Chapter 188
After the full moon celebration, Wen Shi added his granddaughter's name to the family genealogy.
After Shen Chu finished her postpartum confinement, she devoted herself to taking care of her daughter. She didn't interfere in her own family's affairs, nor did she have to worry about her husband's family's affairs. In a way, she was quite happy and carefree.
As autumn turned to winter, after the start of winter, Old Man Wen's health began to decline again.
As the years went by and he grew older, his patience waned. Wen Shi had several doctors come to see him in turn, but none of them helped.
The prescriptions were nothing more than some tonics, and even with daily acupuncture, the pain was difficult to relieve.
What's even more distressing is that not only were Old Man Wen's legs uncomfortable, but he also started coughing violently and couldn't eat anything, something that had never happened before.
Hearing this, he had no choice but to write a letter to the emperor requesting leniency. He asked for a few days off and even wrote a letter to Xiao Wu.
The emperor is old, and now the crown prince handles many matters. Fortunately, the Imperial Medical Academy sent someone to examine the emperor and prescribe some medicine.
It didn't have much effect. Old Man Wen was now emaciated and lay in bed every day. He had a premonition that his time was coming to an end and he was about to die.
At his age, he is already considered to be of advanced age.
"Third brother, you, you tell Fifth brother to come back, come back."
He coughed several times after saying a sentence, and Liu stayed by his side, mostly out of fear.
Wen Shi frowned and then said, "Father, I have already written to Xiao Wu. Even if it is urgent, it will still take some time."
This day came sooner than Wen Shi had anticipated, but at his age, he was bound to experience these things; no one can live to be a hundred.
"Third brother, third brother, your father, your father he..."
As Liu spoke, she began to cry, and the others standing to the side felt a pang of sadness.
Recently, Yingxiang has been having people brew medicine and prepare medicinal meals every day in the kitchen. Unfortunately, Old Man Wen can only eat a bite or two each time, and then he can't eat anymore. We can't feed him any more. Several times we've managed to force-feed him the medicine, but he vomits it up shortly afterward.
He looks terrifying now, with a pale face and sunken cheekbones. Pessimistically speaking, he may really have reached the end of his life, but Yingxiang certainly can't say that.
"Father, if I leave, will it affect you?"
Old Man Wen grabbed Wen Shi's hand, straining his eyes to look directly at Wen Shi, wanting a definite answer.
"It won't have a big impact. Xiao Wu and I will observe three years of mourning, and the children will observe one year."
When he heard this, his tone was relatively calm. Over the years, he had long since learned to conceal his emotions.
Upon closer reflection, among the next generation, only Yueqian has entered officialdom so far, while the rest are still studying. They will inevitably have to return to their hometown to observe mourning. Fortunately, the courtyard in their hometown has been renovated in advance, so there is no inconvenience.
Old Man Wen breathed a sigh of relief, looking as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders.
He released Wen Shi's hand and looked at his other sons.
"That's good. If I can't wait for Xiao Wu, when he comes back, tell him that I'm leaving first, and that he should take good care of himself and do well as an official."
"From now on, you brothers must live in harmony, as must they. You are all born of the same mother and have no grudges against each other. You must help each other, for we are one family."
Old Man Wen leaned against the couch, tears welling in his cloudy eyes. He looked quite pitiful.
After he finished speaking, he started coughing violently again. He was a little scared, but judging from his expression, he didn't seem to have any major regrets.
These days, Wen Shi's brothers in the capital come every day, and the second brother has even moved in here to serve him morning and night.
Everyone gets old eventually.
Wen Chuanzong and Wen Lao Er have cried several times, and Lao Si is almost the same. Even though their parents had some faults in the past, they were not raised by the wind.
Compared to those elderly people who are tormented by illness and can only wait to die at home without receiving medical treatment, Old Man Wen is considered very lucky. At least he has a doctor and a constant supply of medicine.
The cold wind howled outside, and the first heavy snow of the year fell silently.
Half a month later, one night, Old Man Wen breathed his last.
The next morning, Wen Shi dressed very plainly and immediately went to the Ministry of Rites. His father had passed away, and he would definitely not be able to continue his post.
The Minister offered him a few words of comfort and told him to take good care of his parents' funeral arrangements.
This will mean a three-year hiatus.
Le Qian's situation is better; it's only been a year. However, he must go back with his father during this year to ensure the old man is properly laid to rest.
Fortunately, with the current freezing weather and low temperatures, there's no need to worry about Old Man Wen's body; the best coffin has already been purchased.
