Zhang Ni stood outside the door and listened for a long ti. He never ca in; he wanted to eavesdrop on what his father and great-grandfather were saying. Though he knew eavesdropping was wrong, his curiosity got the better of him. Curiosity killed the cat indeed!
Zhang Yichen and Old Master Zhang didn’t realize that outside the door stood a little boy who had overheard every word they had said. If they had known, they certainly wouldn’t have spoken as they did, for such words could give a child room to wonder. He might overthink things, suspecting that everything was not as straightforward as it seed.
"Yichen, in truth, you don’t need to dwell so much on many things. You now have such a delightful son; living a happy life for your son is enough. You don’t need to worry about other issues. As for your parents’ matters, you needn’t think about them even more. When they made those discoveries, it had nothing to do with you. Even if it did, you must pretend that it doesn’t. Why should you pay for the mistakes they made? They won’t even take responsibility for their own actions. Why should we, ti and again, stand up for them, stick our necks out without hesitation, and pay every cost? And yet they always feel it’s our duty, that we must shoulder their responsibilities. They’ve never reflected on whether their actions are right or wrong. We mustn’t indulge them anymore; doing so would only make them sink deeper,"
Zhang Yichen was well aware of all the relationships involved. He knew they were interlinked; if he helped once, there would inevitably be a second ti. Yet, he couldn’t just stand by and watch his parents make mistakes without lifting a finger to help—as their son, wouldn’t that make him a laughingstock? No matter how many shaful things they’d done, they were still his parents. No issue outweighed the importance of kinship; he couldn’t be as ungrateful as they were.
"Grandfather, I know that many things can’t be easily explained, and I understand how difficult these matters are. I know you speak for my benefit. But they’re my parents, no matter what wrongs they’ve committed. If they co back to ask for my help, how could I just stand by and do nothing? If I did that, wouldn’t future generations mock for my lack of filial piety, for being ungrateful? I know you wouldn’t want to be seen as such a person, would you? I realize how much you care for , far more than you care for my father. I must admit, although I’m now a father myself, my son doesn’t hold as important a place in my heart as you do, because you have been with for so many years, you are the one who raised . My son and I will have much ti together in the future, but my ti with you, Grandfather, may not be as long. Perhaps one day I’ll suddenly be gone, and your heart won’t be able to withstand the blow. So why should I bring any unhappiness to you? Why should you live every day in worry for ? That’s not my intention, and certainly not my initial wish. My only hope is that my grandfather lives well. I wish to see a genuine smile on your face each day, not a forced one but a smile that cos from the heart. Do you know how much it hurts inside every ti I see your face clouded with worry, when all I want is for you to have a carefree life in your later years, and yet I always cause you worry again and again? How could my heart be at ease with that?"
Zhang Ni had just overheard his father finish speaking when he pushed the door open and entered. Elder Zhang hadn’t even had the chance to respond yet. Ni knew it was impolite, but he couldn’t accept the words his father had said. He understood that all of this wasn’t really how his father felt in his heart, and even though it was, Ni still didn’t hate his father. The two inside were stunned to see a little boy standing outside the door. Had he heard everything? If so, how would they explain themselves?
"Nai’er, how did you co in? Who told you to stand outside eavesdropping? Don’t you know that’s very impolite? Eavesdropping is the most disrespectful thing!" Zhang Yichen scolded Zhang Ni.
"Dad, I’ve heard everything you said inside. I also have sothing to tell you that you don’t know I know, and I won’t tell you because I don’t want to make you sad. You always think I’m just a kid who doesn’t understand anything, but I know more than you think. I’ve learned so things I can’t reveal, for sharing them would sadden you a hundred tis more. I want to see you all happy and accompanying , not living in pain due to your worries every day. I have already lost my grandparents; I can’t lose my parents and great-grandfather too. You love so much and have given up so much for , enduring such hardships! Do you know? Today, I opened the door to let you know sothing. No matter to what extent others are ungrateful, you’ll always have . I won’t be ungrateful because I’m a mber of this family, a descendant of the Zhang Family, the grandson of Great Grandfather, and your son!"
Old Master Zhang felt reassured after hearing Zhang Ni’s words. Why was it that only his own son was disappointing? Why even think about those whys anymore? Even if he asked everyone what it was for, no one could give him an answer. It would be better to live his own life securely—that would be the best explanation he could give to those he loved.
"Good child, the words you said today have comforted your grandfather. You haven’t let your great-grandfather down. You have shown him that you indeed have the true makings of a man,"
User Comments
0 comments from readers