The old home remains, and the warmth endures.

Shen Chengze served in Beijing for many years. Although he was busy with his work, he would always take time to return to Jiangnan every year to visit his aunt Shen Jifang and to see the courtyard where his grandparents and great-grandparents used to live.

That spring, Shen Chengze returned to Jiangnan once again. As soon as the boat docked, he saw his aunt, Shen Jifang, waiting at the pier with a cane. Her temples had turned even whiter, but she was still very energetic. "Aunt, why did you come in person? Go back and rest." Shen Chengze quickly stepped forward to help her.

Shen Jifang smiled and shook her head: "I'm free at home anyway, so it's perfect that I came to pick you up. Can you stay a few more days this time?"

“Yes, His Majesty has given me a half-month leave, which will allow me to spend more time with you.” Shen Chengze helped his aunt as they slowly walked towards the courtyard.

The scene in the courtyard remained familiar and comforting. Koi swam freely in the pond, the stone benches under the grape trellis were spotless, the roses in the corner were in full bloom, and the air was filled with the fragrance of grass and trees. As Shen Chengze walked into the courtyard, he seemed to see his grandfather, Shen Jiye, practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard, his grandmother, Liu Shi, busy in the kitchen, and himself running and playing in the courtyard as a child. His heart was filled with warm memories.

The two sat on a stone bench under the grape trellis. Shen Jifang poured him a cup of hot tea: "Chengze, this is your great-grandfather's favorite pre-rain Longjing tea. I have been preserving it according to his method. Try it and see if it still tastes the same as it did back then."

Shen Chengze picked up his teacup, took a sip, and savored the rich aroma of the tea, which lingered on his tongue and evoked countless memories. "This is the taste, just like the tea my grandfather used to make for me when I was a child." He put down his teacup and said with emotion, "I remember when I was little, my grandfather often taught me to play chess here. He always said that playing chess is like governing a country; you need to strategize and consider the overall situation, as well as be considerate of the people's feelings and know how to be flexible. I was young then and didn't understand the profound meaning behind it, but now that I'm in a high position, I understand my grandfather's good intentions."

Shen Jifang nodded, her eyes filled with reminiscence: "Your great-grandmother often taught me medicine. She said that a doctor should have a benevolent heart, not only with superb medical skills, but also with a compassionate heart, and treat all patients equally, regardless of their wealth or status. The teachings of our ancestors seem simple, but they actually contain the principles of conduct, officialdom, and politics, which we will never forget."

The two talked about their great-grandfather Shen Qingci's resilience in being exonerated after being wrongly accused, and their great-grandmother Su Yunqing's deep affection in following him across thousands of miles; they talked about their grandfather Shen Chengyou's loyalty in guarding the border, and their grandmother Wang Ruoxi's gentle and devoted love; they talked about their father Shen Nian'an's sense of responsibility in upholding justice for the people, and their mother Lin's virtuous and kind companionship. Each story carried the Shen family's traditions and sentiments, and each memory was warm and precious.

"Aunt, you have lived your whole life in accordance with your great-grandmother's teachings, with a kind heart and a willingness to help the sick and wounded. You are the pride of our Shen family." Shen Chengze looked at his aunt with eyes full of admiration.

Shen Jifang smiled and said, "I just did what I was supposed to do. Everyone in the Shen family, regardless of age or gender, whether they are scholars, warriors, doctors, or businessmen, must stay true to their principles and do practical things for the country and the people. Now that you hold a high position, you must remember this even more and not let down the expectations of your ancestors or the trust of the people."

Shen Chengze nodded solemnly: "Aunt, I remember. No matter what position I hold in the future, I will take our ancestors as my role models, stay true to my original aspirations, and live up to the expectations of my family and country."

As the sun sets, golden sunlight spills into the courtyard, casting long shadows of the two figures. The old home remains, and the warmth endures. The stories and teachings of their ancestors, like the flowers and trees in the courtyard, have grown stronger and more lush with the passage of time, nourishing generations of the Shen family.