Wen Shi sent another letter to Xiao Wu, saying they should meet at home.
He and Xiao Wu had to observe three years of mourning. As for the other brothers, Wen Chuanzong insisted, and the second brother also wanted to go back. After some discussion, they decided to rent out all the land under their names so that they could have some income. They couldn't worry about anything else.
Over the years, the brothers have seemingly lived together, but each family's income is separate, and they all have savings. No one has ever said that they are too poor to make ends meet.
Yingxiang made some arrangements in the capital, so she wasn't too worried.
A year is enough for the son and daughter-in-law. They will definitely come back early. The daughter-in-law can help manage things first, and Chen Chu will also look at the accounts. When the family goes back, they will take Liu Shi with them.
Since her father's passing, Liu had been somewhat distraught, often waking up in the middle of the night to call out for him, only to be met with endless darkness and silence.
When a person dies, their flaws seem to disappear instantly, and when people remember them, they think of their good qualities.
“Xi Xi”.
During the journey, Le Qian couldn't help but worry about his daughter, who was still young. Fortunately, Shen Chu took good care of her.
The little girl is fair-skinned and tender. Whenever Leqian calls her, she smiles at him.
On the way back home, there were six horse-drawn carriages, which was enough.
In modern times, cremation would be the norm, but things were different in ancient times. Old Man Wen was dressed in proper burial clothes, and his coffin was placed on a horse-drawn carriage.
Yingxiang didn't say anything; the ancients believed in the importance of burial for peace.
"We'll arrive in about half a month. Thank you for your hard work on the journey."
Traveling during the day, one can only find an inn to rest at night, and sometimes it's not even on the way, so it takes a long time to find one.
"She's very well-behaved."
The baby is less than seven months old, but he is indeed easier to take care of. There is also a wet nurse with us. We will go back at this time this year, and we can come back at this time next year.
Before leaving, Yingxiang had spoken to her daughter-in-law.
They must have come back first; she and Wen Shi are going to stay for three years.
How is Grandma doing?
Shen Chu asked.
"It's not good. She's a bit delirious. She's taken a lot of tranquilizers, but she's still like this."
Shen Chu sighed but didn't say anything.
Nobody wants to have a funeral, but if you happen to be in that situation, there's nothing you can do.
In truth, Old Man Wen and Mrs. Liu were already quite old; most of the villagers of their generation had already passed away.
"We've even found a doctor, but there's nothing we can do. My father said he'd take good care of my grandmother until the very end."
"That's how it should be."
The younger generation never has to lift a finger to take care of the elderly. This time, the entire Wen family went back, bringing quite a lot of things with them.
At first, after Xiao Wu received the letter that his father was seriously ill, he could only reply. Without the emperor's permission, he could not leave his post. But not long after, he received the news of his father's death.
He is now a county magistrate.
There was nothing he could do; he had to go home to observe mourning and then see what the Ministry of Personnel would do next.
He returned to Daliu Village with his family, which took quite a while. Thinking of his deceased father, he became very depressed and didn't say much.
His term was about to end, and he thought he would have a chance to return to Beijing to see his parents again. Little did he know that their previous separation would be their last.
Knowing he was upset, Madam Feng simply stayed by his side, instructing her two children to behave well and offer him comfort.
Before the end of the year, Wen Shi took his family to Daliu Village.
Upon arriving in the county, the county magistrate came to see him. Of course, he couldn't attend the banquet and drink alcohol at this time. After the social interaction, he returned to Daliu Village.
The house has been built, and the family has attracted attention since they entered the village.
Fortunately, it was winter, and Old Man Wen's body had been left outside all along, so it didn't start to smell bad on the way back.
Afterwards, we need to prepare some burial items for him, find an auspicious burial site, and give him a proper burial.
In the village, some of the elderly people have passed away, and there aren't many people the same age as Wen Shi anymore. Fortunately, there are still people he knows.
"When Xiao Wu comes back, we'll let Dad rest in peace."
In the next room, Liu started crying and screaming again, extremely sad. After hearing this commotion, Wen Shi glanced at her second son.
The second son immediately went to comfort him, while the body of their father was still lying in the backyard.
Xiao Wu's family of four only had two horse-drawn carriages. The journey was long, but they could easily travel day and night.
Half a month later, he returned home.
After not seeing each other for many years, Xiao Wu was devastated to learn of his father's death. He lay prostrate before his father's coffin, unable to get up, overcome with grief.
Hearing this, her eyes were already red, but what happened next was also very important.
