Chapter 727 A Dream of Youth 259
They cried all the way to the gate of the old house before being welcomed inside.
The Xie family's old house has been expanded quite a bit, all thanks to Xie Wangzhi's financial assistance. Even if they bring a few servants back, they can still have enough room to stay.
At this time, the Xie family members and clan elders were all waiting for Xie Wangzhi to return to preside over the funeral. However, because the great-grandmother had been bedridden for a long time, the funeral clothes, coffin and other items had been prepared in advance.
With Xie Wangzhi's financial support and his reputation, the funeral was held in a very grand manner. Not only were local opera troupes invited, but Taoist priests from the temple were also invited to perform rituals.
Grandma Xie passed away at a ripe old age, so it was a joyous occasion. Therefore, the atmosphere of the entire funeral was not the usual sorrowful one, but rather a mixture of grief and joy.
Besides the people of Xinghua Village and Xie Taipo's relatives, those who came to pay their respects also included officials, gentry, and merchants who came specifically to pay their respects to Xie Wangzhi. Some even brought sacrificial offerings such as pigs and other sacrificial animals, as well as silk, paper money, and incense sticks. Some brought two or three loads, while others brought dozens. They then offered incense and sacrificial offerings in front of the coffin.
After the worship ceremony was completed, Xie Wangzhi and the others returned the greetings one by one, and then invited the people who came to pay their respects to sit inside the tent.
Xie Ning was supposed to stay in the mourning hall to keep vigil, but those officials, gentry and merchants came not only for Xie Wangzhi, but also for her.
Even though she was a complete stranger, Xie Ning had no choice but to get up and greet her. All guests were guests, and as the host, she naturally had to take good care of them since they had come to pay their respects.
Officials who didn't know Xie Ning secretly inquired about her, and when they learned that Xie Ning, a young girl, was actually a fourth-rank official with a noble title, even more people fawned over her.
The locals of Xinghua Village were astonished. Goodness, just how wealthy is the Xie family?
They only knew that Xie Wangzhi was an official in the court, but they didn't know what kind of official he was, that so many people would try to curry favor with him. Not only that, even Xie Laosan's granddaughter had officials trying to curry favor with her.
It's amazing that even the little granddaughter became an official. It's truly astonishing.
Li, from the eldest branch of the Xie family, looked at the outstanding Xie Ning with admiration in her eyes.
Until the night before the burial, every household in Xinghua Village sent one person to keep vigil, demonstrating the respect they held for the Xie family.
However, the people in Xinghua Village were not very wealthy. During the funeral procession, only the village chief's family and a few wealthy households set up roadside memorial services. Many other strangers set up more. When the coffin passed by, those who set up roadside memorial services would burn incense and offer wine in the prepared memorial tents and read the eulogy.
Xie Ning was almost exhausted after handling the entire funeral. She hadn't expected a funeral to be so complicated, especially since it was held in a village. If it were a high-ranking family or royalty, it would be even more complicated.
After the funeral, Xie's grandfather fell ill and developed a high fever that very night. Xie Ning examined him, gave him acupuncture and prescribed medicine, and told him to rest well.
Overwhelmed with worry, Xie Ning said this to Xie Wangzhi.
Uncle Xie went in to see Grandfather Xie. Seeing that he was conscious but his face was a little pale, he couldn't help but scold him, "San Geng, it's obvious that you've been pampered and are too delicate. Listen to your second brother. Even if you don't do any work, you should go out and wander around more often when you have nothing to do."
When he gets tired, he stops thinking nonsense. Look at his age, he still makes pickles with his wife every day. He doesn't neglect farm work either, keeping busy to earn a living. How can he have time to think nonsense?
Grandfather Xie lowered his head in shame. "Second brother, please don't say anymore."
The younger generation is still around.
Xie Ning coughed lightly, then shuffled out of the room.
Thus, Uncle Xie became even more unrestrained in scolding people, hoping to wake them up and stop them from having any unfounded thoughts.
"Ning-jie, come here." Xie Ning had just come out when she saw her second great-aunt beckoning to her. Her grandmother and some of the women of the Xie family were also there.
The corridor was spacious, with two small tables set up, on which were several plates of pastries and fruits. A small ceramic stove next to it was burning with homemade floral and fruit incense. A group of women, either alone or with their children, sat there listening to the rain and chatting.
Xie Ning obediently bowed, which made Madam Wu even happier, especially since the child was well-mannered and knowledgeable. "I heard that Ning-jie'er likes beef sauce? There's still quite a bit left at Grandma's. We'll give it all to Bao'er to eat later."
After saying that, he pulled Xie Ning aside and asked her some everyday questions, and then asked what Xie Ning was doing now.
The women around them all pricked up their ears, they were very curious, after all, they had seen how the officials had been trying to curry favor with Xie Ning these past few days.
This wouldn't be surprising for Xie Wangzhi, but Xie Ning, who is not only young but also a girl, why would so many important figures fawn over her?
They say she's become an official, but... can a woman become an official?
Xie Ning glanced at everyone's expressions, a thought struck him, and then picked out some things that had happened to him in the capital to tell them. When he talked about the Western Expedition, everyone looked amazed.
This woman was not only a doctor, but also a soldier!
He was even given an official position after making meritorious contributions!
Xie Ning also holds a noble title!
When Xie Ning mentioned the election of female officials, everyone was both curious and excited. They couldn't believe it, but they also hoped it was true.
Women at the bottom of society bear the deepest shackles of societal norms, but from another perspective, it is also the simplest way to remove these shackles and break their preconceived notions.
Because they are accustomed to obedience, obedience to their husbands, and obedience to those in positions of authority.
The woman in a superior position is clearly more oppressive and credible than her husband, because her husband must also submit to her.
In their limited understanding, what high-ranking officials say is always right, and scholars always know more, especially since Xie Ning even used the emperor as a shield.
The emperor has spoken, so how could it be false?
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