In the years since the internal strife in the Great Yan Dynasty was quelled, Nie Fantian led his troops to drive out foreign enemies several times, and finally garrisoned Diaoyu City in Yuzhou Prefecture.
Jiang Zhi laughed. It seemed that the male-oriented author was ultimately going to attribute the historical military achievements of Diaoyu City in resisting the Mongol cavalry to Nie Fantian.
Diaoyu City has been known as a vital pass in Sichuan and Chongqing since ancient times. It was a key military location for northern armies to advance south and attack Sichuan and Chongqing. Once this place was breached, Sichuan and Chongqing would be within their grasp.
At the outset of the war between the Southern Song Dynasty and the Mongol Empire, the Mongol army besieged Diaoyu City. The defending general, Wang Jian, led 4,600 men in a desperate resistance against the hundreds of thousands of Mongol troops.
It also led to the death of the Mongol Khan Möngke at the hands of the city, and the city held out for 36 years, ultimately saving half the world.
This is a good thing. Hopefully, Nie Fantian can create another miracle and bring more peaceful days to Ba County, which has the most war-torn history.
After all, the people here are the most rebellious. In the 1980s, there was even an emperor with 70 soldiers and four concubines.
While Nie Fantian led his troops to guard the national border, Xujia Village, nearly a thousand miles away, remained peaceful and tranquil.
Because of Jiang Village Chief's generosity, villagers from various villages donated money to build her a gate.
It's not a memorial archway, just a tall, carved stone gate.
This type of gate is typically built in front of a building or in front of a wall, either in a vestibule or at the entrance.
In folk tradition, the Chaomen (朝门) is believed to bring in auspicious energy and wealth. There is even a veiled saying that "Chaomen" means "wealth gate" because its shape resembles a funnel, symbolizing the accumulation of wealth and energy.
Xujia Village was brimming with wealth, and its grand gate stood right beside the official road.
Jiang Zhi simply used Shichao Gate as the boundary and built a stone railing wall along the official road, which looked majestic and imposing.
Xu Changming, who is over seventy years old and has white hair and beard, still stands guard by the roadside every day, constantly saying that he is about to die.
Now that there's a gate and a room next to it, he likes this place even more and often takes a nap there.
However, whenever someone passed by the door, he would miraculously open his eyes and shout in a strong voice, "What are you doing? Who are you looking for?"
Originally, because of the willow groves that stretched for miles around, Xujia Village was called "Willow Grove Village." Now, because of this tall stone gate, some people also call it "Flower Gate."
Everyone who mentions Huachaomen mentions the good deeds of Village Chief Jiang.
When travelers on the official road came to see this gate, they knew that Xujia Village was wealthy and united.
Even the nearby post station was spacious and grand, with bluestone paving the ground where carriages were parked.
The only thing they didn't know was that a special patrol battalion was stationed nearby to protect Xujia Village and several workshops.
There is also a civil defense team in Xujia Village. The young people here, regardless of gender, are all skilled in archery, horsemanship, and martial arts.
One autumn day, when the air was slightly cool, a large number of soldiers suddenly arrived in Pear Blossom Town. Magistrate Yu, along with a group of officials from the county government, waited outside the Xu Family Village post station.
Inside the Four Waters Hall, Qiaoyun, Chunfeng, Hexiang, and Caixia, who was already a young woman, were busy at work.
"Bring out tea and pastries!" Chunfeng was efficient and decisive, keeping everyone on their toes.
With Tan's help, Jiang Zhi was dressed in new clothes: an embroidered satin jacket, gold hairpins adorning her silver-haired temples, jade bracelets on her wrists, and a string of red coral necklaces around her neck, all gifts from Li Laoshi.
Stepping outside, Jiang Zhi saw Chunfeng and Qiaoyun looking somewhat flustered and coughed lightly, "You don't need to be afraid. General Nie is just here to visit his old haunts; he won't eat people."
She couldn't understand why Nie Fantian would insist on visiting relatives, and why he had notified the Pingchuan County government in advance. Now she had no choice but to take it seriously.
Perhaps they weren't assertive enough at the last meeting, and now they want to get revenge?
Winning or losing, right or wrong, doesn't matter. Jiang Zhi has already taken everything lightly. Life is like a book, and everyone has their own perspective, so let others judge it.
With Jiang Zhi's interruption, the tense atmosphere at Sishuitang relaxed. Nini, holding a plate of melon seeds, asked, "Grandma, is that cousin really that impressive?"
She had already heard that General Nie grew up in Xujia Village and was a close friend of her uncle.
Jiang Zhi touched Nini, who was already engaged to the eldest of the Ma Guan twins, and said with a smile, "You'll find out soon enough!"
Xiaoman and Nie Fantian were more than just friends; they were like brothers. Several years later, Xiaoman is now the inspector of Pingchuan County, replacing Zhang Juntou.
However, the other people in Xujia Village were not at ease. Nie Fantian's tragic childhood was caused by the Xu family woman. If Nie Fantian wanted to use his power to oppress others, the Xu family would have no choice but to endure it.