“Mother is not in good health right now. It would be even more inappropriate to leave her in the capital. We can only bring her back first. We also consulted a doctor on the way, and the doctor said that she might not make it this far.”
When Wen Shi finished speaking, his feelings were somewhat complicated.
Upon hearing this, Wen Xiaowu closed his eyes.
He is the youngest son. His parents were already quite old when he was born. Wen Chuanzong is the eldest son, but now his hair is already half white.
Everything proceeded smoothly after that. Wen Shi thought his mother could hold on until the spring of next year, but unexpectedly, a few days before the New Year, shortly after his father was buried, she also passed away one night.
He died peacefully, his eyes closed, seemingly without any complaints.
So he quickly asked Leqian to order a coffin from the best coffin shop in the county.
This New Year was also a terrible one, with everyone busy with funerals.
On New Year's Eve, the whole family sat together, but the house was devoid of the usual laughter and joy. Liu's body lay out for three days before being buried.
It was, in a way, a joyous funeral.
Their parents passed away one after another; overnight, they were left without parents.
Even though the Wen brothers are all quite old, they still find it hard to accept this in their hearts.
Yingxiang has recently noticed that when she smells it at night, she has difficulty sleeping and even eats very little.
The next morning, a cold wind was blowing, and she went to the kitchen to cook some porridge for him herself.
She understood his pain, and the best thing for him right now was to stay by his side silently.
"Xinxin, come here and take this to your dad."
Yingxiang made a bowl of congee, and Xinxin carefully carried the tray to Wenshi.
Upon learning that his wife had personally prepared the soup, he picked up a spoon and finished it all.
Right now, white cloths are hanging everywhere in the house, and everyone in the surrounding villages knows that his family has just held two funerals, with only a short interval between them.
Both Liu and Old Man Wen were buried in the best feng shui locations nearby, and their burial goods were numerous.
Xinxin came out of the house and turned to go to the house where Xiao Wu and the others lived. Of course, he wasn't going to see Uncle Wu.
Fifth Aunt.
Xiao Wu has a son and a daughter. His daughter is the eldest, and the two of them are about the same age as Xin Xin. He doesn't get along with the other older boys.
"They're practicing calligraphy inside."
Upon seeing him approach, Madam Feng spoke first.
"I'm with them."
"good."
Madam Feng was very gentle. While she was at home observing mourning rites, she met Wen Shi and Ying Xiang and found that the two were even easier to get along with than Xiao Wu had described.
The three children are all around the same age and can talk to each other.
The rest are a bit too old.
After the Lantern Festival, the weather gradually warms up.
"Third Brother, we can't neglect the children's education. What are your thoughts?"
“Xinxin will go back to Beijing with his brother and sister-in-law next year. You can also bring your two children to study in Beijing. Leqian will take good care of them.”
The couple, along with Wen Shi and his wife, were required to observe three years of mourning for their parents. If they delayed their child's upbringing for three years, it would be too long. Although there were schools in the county, they couldn't compare to those in the capital. Staying in the capital would allow them to broaden their horizons, especially since their maternal grandparents' family lived there as well.
"Alright."
As Xiao Wu spoke, a bitter smile crept onto his lips. The passing of both his parents and the fact that he couldn't see his father one last time was a lifelong regret. But things always have to pass, and he knew what Old Man Wen's greatest expectation for him was.
Time heals all wounds; this is never just an empty phrase.
During their lifetimes, all of them fulfilled their filial duties.
In mid-March, spring is in full bloom.
The sisters-in-law sat together talking. Everyone was dressed in plain clothes. Yingxiang had spent some time with Madam Feng and found that this fifth sister-in-law was also a very nice person.
The group sat together, and they talked mostly about the children.
"Speaking of which, the most fortunate one among us is Fifth Sister-in-law. I like Ling'er the moment I see her."
These were Yuqin's words. After returning home, they focused on family matters first. After everything was settled, they also visited all the relatives in the vicinity.
Yingxiang was no exception, but she wasn't close to her stepbrothers; they were mostly just friends. As for her stepmother and stepfather, they had already passed away before her father.
When she returned and found out, she also went to offer sacrifices and burn paper money.
These days, a married daughter is considered like water spilled from a cup; since she's no longer around, no one criticizes her for it.
The sisters-in-law mostly talked together, while the younger generation gathered together. Wen Shi was with a few brothers, and later, he even went to the county.
I visited my former teachers, many of whom were now very old.
Even more so, for those who have already passed away, he always makes sure to do everything properly, as has always been the case, and he doesn't mind going to their graves to pay his respects.
