An old friend visits, reminiscing about the past and reflecting on the present.
That day, Shen Qingci was handling official business at the Ministry of War, his desk piled high with reports on military defenses from various regions and accounts of military equipment repairs. Suddenly, a servant came to report: "Sir, an old man outside the mansion who calls himself 'Wang Zhongyuan' is requesting an audience, saying he is an old friend of yours."
Shen Qingci paused, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. Wang Zhongyuan was indeed the courtesy name of the former Minister of War, Lord Wang. Since their parting at Wangjia Village years ago, he had lived in seclusion in the countryside, and there had been no news of him for many years. "Please come in quickly!" Shen Qingci put down his brush and hurried to welcome him into the living room.
An elderly man with white hair and beard stood in the hall, dressed in plain clothes. Although his figure was slightly hunched, his eyes were still clear and bright. It was Lord Wang. Shen Qingci quickly stepped forward, grasped his arms with both hands, and said with barely suppressed excitement, "Lord Wang, it's been so many years. How have you been?"
Lord Wang patted the back of his hand, his smile tinged with the vicissitudes of time: "Minister Shen, there's no need for such formalities. I live in seclusion in the countryside, and I hear every day about your achievements in reorganizing the military and stabilizing the border. I am deeply grateful and have come to the capital to see you."
Shen Qingci helped him to a seat and ordered someone to serve him hot tea. Amidst the fragrant steam, the two reminisced about the past. They spoke of the old servant of the Zhenbei Army who bravely sacrificed himself to protect evidence, the thrilling battle in Wangjia Village, and the exoneration of loyal officials after Li Linfu's downfall. Both were filled with emotion.
"If it weren't for your risking your life to investigate back then, the evidence in my hands would have been buried forever, and the loyal souls who were framed by Li Linfu would have had nowhere to be redressed." Lord Wang picked up his teacup, his fingertips trembling slightly. "You not only cleared your own name, but also rid the world of a great villain. I admire you to the extreme."
"Lord Wang, you flatter me." Shen Qingci looked at the tea in his cup and said earnestly, "Back then, you risked your life to collect evidence, and even after being dismissed from office and exiled, you remained true to your original aspirations. This loyalty and courage is truly admirable. I was just following in your footsteps and doing what I was supposed to do."
The two chatted about everything from court administration to border defense, from the perilous times of the past to the current prosperity, finding themselves increasingly compatible. When Shen Qingci's current achievements were mentioned, Lord Wang nodded repeatedly: "It is a blessing for the people of Dajing to have a pillar like you. Although I am old, I also hope for the long-term stability and peace of the country."
As they chatted, Shen Qingci suddenly remembered something and said with a smile, "By the way, Lord Wang, my son Nianqing is six years old this year. He often hears me talk about your deeds and has always wanted to meet you, his senior." After saying that, he instructed his servants to bring Shen Nianqing over.
Before long, a child dressed in a brocade robe strode into the hall, his features possessing both the heroic spirit of Shen Qingci and the gentle grace of Su Yunqing. He respectfully bowed and said in a clear voice, "Greetings, Grandpa Wang, my name is Shen Nianqing."
Lord Wang was overjoyed to see that he was well-behaved and polite. He reached out and patted his head, saying, "Good boy, like father, like son." He took out a warm jade pendant from his pocket and handed it to Shen Nianqing. "This is what I acquired when I was young and served in the army. I give it to you today. I hope that you will be as upright and courageous as your father in the future, serving the country and the people."
Shen Nianqing took the jade pendant, clutched it tightly in her hand, and nodded emphatically: "Thank you, Grandpa Wang! I will definitely learn from my father and become a useful person to the country!"
Looking at the old man and the young girl before her, Shen Qingci felt a warm glow in her heart. The sunlight streaming through the carved windowpanes cast long shadows of the three figures. The storms of the past and the tranquility of the present intertwined, transforming into memorable moments that flowed quietly amidst the aroma of tea and laughter.
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