Family harmony, passing on the torch

In the bright and clear spring, the crabapple blossoms in the back garden of the Shen family mansion were in full bloom, their pink and white petals dancing lightly in the wind and falling onto the bluestone slabs, creating a tapestry of color. Shen Chengyou, dressed in casual clothes, was teaching his son Shen Jiye how to hold a spear—a long spear passed down from his grandfather Shen Qingci, now polished to a shine by countless touches.

"Hold the gun firmly, relax your shoulders and elbows, keep your eyes fixed on the target, and don't let your mind wander." Shen Chengyou's voice was steady and powerful as he personally adjusted his son's posture. "This gun is not only for self-defense and to defend against enemies, but also carries the mission of our family. Your grandfather used it to guard the border and protect the safety of thousands of people; your father used it to repel the Khitan and safeguard the integrity of the Great Jing territory. In the future, you will use it to protect your country and your family, and you must also uphold your original aspirations of 'integrity, responsibility, and service to the people'."

Shen Jiye was only eight years old, and his eyebrows and eyes were very similar to Shen Chengyou's. Although he was young, he was focused. His small hands, which were gripping the spear tightly, turned slightly white, but he refused to relax: "Father, your son remembers! In the future, I will also be like my grandfather and father, a man of integrity, and do things for the country and the people!"

In a pavilion not far away, Wang Ruoxi was reading with her daughter, Shen Jifang. Shen Jifang, with her hair in two buns, held a copy of "Admonitions for Women," but would occasionally glance up at her father and brothers practicing with spears, her eyes filled with envy. Wang Ruoxi saw through her daughter's thoughts and said softly, "Jifang, women are not limited to burying themselves in books. Your grandmother used her medical skills to help her neighbors, and your mother treated wounded soldiers and comforted the people on the border. These are all ways to serve the country and its people."

She took out a "Compendium of Materia Medica" drawn by Su Yunqing years ago, pointed to the herbs on it and said, "Look, this is a manuscript left by my great-grandmother. She saved countless people with her medical skills. If you like it, your mother will teach you to recognize herbs and diagnose diseases. In the future, whether you practice medicine to help the world or be a good wife and mother, you must be a knowledgeable, reasonable, and kind-hearted person."

Shen Jifang's eyes lit up, and she nodded quickly: "Mother, I want to learn! I want to be a useful person like my great-grandmother and mother!"

As the sun began to set, Shen Nianqing and Li Yanran strolled over. Seeing their grandchildren studying so diligently, the elderly couple's faces were filled with pride. Shen Nianqing stepped forward, took the spear from Shen Jiye's hand, and said with emotion, "Back then, your grandfather taught me the same thing. Now, this spear has been passed down to you, and it's time for you to carry on the family tradition."

Pointing to the pines and cypresses planted in the garden, he said earnestly, "Pines and cypresses are evergreen and unafraid of the cold, just like the spirit of our Shen family. No matter whether you are in good times or bad in the future, you must stick to your principles, be neither arrogant nor servile. As officials, you must be honest and upright; as people, you must be trustworthy; and as workers, you must be diligent and pragmatic."

Li Yanran then took Shen Jifang's hand and took out a small jade pendant with the words "Dexin" engraved on it: "This was passed down to me by my great-grandmother, and I am giving it to you now. The saying that a woman's virtue lies in her lack of talent is outdated, but 'virtue' is always the foundation of one's character. One should be gentle to others, filial to elders, considerate of others, and be a woman as gentle as jade and strong in the heart."

Shen Chengyou and Wang Ruoxi exchanged a smile and walked to their parents' side. The family of five sat around in the pavilion. Shen Chengyou recounted his grandfather Shen Qingci's hardships in Ningguta and his uprightness in the court; Wang Ruoxi spoke of her great-grandmother Su Yunqing's kindness and her idyllic life in the countryside of Jiangnan; and Shen Nianqing and his wife added anecdotes from the past. Those stories about perseverance, responsibility, and great love nourished the children's hearts like spring rain.

Shen Jiye listened intently and couldn't help but ask, "Grandfather, weren't you afraid when you faced so many difficulties back then?"

Shen Chengyou patted his son's head and replied, "He is afraid, but he is even more afraid of the people suffering and the country falling into ruin. With concerns and responsibilities in his heart, he has the courage to overcome all difficulties."

Wang Ruoxi added, "You need not only courage, but also wisdom. Your grandfather and father were able to overcome difficulties not only because of their bravery, but also because of their strategic thinking and ability to assess situations. Therefore, you should not only practice martial arts to strengthen your body, but also study to gain wisdom, so as to be well-rounded in both literary and martial arts."

As night fell, the lights in the Shen family mansion gradually came on. At the dining table, the family chatted happily, sharing everyday stories and their experiences. Shen Jiye vividly recounted his day's spear practice, while Shen Jifang shared the names of herbs she had just learned. The elders listened patiently, offering encouragement and guidance from time to time.

Such scenes have been the norm in the Shen family for many years. There are no strict rules, only warm companionship; no harsh reprimands, only patient and persuasive teachings. The Shen family's traditions are not engraved in the family genealogy, but are subtly passed down through repeated teachings and harmonious family scenes.

Looking at his family, Shen Chengyou felt a deep sense of peace and certainty. He knew that the family's legacy was not only the continuation of bloodlines but also the inheritance of its spirit. As long as this family tradition of "serving the country and the people, being upright and responsible" was passed down from generation to generation, the Shen family would forever be the pillars of Dajing, and this land would forever be peaceful and prosperous because of countless families like these.