Chapter 453: I feel guilty about taking this money

It was night.

In order to entertain the chief's nephew, Deng Yunqian's family reserved a floor in their villa for their family to live in.

In the room, Deng Changyong tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep.

Originally, when he accompanied his mother back to her hometown this time, in addition to fulfilling her wish, Deng Changyong also wanted to see how the people in his hometown were living. If they were not living well, he planned to give them advice and help them improve their economy.

Although he is good at leading troops rather than managing the economy, he is a man who has truly seen the world after all. His broad vision is unmatched by those of his tribesmen in his hometown. Just pointing out a road should be better than the tribesmen farming in the fields.

As a result, after returning, he found that the clan members in his hometown had become rich under the leadership of the clan leader, and he, the leader who had not made any contribution to the clan, was given special care by the clan and could receive dividends of tens of thousands of yuan from the clan every year.

He felt that the money was too much to handle and had originally been refusing to take it, but all the elders advised him to accept it, and as a junior he could not refuse, so he had no choice but to agree.

Getting tens of thousands of dollars for free every year would make other people very happy, but Deng Changyong always felt unhappy.

I don't know how to describe that feeling. Anyway, he couldn't feel at ease taking the money. He had to do something for the tribe, otherwise he really couldn't get over it in his heart. This was also his pride as a leader.

Liu Fang couldn't sleep either, but she was so happy that she couldn't sleep.

Although she was the wife of a leader, her husband was impartial, only took the income he deserved, and never abused his power for personal gain, so their family life was certainly not bad, but it was not necessarily good either.

Now, the family came back to see grandma off for the last time, but they did not expect to have an unexpected gain and could get tens of thousands of yuan from the clan for free every year.

Moreover, this money belongs to everyone in the clan. It is clean money, so there will be no problem even if their family takes it.

Noticing that her husband was tossing and turning and unable to sleep, Liu Fang, who had been married to him for many years, naturally understood what was going on with him, so she advised him, "Husband, don't think too much. You've seen the development of the clan now. Even married sisters can receive several thousand yuan in dividends from the clan every year for free. The dividends given to you by the clan every year have no impact on the clan at all. What's more, this is also a token of the elders' love for you. Just accept it."

"That's what I said, but I feel guilty about taking this money!"

Deng Changyong said this, sighed and said, "Forget it, go to sleep. I'll see if there's anything I can do to help the tribe."

…

Deng Sigui and his wife were also unable to sleep. They were the only son in their family for three generations. Now the family had an extra income of tens of thousands of yuan a year, and this money would most likely go to them. They were so excited that they couldn't sleep.

"Honey, the sofa at home should have been replaced a long time ago. Let's change it when we return to Beijing this time, right?"

"Okay, let's change it!"

"I also want to install a telephone at home."

"Well, then pretend. It will be convenient for you to contact me if you have any questions in the future."

"Also, the refrigerator at home is old. We bought it when we got married. It's time to replace it after so many years!"

"No problem, let's change it!"

“…”

The couple chatted for more than half an hour, and then fell asleep in each other's arms, contentedly.

…

at the same time.

The news that Deng Shirong gave special care to Deng Changyong also spread among the clan.

If the other party is allowed to buy shares at the original price, some clan members may feel uncomfortable. However, if it is not a share purchase, but just a certain amount of dividends every year like those aunts, then there is no problem at all.

Some of the smarter members of the tribe even cheered loudly for the decision made by the tribe leader.

As for those short-sighted tribesmen who are afraid that once this gap is opened in the tribe, it will be difficult to resolve in the future, we can only say that their ideas are ridiculous.

First of all, the leader is not a cabbage. There is only one Deng Changyong in the entire Naye Deng family. The benefits of a person of such status to a clan cannot be measured by a mere tens of thousands of yuan a year.

To be honest, if you are not a member of the same ethnic group, even if you force money on them, they will not accept it!

