Chapter 604 - 223: Hometown Affairs
Chapter 604: Chapter 223: Hometown Affairs
Zhao Jing grasped her hand in his palm, the corners of his lips curling up into a joyful smile.
Everyone present fell silent. After the silence, however, they couldn’t help but ponder. De’an’s idea was a bit wicked, but admittedly, it was the most likely to solve the problem.
After all, when people grew old, what they valued most was what would happen after their death. Rather than tormenting their descendants to vent their anger, they wanted a spectacular funeral. They wanted people to mention it ten or twenty years later and still praise, "That old man is truly blessed in the afterlife!"
Even if he didn’t get to enjoy this so-called blessing at all, achieving "posthumous glory" was the greatest accomplishment of their lives.
Chen Song silently agreed to this solution. He immediately had Xu Su Ying return to their room to fetch some silver notes, which he then stuffed into Chen Bai’s hands. "He raised me, after all. Even if he wasn’t fully dedicated, he is still my father, and I can’t completely ignore him," he said. "Take these silver notes back and give them to Uncle Sheng. From now on, have Uncle Sheng find a young man from the clan to regularly deliver rice and grain, chop wood, fetch water, brew medicine, and cook for the old couple. Whatever is left over can be considered compensation for the clan members, just treat it as me fulfilling my filial duties."
Although he had given the old lady a sum of Silver before coming to the Prefecture as his filial contribution for the past two years, he knew how things worked. The old lady was getting on in years, and the family had no source of income. With that Silver in her hands, she certainly wouldn’t be willing to spend a single copper.
At this age, what was the point of keeping so much Silver? Was she planning to leave it for Chen Lin, or was it for Shou’an? Whether for the sake of his own children or his own reputation, he couldn’t completely ignore them.
Chen Song also instructed Chen Bai to regularly hire a doctor for the old couple, at least twice a month. No matter what he truly thought in his heart, he had to fully play the part of a filial son.
Hearing his eldest brother’s words, Chen Bai swallowed the pent-up frustration in his heart and began to drink and exchange toasts with Chen Song again. That night, the two of them drank to their hearts’ content, not stopping until they were completely intoxicated.
Li’an had long since gotten drunk. In his drunken state, feeling deeply wronged, he lay on the table and sobbed softly. Seeing him like this made Xu Su Ying and Chen Wanqing feel even more unbearable pity for him.
But what could be done about the debt he owed them? If he had a harder heart, he could have just washed his hands of the matter. But unfortunately, he couldn’t harden his heart, nor did he possess great abilities. He would have to spend the rest of his life living in guilt and helpless self-reproach.
Because it was extremely late by the time the gathering broke up, Chen Wanqing and Zhao Jing didn’t go back, staying overnight at the house instead.
When they returned to their courtyard to rest, Zhao Jing finally spoke. "The old man and the old lady are getting on in years, and Uncle is no spring chicken either."
Chen Wanqing froze for a moment before realizing that this "Uncle" referred to Mr. Zhao.
Indeed, Mr. Zhao was turning seventy this year. Seventy was considered a ripe old age nowadays. Even if the old man passed away, it would be treated as a joyous funeral. Mr. Zhao held a different place in Zhao Jing’s heart.
After Mr. Zhao passed away, it was Mr. Zhao who helped preside over the funeral arrangements, ensuring he was laid to rest peacefully. He was also the one who had taken great care of Zhao Jing’s family, strictly forbidding anyone from bullying the widow and orphan. Zhao Jing was grateful to Mr. Zhao from the bottom of his heart.
Thinking of this, Chen Wanqing said, "From now on, let’s regularly send some medicinal herbs and health supplements back. Whether it’s ginseng, Lingzhi, or Cordyceps, whatever we have in the future, we’ll send a share to Uncle. However, Uncle is getting older after all. You should write a letter to him later, asking him to appropriately delegate his power. He should hand things over to the younger generation and just maintain overall control from above."
"Alright, I will write to him later."
Chen Wanqing climbed over Zhao Jing and lay on the inner side of the bed. Zhao Jing yielded the warmed spot to her and shifted outward. Once she was settled, he leaned in again and wrapped her in his arms.
"Today we were so focused on talking about the old man and the old lady that I forgot to ask Li’an how the huangqi grew this year and whether the people of the Zhao Village managed to earn any Silver."
"Now that you mention it, I really did forget about that," Chen Wanqing said in frustration. "I was only concerned about my Danshen and dangshen, and I forgot to ask about the huangqi harvest. But considering the favorable weather this year, the huangqi harvest should be decent, right?"
"Not necessarily. After all, the places where the huangqi is planted are barren mountains. They certainly can’t compare to the convenience of fertile fields with abundant water and soil. Moreover, it’s hard to store water on the mountains. Even with rain, it isn’t of much use; the commoners still need to carry water up there every now and then for irrigation."
"Let’s not worry about this anymore. If you really want to know, we can just ask Li’an tomorrow. It’s getting late; let’s go to sleep."
"I can’t sleep."
"Even if you can’t sleep, you can’t go getting handsy. It’s quiet around here, be careful not to let any sounds slip out."
Zhao Jing chuckled softly by her ear. "Where is your mind wandering, Wanqing? I have no such intentions."
Chen Wanqing looked sheepish, then couldn’t help but sigh. "Yesterday’s fish maw broke, who knows if..."
She stroked her belly, and Zhao Jing placed his hand there as well. His voice grew a bit hoarse, carrying a dark, enchanting undertone as he gently comforted her. "If you really are pregnant, then we’ll have the baby. While I might not be incredibly capable, I do have the ability to ensure you never have to worry about food and clothing. Don’t worry, Wanqing. A child’s arrival is destined by fate; don’t scare them away."
"...Alright."