Chapter 278 - 255: A Change of Mind (Part 2)
Chapter 278: Chapter 255: A Change of Mind (Part 2)
Wu Xiaowen’s face flushed, then paled. She bit her lip. "Mother, at your age, you of all people should know that harmony is what keeps a family strong. You can’t always be so aggressive and overbearing. I respect you as my elder, so please, show me some respect in return. We can discuss things as a family. It can’t just be your one-woman show. You’re not the only one in this house; I’m part of the Tang family, too!"
"So not only are you refusing to admit your mistake, but now you’re going to lecture me? To challenge me?" Grandma Tang raised an eyebrow.
Tang Qingyun looked at Wu Xiaowen, no longer wanting to speak. ’I think I’m coming down with a bad cold,’ he thought. ’My head hurts so much!’
Wu Xiaowen composed herself and said calmly, "How would I dare challenge you? I’m just stating the facts! Qingyun and I have been married for over a decade. We have Manman and Hao Hao. I have a say in this family!"
"Oh, so why not just come out and say it? That your position in this family is unshakeable."
"Those are your words," Wu Xiaowen said, lifting her chin.
Grandma Tang looked at Grandpa Tang. "Do you see this? This is the wife Qingyun married. You were the one who praised her for being gentle, graceful, and sensible. You even said she was timid and told me not to be too fierce and scare her. Well, now she’s the one scaring me! What do you propose we do about it?"
Tang Qingshan had gone to the kitchen to fetch a new kettle of water. Grandpa Tang was busy brewing and discussing tea. The women were talking right beside them, so they naturally overheard everything. Without even looking up, Grandpa Tang said, "If she can scare my old lady, how can you call her gentle and graceful? Looks like my judgment was off. Aren’t you supposed to be the one with the sharp eyes? It’s a mother-in-law’s right to manage her daughter-in-law. Do what you have to do. What’s the use in asking me?"
Grandma Tang then turned back to Wu Xiaowen. "Since you insist on forcing this issue, then I’ll give you a formal answer: If you want to keep Xuanxuan and adopt her, it is absolutely impossible—unless you and Qingyun leave the Tang family!"
"Please, don’t be so heartless! Can’t you be reasonable?" Wu Xiaowen glared at Grandma Tang. "After more than ten years of family ties, how can you sever them just like that? Manman can’t bear to be without her Grandpa and Grandma! Why can’t we keep Xuanxuan? Why are you forcing us to leave the Tang family? You’re too tyrannical!"
Grandma Tang snorted. "You want to see tyrannical? I’ll show you tyrannical! I was originally thinking of letting you stay in this house until after the New Year, but now, I’ve changed my mind. Tomorrow morning—no! Tonight. You will leave. Book a suite at the Kyoto Restaurant. You, your husband, and Xuanxuan can live there! The Tang family will not tolerate Xuanxuan. If you can’t live without her, then go live together somewhere else!"
Hearing this, not only Wu Xiaowen and Tang Yaxuan, but even Tang Qingyun were stunned.
Tang Qingshan stood up. "Mother, I’ll go make the call right now. I’ll have the driver come pick them up... To the Kyoto Restaurant, correct?"
Wu Xiaowen shot to her feet, her voice a shriek. "Mother! You can’t do this! We are not staying in a hotel, absolutely not! This is our home! We’re staying in our own home!"
Grandma Tang’s gaze was heavy as she stared at Wu Xiaowen, her face devoid of expression. "From now on, you can call me Old Mrs. Tang. Don’t call me ’Mother.’ It’s hypocritical. It must be awkward for you to say it, and it’s grating for me to hear."
Wu Xiaowen turned her gaze to Grandpa Tang, her voice mournful. "Father..."
Grandpa Tang set down his teacup. "Just call me Old Tang. Old Mrs. Tang and I are a unit. Whatever she decides, this old man fully supports it. And let me add a few points: The Tang family cannot tolerate Xuanxuan, not because we are heartless, but because her presence has caused Manman a lifetime of regrets. Any action that harms the interests of a direct-descended daughter of the Tang family is unforgivable!"
Wu Xiaowen cried, "Father, Xuanxuan is still so young! She’s innocent, pure, and kind. How has she harmed Manman’s interests?"
Grandpa Tang looked at Wu Xiaowen as if she were an idiot. "If you can’t figure that question out, then just forget it. Let me further clarify my wife’s meaning: Per Hao Hao’s request, your job will be transferred to Beijing around March or April. Qingyun will remain in the countryside. After you move to Beijing, your work unit will assign you housing. The two of you can live in that company apartment and do whatever you wish. Since we will no longer be providing you with an allowance, we will also not interfere in your private lives. You will be completely free to do as you please!"
"How could you?" Wu Xiaowen said. "Father, why can’t Qingyun be transferred here too? He’s suffering so much in that poor backwater!"
"Suffering? If he thinks about our forefathers and the revolutionary martyrs, he won’t feel like he’s suffering at all!"
Grandpa Tang continued, "As for your father and mother..."
Wu Xiaowen quickly cut him off. "Uh, you don’t need to trouble yourself with my parents, Father. Please, just look out for Qingyun a little more. Also, about my job transfer... I’d like to request a more relaxed position!"