Besides, the dividend is flexible, unlike shares which can be passed down to children and grandchildren. When Deng Changyong is gone in the future, if his children and grandchildren are decent and have a sense of belonging to the clan, they can continue to receive dividends. If they are not decent and never come back like in his previous life, the dividend can be canceled at any time.

In short, in one sentence, there are only benefits and no disadvantages in giving dividends to Deng Changyong.

…

The next day.

After breakfast, Deng Changyong said to his mother, "Mom, let me walk around the village with you!" After the family came back yesterday, they were warmly greeted by the clan members, chatting with this and that, and then went to the clan leader's house for dinner in the evening. They had no time to walk around the village.

Chang Yong's mother nodded and said, "Well, let's go out for a walk and see how much the village has changed in the past ten years."

So the family walked back to the Laowu Village from the villa area. The changes in the Laowu Village were neither big nor small.

The reason why I say there have been little changes is that the layout of the village is basically the same as it was more than ten years ago. The reason why I say there have been significant changes is that a lot of brick and tile houses have been newly built in Laowu Village over the past ten years, which is very different from the mud brick houses that were everywhere when Chang Yong's mother was at home.

Changyong's mother walked in the village where she had lived for decades. She was very familiar with everything here. Every time she went to a place, she would talk about things related to that place. Deng Changyong also followed his mother to reminisce. As for Liu Fang, Deng Sigui and He Jinfeng, they were just accompanying them and they had no impression of this place.

Soon, the family came to a very tall "Xiantao" tree. Chang Yong's mother said with some nostalgia: "I didn't expect that the "Xiantao" tree your father planted is still there."

Deng Changyong also recalled: "I remember that I loved eating fairy peaches when I was a child, but I have never eaten them since I went out to serve in the army."

Deng Sigui looked at the leaves of the fairy peach tree and said, "Dad, this looks like a mango tree, right?"

"This fairy peach is different from mango..." Deng Changyong explained to his son with a smile the difference between the fairy peach and mango.

Fairy peach tree is what people in Shuangwang call it. This thing is similar to mango, just a different variety.

Few people eat raw mangoes. The mango core is covered with a large hard shell and root-like things. It is only delicious when it is fully ripe.

But the fairy peach is different. It does not have a hard shell like the mango, nor does it have roots. Its core is very small. If you eat it raw, whether it is dipped in sugar, chili salt or "black jade paste", the texture and taste are first-class.

Of course, the prerequisite is that you can eat sour food. People who can’t eat sour food will definitely not be able to enjoy this.

Deng Sigui was stunned when he heard this and said, "I want to taste this fairy peach if I have a chance."

After walking around Laowu Village, the family started walking towards the next village.

As they walked, the family arrived at Naye Village.

Chang Yong's mother looked up and said in surprise: "Ayong, look and see if that is the ancestral hall of our Ye Deng family?" The architecture of this ancestral hall is different from other buildings, and you can basically understand it at a glance.

Deng Changyong took a closer look and said, "It should be our Deng's ancestral hall in Naye. Mom, let's go up and take a look together!"

Chang Yong's mother nodded and said, "Well, let's go up and take a look."

Soon, the family arrived at the entrance of the ancestral hall. Looking at the wide ground and the magnificent ancestral hall, Chang Yong's mother said with emotion: "This family is really rich. Look at this ancestral hall, it is really beautiful."

Liu Fang, Deng Sigui and He Jinfeng were also very curious about this magnificent ancestral hall.

When they walked in and took a look, the whole family couldn't help but exclaim in amazement. This ancestral hall was not only beautiful on the outside, but even more beautiful on the inside.

The various lifelike carvings, colorful paintings, and magnificent buildings are amazing.

After walking around the ancestral hall for a while, the family finally arrived at the wall of merit in the hall.

Speaking of the wall of merit, it can be said to be the most important attraction of the ancestral hall. An ancestral hall without the wall of merit is definitely incomplete.

