Jiang Lin shrugged innocently, “I have no idea.”

Cheng Rushan said, “Forget it, let’s go home.”

Jiang Lin found Cheng Xianglan quite interesting.

Despite Cheng Rushan seeming petty and holding grudges, he was also quite magnanimous.

As long as you didn’t cross his bottom line, he wouldn’t mind much.

If Cheng Xianglan could talk to him nicely and they could spend more time together in the future, they could be close relatives.

After breakfast, Duan Chang’an rested for a while and then took his leave by car.

Cheng Xianglan didn’t apologize in the end, which disappointed Cheng Yunzhi, but he didn’t say anything.

Dongsheng was happy to come back, so he didn’t think about anything else.

This time, Cheng Rushan brought back a mantle clock to check the time at home, a desktop one with a wooden case, half a foot high and half a foot wide.

Because it made a loud ticking sound when it ticked, they all decided to place it on the north side of the dining cabinet in the main hall to avoid it being too noisy in the bedroom at night.

For Dabao and Xiaobao, who had no interest in such a simple clock that just told time and couldn’t sing or run, they took a brief look and then lost interest.

Yan Runzhi and Cheng Yunzhi tidied up the things their son brought back and put them in the east wing or wherever.

Cheng Rushan, meanwhile, took Wensheng and a few others to sweep the courtyard and the snow on the street to prevent it from becoming solid ice.

Da Bao and Xiao Bao asked why Qin Qin didn’t come.

Cheng Rushan told them that this time he couldn’t make it to the provincial capital, so he couldn’t pick them up.

They could only meet again next summer vacation, which Da Bao and Xiao Bao reluctantly accepted.

Cheng Rushan also brought a gift for Jiang Lin, a silk sleeping gown in watermelon red, soft and silky, which complemented her fair skin and dark hair.

It overwhelmed his self-control, and eventually, she insisted on revising their three rules agreement, strictly forbidding the use of any sensual items without restraint!

Jiang Xinglei stayed for two more days.

On October 1st, Cheng Rushan took him to the county town to catch a train back to the provincial capital.

Yan Runzhi helped Xu Aimei pack a lot of New Year goods, including 10 pounds of millet, four pieces of cured meat, a cured chicken, two large smoked fish, five pounds of handmade noodles from the village, and an additional three pounds of cotton.

Thanks to Jiang Xinglei’s strength from exercising, otherwise he couldn’t carry it at all.

In the blink of an eye, it was almost Chinese New Year.

Jiang Lin not only received a letter from her parents’ home but also from Qian Bo and Lu Hang, both in one envelope.

Qian Bo’s was short, just wishing her and the children a happy New Year.

Lu Hang’s letter was more verbose, starting with various compliments on her beauty from different angles, then expressing admiration for Cheng Rushan in a sycophantic way, making Jiang Lin suspect someone else wrote it for him.

After reading it, Jiang Lin couldn’t figure it out and asked Cheng Rushan, “Is this letter from Lu Hang for you or for me?”

Cheng Rushan smiled, “Of course, it’s for you. Didn’t you see that the envelope was addressed to Jiang Lin?”

Jiang Lin replied, “He wrote to me, telling me how much he admires you. What did you do to him?”

Cheng Rushan looked innocent, “I just gave him a beating, invited him for a drink, and that settled it.”

“What have you been up to these days then?” Jiang Lin didn’t buy it.

“Really, nothing much. I don’t always have time to go to the provincial capital.”

“Aren’t you helping him with something?”

“Yeah, Lu Hang asked for my help with some chores, treated me to dinner, and we had a few drinks.”

“And just how much did you drink to make him admire you like that?”

“You ask me to drink less, so I had just a little, not more than two liang.”

Jiang Lin couldn’t fathom why Lu Hang admired Cheng Rushan so much.

It wasn’t some adolescent phase of infatuation, so it seemed utterly inexplicable.

Starting from the twenty-fourth day of the lunar calendar, the village began slaughtering pigs, grinding tofu, and continuing to make noodles.

The pigs were raised by members of the collective and were mostly designated for the commune’s slaughterhouse, with a small portion kept in the village for local distribution.

After making tofu and noodles, they were distributed based on work points, and any surplus could be purchased by members.

Some affluent households could afford to make their own, and with policies becoming more lenient, richer communes specialized in selling tofu and noodles.

As a result, there were more vendors at the market selling food and daily necessities.

Cheng Rushan and Jiang Lin took Wensheng, Da Bao, and Xiao Bao to the market, where they bought snacks like candied haws, sugar-coated melon slices, and honey dates.

They also participated in the communal pig slaughter, with Jiang Lin paying for their family’s share.

Tofu and noodles were also bought, as they rarely earned work points, so buying them was necessary.

Early on the morning of the twenty-sixth, Cheng Rushan got up to prepare breakfast.

His wife was exhausted from the previous night, so his movements were light enough that she didn’t even notice when he got up.

Because of the cold weather, he told his parents not to get up too early and to rest a bit longer if they couldn’t sleep.

Wensheng, however, had risen early to practice swordsmanship in the courtyard, performing with skill and grace.