In the county, the Liu family
“My father really misjudged him back then. I never expected him to be so successful and loyal.”
When a somewhat haggard-looking woman heard this, she couldn't help but recall events from many years ago.
She was none other than the daughter of Master Liu from years ago, and also the daughter of the gentleman who had taken a liking to Wen Shi. Not long after Wen Shi left the county, she was also married off by her family, and her life was just so-so, neither good nor bad.
Later, Wen Shi became increasingly successful, and she heard about it bit by bit.
Unexpectedly, when they met again, he had returned to observe mourning for his parents. Not only that, he was also working in the Ministry of Rites, holding a high-ranking position.
If she had actually married him back then, her life today would be incredibly glamorous.
“The master and madam did it all for the young lady’s own good, and besides, they’re gone now.”
Liu Yan tucked the handkerchief in her hand, her eyes calm.
"I guess I'm just unlucky. Now I can't even get close to anyone I want to climb up to."
Many years have passed, and she has long since let go of it. She is no longer young, and it is impossible for her to think about Wen Shi now, as she also has children.
In the first half of her life, she devoted herself to her husband; in the second half, naturally, she devoted herself to her children.
Looking back on what happened back then, it was a bit unpleasant. No one could have imagined that the poor boy from that village would be where he is today.
"Open the window, it's too stuffy inside."
"yes."
In mid-May, the weather got warmer, and the little girl, who was almost a year old, was able to stand up and take a few steps, although her steps were a little unsteady.
Wen Shi's mood had gradually calmed down.
My parents passed away one after the other, so the mourning periods overlapped.
The little girl was babbling incoherently, and no one except her mother could understand her. Shen Chu was taking care of her daughter with all her heart.
It's a rare occasion for everyone to gather together, and as we reminisce about the past, we're filled with emotion.
After autumn
Wen Shi summoned Le Qian and gave him many instructions about what to do after returning to the capital.
"After you go back, make sure your two younger siblings are taken care of and that you take good care of them. You also need to take care of your own affairs."
"good."
With only a few months left, Leqian was also preparing to return to Beijing. The year had passed very quickly.
Jin Yu and the others were in the same boat. The next generation had to go back first. The younger generation needed to study and do business, so it wouldn't be good to delay them for too long. Madam Feng was initially reluctant to let the children she had raised leave her. However, Xiao Wu analyzed the pros and cons with her, and in the end, she relented, also for the good of the children.
After the children left, the house suddenly felt empty.
While observing mourning at home, one should not go out, eat well, or engage in marital relations; there are many things to be mindful of.
Yingxiang wasn't craving anything. She'd already eaten everything she wanted before, and now that she wasn't young anymore, she preferred to eat lighter meals as a way to take care of her health.
Before Shen Chu and the others set off, she temporarily entrusted Shen Chu with the affairs of the shops and estates in her family.
Even at home, hardworking people don't rest. Yuqin and her fourth brother's wife, Ma, raised some livestock in the backyard.
In addition, the second and fourth brothers were also helping out.
We all live together normally, and there are no conflicts. We get along well. When the weather is nice, we drink tea and chat together. When it's cold, you stay indoors.
They exchanged letters with the capital a few times a year, and soon, two years had passed in the blink of an eye.
Before leaving, Wen Shi and Xiao Wu had dinner with officials from their hometown at their invitation.
The brothers burned paper money at their parents' graves for the last time; once they returned to Beijing, they would have to go to a temple instead.
The journey back to Beijing was uneventful.
That morning, Yingxiang got up and looked at Wenshi, and suddenly noticed that he had grown a white hair.
Wen Shi seemed to still be fast asleep. Yingxiang looked at the white hair and remained silent for a long time, but did not reach out to pluck it.
Time waits for no one, and I imagine she'll be old too in a few years.
"What's wrong?"
Upon noticing his wife's gaze, he opened his eyes, looking somewhat sleepy. Undeniably, he didn't have as much energy as before.
"I'm thinking about what to do after I go back."
After Yingxiang finished speaking, she looked up at the ceiling.
It's unclear whether Wen Shi will be reinstated or sent elsewhere upon his return.
Wen Shi looked at his wife and chuckled softly.
"I've had a pretty good life so far, and I'll have to wait and see what happens to Leqian in the future."
He worked hard and struggled, and managed to accumulate some wealth. But if he wanted to do better, he really had to rely on his son. He elevated his son's social standing and left him some inheritance.
Upon returning, whether he is reinstated to his original position or given a higher post, he will not feel any regret. He can accept the former with equanimity, and if possible, he can continue to strive for the latter.