Deng Changyong's family all knew how to read, so they stood at the wall of merit and virtue and looked at it.

The first thing to look at is naturally the most important preface. Generally, the preface of the ancestral hall will record the history of the ancestral hall, the purpose of construction, family origins, inheritance, and the great figures who have appeared since the founding of the family.

The preface to the Deng Clan Ancestral Hall in Naye is naturally no exception. Although Deng Changyong could not be contacted when the ancestral hall was built, he was already the deputy division commander at the time and could be considered an outstanding figure in the clan, so he was naturally mentioned in the preface to the ancestral hall.

Seeing their son/husband/father’s name appear on the ancestral hall stele, Chang Yong’s mother, Liu Fang, and Deng Sigui and his wife all smiled with pride.

After reading the preface, the next thing to see were the steles recording the merits of family donations. The first one was the largest one. The whole family curiously read the records on the stele and discovered that the person introduced on it was none other than the clan leader who led the entire clan to become rich.

Then, the family became more and more shocked as they watched.

They had already heard from other clan members yesterday about the clan leader's deeds in leading the development of the entire clan, so they were not shocked to see these deeds. What shocked them was the clan leader's children. Not to mention those who are in business, the key is his second son and third son, one is admitted to Peking University and the other is Tsinghua University, which is really amazing!

Moreover, the one who graduated from Peking University was already a deputy division-level cadre several years ago. Now that so many years have passed, what level is he at?

Although no matter how high his rank is, he can't compare with the leader Deng Changyong at present, but don't forget how old the son of the clan leader is? No one can say how high he can reach in the future, but in short, he can be described as having a promising future.

Deng Changyong's family was also shocked by the clan leader's wealth. For the reconstruction of the ancestral hall, the clan leader alone donated more than 300,000 yuan. His financial resources were truly terrifying.

After marveling for a long time, the family looked at other merit tablets, and then discovered that many clan members had donated tens of thousands of yuan. They were engraved on the tablets one by one for future generations to admire, which really stole the show.

Chang Yong's mother couldn't help but sigh, "Over the past decade or so, because I didn't have a good relationship with your fourth aunt, I never wrote back to contact her. I missed the development of the clan and the reconstruction of the ancestral hall. It's such a pity."

Deng Changyong comforted her: "Mom, my name is included in the preface of the stele, which is the greatest honor."

Liu Fang also comforted her, "Yes, Mom. Although I don't know much about the ancestral hall, I still know the importance of this stele. Brother Yong is one of the most important people in the clan because he can be included in the stele."

Chang Yong's mother thought about it and said with a smile, "That's right. We shouldn't be too greedy. Our Naye Deng family has been here for hundreds of years and has been passed down for more than 20 generations. Ayong has become one of the most outstanding people in the family for hundreds of years and has been recorded in the preface of the ancestral hall. We should be satisfied."

The family read the stele of merit that represented donations of tens of thousands of yuan and then left the ancestral hall.

Then, the family went to visit the hospital in Naye Village. Knowing that the clan had invested in building such a large hospital in the village, Deng Changyong's family was almost shocked. This return trip to their hometown really opened their eyes. The development of the clan was completely beyond their expectations.

In the next few days, Deng Changyong took his mother to visit the entire Naye Deng village, and Changyong's mother's health was getting worse day by day.

A week later, Chang Yong's mother felt that her time was running out, so she said to her son and daughter-in-law, "Afang, quickly put on the shroud for Mom. Ayong, prepare the mats and mosquito nets, and send Mom to the ancestral hall."

In Shuangwang area, before villagers die, they are carried to the Azugong Hall, where they basically die.

The latest novel is published first on Liu9shuba!

If someone died unexpectedly outside, like the grandson of the old clan leader, he cannot enter the A-Zugong Hall.

Although he had prepared himself mentally, Deng Changyong still couldn't help but burst into tears when he heard his mother's words. He responded with a nasal tone, and then started to move according to his mother's instructions.

