Time may pass, but our feelings remain unchanged.
Time flies, and seasons change. Ten years have passed in the blink of an eye. Shen Jiye and Liu Shi are both over seventy years old, and their health is gradually declining. Shen Jiye's legs are a little weak, and Liu Shi's eyesight is failing, but the two still support each other and live a peaceful life in the courtyard.
Shen Nian'an has been promoted to Minister of Rites, and his affairs are becoming increasingly busy. However, he still makes time to return to his hometown every year to visit his parents and aunt, sometimes with his wife and children, and sometimes alone. Shen Jifang's clinic has also been handed over to her capable apprentice. She stays in the courtyard to accompany her brother and sister-in-law, and occasionally treats minor illnesses for the neighbors and villagers. She lives a leisurely but fulfilling life.
That winter, Shen Jiye's health suddenly deteriorated; he coughed frequently and his spirits were much lower than before. Upon receiving the news, Shen Nian'an immediately requested leave from the court and rushed back to Jiangnan overnight. Shen Chengze, now a handsome seventeen-year-old boy, with refined features, had come with his father to visit his grandfather.
Lying on his sickbed, Shen Jiye saw his son and grandson, and a glint of light flashed in his eyes. He struggled to sit up. Shen Nian'an quickly stepped forward to support him: "Father, don't move, just lie still."
Sitting to the side, holding her husband's hand, Liu said softly, "Jiye, you've finally got Nian'an and Chengze."
Shen Jiye nodded, his gaze slowly sweeping over his family. His voice was hoarse but firm: "In my life, I have spent half my life on the battlefield and five years governing the south. I have no regrets for being able to do something practical for the country and the people, and for being able to spend my life with you." He looked at Shen Nian'an, "Nian'an, you are now an important official in the court. Remember not to be arrogant or domineering. Always put the people first and uphold the integrity of the Shen family."
Shen Nian'an nodded with tears in his eyes: "Father, your son will remember your teachings and will not dare to slack off in the slightest."
Shen Jiye then looked at Shen Chengze and reached out to stroke his cheek: "Chengze, you are the sixth generation successor of the Shen family. In the future, whether you choose to pursue a literary or martial career, you must remember the four words 'loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, and righteousness.' You must not let down the expectations of your family, nor the trust of the country."
Shen Chengze knelt before the bed, choking back tears, and said, "Grandpa, I remember! I will definitely follow the example of my ancestors and become a useful person to the country and the people!"
Shen Jiye smiled with relief and turned to Shen Jifang: "Sister, you've worked so hard all these years. I entrust the funeral arrangements for our parents and me to you and Nian'an. After I die, don't give me a lavish funeral. Just bury me next to our parents' graves, so that I can be with them, guarding this land of Jiangnan."
With tears in her eyes, Shen Jifang agreed: "Brother, don't worry, I will do as you say. You must take good care of yourself and get well soon. We want to stay with you for a few more years."
Liu held Shen Jiye's hand tightly, tears streaming silently down her face: "Jiye, our family will always be together, no matter what."
Shen Jiye gently patted his wife's hand, his eyes full of tenderness. He knew his days were numbered, but seeing his children and grandchildren all grown up and successful, he had no worries in his heart.
A few days later, one morning, Shen Jiye passed away peacefully in his sleep, a contented smile on his face. Following his wishes, Shen Nian'an and Shen Jifang held a simple funeral for him, burying him next to the graves of Shen Chengyou and Wang Ruoxi.
Three years later, Lady Liu also followed Shen Jiye in death and was buried with him.
Every year during the Qingming Festival, Shen Nian'an would return to Jiangnan with his wife and children, and Shen Jifang would also go to the cemetery with him to offer flowers and sacrifices. They would talk about the family's recent situation and the changes in the country at the gravesite, as if their ancestors had never left. The sunlight shone on the tombstone, warm and peaceful, just like the sentiments passed down through generations of the Shen family, unchanged through the passage of time.
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