Chapter 49: Every Family Has Its Difficulties
For several consecutive months, Xu Wei's family drama continued. Their business had already plummeted, to the point where Xu Wei simply decided to lease out the stall and give up on the business altogether. The business that had been passed down for hundreds of years was gone just like that, making many people feel nostalgic.
Especially for those cultivators who grew up in West City, Xu Wei's buns were definitely part of their childhood memories. Many people, when they grew up, would come back to buy one and have a taste. But whether they would still have the chance in the future was uncertain.
In the following days, Lin Jiang often heard gossip about Xu Wei's family, since the market stall vendors and the Xu family were neighbors. Their household was so noisy that it was impossible not to know about it.
After some time had passed, Lin Jiang happened to see Xu Wei drinking at a market stall. Xu Wei's appearance shocked Lin Jiang. How long had it been? Xu Wei had aged significantly, looking like an old man in his seventies or eighties.
Although Xu Wei was indeed that age, he had taken Appearance Fixing Pills, so he appeared to be around fifty on the surface.
"Taoist Friend Lin？"
"Friend Xu, what are you doing here?"
"Feeling annoyed, want to come out for a drink and sit down to have a glass?"
"Okay."
Lin Jiang glanced at the stall, but ultimately didn't mind. This was the lowest-level Ling Feast in Yunzhong City, cooked with the leftovers of some demon beasts or scraps. Even their spiritual wine was of extremely poor quality, probably mixed with three times as much ordinary wine.
The only characteristic of these vendors was that they were cheap. Basically, you could eat and drink a lot with just one spirit stone. The customers were mostly in the Qi Refining Period, the lowest level in Yunzhong City.
Lin Jiang had never eaten at this kind of stall before, and Xu Wei probably rarely did either. He had quite a fortune, not only the house he owned, but also his business, which was booming every day with a decent income.
After Lin Jiang sat down, he really couldn't get used to the spiritual wine here. He called the boss to help him run an errand and fetch a jar of slightly better spiritual wine.
"It's extravagant, extravagant. Many thanks to Taoist Friend Lin."
"We've been neighbors for over a year, and I haven't invited you to drink before. Today, it's on me."
Lin Jiang said with a big smile, not minding at all. He didn't have deep relationships with the vendors at the market, only reaching the level of ordinary friends. He hardly ever went out to eat or drink with them.
"Okay, okay..."
Xu Wei had already drunk a lot before, and unless a Qi Refining Period cultivator deliberately used spiritual power to dissolve the alcohol, they would still get drunk. Xu Wei was feeling a bit tipsy.
"Taoist Friend Lin, are you all making fun of my family?"
"No, Taoist Friend Xu misunderstood. Every family has their own difficulties, it's a common human sentiment."
"Yes, every family has their own difficulties, but why is it like this in my family?"
"Taoist Friend Xu, don't overthink it."
"I, sob sob..."
Xu Wei started crying directly, making Lin Jiang feel awkward. Lin Jiang regretted sitting down.
Xu Wei didn't just cry, he was crying while talking about the current situation. His daughter Xu Jiaojiao was waiting for him to die so she could fight for the family property.
This made him very sad. He loved his daughter very much. Before she got married, he didn't let her do anything. When she got married, he gave her a very generous dowry. Without this dowry, how could she be so strong-willed in her husband's family?
But Xu Wei still didn't dare to drive away Xu Jiaojiao. Firstly, because she was his own daughter. Secondly, he also knew that some of his cousins were plotting against his house. This house was the savings of several generations, and also had the efforts of their relatives and ancestors. It's hard to explain.
If he drove away Xu Jiaojiao, then Xu Dongyang would be left all alone. Xu Dongyang was young, had low cultivation, and poor aptitude. His future would be like that, definitely not a match for the Xu family relatives.
Xu Wei's initial idea was to have Xu Jiaojiao and Xu Dongyang join forces to balance those Xu family relatives. But he didn't expect to underestimate his daughter's greed. Xu Jiaojiao's son joined the Zhonghang Sect and had the opportunity to break through the Building Foundation Period. Their family was willing to pay any price to support this son, even if it meant sacrificing the father-daughter relationship.
Lin Jiang sighed after listening. Maybe this is real life, everyone has their own interests, everyone has their own choices. In the face of interests, family affection doesn't seem so reliable.
Lin Jiang also thought of the Lin family. The Lin family was very united under Lin Batian' leadership. The first generation patriarch was like the founding emperor, with very high prestige. But it wasn't the same after that. Who knows how much longer Lin Batian can live? After he dies, will the Lin family also have such struggles, ultimately leading to the collapse of the clan?
"Grandfather"
They didn't know how long they had been drinking, until it was completely dark. Then, Xu Dongyang appeared and silently paid his respects to Lin Jiang before helping the completely drunk Xu Wei leave.
Lin Jiang actually had a good impression of Xu Dongyang. This child was quiet, but not lazy. He was hardworking and had a sharp mind. The only problem was his low cultivation aptitude. In the cultivation world, having no cultivation was a very scary thing, especially since he might inherit a large fortune.
Lin Jiang didn't plan to help him. It's difficult for an upright official to get involved in family matters, especially considering it was him. If he helped, others would probably think that Lin Jiang was also trying to get a share of the property, which would only cause trouble for himself.
Since Xu Wei had left, Lin Jiang naturally didn't want to drink anymore. He wasn't a fan of alcohol to begin with. This time, he just met Xu Wei and wanted to hear some gossip.
"I am just a passerby in this world."
"Who is right or wrong has nothing to do with me."
"The world is filled with troubles; getting involved brings nothing but trouble."
Lin Jiang took out a special stone to pay for his bill, then stood up and headed home. He reminded himself not to get involved in other people's affairs or personal relationships, but to enjoy some gossip as a way to add some spice to his life and relax.
However, he absolutely should not get caught up in it to avoid unnecessary troubles. Staying low-key and minding his own business was the best way to go.
