Free Web NovelChapter 428: Chapter 239: Zhang Chuchu’s Family Concept
After leaving the Cheng Family estate, Zhang Chuchu took the private carriage Zhou Zhendong had arranged for him and returned home.
When he arrived home, Zhang Chuchu didn’t see his two sons and turned to his wife to ask, "Where have Zeyu and Zepei gone?"
Mrs. Tian of the Zhang Family was in the kitchen, holding a bamboo sieve filled with dried vegetables that she was about to take out to the courtyard to sun. As she passed her husband, she said:
"I heard the Celestial Break Gang’s Ministry of Works Hall is recruiting again, so they went to take a look. Doing odd jobs forever is no way to make a living. You could at least arrange something for your two sons, otherwise what’s the point of you working so hard over there?"
Zhang Chuchu frowned. "It’s precisely because I’m there that I can’t act on my own. If I were to use my position for personal gain, how could I ever show my face there again? Besides, Zeyu is a down-to-earth man. There are some jobs he’s just not suited for."
"Enough. I’ve already found a position for Zeyu. I’ve spoken with the Young Master about having him take over my duties managing the Cheng Family’s internal affairs. This way, the Young Master will have someone he knows and trusts, and Zeyu will have a proper job. If he works hard, the Young Master is not a stingy man. Zeyu will have his chance to get ahead."
Hearing this, Mrs. Tian of the Zhang Family grew excited. "Really? The Young Master actually agreed?"
Just then, two women emerged from the inner hall. Both were rather slender, and they were holding clothes and needles, as if they had just been mending garments inside.
The two of them had overheard what their father-in-law had just said, and they, too, looked at him with excitement.
Zhang Chuchu shook his head slightly. "Not yet. The Young Master needs to see him first."
At this, the woman in the light gray clothes asked, "Father, what about Zepei?"
Zhang Chuchu glanced at her. "There will be work for him later. For now, Zeyu is enough to serve the Young Master. He’s more reliable and handles matters with a steady hand."
Then, he turned to his wife and smiled. "The Young Master has also bestowed a business upon our Zhang Family—it comes with a secret recipe. From now on, the Zhang Family can also begin to prosper under the Cheng Family’s patronage."
Mrs. Tian of the Zhang Family asked curiously, "What secret recipe?"
Zhang Chuchu shook his head slightly. "The Young Master will tell me later." He then turned to the elder son’s wife and said quickly, "You, put down your work. Go over to the Celestial Break Gang’s area and tell the boys to come back. I have something important to discuss with them. Go now, and hurry back."
"Ah? Oh, yes, I’ll go right now." Mrs. Zhao of the Zhang Family quickly turned back into the inner hall, put down her needlework, and then rushed out.
Half an hour later, a group of three hurried back.
The one leading the way was a young man with a slightly dark complexion, a strong and healthy build, and an energetic air about him. Despite his thick brows and large eyes, he walked with a steady, powerful gait, unlike the slightly thinner young man beside him who seemed anxious and flustered.
"Father, you called us back. Has something happened?" Zhang Zeyu asked after entering the inner hall and paying his respects.
Inside the inner hall now were not just all the adults, but the children as well.
Beside the elder son’s wife were two children, a boy and a girl. They were seven-year-old fraternal twins.
Beside Mrs. Wang of the Zhang Family, the second son’s wife, were a five-year-old girl and a three-year-old boy. She also held a baby, only a few months old, in her arms.
"Wife, eldest daughter-in-law, second daughter-in-law, take the children inside for now." As the head of the family, Zhang Chuchu’s word was law at home.
Therefore, upon hearing his command, Mrs. Tian of the Zhang Family immediately led her two daughters-in-law and the children into an inner room.
Seeing this, Zhang Zeyu and Zhang Zepei exchanged a look. They knew this must be something important.
After the others had gone into the room, he turned to his two sons, his expression solemn.
"What I’m about to say stays between the three of us. It is not to be spoken of outside this family."
The two brothers nodded firmly.
Zhang Zepei said, "Go on, Father. We’re not the types to gossip."
Zhang Chuchu began, "The Young Master has bestowed a great favor upon our family. And in light of this favor, I have made arrangements for you two brothers."
"First is a spot for Martial Arts Training. I plan to give it to my eldest grandson, Fengcheng. He’s seven, the perfect age to begin. Second son, you need to understand this. Feng Yi is only two, so there’s no other way."
He had to explain these things clearly, lest his younger son think him partial and create a rift in the family.
"I understand, Father. Yan Ni is only four, after all."
Yan Ni was the second son’s eldest daughter, and she was only four. At that age, it wouldn’t have mattered even if she were the eldest son; she was too young.
Zhang Chuchu nodded and continued, "Eldest, you will be taking over my duties managing the Cheng Family’s internal affairs. I’ve already mentioned this, so I won’t repeat myself. You must remember clearly what to do and what not to do."
Zhang Zeyu was surprised to hear that he would be working for the Cheng Family. But more than surprise, he felt apprehensive. "Father, I’m worried I won’t do a good job. I’m afraid I’ll cause trouble for you."
Zhang Chuchu smiled. "The fact that you’re worried means you have the heart to do the job well. You’ve often worked with me at the estate, so I have confidence in you. And again, you must be clear on what to do and what not to do. You are eating from the Cheng Family’s bowl, so you must always put the Cheng Family’s interests first. In the future, when Fengcheng becomes a Martial Artist, you must also remember that he will be working under the Cheng Family."
"Yes, Father. I will remember," Zhang Zeyu replied solemnly.
Zhang Zepei looked at his older brother with a hint of envy, then turned an eager, hopeful gaze upon his father.
He had no objection to his father’s arrangements. ’When it comes to managing affairs, I’m not as good as my older brother. My own son is only two, so Martial Arts Training is out of the question.’ But he wanted to contribute as well.
"Second son." Zhang Chuchu turned to his younger son now, his tone softening slightly. "You know your own nature. You may not have your brother’s steady hand, but you have a mind of your own. You can be a bit flighty, but you’ve never caused any real trouble. You’re also the restless type, which is why I’m planning to have you manage the business the Young Master has given us."
