The flame will never be extinguished, and the spirit will live on forever.
Shen Chengze stayed in Jiangnan for half a month, spending his days with his aunt Shen Jifang, chatting about family matters and reminiscing about the past. The days were peaceful and warm. On the day of his departure, Shen Jifang prepared many medicines and snacks for him, as well as a handwritten excerpt from "Cheng'an Medical Records".
"Chengze, things are busy in the capital, you must take care of your health. These medicines are specially prepared for you, they can ward off colds and relieve fatigue; this medical record contains some prescriptions for conditioning your body, you can try them on your daily life." Shen Jifang handed her the luggage, her eyes full of concern.
Shen Chengze took the luggage and nodded emphatically: "Aunt, don't worry, I will take good care of myself. You should also take care of your health in Jiangnan. Don't worry about the clinic anymore, let your apprentices take on more of the work."
"I know, be careful on your way." Shen Jifang waved her hand, watching Shen Chengze's figure gradually disappear into the distance, her eyes filled with reluctance.
Upon returning to the capital, Shen Chengze remained steadfast in his post, remembering the teachings of his ancestors and aunt, prioritizing the nation and its people. His series of policies benefiting the country and its people led to the increasing strength of the Great Jing Dynasty and the growing prosperity of its people. A few years later, the old prime minister retired to his hometown. The emperor, overruling objections, appointed Shen Chengze as the new prime minister, entrusting him with command of all officials and assisting in governing the country.
After becoming Prime Minister, Shen Chengze became even more diligent, reviewing memorials until late at night every day and frequently convening ministers to discuss state affairs and listen to opinions from all sides. He consistently upheld the principle that "the people are the foundation of the state," reducing taxes and corvée labor, encouraging agriculture and sericulture, developing water conservancy, and emphasizing education, ensuring the continued prosperity of Dajing. He also placed great importance on ethnic unity, establishing friendly relations with neighboring ethnic minorities, exchanging goods and resources, and developing together, thus ensuring long-term peace and stability in the border regions.
Shen Chengze's wife, Meng, was a well-educated, virtuous, and kind woman. She not only managed the household affairs impeccably but also frequently reminded Shen Chengze to never forget his original aspirations and to care for the people. The couple had one son, named Shen Jiayan, meaning "virtuous words and deeds, worthy of the nation and its people." Growing up under his father's tutelage, Shen Jiayan was exceptionally intelligent and diligent, inheriting the Shen family's fine traditions and aspiring to be a useful person to the country and its people, just like his ancestors.
Shen Chengze often told Shen Jiayan stories of his ancestors, from Shen Qingci's perseverance to Su Yunqing's deep affection and steadfastness, from Shen Chengyou's loyalty and responsibility to Wang Ruoxi's gentle companionship, from Shen Jiye's dedication to the people to Shen Jifang's benevolence and compassion. Each story deeply moved Shen Jiayan, instilling in him from a young age the belief of "wholeheartedly protecting the country."
That year, Shen Jiayan turned eighteen and participated in the provincial examination, achieving the highest score. At twenty-one, he went to the capital to participate in the metropolitan examination, passing with flying colors. In the palace examination, he achieved the highest score, becoming the top scholar and being appointed as a compiler in the Hanlin Academy. After entering the Hanlin Academy, Shen Jiayan worked diligently and conscientiously, immersing himself in the lives of ordinary people, understanding their hardships, and offering many helpful suggestions to the court, earning the emperor's deep appreciation.
Shen Chengze watched his son grow up, his heart filled with joy. He knew that the Shen family's legacy had been passed down to the eighth generation, and that belief of "loving one person for a lifetime and protecting one country with one heart" would be passed down forever.
Years later, Shen Chengze retired and returned to his hometown in Jiangnan, where he lived with his aunt Shen Jifang, along with his son Shen Jiayan, who had long since retired. By this time, Shen Jifang was already a hundred years old, but she was still in good health and often took walks in the courtyard, telling her grandchildren stories of their ancestors.
The flowers and trees in the courtyard were still lush and verdant, and the koi in the pond swam freely; everything remained exactly as it had been. Shen Chengze sat under the grape trellis, looking at his children and grandchildren gathered around him, listening to his aunt recount the past, his heart filled with peace and happiness. He knew that the story of the Shen family had become a part of the history of Dajing, and that enduring love for their family and country would forever live on in Dajing, its spirit enduring.
(End of Volume 6)
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