He retired after achieving great success and went into seclusion in the countryside.
Shen Jiye presided over disaster relief and reconstruction work in the south for five years. During these five years, he worked tirelessly day and night, leading the people not only to overcome the floods and rebuild their homes, but also implementing a series of measures that benefited the country and its people: constructing water conservancy projects, dredging rivers, and reinforcing dikes, fundamentally solving the flood problem in the south; encouraging agriculture and sericulture, promoting new planting techniques, and significantly increasing grain production; and rectifying officialdom, severely punishing corrupt officials, and giving the officialdom in the south a completely new atmosphere.
Today, the South is a land of peace and prosperity, abundant harvests, and bustling markets, a scene of flourishing development. The people, grateful for Shen Jiye's achievements, petitioned the court to retain him as Governor of Jiangnan. The new emperor, also greatly appreciating Shen Jiye's talent, issued an edict recalling him to the capital and appointing him Minister of War, placing him in charge of the nation's military and political power.
However, upon receiving the imperial edict, Shen Jiye fell into deep thought. Over the years, he had been preoccupied with official duties, neglecting his wife and children. Now his son was grown, and he himself was over fifty, with many gray hairs at his temples. A desire to retire from public life was gradually taking root in his heart. He picked up his pen and wrote a memorial, politely declining the emperor's appointment: "Your Majesty, I thank Your Majesty for your trust and favor. The people of the South have just been pacified, and their homes are newly established. Although I am willing to serve the court, I would rather retire to the countryside, accompany my wife and children, and enjoy my later years. There are already capable ministers in charge of affairs in Jiangnan; Your Majesty can rest assured."
Seeing Shen Jiye's resolute attitude and considering his many years of hard work and great achievements, the new emperor finally approved his request and rewarded him with a large amount of gold, silver and jewels, fertile land and beautiful houses to commend his merits.
Upon receiving the approval, Shen Jiye felt a sense of relief. After handing over his official duties, he, along with Madam Liu and Shen Nian'an, embarked on their journey back to the Jiangnan courtyard. Shen Jifang was already waiting in the courtyard. Seeing her brother's family return, she rushed to greet them, her eyes reddening: "Brother, you're finally back!"
The flowers and trees in the courtyard were still lush and green, and the koi in the pond swam freely. Everything was just as he remembered. Shen Jiye put down his luggage, walked to the stone bench in the courtyard, sat down, took a deep breath of the air filled with the fragrance of grass and trees, and a long-lost relaxed smile appeared on his face: "Finally, I can put down my official duties and enjoy the rural life."
Liu smiled and poured him a cup of hot tea: "Yes, you have worked hard for the country and the people all these years, it is time for you to take a good rest. From now on, I will accompany you to appreciate flowers, enjoy tea, play chess, and live a peaceful life."
Shen Jiye spent his later years in a very leisurely and carefree manner. Every morning, he would practice Tai Chi in the courtyard to exercise; during the day, he would either tend to the flowers and plants with his wife or quietly read and write. His calligraphy became increasingly vigorous and powerful, and many people came to him seeking his calligraphy, which he gladly accepted. In the evenings, he would teach his grandchildren who came to visit him martial arts and reading, passing on the Shen family's precepts and patriotism to the next generation. Shen Jifang would also often bring them snacks, and the family would sit together, chatting about everyday life and reminiscing about the past, enjoying a harmonious and joyful time together.
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