Grandparents and grandchildren reunite, their love warm and tender.
After establishing himself in the capital, Shen Nian'an married Lin, the daughter of a like-minded Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel. Lin was gentle, virtuous, and well-educated; she not only managed the household affairs impeccably but also frequently reminded Shen Nian'an to never forget his original aspirations and to share the burdens of the people. A few years later, they had a son, whom Shen Nian'an named Shen Chengze, meaning to inherit the blessings of his ancestors and bring prosperity to the people, and also hoping that he would continue the Shen family's tradition of "wholeheartedly protecting the country."
Shen Chengze was intelligent from a young age, his brows revealing the composure characteristic of the Shen family scions. He could recognize a thousand characters at the age of three, recite poems at five, and study classics and history under the tutelage of Shen Nian'an at seven. In his spare time, he would pester his father to teach him martial arts, displaying extraordinary talent at a young age. Shen Nian'an and his wife carefully guided him, teaching him not only to read and understand principles, but also to empathize with the people's plight. They often took him to visit farmers in the outskirts of Beijing, letting him see firsthand the hardships of ordinary people's lives.
In late autumn of that year, Shen Nian'an was granted permission to return to his hometown to visit his family due to his outstanding political achievements. He specially wrote to his parents and aunt in Jiangnan in advance, and set off on his journey back to Jiangnan with his wife, Lin, and seven-year-old Shen Chengze.
When the boat arrived at the Jiangnan Wharf, Shen Jiye and Madam Liu were already waiting on the shore, leaning on their canes. Shen Chengze immediately recognized his grandparents in the crowd, broke free from his parents' hands, and rushed over like a little bird, calling out in his childish voice, "Grandpa! Grandma! It's me, Chengze, I've come to see you!"
Shen Jiye bent down and hugged his grandson, his rough hands gently stroking the top of his head, his eyes instantly welling up with tears: "Good grandson, my good grandson! You've grown so tall, let Grandpa take a look!" Liu Shi also held Shen Chengze's little hand, looking him over carefully, and kept stuffing the candies she had prepared into his pocket: "Are you hungry? Grandma made you your favorite osmanthus cake, it's all warm."
Shen Jifang also arrived with her apprentice from the clinic, carrying an exquisite food box. She walked forward with a smile and said, "Chengze, do you still remember your aunt? This is your favorite almond shortbread. Your aunt made it especially for you."
Shen Chengze obediently greeted, "Hello, Auntie! Thank you, Auntie!" He then made to bow, which made everyone burst into laughter.
The family returned to the courtyard, where the osmanthus trees were in full bloom, their golden petals carpeting the ground, filling the air with their fragrance. Madam Liu and Madam Lin busied themselves in the kitchen preparing the meal, while Shen Jiye pulled Shen Chengze to sit on a stone bench under the grape trellis, asking about his studies in the capital. Shen Chengze answered each question, vividly recounting his father's visits to farmers' homes: "Grandpa, I saw some farmers' fields were flooded, and Father helped them apply for relief grain and even taught them how to repair irrigation ditches. I want to be like Father and Grandpa in the future, a good official who helps the people!"
Shen Jiye nodded repeatedly, his eyes full of satisfaction: "Good! Good! These are the good descendants of the Shen family! Remember, no matter how high your official rank becomes in the future, you must never forget the hardships of the people."
Shen Nian'an and Shen Jifang sat to the side, watching the grandmother and granddaughter's harmonious scene, their faces beaming with smiles. Shen Nian'an said softly, "Aunt, thank you for taking care of Father and Mother and this courtyard all these years. I often think of you when I'm in the capital."
Shen Jifang shook his head: "We're family, so let's not be so formal. Your good conduct as an official in the capital and your efforts to benefit the people are the best comfort for us."
As evening fell, the meal was served. Osmanthus cake, squirrel-shaped mandarin fish, and steamed river shrimp—a table laden with the family's favorite dishes. The family sat together, raising their glasses in a toast, chatting about interesting things in Beijing and the changes in Jiangnan, their laughter echoing in the courtyard. Shen Chengze sat between his grandparents, serving his grandfather food and massaging his grandmother's back, drawing praise from everyone.
As night deepened, the moonlight bathed the courtyard, gentle and soft. Shen Jiye gazed upon his children and grandchildren, his heart filled with peace and happiness. He knew that the Shen family's legacy had not only been passed down through generations, but that this love for family and country had been deeply rooted in the hearts of the next generation. Such moments of reunion, though simple, were precious, the best gift that time could bestow upon them.
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