Retire and return to his hometown to live a secluded life in the countryside
For over a decade, Shen Qingci served as prime minister, assisting the emperor in reforming the bureaucracy, pacifying the borders, and developing water conservancy. The Great Jing Dynasty transformed from internal and external troubles to national prosperity and peace, with a clear and efficient court and a happy and prosperous populace. Now, his temples are streaked with gray, and looking at his many children and grandchildren, and his devoted husband and wife, his concern for the court has gradually been replaced by a longing for the countryside.
After court that day, Shen Qingci waited outside the imperial study for the emperor's decree and presented his resignation in front of the emperor. "Your Majesty, I am nearing fifty and my energy is waning. I fear I can no longer bear the responsibilities of prime minister. Now that the country is stable and you are capable of handling things independently, I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to return to my rural home and spend my remaining years in peace." He bowed deeply, his tone sincere and firm.
The emperor looked at his trusted minister, who had served him for many years, his eyes filled with reluctance: "Prime Minister Shen, you have worked hard and made great contributions. The prosperity of the Great Jing Dynasty today is largely due to your efforts. I originally intended to keep you to continue assisting in the administration, but considering your lifelong hard work, it is time for you to enjoy a peaceful life." The emperor approved his resignation and issued an edict to reward him with a thousand taels of gold, a hundred bolts of silk, and a hundred acres of fertile land in Jiangnan, in recognition of his achievements.
When the news reached the Shen residence, Su Yunqing had already prepared tea. "Brother Qingci, I knew you would make this decision." She picked up the teacup and handed it to him, her eyes filled with knowing smiles. "Spring is coming soon in Jiangnan, the peach blossoms should be blooming, we can go back and take a look." Shen Qingci held her hand, his fingertips warm: "You've worked so hard for me all these years, from now on, I will accompany you to appreciate flowers and drink tea every day."
Upon hearing the news, Shen Nianqing and his wife, though reluctant, understood their parents' feelings. Shen Nianqing bowed and said, "Father, Mother, please rest assured. I will handle matters in the court, and Yanran and I will take care of things at home. You will not have to worry about us." Li Yanran also said, "Father and Mother, please rest assured in your retirement. Your daughter-in-law will often bring Chengyou to visit you in Jiangnan." Shen Chengyou, held in someone's arms, babbled and reached out his little hand to grab Shen Qingci's sleeve, causing everyone to laugh.
On the day of departure, carriages and horses gathered in front of the Shen residence. Colleagues from the court, old friends, and other distinguished guests came to see him off, and the emperor also sent an eunuch to deliver a plaque inscribed with the words "Meritorious Service to the Nation" written in his own hand. Shen Qingci thanked everyone one by one, bid a tearful farewell to Shen Yanzhi and Madam Shen, and then helped Su Yunqing onto the carriage. The wheels rolled on, and the carriage departed from the capital, heading towards Jiangnan.
As they traveled south, the scenery was breathtaking. Su Yunqing lifted the carriage curtain, gazing at the verdant mountains and clear waters outside the window, her eyes filled with longing: "I remember when we were young, we passed through Jiangnan, and you said that the scenery here was the most nourishing." Shen Qingci embraced her from behind and whispered, "Now, we can finally live a peaceful life here."
Upon arriving in Jiangnan, they settled in a courtyard in Su Yunqing's hometown. The courtyard was small, but elegantly and neatly maintained. Peonies and peonies, which Su Yunqing loved, were planted along the walls, and a small pond was dug in the center, where koi carp swam freely. Outside the courtyard stretched an endless expanse of rice paddies, where the spring breeze rippled through the green waves, filling the air with a sweet fragrance.
Shen Qingci finally laid down his official duties and spent his mornings practicing Tai Chi in the courtyard, followed by brewing a pot of tea and studying calligraphy. Su Yunqing tended to the flowers and plants, made pastries, and in her spare time, she would play a game of chess with Shen Qingci or stroll together in the fields, watching farmers work and listening to children play. Occasionally, Shen Nianqing and his wife would bring Shen Chengyou to visit, and the family would sit together, chatting about their interesting experiences in the capital and the customs of Jiangnan, enjoying a harmonious and joyful time.
Far from the strife and clamor of the imperial court, Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing found true tranquility in the countryside of Jiangnan.
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