After completing a set of Tai Chi sword routines, feeling warmed up all over, someone knocked on the door—it was Cheng Rushan’s brother, Cheng Ruhai.

Wensheng asked Cheng Rushan, “Dad, should I open the door for him?”

Cheng Rushan replied, “Go ahead.”

Wensheng went to open the door and greeted Cheng Ruhai outside, “What brings you here?”

Cheng Ruhai carried two pounds of meat in his hand and had a small basket of flour slung over his shoulder.

He said to Wensheng, “Since it’s the Lunar New Year, I’ve come to bring dumplings as a New Year gift for Dad and Mom.”

Wensheng eyed him suspiciously, glanced behind him to see there was no one else, and then let him in.

Cheng Ruhai entered the courtyard with a smile, “Dongsheng, have Mom and Dad gotten up? The commune distributed meat, so I’ve brought meat-filled dumplings for them to enjoy.” He grinned warmly, looking friendly and amiable.

Cheng Rushan glanced at Cheng Ruhai briefly, then invited him to sit in his room.

Cheng Yunzhi and Yan Runzhi heard the commotion and also got up.

Cheng Yunzhi came down first, and Cheng Ruhai immediately stepped forward to support him, guiding him to sit at the table.

“Dad, I’ve thought about it a lot recently and I’ve come to understand. It’s true that we were wrong. No matter what, Mom has never done anything wrong to us, but we’ve never been filial. Dad, I won’t just talk big anymore. From now on, you’ll see it in my actions. If there’s anything you and Mom need when Dongsheng isn’t home, just tell me, and I won’t hesitate.”

He spoke sincerely.

Cheng Ruhai had previously gone to see Madam Shang, who had given him some advice on reconciling with Yan Runzhi.

Madam Shang advised him not to overthink things, “Except for those real scoundrels, every parent in this world hopes for their children to succeed and live in harmony. Making mistakes is okay, as long as you correct them. Just follow the rules of taking care of elders in our village sincerely and with good intentions.”

When Yan Runzhi came out of the house, Cheng Ruhai hurried over to assist her, saying warmly, “Mom, be careful.”

Yan Runzhi glanced at him, “Eldest, you’re making me a bit nervous.”

Cheng Ruhai quickly responded, “Mom, it was all my fault before. When my son was being unruly and did something wrong, if you said to punish or scold him, I accepted it.”

“You don’t need to say that. I won’t punish or scold anymore. Just live your lives well,” Yan Runzhi replied.

She looked at Cheng Ruhai and then at Cheng Yunzhi.

It was clear that Cheng Ruhai’s gesture had pleased Cheng Rushan, even though he didn’t say it aloud, he was happy in his heart.

During the Lunar New Year, Yan Runzhi didn’t want any unpleasantness nor did she want to disappoint the old man, so she said, “Eldest, since you’re sincere about this, let’s be clear. If you and Honghua ever do anything to upset Dongsheng and Bao’ers mother again, Dad and I won’t forgive you.”

Cheng Ruhai immediately responded, “Mom, you’re generous. If I’ve wronged you, and you don’t mention it, don’t worry. In the future, if Honghua and I ever mess up again, you and Dad just go ahead and discipline us.”

Not seeing Jiang Lin, he added, “I also apologize to my younger siblings. There have been many mistakes in the past, and I won’t sugarcoat it. Dad and my siblings will judge me by my actions.”

Yan Runzhi gestured for him to lower his voice. “Alright, Bao’ers Mother agrees that you can join us for the New Year’s Eve dinner and ancestor worship. We’ll celebrate as a family.”

Ancestor worship was led by the eldest son.

Previously, Cheng Ruhai had always considered himself the eldest son and felt responsible for the rituals.

However, with Wensheng present and Cheng Yunzhi still alive, it naturally wasn’t his place.

Jiang Lin and Yan Runzhi had discussed matters concerning Cheng Ruhai’s family seriously.

Although Cheng Yunzhi didn’t express it, Jiang Lin understood his wish—not seeking wealth and glory, just hoping for reconciliation and a harmonious family life.

Yan Runzhi also understood the old man’s intentions well.

If his children were willing to correct themselves, even showing a willingness to change, he would be pleased despite his disappointment.

Ancestor worship during the Lunar New Year was highly valued in the countryside, especially emphasizing the unity of the family.

Cheng Yunzhi naturally cared deeply about this.

Jiang Lin also wanted to fulfill his wish. While their daily interactions with Cheng Ruhai’s family were separate, for the sake of family dignity during the Lunar New Year, coming together was certainly acceptable.

After settling in, Jiang Lin observed most families in Shuicai Village.

It was true that every family had their own difficulties to bear, and conflicts were a common occurrence.

The idealized image of filial piety, sibling harmony, and harmonious relationships between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law, like a model of feudal households, simply did not exist in this large village.

Expectations were lowered; although everyone had their calculations, they managed to get along on the surface.

Even with conflicts, they could compromise and live peacefully with each other.

There were also many cases of father-son conflicts and sibling rivalries in the village, even among ordinary families not as affluent as Cheng Rushan’s.

Some fathers and sons or brothers could stop talking to each other for years over trivial matters like children fighting, unequal portions of food, or simply not getting along.

