"

Zhao Yue Min hurriedly grabbed her, his gaze constantly signaling, and Yue Min's wife realized that the courtyard matter couldn't be spoken of now.

Otherwise, everyone would only oppose more.

So she simply changed the subject, directing the criticism at the old Lu family.

"If you say it's useless, then Uncle Beitang's chicken nest is also useless; he isn't raising chickens now, so it should be torn down too."

Even Wu Guiwen didn't target the chicken nest again, yet Yue Min's wife suddenly leapt out; Lu Ying immediately stood up, ready to have a big argument with her.

Her standing up wasn't a problem; the bench was long, and Lu Cheng fell onto the ground with his backside.

"Hiss, sis, you should've said something before getting up; your butt's split in two!"

Lu Ying now had no time to deal with him, shouting at Yue Min's wife with displeasure: "We're talking about the wall now; why bring up the chicken nest? Don't pick fights for no reason, or I'll let the dog bite you, Lu Cheng, up!"

"Alright, alright, sis, you sit down, let me handle it!" Lu Cheng scrambled up, dusting off mud, and said to Yue Min's wife: "I say, wife…"

Yue Min's wife, with a flash of anger, retorted: "Whose wife are you calling? Rogue, little thug, Stinky Old Nine!"

"Who are you insulting? Say another line and I'll tear your mouth apart!" Lu Ying stepped forward to strike her, but Lu Cheng hurriedly pulled his sister down to sit.

"As for that Yue Min's wife, my Chicken Coop can be taken down, but your Chicken Coop must be taken down too; we don't make exceptions—either you choose one: either the chicken coop goes, or the wall goes."

"Anyway, my family hasn't started raising chickens, so dismantling the Chicken Coop causes no loss; Yue Min's family is different—once their coop is removed, the two hens lose a place to stay."

Lu Cheng, too lazy to argue, simply presented the options of tearing down the wall or the chicken coop, and Yue Min's wife could naturally weigh the pros and cons.

Yue Min's wife fell silent; she didn't want to dismantle either.

Wu Guiwen, seeing this, said, "Yue Min's wife, don't be stubborn; that chicken nest still has use, while the wall is useless—just tear it down."

Others echoed, "Right, right, tear it down."

"It's just a nuisance; push it down now."

Regardless of her consent, a few young men walked over, kicking and bumping, quickly toppling the wall.

Yue Min's wife sat hard on the ground, pounding her chest and stamping her feet, crying, "You bully people, it's too much…"

Yet as the TV turned on, no one paid her any more attention.

When Yue Min's wife saw the TV on again, she wiped her tears while watching.

Wu Guiwen was delighted inside; the TV was worth buying, and his authority finally seemed established.

Because of this little incident, a lot of time was wasted, and at half past nine the TV shut off on schedule.

Wu Guiwen set another rule: from now on, TV can only be watched between 7:30 and 9:30.

The big fellows gradually dispersed; Wu Dama looked at the mess, hefting a broom, and was beyond angry.

"I told you not to buy this TV, but you insisted; look at this mess—clean it up yourself!"

Wu Guiwen took out a cloth, carefully covering the TV, and impatiently replied, "Ah, just sweep the floor in two strokes; what's there to complain about."

"You make it sound easy, but my daily chores are never done; you only know how to give me more trouble."