The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure
Chapter 651 - 650 Aftermath

Chapter 651: Chapter 650 Aftermath

Wang Laozhu was stunned; he looked at Song Chongjin and then at Old Granny Zhang, heaving a long sigh. It was all right; his old lady had never enjoyed any blessings in her life with him.

Before, he thought with his wife’s temper—so overbearing now—when she would be old and unable to work, the children and daughters-in-law would probably have many complaints. When the time would come for her to lie in bed and depend on them, he was afraid she would have a hard time.

It turned out that his old lady had better foresight than him, previously favoring Yongzhu to an extent that everyone disapproved.

Now Yongzhu had become sensible and even found an obedient and filial son-in-law. His old lady wouldn’t have to worry about her latter years.

It was time for him to rest easy too!

A look of relief appeared on his face, "That’s good! I’m at ease now; I can close my eyes!"

As he spoke, he seemed as if all his energy had been drained.

Old Granny Zhang sighed and asked, "Have you arranged everything for after your departure? Don’t you have a few words for Yongzhen?"

Wang Laozhu suddenly opened his eyes, his gaze very complex, and after a long while he said, "When the time comes, just tell her to be honest, take good care of Mutou, and live her life well! They can temporarily live in that old house. Mutou seems slow but he’s shrewd inside; he surely won’t marry in our Wang Family’s house."

"The only thing for you brothers to do is to ensure no one bullies the widow and orphan! If Yongzhen has any other demands, I won’t be around anymore, so presumably she won’t have the face to come asking!"

Then, holding Wang Yonggui’s hand, he continued, "Laosan, even though you’ve been foolish in the past, you’ve changed now that you’re older. Father is pleased, especially since you remember to let the children study. Although we produced a beast like the second brother, it doesn’t mean studying is bad! In the future, when the family has money, it’s no good without status! You must ensure that Jinpan and the others study well—"

Wang Yonggui nodded fervently, "Dad, you can rest assured, I’ll sell the pot and iron if I have to, just to make sure Jinpan and the others can study!"

Wang Laozhu then looked towards Wang Yongping, "Laosi, you’re the youngest and have suffered the most! Father and mother have neglected you, and being honest, you never complain, having swallowed many losses! Thankfully, your wife is clever. From now on, you must live together harmoniously and listen to your wife when something comes up! When you have children, name the girl Jinsui and the boy Jindao. Consider it the last bit of concern from me as a grandfather—"

Wang Yongping, a grown man, cried like a child, clinging to Wang Laozhu’s hand, unable to say anything but "dad."

Wang Laozhu struggled to look at Jinhoo, "Jinhoo... tell your dad, he must take good care of himself, really take care of himself..."

After speaking, he closed his eyes in relief.

Suddenly, the room was filled with loud crying.

Wang Yongzhu also felt her heart ache; her father Wang Laozhu had not been kind to her, but when he actually left, her heart didn’t feel as light as she had imagined.

Old Granny Zhang closed her eyes for a long while before opening them and gently closed Wang Laozhu’s eyelids, then spoke in a low voice, "Stop crying; now that your dad has closed his eyes, he is at peace. Those of us left alive still have many things to do! Are you all going to stand around crying, or will you take care of the funeral arrangements?"

"As soon as it’s light, Laosan, go to the coffin shop and bring back the coffin we ordered. Laosi, come with me to wash your dad’s body and change his clothes. Chongjin, today was supposed to be your and Yongzhu’s joyous day, but now—" Old Granny Zhang knew that Wang Laozhu’s time was near, but she didn’t expect it to be so sudden. Wouldn’t it have been better if he had waited until tomorrow to close his eyes?

How upsetting would it be to have their wedding day coincide with the day of their father’s death?

Song Chongjin felt awkward, but after all, the deceased should be honored, let alone his father-in-law! He dared not have any complaints.

In his mind, he was resolved that when Yongzhu turned eighteen, he would host a grand wedding to marry her again in style, making up for today’s regret.

With these thoughts, Song Chongjin kept a neutral expression and only said, "Mother, at a time like this, we’re all one family and there’s no need for formality! Just tell me what you need, and I will take care of it."

Old Granny Zhang instructed them to buy incense, paper money, ceremonial cloth, and mourning clothes.

In Qi City here, without any relatives or friends, at least the trouble of sending messages is saved.

However, we must not neglect the proper rites, monks should be invited to chant scriptures and then the coffin placed in the temple, to be taken back when we return.

Starting from today, our family must observe mourning, abstaining from meat and fish. For the first three months, we shall wear hemp and the mourning band; afterwards, we must dress in plain, light-colored clothes, avoid leaving the mourning state, and not visit other’s homes, lest others dislike the inauspicious atmosphere.

There are countless matters to attend to, one after the other, one by one.

Old Granny Zhang had managed the funerals of her in-laws in the past, she knew exactly what to do.

She quickly distributed the tasks among everyone.

The men were all sent out on errands, leaving her and Wang Yongzhu behind. First, they heated water, allowing Wang Yongping to wash Wang Laozhu’s body while it was still pliable, then changed him into new clothes.

Meanwhile, in the courtyard, all the festive red items inside the house needed to be put away, like lanterns and window decorations—all were to be removed.

Even the big red wedding quilt and bridal clothes on the bed were duly stowed away.

Nobody slept amid the hustle of the night, but finally, as dawn broke, Wang Yonggui went to the coffin shop.

Not having enough silver on him, he looked embarrassedly towards Wang Yongzhu.

Wang Yongzhu, who had never mistreated Wang Laozhu in life, certainly wouldn’t let people find fault after his death, and promptly paid the money.

Wang Yonggui felt somewhat ashamed, "Little sister, rest assured, I’m keeping account of all the expenses. You just help cover it for now, and when we get home, we brothers will reimburse you. We won’t let you suffer any loss!"

Wang Laozhu passed away, and for some reason, overnight, Wang Yonggui seemed much more mature and stable.

His words and deeds were a lot more comfortable than they had been before.

Wang Yongzhu simply nodded, "Third Brother, pick a good one, don’t be too shabby!"

Wang Yonggui took the silver and left to run his errands without further mention.

Wang Yongping and Song Chongjin also were busy purchasing various items needed for the funeral, setting up a tent, and inviting monks and Taoist priests to chant scriptures.

They were so busy they barely touched the ground, and it wasn’t until Song Chongjin had two of his men come to help that everything for the mourning hall was finally arranged by the afternoon.

Wang Laozhu had been properly laid to rest and placed into the coffin.

Luckily, it was the cold winter, and the cold weather eliminated the need to buy ice for preservation.

White lanterns and white birch branches were also hung at the entrance to the courtyard, so everyone knew that this family was in mourning.

Wang Yongzhu only stayed with Old Granny Zhang to cry at the wake and also paid attention to the kitchen where, thankfully, because of the wedding, Song Chongjin had hired a maid skilled in cooking in the kitchen.

She was instructed to prepare a few vegetarian dishes.

The maid happily went down to cook.