But regardless of their daily strife, during the Lunar New Year, they still went together to pay respects to their ancestors, visit graves, and exchange New Year’s greetings.

This was to prevent gossip and to maintain respect for their ancestors.

If Cheng Ruhai truly intended to change for the better, Jiang Lin was willing to give him a chance to try.

It was also an opportunity for Cheng Yunzhi. Parents everywhere wished for their children to live in harmony and enjoy family bliss.

Since Cheng Yunzhi treated his family well, Jiang Lin naturally wanted to treat him well too.

Furthermore, Jiang Lin had another consideration.

In the future, she and Cheng Rushan would definitely move to the city.

The elderly couple would naturally follow, but there were ancestral graves, ancestral halls, and exhibition halls here.

The elderly couple would need to stay in their hometown for a few months every year, requiring assistance.

For Cheng Yunzhi, Cheng Ruhai was the best candidate to help with this.

Upon hearing Yan Runzhi invite him to the New Year’s Eve dinner, Cheng Ruhai was delighted, rubbing his hands together. “I’ll have Honghua come along to make amends with my younger siblings. We’ve really caused a lot of trouble in the past.”

Yan Runzhi said, “There’s no rush. Time reveals true intentions. Just remember, this is Baoyi’s final chance given on your father’s behalf. Don’t disappoint his expectations.”

She hinted to Cheng Ruhai that both she and Cheng Rushan followed Bao’ers lead in household matters.

Pleasing their father was futile; they needed to treat Jiang Lin well for their actions to matter.

Cheng Ruhai wasn’t sure if he fully understood, but he was very happy nonetheless, finally taking the most difficult step.

As long as father and sons were seen together, outsiders would no longer gossip, and he could hold his head high.

He turned to Cheng Yunzhi and Cheng Rushan, saying, “Dad, Dongsheng, I’ve been thinking, let’s go to the farm and relocate Uncle’s grave.”

He feared that if he wasn’t allowed into the ancestral grave a hundred years later, it would be a dishonor.

This was a matter of utmost importance to rural folk.

Knowing Cheng Yunzhi’s deep respect for his Uncle, he knew that clearing his name would likely lead to relocating his Uncle’s remains.

So he took the initiative to suggest it.

Cheng Yunzhi, hearing this, looked at Cheng Rushan.

This was something Cheng Rushan had mentioned to him before, and they would depart the next day.

Understanding his meaning, Cheng Rushan replied, “We’ll leave early tomorrow. You should come too.”

Cheng Rushai happily agreed, “Great.” He bid farewell cheerfully and left.

After he left, Cheng Yunzhi grasped Yan Runzhi’s hand tightly, thanking her for everything she had done.

Yan Runzhi nodded toward the east room, where Jiang Lin had orchestrated all of this, hoping Cheng Rushai wouldn’t disappoint his father’s intentions.

Cheng Yunzhi nodded in agreement, smiling, “It’s our good fortune.”

He thought of his elder brother and sister-in-law again, wishing they were still alive to see this large family together.

Early the next day, before dawn, Cheng Rushan set out with Cheng Rushai and Wensheng to Yunye Lake to retrieve Uncle Da Bo’s remains and inter them alongside his wife.

Initially, neither Cheng Yi nor Uncle Da Bo’s wife were buried in the ancestral grave; Cheng Fugui had ordered them buried haphazardly with torn mats.

Concerned the graves were too shallow and could be dug up by wild dogs, Shang Weiye had them reburied deeper.

When Cheng Rushan grew older, he personally oversaw the reburial of his grandfather and grandmother and later arranged for Uncle Da Bo’s wife to be interred in the ancestral grave, awaiting his own burial with Uncle Da Bo in the future.

The next day, Cheng Yunzhi took Cheng Rushan and Cheng Ruhai’s families to pay respects after relocating Cheng Rongzhi’s grave.

Cheng Rushan instructed Wensheng to conduct the ceremony, guiding him step by step.

Wensheng was puzzled. “Dad, who is this for?”

Cheng Rushan fell silent for a moment and said, “Your dad.”

Wensheng was confused. “My dad?”

He looked at Cheng Rushan, utterly bewildered.

Wasn’t his dad right here?

Though afraid of upsetting him, Cheng Rushan wanted him to lead the ceremony as a son.

He tried to explain, “You’ve heard the story of the phoenix’s rebirth, right?”

Wensheng turned to Jiang Lin, who nodded in confirmation.

Cheng Rushan continued, “Our parents have died and come back to life.”

Such words would be confusing to a normally functioning child, but Wensheng wasn’t typical.

He immediately accepted the explanation.

Sure, their parents must have faked their deaths to fool the bad people, and now they didn’t have to be afraid anymore!

Wensheng nodded decisively. “I understand.”

He earnestly followed Cheng Rushan’s instructions, kneeling devoutly and bowing his head during the ceremony.

While he recited the son’s prayer for his deceased parents as Cheng Rushan instructed, in his heart, he couldn’t help but add silently: “Dear deities, please don’t mind. This is just acting; it’s not real. My parents will live a long, long life and will never really die.”