Soon, Chang Yong's mother put on her funeral clothes and was sent to the grandparents' hall by her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren's wives.

The tribesmen who received the news rushed over to see Chang Yong's mother for the last time.

Death has been a taboo in my country since ancient times. Generally speaking, if someone in the clan is dying and is sent to the Azugong Hall, then except for his (her) relatives who are not yet within the fifth degree of mourning, no one else will approach this place, let alone come to see him (her) for the last time.

But there are exceptions to everything. For example, if the person dying is an old person, then there is no need to be taboo. It is a happy funeral and it is normal for people from the same clan to come and see him for the last time.

Also, if the children of the deceased or dying person are rich and powerful, many people will come to see them for the last time. Not to mention family members with the same surname, even friends with different surnames will come in person to see them for the last time upon hearing the news.

People are actually the most realistic. When the leaders come back to visit their parents’ graves during the Qingming Festival, many people come to pretend to be good sons and filial grandsons. They all actively show their enthusiasm and are more attentive than when they worship their own parents.

The same goes for rich people. When a billionaire rushes back to attend a funeral, there will be guaranteed to be a lot of people waiting to serve him.

Today, Chang Yong's mother has undoubtedly enjoyed such treatment. Having a son who is a leader, the clan members are very respectful and come to see her off for the last time.

As the clan leader, Deng Shirong would come over to take a final look whenever a clan member passed away over the past decade or so, and now was no exception.

"The clan leader!"

Seeing Deng Shirong coming, the tribesmen made way for him.

At this time, a straw mat was spread in the hall of the Grand Grandpa's Hall, with a mosquito net made of linen supported by wooden sticks. Chang Yong's mother was lying on the straw mat with a pale face, wearing funeral clothes, funeral shoes, and a funeral hat. Deng Changyong was kneeling beside the straw mat, holding his mother's hand, his eyes already blurred with tears.

Seeing Jiugong coming, Deng Changyong wiped his tears with his sleeves and greeted him, "Jiugong!"

Chang Yong's mother also greeted him weakly, "Uncle Jiu!"

Although Deng Shirong was used to seeing life and death, he still felt a little sad when he saw this scene. He nodded and said, "Yun Hai family, as the saying goes, it is rare for a person to live to be seventy. Our Naye Deng family has been established here for hundreds of years, and there are not many people who can live past seventy. You are seventy-three this year, which is considered a long life in the clan.

Now, your son is the only leader of the clan and one of the best people in the clan for hundreds of years. He has truly made a name for himself. Your grandson has also settled in the capital and has a very good job. You should have no regrets. "

Chang Yong's mother smiled when she heard this and said, "Yes, I should be satisfied after living for so many years. My son has become the only leader of the clan. It can be said that he has brought honor to the family. I really have no regrets in this life!"

Other tribesmen also came over to show their faces. Those who were closer came over to say a word, while those who were not so close just came over to join in the fun.

Seeing Chang Yong's mother getting weaker and weaker, Deng Shirong knew that she was really going to die soon, so he called out to the other tribesmen, "Everyone go out first and leave the last time to Chang Yong!"

Upon hearing this, everyone walked out of the Grand Hall, leaving only Deng Changyong's family.

Deng Changyong also had a feeling that his mother was dying, so he suppressed his grief and asked, "Mom, do you have anything else to say?"

Chang Yong's mother grabbed her son's hand and said with some difficulty: "Agui grew up in Beijing and has no feelings for his hometown. You should bring him back more often. This is our root."

Deng Changyong responded: "Okay, I'll try to bring him back more often in the future."

Chang Yong's mother began to breathe rapidly, and finally said, "After I leave, remember to bury me and your father together. This is what we agreed on a long time ago. He has been waiting for me for so many years. If I don't go down to accompany him, he will be anxious."

