“I know, I understand, I won’t dwell on it anymore. Zhenye, I thank God for letting me meet you, for allowing us to support each other through thick and thin.”
Zhang Zhenye smiled and hugged her tightly. He didn't have such strong feelings for her, but he was grateful to have her by his side.
1994 was destined to be a year of mixed joy and sorrow. On March 6, Zeng Zhiyu’s son Zeng Yunrui was born, and on May 5, Cai Qingyang’s son Cai Dongsheng was born.
In the latter half of the year, Xu Xiaoou's grandfather passed away, and Hu Peizhen's grandfather also passed away. Hu Jinlong ultimately did not see the heir of the Hu family.
Six months after the old man passed away, on March 7, 1995, Ping An's second son was born, and Cheng Guangxu named the child Hu Ziyi. This deeply moved Guan Qiumei, and disregarding what others thought, she moved into her in-laws' house to help take care of her daughter's child.
Zhang Shouyi applied for retirement at the congress in July. It was rejected; all the delegates disagreed. Although he hadn't conquered the country, he had undeniably built it up.
However, the leader was adamant, and in the end, there was no choice but to agree to let the leader step down, but the work still had to continue—that is, to assist the new leader.
Zhang Shouyi agreed to this decision. He was confident he could assist his son. His current focus was on being responsible for his wife and spending time with her.
Liu Jingze almost came to blows with Zhang Shouyi. "You're too despicable."
Zhang Shouyi didn't bother to pay him any attention, but seeing how furious he was, he was still very happy.
At the end of 1995, a month after Gu Chuanming's 110th birthday, which was the 15th day of the ninth lunar month, he passed away.
The whole nation is in mourning. This leader fought through gunfire to build this country, and the news of his death has touched the hearts of people all over the country.
Xiao Wu and the other six all came back. The three of them were very sad that they couldn't see their great-grandfather one last time.
"Great-Grandpa, you haven't waited for the three of us to find you a wife yet! Didn't you say you would wait?" The three children knelt on the ground and wailed.
Zhang Xingguo watched from the side, tears welling up in his eyes as well. "Alright, your great-grandfather left you some words."
After Zhang Xingguo finished speaking, he took out a recorder and turned it on: "Xiao Wu, Xiao Liu, Xiao Qi, I'm sorry, Great-Grandpa can't wait for you anymore. I know I don't have many days left. Originally, your mother wanted you to come back to celebrate my birthday, but I won't allow it."
I'm getting old, and I'll die someday, so don't be sad. Having you all by my side in this life is something I, Gu Chuanming, have stolen.
"Good children, listen to me, don't be sad. I've lived to such an old age, it's all been worth it." Then came the sound of his panting.
After listening to the recording, Xiao Wu and his two friends were even more heartbroken. They lay on the ground and wailed.
As the heir of the Gu family, Gu Yaozu was supposed to kneel at the very front. Seeing his three younger brothers like this, he was heartbroken, and he understood perfectly. They had done the same when their ancestor passed away.
Gu Chuanming had made arrangements before his death, forbidding a grand funeral. So it was just a simple memorial service.
Even so, it took three days. People came one after another to pay their respects to the deceased, and Gu Yaozu knelt to the side to return the greetings.
Behind him were Zhenye and his six brothers, then nine children, with Zhang Hongmei and her four daughters-in-law kneeling at the very back.
For the past three days, the family has remained silent. Zhang Shouyi stayed with Zhang Hongmei, afraid that she would be too heartbroken.
That evening, each family member received a glass of water. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm fine. I'm not sad."
Grandpa was right. This is a joyous funeral. He lived to be 110; it was a fulfilling life.
After hearing her words, the whole family was relieved, fearing that she might do something rash.
"Mom, the cremation is tomorrow," Gu Yaozu said softly to Zhang Hongmei.
"Yes, our whole family will send your great-grandfather off tomorrow."
At night, Zhenye and the other six kept vigil in the mourning hall.
“Yaozu, listen to your mother. Even I can let it go, so you can’t be too stubborn.”
"Yes, brother, I know."
The temperature was very low at night, and the seven brothers sat by the burning paper basin, putting the paper into it one by one.
"I still remember how Grandpa's face turned red with joy after Hongyu and Mingjie were born," Gu Yaozu said in a low voice.
"Yes, I heard from my grandfather that my great-grandfather's hands were shaking back then, and he never dared to hold the baby."
"Third Brother, Grandfather actually liked you the most." Zhenye and Ruifeng didn't say anything, just listened from the side.
“I know that my great-grandfather loves me the most. That love comes from the bottom of his heart, and it’s not because I look like my mother.”
It wasn't until late at night that Zhang Shouyi came over and told the seven of them to go and rest while he kept vigil.
"Dad, is Mom asleep?"
"Yeah, she's asleep. Your mom is really heartbroken this time. I'm a little scared."
Xiao Wu stood up and said, "Dad, the three of us will go and keep Mom company."
Zhang Shouyi nodded, "Go ahead, she always wakes up in the middle of the night. It's good for the three of you to keep her company."
"You four should go back. The children are still young; they're upset and frightened. Go back and check on them."
Gu Yaozu shook his head. "Dad, it's alright for me to stay. I'll stay with you."
Seeing his fourth son's persistence, Zhang Shouyi nodded.
Only the father and son remained in the mourning hall, sitting cross-legged on the cushion.
"Yaozu, do you know? I took your mother to see your great-grandfather on purpose. I wanted to find a strong and powerful backer for your mother."
Perhaps they were truly destined for each other; the moment your great-grandfather met your mother, he knew she was the one. Thirty-four years have passed since 1961. Their relationship is even closer than that of blood relatives.
You know your mother's capabilities. For your great-grandfather, your grandfather, and me, and for all of you, she willingly stayed at home.
"Dad, we all know."
"Yes, Dad is very pleased. All seven of you are sensible and capable. From now on, I'll leave the outside world to you. I'll stay with your grandpa and Mom. I don't want to have any regrets later."
"Dad, we will."
“Yaozu, I know you’re sad, but your great-grandfather is right. He’s had a tough time these past two years, and this is a relief for him. We can’t be too selfish.”
"Yes, I understand that, Dad. Grandpa has been so good to me."
"That's right. When you were first born, he chose you the moment you were brought out. And you didn't disappoint him. You are his pride."
The father and son talked about the past, and kept adding paper money to the burnt offering.
"Dad, the one who is most heartbroken is my third brother."
“I know, I am your father, and I understand each and every one of you. Your third brother is too sentimental and too smart. That’s why he is most easily hurt.”
“I could sense his emotions, though not much, but I knew the pain in his heart.”
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