291 The Rise and Fall of the Royal City
Qingsong's father looked around and, seeing that the sky was getting cooler and the fields were finally clearer, nodded and said softly, "This is a good thing. There might have been some discussion before, but now there's no need for that."
Everyone in the village agrees that once this busy period is over, they will choose an auspicious day to move in. They expect to make it a grand affair, as it is a very important event, and the clan elders are already making preparations.
However, don't tell Old Man Weng about this. The clan will cover the expenses this time, and we'll make it a lively affair, inviting nearby villagers to a banquet as well.
At that time, the young people in the village can take this opportunity to see if they've settled down and started a family. Things are much better now than before.
After saying that, she added softly, "This matter can be prepared during the off-season for farming. Besides, it involves communication between the villages. Qingsong, you must be diligent and help out as much as possible then."
Qingsong nodded firmly, a slight smile appearing on his face, and readily agreed, "Of course, Father, don't worry."
She then added, "However, after some trial and error these past few days, I've found that sweet potato vines planted when the dew is still wet are much easier to grow. Also, they require less watering."
That way, we can plant even more. I really hope what Old Weng said is true, so that our family can have enough to eat.
The father nodded heavily. "Let's plant them first. Your mother and the others will bring another batch of sweet potato vines later. Let's try to plant more before sunrise today. Once the sun is up, the ones planted later are more likely to die."
It's not worth wasting sweet potato vines. Besides, Mr. Weng said that there aren't many sweet potato vines this year, but there will be more later. We can save the seeds and use them next year, so we won't have to go through all this trouble.
Qingsong, remember Old Man Weng's kindness! Do you know that we haven't starved to death and can still have enough to eat? It's all thanks to Old Man Weng!
Qingsong nodded, "I know, I will never forget Elder Weng's kindness." Then he whispered, "If I were younger, I could probably join the patrol team or the city guards, and then I could start cultivating."
But that's for the best. Patrol teams also face dangers. It's alright inside the city, but there are plenty of wild animals around the rice paddies in the distance. I heard the day before yesterday that my third nephew injured his arm and is resting for a few days, but it's nothing serious.
Upon hearing this, Qingsong's father nodded and said in a low voice, "Thank goodness the team leader arrived in time, otherwise it would have been difficult."
We must thank Elder Weng, the market magistrate, and his wife for this; without them, we would have a stable place to live!
Qingsong nodded slightly upon hearing this, then looked around. People had already begun working, but they were still quite far away. He leaned closer and whispered mysteriously, "I heard the village sent some gifts to Madam Lan. I wonder how they went?"
Qingsong's father quickly glanced around, a hint of tension in his eyes, then whispered, "Don't ask outside, and absolutely do not say a word."
Then, almost inaudibly, she said, "The gift was accepted, but a return gift was also given, and the return gift was even more valuable. The sentiment was appreciated, and she said, 'It's all thanks to you, sir. Next time, there's no need to spend money...'"
Upon hearing this, Qingsong's previously tense expression relaxed slightly, revealing a hint of barely perceptible joy.
I had heard about it before, but my father didn't let me get involved, so I didn't know the specifics. At this moment, it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
At this moment, his breathing became easier, and an indescribable emotion welled up within him. He whispered, "I understand. That's good. After all, our relationship and connections with Jinjia Village, Weijia Village, and the Tujia people are still quite different!"
Then she lowered her head gently, her voice filled with uncertainty, a sliver of hope, and a hint of reluctance, and said, "The eldest is almost ten years old now. During this time, he has been studying and learning to read for free here. The changes have been tremendous. If it were before, I would naturally only be thinking about farming behind us."
However, since this is a rare opportunity, I visited several households in the village. I also inquired carefully about my third nephew's situation. If my eldest son goes, he can help take care of him.
I'd like to suggest he try patrolling or guarding the city. If it works out, although it's risky, it's better than us toiling in the fields!
A hint of joy, like tender buds in early spring, though just sprouting, already foreshadows a possible future of flourishing flowers. There's always a glimmer of hope, isn't there? It's always better than seeing death the only possibility.
As the saying goes, may you grow wings, transform into a fish in the Northern Sea, soaring to the heavens to cultivate your wings, and meet the phoenix beyond the reeds. The eagle soars against the wind, the roc flies over the spring waves; the mother realizes her child is no ordinary creature, yet is as close as a dragon in the clouds!
Parents hope their sons will become dragons and their daughters will become phoenixes, and they plan far ahead for their children. After all, only parents can give their children love that they don't ask for in return—at least, this is true for most parents. This has remained unchanged from ancient times to the present!
Hoping for success in Confucianism is understandable, but cultivation is too expensive. Even ordinary families might exhaust their wealth and still not be able to enter the path. The monopoly of secret manuals, the lack of meat, and physical exhaustion are always the most realistic concerns.
Scholars are poor, warriors are rich; this has always been the case.
Stealing light by chiseling a hole in the wall, no one sweeps the tile in front of the door, yet the study window is bright all night long; hanging one's head from the beam, pricking one's thigh with an awl! Those who can be praised are all those who need you to fill the pits, after all, after struggling for half a lifetime, if you want to start over, you are already an old man with white hair.
Seeking new verses, I discover new rules; spreading out books, I find them filling my bed. I try reciting "The Jade Table," not envying the purple silk pouch. Next year, we will grow together; the accomplished will ascend to the hall; bringing glory to our ancestors today, making our parents' faces shine.
The voice was soft, the emotions complex, but a seed called hope, a will willing to pay the price, was filled with determination and hope, the power to see a glimmer of change in the future.
At this moment, the old man remained silent, his heart filled with complex emotions! So did Qingsong.
The sun had not yet risen, and the morning light was just beginning to spread across the clouds. On the horizon, the rosy dawn filled the sky with a kaleidoscope of colors. Those who did not understand would think it was a sign of good fortune descending from heaven!
Undoubtedly, some people have started singing praises again, saying it's a blessing from heaven, with favorable weather every year, national peace and prosperity, abundant resources, and people living in contentment and happiness—what a glorious world! Everywhere people live in peace and work happily, and every household is well-fed and clothed!
Truly, may our homes be filled with gold and jade, our homes be ablaze with fireworks, our homes be bathed in golden light, may the weather be favorable, may our land be evergreen, may our homes be lush and green, may our harvests be plentiful, may our flowers bloom in wealth and prosperity, may our homes be filled with the joyful songs of birds, may our fields stretch to the horizon, may our land be abundant with produce, may our homes be filled with the beauty of nature, may our land be blessed with outstanding people and beautiful scenery. May all that we hope for come true!
However, most people, after a lifetime of seeking and seeing, still haven't seen clearly even in their twilight years. Ultimately, it's due to a lack of information, no wise mentors to guide them, and a lack of transparency. In their old age, they feel immense self-mockery, yet still can't fully understand why. All they can do is wish, "May all those who make wishes in the world leap over the dragon gate!"
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