Chapter 803: The Yan Family (2)
What was the point of having more people in the side branches? They still had to rely on the direct line of descent to support the colossal Yan Family.
Ever since Yan Yuanfei had died, it had been like a curse. The side branches had also started to meet with setbacks in various ways and gradually declined. They began to complain and pushed all the responsibility onto the direct descendants. They blamed Yan Yuanfei for dying early and causing a huge blow to their businesses too.
In the first few years when Yan Yuanfei had just left, the other branches would still bring their children over to celebrate the Lunar New Year with the duo every year.
Two years ago, the side branches had gathered to discuss and force the mother and daughter-in-law to adopt a son from them. At any rate, he would be considered a member of the direct lineage. They wanted to see if he could change the current situation of the Yan Family.
However, the two of them had refused. Their only son and grandson were no longer around so it was fine even if the Yan Family declined. It was also good to deteriorate in this way. At the very least, they could end the fate they had shouldered in the past thousand years within their generation.
As the saying goes, when a tree falls, monkeys scatter. This was all there was to it. There were only two widows left in the direct line of descent. The daughter-in-law was in her 60s and her mother-in-law was in her 80s. They were also unwilling to accept an heir from other branches. How could they revive the Yan Family with just the two of them elderly people? How could they bring them benefits?
Since they could not offer benefits, they were no longer valuable either. No one would come to please or flatter them anymore. Hence, their families also became emptier year after year.
This year, there were even fewer people. Only people who wanted to use their relationship to get to know Rong Yin would come to visit the two old folks symbolically. After all, the eldest young master of the Rong Family was the son-in-law of the Yan Family.
“Sheng Sheng, come over often in the future to keep Grandma and Great-grandmother company.” Chang Xi held Ling Sheng’s hand, her eyes full of affection.
She had long heard from Ah Jin that Sixth Brother now had a daughter called Ling Sheng. He had even introduced her and her mother to her television dramas and variety shows. He had even said that they would definitely like her after meeting her.
“Grandma Yan, don’t worry. When I have time in the future, I’ll definitely visit you and Great-grandmother frequently.” Upon seeing the old woman’s reluctant look, Ling Sheng’s heart ached.
The old lady in front of her was only three years older than her grandma, but she looked much more wan and sallow. She looked nearly ten years older. The hair at her temples were white, and half of her head was filled with gray hair. Her face was covered in wrinkles, making one feel uncomfortable.
Although she said that, she knew deep down how terribly busy she could get. There was not much chance of her fulfilling her promise.
“Okay, you have to come and see us,” Chang Xi smiled and nodded. She looked toward Huo Ci and reminded him, “Ci Er, there’s snow and ice on the road. Be careful when you’re driving.”
Huo Ci nodded. Actually, the place he was most unwilling to visit every year was the Yan Family. When he saw them, he felt terrible and depressed. Second Brother was a sc.u.mbag. If he had known that Auntie and Grandma were in this state now, would he have felt the slightest bit of regret?
“Grandma, if you don’t mind, you can come to our house for a few days. My grandparents are also there. If you think it’s inconvenient, you can let my grandpa return to the old residence. You can stay with my great-grandmother and grandma,” Ling Sheng smiled at the old woman, feeling deeply emotional. She did not know how Second Uncle would spend this year.
He was obviously in the capital, but she did not know if he would meet the elderly. When she saw the bleak state of the Yan Family, she felt terrible too. She did not know how hurt Second Uncle had to be.
When she got in the car, she could still see the old ladies standing at the door and waving at them through the back window. Looking at their car reluctantly, their thin and hunchbacked bodies became smaller and smaller until they disappeared from sight.