Chapter 284 Testing
Kong Wange said obediently, "Uncle, just tell me what's on your mind."
“That’s how it is,” Wen Zhengning said, crossing his legs and a scrutinizing glint in his eyes. “You must know about the Wen family’s situation. Since our ancestor founded Wen’s Medicine, acupuncture and medicine have complemented each other and progressed in tandem, which is why our Wen family has prospered for thousands of years.”
“But the acupuncture lineage has been passed down to this generation, with only your mother and uncle remaining. Unfortunately, your uncle’s heart is not in traditional Chinese medicine, and your mother passed away early, so the acupuncture lineage has been cut off to this day.”
As he spoke, he observed Kong Wange's expression, pausing slightly at this point.
Kong Wange lowered her eyelids, her fan-like eyelashes concealing the emotions in her eyes: "I know all that my uncle told me, but I don't know why you suddenly brought this up with me..."
"Wange, I hope you can stay in the Wen family from now on, revive the acupuncture line, and carry it forward. Recently, Uncle De, who is in charge of the Liuhetang main store, has health problems and wants to retire to the second line. If you are willing, the Liuhetang main store will be handed over to you to manage in the future. What do you say?"
Upon hearing this, Wen Zirou and Wen Xiaoxiao were both stunned.
The Wen family has many businesses, but the Liuhetang brand is the foundation of the Wen family's success.
Liuhetang has more than a dozen stores throughout Kyoto, the most important of which is the flagship store located on Chaobai Road. This store was the first one opened by the Wen family, and now it has established close ties with many noble families in Kyoto and is one of the main sources of income for the Wen family.
Wen Xiaoxiao was the first to jump up, standing up in disbelief and saying, "Uncle, what did you say? You want Kong Wange, this country bumpkin, to be the successor of acupuncture? And you want her to manage the main store of Liuhetang?"
Wen Zirou, who was standing next to her, couldn't hold back any longer and frowned, saying, "Brother, this matter is of great importance. It's not appropriate to make a decision so easily, is it?"
Wen Zhengning said calmly, "There's nothing inappropriate about it. Wan'ge has been performing very well recently. She's also Zhiyi's daughter, and she's one of our Wen family members. It's perfect for her to inherit the acupuncture lineage and take charge of Liuhetang. Wan'ge, are you willing to help your uncle?"
Kong Wange really didn't expect that Wen Zhengning had called her over to talk about this matter.
After a moment of surprise, she made a mental calculation and pretended to be frightened, saying, "Uncle, how can this be? I can't do it."
Wen Zhengning paused slightly: "Oh? You mean... you're going to refuse?"
Kong Wange quickly nodded: "Uncle, as a member of the Wen family, I certainly hope to contribute to the family, but it would be too much of an honor to ask me to inherit the acupuncture technique. My medical skills are probably not even close to my mother's, let alone managing the headquarters of Liuhetang."
She smiled shyly and said, "Uncle, you are the head of the Wen family. I shouldn't talk back to you, but what you said today was really against the responsibilities of the head of the family. It was too hasty. Please don't tease me about this kind of thing again."
Wen Zhengning stared at Kong Wange with his deep eyes for a moment, and the air seemed to thicken and become sticky.
The next second, he abruptly looked away and nodded: "What you said is not without reason. I was inconsiderate. Let's discuss this matter again later."
Upon hearing this, Wen Xiaoxiao and Wen Zirou, who were standing nearby, both breathed a sigh of relief.
Kong Wange smiled and said, "Yes, Uncle, you should think about it again. There are so many people in the Wen family, there must be someone more outstanding and suitable than me."
Wen Zhengning gave a nonchalant "hmm," then sighed and said, "If only your mother were still here."
As soon as the words were spoken, the atmosphere that had just eased up suddenly froze again.
Wen Zirou's tone was slightly unnatural for a moment: "Brother, why did you bring up Zhiyi again?"
Kong Wange took a sip of the tea beside her but did not reply.
Wen Zhengning rubbed his temples and said, "Zhiyi was a rare genius in the Wen family in recent years. If she were here, our Wen family's acupuncture lineage wouldn't have declined to this point. But it's strange, Zhiyi's medical skills were superb, yet she died due to complications during childbirth..."
Beside her, Kong Wange put down her teacup, her eyes filled with genuine sadness and self-reproach: "Uncle, there's nothing strange about this. As the saying goes, a doctor cannot heal himself. It's all my fault that Mom passed away. If it weren't for me, she wouldn't have died..."
After finishing his speech, Wen Zhengning, seated at the head of the table, began to scrutinize Kong Wange's expression.
I noticed her eyelashes trembled slightly, her face was pale, and her depressed mood seemed genuine, which made me feel a sense of relief.
“It’s all in the past. These things are beyond your control. It wasn’t your fault, so you don’t need to blame yourself,” Wen Zhengning said.
Kong Wange nodded, sighed, and stood up, saying, "Uncle, I suddenly feel a little sad. If you don't have anything else, I'd like to go back to my room to rest."
Wen Zhengning glanced at her and replied, "Yes, if you're not feeling well, go back and get some rest."
Kong Wange nodded, got up and left her seat.
She had barely left when Wen Zhengning also said he had something to do and got up to go to the study.
For a moment, only Wen Zirou and Wen Xiaoxiao were left looking at each other in bewilderment.
"Aunt, why did Uncle suddenly say those things today? It's so strange," Wen Xiaoxiao asked, frowning.
"Your uncle must have his own plans. Don't overthink it. Let's call it a day."
Wen Zirou comforted Wen Xiaoxiao, then sat up, but her expression was thoughtful.
...
In the study.
After Wen Zhengning entered the room and sat down, Qian Liu's figure appeared behind the screen.
He rubbed his temples, and Qianliu poured him a cup of warm tea that was sitting next to him.
The aroma of tea filled the air, and steam rose gently.
Wen Zhengning picked up the teacup, took a sip, put it back on the table, and said unhurriedly, "Did you hear what we were saying in the main hall just now?"
Qianliu nodded: "I heard you."
He is Wen Zhengning's personal bodyguard. Although he doesn't appear in public often, he is usually not too far away from him.
He was like a shadow, silent and unseen, yet powerful enough to give people a sense of security.
"Nothing you want to ask?" Wen Zhengning tapped the table lightly with his finger.
Qianliu understood the meaning behind his words and bowed, saying, "Master, were you just... testing Miss Kong?"
Wen Zhengning's lips curled up slightly: "You understand me better, Qianliu. Who do you think is more capable, Kong Wange or Xiaoxiao?"
Qianliu respectfully said, "Patriarch, in my opinion, Kong Wange is just an orphan girl from the countryside. She certainly cannot be compared with Miss Xiaoxiao. Although she won a place in both the Spiritual Pivot Competition and this exam, she only ranked tenth, neither high nor low. Just as Second Aunt said, luck played a big part. If we really compare strength, Miss Xiaoxiao may not be worse than her."
Wen Zhengning scoffed, "Listen to what you're saying. You've been stuck in tenth place twice, and you're still so convinced that she got there by luck?"
Qianliu was taken aback: "Does the patriarch think Miss Kong is hiding her talents?"
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