Yingxiang nodded.
"Get up, let's go back early."
It's been two years since I last saw my granddaughter, and she's changed quite a bit. Yingxiang still really likes little girls.
The family returned to the capital in late March.
Shen Chu had been waiting at the door with her child since early morning.
"Call him grandfather, that's grandmother."
The little girl, who was over three years old, looked very cute. Chen Chu dressed her in a pink outfit and tied two little pigtails on her head with colorful ribbons.
After Old Man Wen and Liu passed away, Yingxiang cut off her long hair. Her black hair, which was almost knee-length, was cut into a short, shoulder-length style.
After the haircut, she felt completely refreshed, and taking a shower was especially comfortable.
At that time, all the women in the family cut their hair. She cut it quite drastically, and Shen Chu also cut most of it off.
"Come, Grandpa, hold me."
Wen Shi seemed very kind and gentle to the younger generation. The little girl wasn't afraid of him and let Wen Shi pick her up.
"My husband will be back later, and I have already prepared a meal and hot water."
Yingxiang followed Wenshi inside, exchanging a few words with her daughter-in-law every now and then. In the blink of an eye, three years had passed since she returned home, and the house was still exactly the same as before.
There are two more children who are about half a year old now, but these two children are very obedient. They will definitely go back to Beijing when Xiao Wu returns.
She has no objection to keeping it here for now.
“Although Ling is young, I think upbringing is very important. Since she can’t go out to attend a private school, I’ve hired a nanny from the palace to teach her.”
Wen Ling is the only girl in Wen Leqian's generation, making her Leqian's cousin.
Shen Chu grew up with her grandmother from a young age, so her upbringing is excellent. She also has a daughter of her own, so this arrangement is very good.
"Okay, thank you for your trouble."
“A woman named Yang Man came to our door before the Lunar New Year. She wanted to see my mother.”
Yingxiang thought for a moment and realized that it must be Yang Xun's daughter, who must already be married.
"She's the daughter of your father's former friend. Your mother spent some time with her when you were in Jiangzhou. Is there something you need?"
"She said she wanted to visit her mother."
Yingxiang nodded.
"Then send someone to her house and tell her to come over tomorrow."
Since the child is thoughtful and remembers her, and wants to visit, Yingxiang wouldn't refuse to see him.
"yes."
After a good night's sleep, Yingxiang felt refreshed and her fatigue had vanished by the next morning.
The weather was sunny and the breeze was gentle. She had eaten and drunk her fill and had no worries.
Yang Man arrived in the afternoon. Having spent nearly a year in close proximity with Yingxiang, she knew Yingxiang quite well.
"You're here, why did you bring so much stuff?"
She was accompanied by two maids and two old women, each carrying a tray. Yingxiang smiled at her. It had been a few years since she last saw her, but the girl hadn't changed much. Now, with her hair styled in a married woman's bun, she was a wife.
"Man'er has been missing Madam for many years. If I come to the capital, I should pay my respects to Madam."
“I’m doing well. I went back to my hometown to observe mourning a few years ago and wasn’t in Beijing. I just came back not long ago. You seem to be doing well these past few years.”
As a junior, one doesn't need to be too particular about what one says.
"Please sit down, and have some tea and snacks."
A person's spirit and energy cannot be faked; Yang Man looked radiant and dressed very elegantly.
"I have to thank Madam for not disliking me back then, otherwise Man'er wouldn't be where she is today."
"That's because you've done well. How are your parents' health?"
"Everything is fine. I just received a letter a few days ago that my father-in-law has been transferred back to the capital, and that's why Man'er came to the capital with him."
"The capital city is prosperous and has high taxes; it is the best place."
Yang Man sat gracefully to the side, smiling broadly.
Yingxiang thought it was just a small favor to help her back then, but she never expected that this girl would remember it today. She is a kind-hearted person.
She also wanted the best for her. In her family, apart from her father, everyone else was difficult to deal with and didn't treat their daughter like a child at all.
"Yes, Man'er doesn't have many memories of her childhood. Now that she's in the capital, the streets are bustling with traffic and pedestrians. There's everything here."
How are your husband's family?
"It's great, my in-laws are very kind."
"That's good."
Yang Man didn't stay long and left quickly. Yingxiang then had someone open the box and saw that the contents were all quite good.
"Take it."
"yes."
After Shen Chu finished speaking, he had someone bring him the account book and began to settle accounts with Ying Xiang.
After reviewing the profits over the past few years, Yingxiang carefully put away the money; the account book showed no problems with the income.
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