Upon hearing this, Old Master Chen said nothing, which was considered an admission of Old Master Chen's statement. He believed that as long as he asked, his son would definitely tell him the truth, and it was impossible for him to insist on keeping something from his old father.
However, both Old Mrs. Chen and Old Mr. Chen miscalculated.
Even when Chen Changqing was asked by his grandfather to his face if he was hiding something from him and his wife, Chen Changqing vehemently denied it.
Are you sure?
"Um."
When the old man called him to the study, Chen Changqing was quite puzzled. It wasn't until he heard the old man explain the purpose of the call that he understood something. However, in order to avoid upsetting his parents, he didn't reveal what he knew—the guess that his eldest son had told him earlier—to his father.
“You, Dongsheng, and Xiaoxu have a problem with your attitude toward Zhang Hua and her son. Don’t think that your mother and I can’t see it.”
Old Master Chen is trying to trick Chen Changqing.
“What’s wrong with me? You and Mom know what happened in my marriage with Zhang Hua and how I’ve treated her all these years. I don’t think my attitude towards her is any different now than before.”
As for Dongsheng and Xiaoxu, Dongsheng has never been close to Zhang Hua, as you and Mom both know. As for Xiaoxu… his attitude towards Zhang Hua has indeed changed, but that's not hard to understand in my opinion. After all, a child suddenly becomes disabled; a change in temperament is inevitable.
Chen Changqing downplayed the issue, and upon hearing this, Old Master Chen frowned slightly and asked, "Then how do you explain your attitude towards Xiaoze?"
"Dad...you're overthinking it. I've always treated Xiaoze like my own son."
With a slight pursing of his lips, Chen Changqing remained silent for a moment before speaking again: "Dongsheng has always been a man of few words, and Xiaoxu and Xiaoze have never gotten along since they were little. I haven't noticed anything unusual about the relationship between the three brothers these past two days."
After listening to Chen Changqing's words, Old Master Chen remained silent for a long time. Well, it wasn't that he didn't want to say anything, but that he didn't know how to say it.
reason?
It was simply because Chen Changqing's statement was so flawed that no loopholes could be found.
Grandpa Chen remained silent, and Chen Changqing did not urge him. He just sat quietly beside him. After a long while, Grandpa Chen spoke up: "If there is a suitable opportunity, let Xiaoze join the army. However, the premise is that he is willing to join the army and that his mother has no objection."
"It's good to exercise in the countryside."
If what happened to her eldest and youngest sons was really related to Zhang Hua, what reason would he have to help her children seek a better future?
A dark glint flashed in Chen Changqing's eyes.
"Is this what you truly believe?"
"Old Master Chen asked."
"Um."
Chen Changqing nodded.
"Fine, as long as you can handle your wife, then pretend I didn't say anything."
Getting up, Old Master Chen walked around the desk and said, "Go ahead and do what you need to do. I'm going back to my room to check on your mother." With that, Old Master Chen opened the study door and left.
-
Upon arriving at his study, Chen Changqing had just sat down in the chair behind his desk when he heard a knock on the door.
"Come in."
As he spoke, the study door was pushed open.
"What's up?"
Chen Changqing looked at his wife, Zhang Hua, with a somber expression.
After closing the study door, Zhang Hua sat on the sofa. She was silent for a moment, then looked up at Chen Changqing and said, "I want to keep Xiao Ze in Beijing."
"If you have the ability, then go ahead and do it. But if you try to use family connections or do things in my name, once I find out, we'll go straight to divorce proceedings."
Chen Changqing's tone was devoid of any emotion. Hearing this, Zhang Hua was undoubtedly furious, and even her expression turned sour. She retorted:
"Why? Why are you so heartless? I only have Xiaoze left, and I want him to stay in Beijing. You won't even help me with such a small thing, help Xiaoze. Do you really think of my child as your own, or are you just saying it?!"
"Have you talked to me about this before? You know very well how I answered. Since you know my attitude, why bring it up again? Although we are only husband and wife in name, you should know how I have acted over the years."
Zhang Hua stared straight at Chen Changqing: "Yes, I know you have your principles and never make exceptions, but what's the point of making an exception once? If Xiaoze stays in the countryside farming, what future will he have?"
Chen Changqing: "The country cannot develop without talent. The current situation is only temporary. I believe it will change soon, and then Xiaoze will be able to return to Beijing."
Zhang Hua: "How long is 'not long'?"
"Just wait, it's only a matter of time before the educated youth return to the city."
Not wanting to talk to Zhang Hua any longer, Chen Changqing leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest after speaking. However, Zhang Hua did not leave. She got up and walked to the desk, accusing him in a stronger tone: "Chen Changqing, what exactly do you want from me before you will accept me and Xiao Ze from the bottom of your heart?"
Having lived in the Chen family for so many years, all I've ever had is the title of Third Madam Chen; I've received nothing else. You should have seen how much I've sacrificed for this family, yet you've always treated me coldly. I can overlook that, but why can't you do what you say you will and treat Xiaoze as your own daughter?
"How else do you want me to treat you?"
Opening his eyes, Chen Changqing's gaze was sharp. He stared directly at his wife, Zhang Hua, and said in a deep voice, "What other children in the family have, don't you have? I provide for his food and drink and send him to school for education. As for how much pocket money you want to give him, have I ever given you any say in it?"
"You...you do take care of Xiaoze's food, drink, and schooling, but you don't care how much pocket money I give him. So what? I'm Xiaoze's mother, your wife. Do I need to ask you for permission to give my child some pocket money? Providing Xiaoze with food, drink, and schooling is your responsibility as a stepfather. Are you bringing this up now because you think my son is freeloading in this house?"
Zhang Hua's reddened eyes were filled with resentment: "As the saying goes, 'Everyone has a heart of flesh,' but in my opinion, your heart is made of stone. So many years have passed, and you still treat me like an outsider. Chen Changqing, how could you do this to me?"
Her voice was choked with sobs, but unfortunately, it did not affect Chen Changqing in the slightest.
"Human greed is like a snake trying to swallow an elephant."
Chen Changqing remained expressionless. He said, "Whether you want to stay in this family or marry me as husband and wife in name only is your own decision. Otherwise, even if you are my wife in name only, do you think I will give you that status?"
Standing up, Chen Changqing stared intently at his wife, Zhang Hua, exuding a menacing aura. He asked, "Did you pull strings behind the scenes when Dong Sheng almost didn't make it back from his mission, and when Xiao Ze was injured and disabled?"
Zhang Hua's heart skipped a beat. She tried her best to remain calm and not let herself show any unusual reaction.
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