Deng Changyong said with tears in his eyes: "Don't worry, Mom, I will make arrangements."

"Son, Mom is leaving, you have to take care of yourself..."

Having said this, Chang Yong’s mother suddenly exerted force with her hands, her body twitched a few times, and then she closed her eyes forever.

"mom……"

Deng Changyong could no longer suppress the grief in his heart, and his tears kept streaming down his face, unable to be stopped.

As the saying goes, when parents are alive, life has a destination; when parents are gone, life only has a way back.

The death of a loved one is undoubtedly one of the saddest things in the world.

Liu Fang, Deng Sigui and He Jinfeng couldn't help crying at this moment.

When the tribesmen waiting outside heard Deng Changyong's crying, they all understood that Changyong's mother had passed away. The older tribesmen couldn't help but sigh, predicting that in a few years they would be the ones lying on the straw mat.

…

Three days later.

Changyong's mother was buried.

After all, Deng Changyong is an active-duty leader. This time he took a rare leave to see his mother off for the last time. Now that the funeral is over, he naturally has to return to the army.

Before returning to the army, Deng Changyong came over to say goodbye to Jiugong: "Jiugong, I will be returning to the capital tomorrow. I heard that Uncle Yunsong works in the Ministry of Finance. Please give me his contact information so that I can go see him when I am free."

Deng Shirong nodded and said, "Then I'll trouble you to take good care of him."

Deng Changyong said, "Jiu Gong, you are joking. I have heard about Uncle Yunsong's situation. His father-in-law is the head of a certain department. He is not comparable to me as a chief. Although I can't help with big things, if you encounter some small troubles, I can help you deal with them."

Deng Shirong took out a pen and paper, wrote down his third son's contact number and address, handed it to Deng Changyong and said, "Write down your contact information as well, so that when there is something important in the clan, we can contact you first."

Deng Changyong took out a piece of paper with a phone number and address written on it from his pocket, handed it to Deng Shirong and said, "Jiu Gong, this is my contact information. If there is anything in the clan that requires my help in the future, as long as it does not violate discipline, feel free to contact me. I will definitely not refuse to help if I can."

Deng Shirong took the paper and said, "Okay, I understand, but I don't think I can use your help. After all, with the current strength of our Deng family, if we encounter something that we can't solve, it must be a big deal!"

Deng Changyong also understood this, but still said: "Anyway, just call me if you have any problems. If it's about economics or politics, I really can't help, but if it involves the military... I still have some connections."

"I understand. I will bring my children and grandchildren back to visit my hometown more often when I have time."

"Yes, that's what my mother told me before she left."

"Well, I wish you a safe journey then."

"Thank you, Jiugong."

…

After Deng Changyong and his family returned to the capital, the Spring Equinox passed quickly, and the entire Bobai area began the annual ancestor worship and mountain clearing.

Previously, the Deng family of Naye had offered sacrifices to their ancestors for three consecutive years, and after three years they would usually stop for a few years before offering sacrifices again. So this year, the Deng family of Naye did not invite relatives to come back to offer sacrifices to their ancestors, but simply cleared the mountain.

While clearing the mountain, Deng Shirong had been thinking about one issue: whether or not to build a cemetery and move all the old and new graves of the clan to the cemetery, so as to avoid having the clan members buried everywhere.

In the Shuangwang area of ​​later generations, basically every mountain has a tomb, some have as few as one and some have dozens. If there has been no development, it doesn’t matter, but if a place wants to develop, relocating the tombs becomes a big problem.

In this life, the development of the Naye Deng family is completely different from the previous life. This area will definitely develop in the future. If we don't prepare for it now, it will be troublesome to relocate the graves when all the hills are filled with graves.

Thinking of this, Deng Shirong called Deng Shian, Deng Yungui, Deng Yunqiang and other clan elders to a meeting.

…

PS: Alas, I have grown older and more sentimental. I cried as I wrote this chapter.

(End of this chapter)