The village geomancer said that Erlang died of drowning. People who die accidentally like this tend to have heavier resentment, so it is best to shorten the time he stays in the world of the living.
So, Village Chief Xu decided to follow Mr. Geography's advice and bury Erlang before noon that day.
Although Shu Jiaying felt that this arrangement was a bit hasty, she didn't say much in accordance with the principle of adapting to local customs.
Before noon, Erlang's burial was finally completed. According to local customs, Shu Jiaying and Xiaohua took off their mourning clothes. When she returned home with Xiaohua, they saw that almost all the people in the village were standing at the door waiting for them.
Although Shu Jiaying didn't understand why these people came to her house, as an outsider, she couldn't say anything, so she could only hold Xiaohua's hand tightly.
"It's okay, I'll be with you."
Xiaohua responded with a "hmm" and looked timidly at her third uncle who was walking towards her.
Third Uncle had a serious expression on his face. Shu Jiaying originally thought he wanted to do something, but as soon as he walked up to Xiaohua, he handed over a gift of money.
"Xiaohua, don't blame Third Uncle for not helping your father with his funeral arrangements. In fact, Third Uncle was helpless.
This is a favor from my Third Uncle. Take it well. If you have any troubles in the future, come to my Third Uncle's house. As long as there is a bite of rice in my Third Uncle's house, I will never let you have even a mouthful of porridge."
Xiaohua was at a loss and sent a signal for help to Shu Jiaying. Only when she saw Shu Jiaying nodded did she accept the money.
"Thank you, Third Uncle."
The next person to hand over the silk money was Aunt Wu.
"Xiaohua, Auntie knows you're helpless right now. This is a little gift from Auntie. Take it. If you have any difficulties in the future, come home and tell me."
"Thank you, Aunt Wu!"
Watching the villagers handing funeral money to Xiaohua one after another, Shu Jiaying began to feel confused again. Before, when Village Chief Xu asked them to raise funds to handle Erlang's funeral, they were unwilling, so why did they all agree now?
I don't understand what these people are thinking, but with this money, Xiaohua can at least live a more stable life.
After watching the villagers leave, Shu Jiaying was about to pull Xiaohua into the house when a voice called her.
"Hey...ugly girl, wait a minute."
Shu Jiaying turned around and saw that it was the eldest aunt of the Gu family?
But why did she come here on her own initiative? Could she be here to repay a debt?
Putting on a fake smile, Shu Jiaying asked, "Auntie, what do you want to talk to me about? Or are you looking for Xiaohua to pay you back..."
The eldest aunt of the Gu family quickly interrupted Shu Jiaying.
"Ugly girl... I'm here to look for Xiaohua. Actually, Xiaohua's father has had such an incident. As someone from the same village, it would be a lie to say that I'm not sad...
Erlang has always been a man of integrity. I can't help him with his funeral this time. Xiaohua... this is a little gift from my aunt, take it, ah!"
Looking at the thin layer of white paper wrapped around it, Shu Jiaying guessed that there wasn't much money in it, so she asked Xiaohua to take the money.
She then said, "Aunt, you know Xiaohua's situation. Xiaohua is now helpless. If it's convenient for you, could you please return the 500 coins you borrowed from Uncle Erlang to Xiaohua? Without an adult around, it's always good to have some money to keep around."
Aunt Gu looked bewildered.
"Ugly girl, what nonsense are you talking about? When did I ever borrow five hundred coins from Erlang? Don't spread this unsubstantiated story around. You're going to ruin my reputation!"
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