Chapter 675: Passing Away

Chapter 675 Passing Away

The old lady had spent so many years with the old man, yet now, seeing his failing health, she didn’t feel sad.

Everyone grows old—she would pass away someday too.

Rather than grieving, she was more concerned about her own future care.

After careful consideration, she decided He Jundao was the safer bet.

He Jingyi now had a pension, but it wasn’t much, and he might not be able to support her in her old age.

He Jundao, on the other hand, had He Dongqi as his grandson—at least she’d be taken care of.

The old man gave her a sidelong look. "I won’t give everything to Ting Yue. Most of it will go to you. You’ve been with me all your life, and I’ll make sure your golden years are provided for."

He couldn’t help but sigh. "Including this house—it won’t be transferred to He Ning until after you pass. After I’m gone, of course, you’ll continue living here."

The old lady relaxed slightly. She was younger than the old man and in good health—she could easily live another eight to ten years.

By then, she could just make a new will and leave the house to He Jundao.

The deceased’s wishes should be honored—she doubted anyone would disregard her final wishes.

The old man seemed to guess her thoughts and added, "But don’t try to scheme your way into owning this house. You may live here, but you don’t own it. If you don’t pass it to He Ning, I’ll arrange for it to be donated to the state."

The old lady: "..."

Grudgingly, she replied, "I understand."

The old man looked at her intently for a moment, then shook his head silently.

"Let me advise you—hold onto what I leave you, and don’t be too generous. As long as you hold onto these things, your kids and grandkids will look after you. But if you foolishly give everything away, that’s a different story."

Among his descendants, hardly any could be counted on.

He Tingyue was capable, but he had long since distanced himself from the He family.

The old lady brushed him off, clearly not taking his words to heart.

As if her own flesh and blood would turn on her!

The old man didn’t press further. He called He Tingyue and Jiang Yu upstairs to divide up what was left.

"Ting Yue, you’ve been my life’s greatest pride. I’ve been blessed to have you as my grandson."

He Tingyue’s lips moved slightly. "I understand, Grandfather."

Tears welled in the old man’s eyes as he patted his shoulder, his voice hoarse.

"Go now. In the future, just burn some incense for me during the holidays."

He was tired and wanted to rest.

He Tingyue and Jiang Yu left the He family, with heavy hearts.

"Perhaps you should stay here a little longer with Grandfather?"

He Tingyue shook his head. "Grandfather lived a soldier’s life. He wouldn’t want me to see him lingering weakly—he just wants to go in peace."

If the old man wanted him to stay, he would have said so directly.

On the night of the 10th, Lao Shi personally came to deliver the news—the old man had passed away.

He Tingyue closed his eyes, took a moment to compose himself, then spoke hoarsely, "I'm on my way."

Jiang Yu had Yao Xiangling watch Ning Ning while she accompanied He Tingyue to the He family to handle the funeral arrangements.

Sitting in the car, she wept in sorrow; she could almost see the old man’s figure still sitting there.

At the He residence now, only the muffled sobs of the old lady and Aunt Xu could be heard; the house was eerily quiet.

Lao Shi, his face etched with grief, said, "The old man said that since we all must go someday, there’s no need to waste national resources. Keep him at home for two days before burial."

He Tingyue had no objections and asked, "Where will he be buried?"

"The Martyrs' Cemetery."

As soon as the old man passed, Lao Shi immediately notified He Tingyue, before informing He Jingyi and He Jundao.

After dropping He Tingyue and Jiang Yu off at home, he still had to go out.

Aunt Xu busied herself setting up the mourning hall, sobbing quietly as she worked.

Looking at the old man’s black-and-white portrait in the center, Jiang Yu’s eyes welled up with tears again.

Even setting aside his role as He Tingyue’s grandfather, the old man, having lived a life of military service with illustrious achievements, was a general worthy of respect.

Jiang Yu bowed deeply. "Rest in peace."

With the old man gone, everyone was immersed in grief.

With the deceased as the priority, the He family, for once, didn’t stir up trouble and quietly sent the old man on his final journey.

This peace lasted until the burial.

As for the distribution of the old man’s estate—

Most of the assets to be divided had already been allocated, leaving little left in the old man’s name.

Most had gone to the old lady, leaving He Jingyi and He Jundao with little to claim.

Then, upon hearing that the old man had left the house to a baby still nursing, they were furious.

"Mom, I’m the eldest son. Why isn’t the house mine?"

The old lady looked troubled. "This was your father’s call, not mine."

He Jingyi scoffed. "Then why let He Jundao move in? What’s the meaning of that? As the eldest, I should be the one taking care of you."

The old lady massaged her temples wearily and said offhandedly, "If you want to move in too, then do so. There are plenty of rooms—suit yourselves."

Aunt Xu couldn’t help but interject, "Madam, the old man made it clear that since the family has already divided, it’s best not to let them move back in."

People always take a mile if you give an inch.

If they moved into the house today, they’d start eyeing it or clean the old lady out.

But the old lady ignored Aunt Xu’s good intentions.

"They are my sons, born to me. Why can't they live with me? If they don't move in, who will take care of me in my old age? I'm not in good health—who will look after me?"

Aunt Xu quickly responded, "But there's still me! I've spent my whole life with the He family, and I certainly won't leave now."

At this, the old lady grew even more upset.

"Aunt Xu, our He family hasn’t treated you poorly all these years. But now that the master is gone, I just can’t afford to pay you anymore."

Aunt Xu turned pale. "What do you mean? Are you driving me away?"

"I’m not driving you away. If you want to stay and serve, of course I won’t refuse. But let me be clear—I have no money to pay your wages."

The old lady’s words were downright shameless, clearly taking advantage of the fact that Aunt Xu had nowhere else to go and would have to stay.

She didn’t want to pay her, expecting Aunt Xu to work for nothing.

Jiang Yu stepped in, "Aunt Xu, if you don’t mind, why not come with us?"

Aunt Xu was touched but hesitant, knowing Jiang Yu already had help at home.

If she came too, Jiang Yu would have to pay twice as much.

"It’s better not to..."

Jiang Yu smiled and explained, "Fei Yan, Zhengdong, and Lilan live outside, and I’ve always worried about them. I wanted to find someone to look after them but couldn’t find anyone trustworthy. If you could go and help me, that would be perfect—though it’s not as nice as here."

Aunt Xu looked at the old lady and saw she had no intention of keeping her. Reluctantly, she agreed.

"Alright, I’ll go look after Fei Yan and the others."

The old lady breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, Jiang Yu spoke up, otherwise she really wouldn't have known how to get rid of her.

She thought that since He Jundao's whole family would be moving in, and Wei Xiuru was now her daughter-in-law, wasn't it her duty to take care of her mother-in-law?

With Wei Xiuru around, who needs a nanny? It would just be a waste of money.

Meanwhile, Wei Xiuru was thrilled when she heard they could move back into the villa.

"Really? Your mom is letting us go back?" she asked in disbelief.

He Jundao took her hand. "Our mom—don't get it wrong."

Wei Xiuru beamed and lightly tapped her own lips.

"Yes, our mom. I'm just too excited."

He Jundao hugged her. "Though Dad is gone, he must have left Mom plenty of money/assets. She specifically asked me to support her in her retirement. From now on, we'll be set for life. Xiuru, I'll make sure you want for nothing."

Wei Xiuru nestled into his arms, clinging to him like a delicate bird.

"If I'd known how happy I'd be with you, I wouldn't have been so foolish back then, taken in by He Jingyi."