On the official road, a cavalry unit arrived at the post station, and Magistrate Yu immediately greeted them, addressing them respectfully as "Your humble servant."
Having experienced battles on the battlefield and struggles in the officialdom, Nie Fantian has now shed his youthful naiveté and become mature and steady, yet his imposing aura remains undiminished and awe-inspiring.
Jiang Zhi, along with the people from Sishuitang and Xujiacun, waited at the foot of Huachao Gate.
Nie Fantian stopped his horse a hundred meters away, and the group behind him also stopped immediately.
Jiang Zhi didn't move, nor did Er Rui and Xiao Man; they all stood behind Jiang Zhi.
Only Paige, who was right next to him, swaggered out and dug in the middle of the road in front of hundreds of people.
Nie Fan dismounted his horse and abandoned his whip, walking step by step, only to be stopped when he passed Peiqi.
He had heard that Sishuitang kept a large wild boar, but he assumed it was kept in a pen. He never expected...
Peiqi had no regard for high-ranking officials. It peeked over to sniff the hem of Nie Fantian's robe, then trotted back to Jiang Zhi's side.
Thus, the once-imposing General Nie could only follow behind the pig's rear end.
As the man and the pig approached, Jiang Zhi stepped out of the crowd to greet them. Before they got close, Nie Fantian knelt on one knee and said, "Nephew Nie Fantian greets Aunt!"
Jiang Zhi stepped forward to help him up: "General Nie, there's no need for such formalities!"
Nie Fantian didn't move, remaining kneeling: "Is Aunt angry that her nephew hasn't kept in touch all these years?"
Over the years, Nie Fantian has bought a courtyard for Old Master Nie, arranged servants for him, and helped the two elderly people spend their later years in peace. He has also helped the two branches of the Nie family to buy property and settle down in Beijing.
But they didn't send any letters to Sishuitang to inquire about his well-being, nor did they invite him to the capital; it was as if nothing had happened.
Jiang Zhi didn't bother with such matters. Putting aside past grievances, the more attention the male lead received, the more trouble he would cause. It was better to avoid trouble altogether.
Moreover, Nie Fantian has been very kind to me in business. Over the years, the money I used to repair bridges and roads was mostly given to me by Nie Fantian through the Huo family's pharmacy.
Moreover, Nie Fantian had always mentioned the Xu family's kindness in raising him, which could be found through Li Laoshi's business dealings in Jincheng Prefecture and his conversations with Magistrate Yu.
The original owner's hard work has finally paid off.
Jiang Zhi said sincerely, "General Nie is a man who cares about the country and the world. Giving Ba County a peaceful life is the best care you can give to your aunt. General Nie, please get up and come into the village with me!"
Nie Fantian let out a long sigh of relief, then stood up and took Jiang Zhi's arm for support: "Please go first, Aunt!"
So, Jiang Zhi, who was nimble on her feet, was helped into the village by General Nie!
When Nie Fantian saw Caixia, Hui Ge, and Qiaoyun who was pregnant again, he hesitated for a moment. Fortunately, he didn't say: "Sister-in-law, why hasn't your child been born yet?"
He only said that he had already married and had children in the capital. His wife was the daughter of a third-rank civil official, and he had three children. His wife and children were currently staying in the capital.
Jiang Zhi did not ask him how many concubines he had or how many mistresses he had.
This time, Nie Fantian stayed at Sishuitang for one night, gave some gifts to the former Xujiacun villagers, and then left with the guards who had stayed at the post station.
General Nie's visit made Xu Family Village even more famous. At this time, Jiang Zhi was glad that she did not receive a personal reward from the King of Zhou.
Although things are flourishing and prosperous, we must also remember that too much of a good thing can be bad. Xujia Village is doing very well now!
Twenty-one years into the chaos of war, in the bright sunshine of early summer, Errui and Qiaoyun discussed their mother's sixtieth birthday celebration, which was a month away.
Jiang Zhi had refused at the age of fifty, but she could not refuse at the age of sixty.
Not only is Xujia Village going to hold a grand celebration, but other towns in Pingchuan County have already prepared lion dances to celebrate the birthday, and even Nie Fantian has sent a letter saying he wants to rush back to celebrate his birthday.
Li Laoshi returned half a month early with Qin Shi. His daughter had settled down and had a child in Pingchuan County, and he wanted to come back to see his grandson.
Outside, it was noisy and bustling. Jiang Zhi, the old lady, sat alone under a paulownia tree behind the Sishui Hall, closing her eyes to rest. Tea prepared by the maids was placed beside her.
Paulownia blossoms fell to the ground. The old Peppa Pig, with white fuzz around its mouth, lay dozing off in the online image, letting Jiang Zhi put its feet on its body as a footrest—a tacit understanding they had long ago.
When the sun is mild, the man and the pig will find a quiet place to sunbathe and take a nap.
