Chapter 316: with translation of chapter title

"Elder brother, don't say it's you; even I can't figure out how he would get involved in this!"

Zhang Chengyong said with a complicated expression.

Based on his knowledge of Du Guan, he doubted that his second aunt would come tomorrow; she was likely planning to come a few days later, possibly because of Du Guan.

He knew clearly the attitude of that dog Du Guan toward his family.

Don't think that back then, when that dog Du Guan hadn't made a name for himself, he was busy helping their family, especially enthusiastic about their affairs, visiting every holiday and often bringing gifts.

Although the gifts weren't valuable, they were sincere gestures.

Until later.

As Du Guan gradually rose, their family's business improved day by day, and he often used being busy as an excuse, no longer visiting them during holidays.

According to his mother, that thing Du Guan is like a wolf among the clan; once he gains power, he becomes reckless.

Not long ago.

Du Guan suddenly suggested that his second aunt come first thing tomorrow, and he doubted whether he was hearing hallucinations; he pinched his arm, and the burning pain constantly reminded him.

He couldn't believe Du Guan would say such a thing!

Zhang Chengze frowned and asked, "What exactly is going on? Tell me the whole story from start to finish; I think he's either deliberately messing with you or something."

"Elder brother, then I'll tell you the whole story from start to finish…"

Zhang Chengyong recounted everything in detail.

Soon after hearing Zhang Chengyong's account, Zhang Chengze immediately grasped it and sneered, "So you're saying he knew your younger aunt's family would come tomorrow, which is why he urged your second aunt to rush over early tomorrow morning?"

Zhang Chengyong nodded, then realized, and said, "Elder brother, you mean he advised the second aunt because of your younger aunt's family?"

"What kind of creature is that dog Du Guan? There's not a single person in Zhang Family Village who doesn't know him!"

One Zhang Family Member snorted coldly: back when Du Guan hadn't risen, he often ran around helping the Zhang family and respected their elders, but after he became powerful, he showed no respect at all, acting arrogantly.

Another Zhang Family Member sneered, "I think he knows your younger aunt's family—Wang Ruhai has talent, now he's heading to the capital for the imperial exams; if he makes the list, he'll become an official. He's trying to curry favor with your younger aunt, which is why he urged your second aunt to come tomorrow!"

Logically, such matters aren't easy for them to comment on, but since Du Guan is untrustworthy, Zhang Guilian's actions are too excessive.

Her elder brother passed away, and she didn't come early, only because she was busy with business and intended to wait a few days before coming. Is that still something a person can do?

These outsiders—no, they're not outsiders; they're all elders or clan brothers of Zhang Deben, so it's appropriate to scold Zhang Guilian.

Zhang Chengze looked at the hall full of apologetic feeling, addressing the continuously cursing Zhang Family Members, "Uncles, granduncles, tomorrow my second aunt's family arrives; if there's any trouble, please bear with us."

"Hmph! If he dares to cause trouble at De Ben's funeral, disturbing De Ben's peace, even if their family is wealthy, I'll still give her a punch!"

A Zhang Family Member snorted coldly.

A smile flickered at Zhang Chengze's corner of his mouth; he wasn't exposing family disgrace without cause before a crowd—he had his own purpose, and once that purpose was achieved, he wouldn't dare further delay the younger aunt's family's rest.

Zhang Chengze gave Zhu Lancui a look.

As Zhu Lancui left with a group of Wang Family members, Wang Lin passed by Zhang Chengze, raised his thumb, and whispered praise:

"Chengze, you're becoming more capable; you can be the pillar of this household. Even though your father is gone, you no longer need to worry about your family's affairs; you can go with peace of mind!"

"Uncle, I don't understand what you mean!"

Zhang Chengze chuckled, turned to the angry Zhang Chengyong beside him and ordered, "What are you standing around for? Hurry to the bedroom, check on our father, and also look at our mother. Our father just left; don't let anything happen to us!" "I'm going right now!"

Zhang Chengyong instantly reacted and said impatiently.

The next day, at dawn, the sky was still dim.

"Elder brother!"

A loud shout rang out, waking the night watch in the hall; Wang Lin quickly rose from his seat and said anxiously, "Uncles, Guihua from my family has woken up; I'm going to see what's happening!"

"You go quickly, but make sure Guihua doesn't get into any trouble!"

Wang Lin hurriedly turned and left. That night felt like a year to him—not because he couldn't stay up; staying up wasn't a big deal—but because the whole night was spent talking about that beast's affairs.

It's not that these Zhang Family Members wanted that beast to do anything!

Those who stayed to keep watch at the Zhang house were the older generation; although they hadn't studied much, they had lived half their lives and understood some of the ways of the world.

They knew that human relations wear thin the more they're used, and must be employed at critical moments.

Just…

This novel, you…

Although these Zhang Family Members weren't trying to ask Wang Lin or Wang Ruhai to do anything, whenever they mentioned Wang Ruhai they would praise him a few times, inevitably saying that Wang Lin and his wife raised their child well, producing such a good kid.

Hearing that, Wang Lin felt his heart like a knife wound, but couldn't refute it.

Who made that beast do such a despicable thing? It was so low, he had no face to mention it.

Most of the night was spent discussing this matter; how could he not feel distressed?

Wang Lin nervously ran to the bedroom arranged by Zhu Lancui, and saw his daughter‑in‑law and his son's wife, with the daughter‑in‑law being comforted.

Wang Lin exclaimed, "Dongzhu, it's just dawn, why aren't you sleeping a bit longer?"

"Father, I'm fully rested!"

Liu Dongzhu replied.

Wang Lin knew his daughter‑in‑law must have been woken by his wife, fearing his wife might be in trouble, so he rushed over without saying more, concerned, "Guihua, what's wrong with you? Did you have a nightmare?"

"Old man, I dreamed about my elder brother!"

Zhang Guihua exclaimed with surprise.

Wang Lin nodded and said, "When you got married back then, you cried all night without being soothed, and you even forced your elder brother to stay at our house for ten days to half a month, almost making me the laughingstock of Hutou Gou."

"Your elder brother suddenly left like that; it's natural you dreamed of him!"

How?

Did your elder brother say anything to you?

Although…

Words spoken in a dream can't be taken seriously, even if the dream isn't real, but they can at least provide comfort.

Zhang Guihua seemed to have thought of something, and, ecstatic, said, "Old man, you don't know—my elder brother told me in a dream that the Yama King said he has Merit on his person, and it so happens that Shizi Ling has a Mountain God position vacant for many years. He asked whether he would rather be reborn in the next life into a wealthy family, or return to Shizi Ling to serve as the Mountain God!"

(End of chapter)