CHAPTER 189: CHAPTER 189: SEVERING RELATIONSHIPS

189 Severing Ties

The two cloaks, though different in color, shared the same design. Zhao Zhitong’s was red, lined with fluffy fox fur that complemented her fair complexion. As she hopped about, she looked as adorable as the cherubic children in New Year paintings.

Zhao Ya’s cloak was a pale yellow. Beneath it, she wore a rose-red satin jacket trimmed with rabbit fur. Her face, too, was fair and clear, and her smile was gentle.

Even Zhao Cheng and Zhao Yu wore satin jackets—Zhao Cheng’s in a bamboo-leaf green and Zhao Yu’s in a light blue—making them both appear quite spirited.

The three siblings, walking side-by-side, resembled the Good Fortune Children from traditional New Year paintings.

As the saying goes, comparisons can be cruel. Xiao Wang’s family was bedecked in gold and silver; Xiao Wang herself had five or six ornaments on her head alone.

Yet, when contrasted with Zhao Zhitong and Zhao Ya, who wore only simple, small flowers, Xiao Wang’s family somehow exuded an air of unbearable tackiness.

What they didn’t realize was that Xiao Wang’s family perfectly embodied the nouveau riche style, piling on every piece of jewelry they owned, which only made them appear more vulgar.

Just then, someone asked, "Whose clothes do you think are more expensive, Zhao Chun’s family’s or the Dong Family’s?"

Tian Cuihua, already incensed by Mrs. Wang’s shamelessness, spoke up immediately. "What are you even thinking? Although the Dong Family makes their own clothes, the style is so much more elegant, and the fabric is satin—something only wealthy families can afford."

"And have you seen the cloaks on the two young girls? That’s real fox fur, incredibly expensive!"

The other women stared in disbelief. "Real fur? No wonder they look so exquisite! The Dong Family is truly prospering!"

Then, some people’s gazes fell upon Zhao Dong and Sun Mei. Noticing they were dressed in simple cloth, a few couldn’t help but become curious.

Hearing the surrounding crowd praise how well Zhao Zhitong and the others were dressed, Mrs. Zheng seethed with jealousy.

Some people are strange. If someone has always been better off than them, even if that person is condescending, they won’t feel jealous and might even try to curry favor. However, if someone previously on their level starts to prosper, they become envious and resentful.

Mrs. Zheng was precisely this type of person.

She sneered at that moment, "What are you all thinking? That fur? It’s obviously from that madman Wu Da, the one who lives by the graves and disowns his own family. And they’re so eager to flaunt it."

Someone unfamiliar with the situation asked, "Oh, what’s this about?"

Mrs. Zheng gloated, "You don’t know? Zhao Dong has gotten mixed up with that madman Wu Da, the one who disowns his own family!"

"He must have tricked Wu Da out of this fur. Otherwise, why would Zhao Dong and Sun Mei be dressed so shabbily?"

Zhao Dong and Sun Mei were both speechless.

They hadn’t worn their new clothes because they knew they’d be working; however, neither could be bothered to explain.

However, Shi Tou’s wife, Mrs. Sun, retorted with a sneer, "Hmph, I think some people are just green with envy. The Dong Family certainly doesn’t lack fine things. He’s just not selfish like certain individuals who keep all the good things for themselves. Zhao Dong, on the other hand, saves the best for the children."

The onlookers nodded, praising Zhao Dong and Sun Mei.

"If you ask me, the Dong Family is truly decent. Look at his eldest brother’s three children—all robust and fair-skinned. The clothes they’re wearing are no worse than what his own daughter has. He genuinely cares for his brother’s children."

"Exactly! And to think some people were spreading rumors that Zhao Dong adopted his brother’s children for free labor! That’s... that’s like, what is it... a small man’s... something about a gentleman’s belly!"

"Judging a gentleman’s heart by one’s own petty measure," someone supplied.

"Yes, yes, that’s the saying!"

...

At this, the expressions on the faces of Mrs. Wang’s family turned darker than Zhao Cai’s attire from the previous night.

Seemingly oblivious to Zhao Cai’s venomous glare, Zhao Zhitong scampered over to Zhao Dong. She presented the candy she was holding and said in her sweet, childish voice, "Daddy, this is the candy I prepared for our ancestors. When you go in to pay respects later, could you offer it to them for me, please?"

Zhao Yu also quickly produced his peanuts. "Uncle, I have some too! Mine too!"

Zhao Cheng and Zhao Ya didn’t want to be outdone.

Zhao Dong sighed, a lost expression on his face. "You’ll have to ask the Clan Chief and your Third Uncle about that. The Clan Chief said your Third Uncle should represent our branch in worshipping the ancestors."

"What?"

Zhao Zhitong’s face fell instantly. She looked at the Clan Chief, bewildered. "Uncle Clan Chief, isn’t the eldest son supposed to lead the worship? Why isn’t it my daddy? Or... is Third Uncle not really Third Uncle, but actually Second Uncle?"

The child’s innocent, perplexed question made the elderly Clan Chief flush with shame. He glanced instinctively at Mrs. Wang, sighed, and began, "Perhaps, this time, we should still let..."

"No! Absolutely not!"

Mrs. Wang leaped forward, her voice shrill as she cut off the Clan Chief. "Clan Chief, that’s unacceptable! When we discussed the marriage with the Qin Clan, we told Landlord Qin that our Zhao Ji is the legitimate eldest grandson!"

"The Qin Clan will be sending someone with New Year’s gifts later! If they see it’s not our Zhao Chun leading the ancestral worship, this wonderful marriage prospect might be ruined!"

The Clan Chief’s expression shifted instantly. This concerned the honor of their entire Zhao Clan and couldn’t be treated lightly. His tone hardened as he addressed Zhao Dong, "Zhao Dong! Look, your Third Brother is currently the most promising and respected member of our Zhao Clan. For the sake of our Zhao Clan’s honor, you should concede!"

Several elder clansmen also began to pressure Zhao Dong, making it seem as if his refusal would brand him a traitor to the entire clan.

Listening to these guilt-tripping accusations, Zhao Dong was inwardly ecstatic. This was exactly what he had been waiting for—for Mrs. Wang to use the clan’s honor to pressure the Clan Chief. Then, for the sake of that very honor, neither the Clan Chief nor the elders would easily back down. And when he proposed severing ties, they would likely do their utmost to accommodate him.

Thus, Zhao Dong first feigned heartbreak, then agony, then internal conflict. Finally, with a heavy sigh, he said, "It’s not entirely out of the question for Third Brother to lead the worship. However, I have one condition."

Hearing a potential way out, Mrs. Wang immediately demanded, "What condition?"

Zhao Dong sighed once more. "My mother, Mrs. Bai, risked everything to bring my eldest brother and me into this Zhao Family. Now, if I, the eldest son, cannot lead the ancestral worship, her heart would surely break. As her son, I cannot be so unfilial."

"If Zhao Chun absolutely must be the one to perform the rites, then remove my elder brother’s name and mine from our father’s lineage!"

The moment he spoke, a stunned silence fell. Everyone stared at Zhao Dong in utter disbelief, thinking he had truly lost his mind.

They all began to admonish him, urging him not to act so rashly.