"Peppa, do you want to sleep?" Jiang Zhi asked.
Wild boar: "Mmm!"
"Go to sleep! There will be something delicious to eat when you wake up!"
Qiaoyun, Chunfeng, and Tao'er have already started preparing the ingredients for the birthday banquet.
"Mmm!" the wild boar responded obediently, then relaxed and lay down on the straw mat.
Peppa is getting old; wild boars typically live for 20 years, or even longer.
The fight with the bear left Peppa severely injured. Although she survived, her lifespan was shortened.
The 21-year-old wild boar slept for long periods every day, and this time was no exception. Gradually, its breathing became lighter and lighter...
Jiang Zhi's feet were on the soft pig's belly, and she was also in a daze.
Just as I was drifting between sleep and wakefulness, I felt a cool sensation slide across my heart, as if something had left my body. Then, I heard the familiar sound of someone reading aloud: "...Your listening time has expired. Watch a short video to continue listening..."
Jiang Zhi suddenly woke up and opened her eyes to see white walls on all four sides, with the small lamp next to her still emitting a soft orange light.
What's going on? I'm still on the sofa.
The kitten, startled awake by her, stretched lazily in her arms, jumped off her, ate a few kibbles of cat food, and then started digging in the litter box.
It was all just a dream!
Jiang Zhi stared blankly at the grayish-brown kitten, then at the black screen of her phone. After a moment's hesitation, she decided not to turn it back on and continue listening.
As the music ended and the crowd dispersed, the people and events of Xujia Village remained only in my dreams: Errui, Qiaoyun, Chunfeng, Dazhu, Xiaoman, Tiantao, the Xia family, and Li Laoshi and Qinling...
Their story is just like that of Grandpa Xiaoman and Grandma Xiaoman; birth, aging, sickness, and death are the inescapable laws of life.
(The End)
To summarize the entire text using a line of poetry:
A deep dream must eventually end; debts must be repaid before the curtain falls.
—A monk reciting a jade poem in *Dream of the Red Chamber*
Extra:
(Option 1) Jiang Zhi's departure plunged Xujia Village, which was preparing for a joyous birthday banquet, into endless sorrow.
Funeral music filled the air as the county magistrate, along with officials from the county government and people from various towns and villages, came to pay their respects. The orphans who had been raised by Xu Family Village were all dressed in mourning clothes, their white robes stretching along the mountain road all the way to Old Cloud Cliff.
Upon receiving the news, General Nie rushed back overnight and kept vigil by the coffin all night, filled with remorse.
Now that he is a husband and father, he can understand how his aunt felt back then. He just wanted to kneel down and thank his aunt for raising him in front of everyone at the birthday banquet, but... this is too sudden!
Next to Jiang's tomb is Peiqi's grave. There's no paper money on the small mound, but it's piled high with all sorts of fruits and pastries, which wild boars love to eat.
Next to it are wild fruits planted by Nini and Caixia with their younger siblings, so that Peppa can eat them anytime.
(Option 2) Peiqi died, and Jiang woke up confused, as if she had forgotten many people and things, did not recognize Li Laoshi and the others, and just held Errui and cried.
Errui and his friends were terrified and quickly sought out the best doctor in the county for treatment. The doctor said that there was nothing seriously wrong with his body; he was probably just temporarily disoriented from the shock of his wild boar, which he had raised for twenty years, dying. He said that he would recover with proper care.
Upon hearing that his aunt had suddenly developed hysteria, Nie Fantian rushed back with the army doctor and the best medicine, only to find that his aunt did not recognize him.
But when Errui Qiaoyun told her dazed mother, "This is Xiaotian," Jiang, who had been silent all along, suddenly jumped up and slapped Nie Fantian, muttering indistinctly, "You heartless bastard, you still dare to anger me!"
General Nie knelt down: "Aunt, Xiao Tian is late."
When Errui saw that his mother was about to hit him again, he quickly stopped her: "Mother, rest for a while, Caixia will be back soon!"
There are now three pharmacies in Xujia Village. Caixia manages one of them, which specializes in making new medicines. She is also the grandmother's favorite.
Even now, while I'm sick, I feel much happier whenever I hear that Caixia is coming back.
Hearing the loud, forceful cursing voice inside, Nie Fantian silently left the room.
He naturally wouldn't be angry with his aunt who had become confused due to illness, but he felt that Sishuitang had inexplicably lost its warmth.
The 60th birthday celebration was held as scheduled, grand and lively, and was not diminished in the slightest by the birthday celebrant's illness.
As he watched groups of people kneeling and kowtowing before him, seeing smiling faces and words of congratulations, and surrounded by his children and grandchildren, the birthday celebrant sitting in the main seat gradually smiled, but tears welled up in his eyes.
After the birthday banquet, the old grandmother of Xujia Village was in much better spirits.
She stopped cursing and spoke little, spending her days quietly in front of the Sishui Hall, watching people come and go and clouds drift by through the open doors, until her peaceful death. (AI illustration, please bear with it.)
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