Chapter 398: Chapter 399: Farewell

"I saw you were still working so hard this late," Jin Qianqian said, "so I came to see what you were up to. You can read these books anytime. Don’t strain your eyes."

Ancient Wen Heng led her closer to the heated wall. "Don’t worry, I know my limits. I don’t want to have to squint just to see you clearly when we’re old."

"We haven’t even had snacks yet, and you’re already being such a sweet-talker." Jin Qianqian playfully reached out and cupped his face. "Let me get some of that sweetness."

After a moment of playful banter, Ancient Wen Heng brought up the matter of Li Cuicui returning to her village.

"I’ve had the New Year’s gifts prepared, along with some other things Mother likes. Take a look and see if there’s anything else you want to add." Jin Qianqian had invited Li Cuicui to stay and celebrate the New Year with them several times, thinking it would be more lively, but she had been refused each time.

Jin Qianqian knew that everyone had different habits. Perhaps in Li Cuicui’s eyes, all the comforts she could offer here couldn’t compare to that small farmhouse back in the village.

"On that note," Ancient Wen Heng said, "let’s also pack up some of the books I’ve finished reading. Have Fourth and the others take them back to the clan. It’ll be a great help for the children who are hoping to take the imperial examinations."

Although he had already used them, they were books Ancient Wen Heng had specifically bought to familiarize himself with the local imperial examination system.

Their own two children were still young, so they could send the books back to the clan for now. This gift would make the clansmen even happier than a thousand taels of silver.

"Sigh, books are just so expensive," Jin Qianqian said. She knew the price of a single book was steep; some families couldn’t afford even two books after scrimping and saving for an entire year.

Ancient Wen Heng then brought up Gu Lehuan. "Unless he comes to you for help, don’t get involved."

"Are you sure we shouldn’t get involved?" Jin Qianqian asked.

"...Alright then," Ancient Wen Heng relented. "Have the steward keep an eye on him. His personality is a bit like Second Brother’s—too honest. We can’t let him be taken advantage of out there."

"I think you have a misunderstanding of the word ’honest’," Jin Qianqian said. "He’s willing to defy the entire family for love. If our son were to do something like that in the future, could you really remain so calm?"

It was just an offhand comment from Jin Qianqian, but Ancient Wen Heng actually gave it serious thought. "Children are debts we’re repaying. Let’s not create any more creditors for ourselves in the future."

His comment made Jin Qianqian laugh. ’Come to think of it, he’s not wrong,’ she mused.

...

On the day of her departure, Ancient Wen Heng took half a day off from work to stay home and see his mother off.

Li Cuicui’s gaze moved reluctantly from one person to the next. "I don’t know when I’ll see you all again. If you have any free time, come back for a visit. As long as I’m home, I’ll make sure everything is taken care of for you."

Jin Qianqian went over and took her arm. "Mother, why don’t you stay? The children and I can’t bear to see you go."

"Exactly," Ancient Wen Heng chimed in. "If you stay, they’ll have you for company. Besides, it’s time for your son to fulfill his filial duties. Why don’t you just stay?"

Li Cuicui’s expression immediately hardened. If they kept this up, she might never make it onto the carriage.

"There’s still so much to deal with back home. Besides, knowing you’re doing well gives me peace of mind. It’s your brothers and sisters-in-law who are a constant worry. I need to go back and keep an eye on them."

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Gu Yuanshui feigned injury. "Mother, surely you don’t mean me, right?"

"I’m talking *especially* about you! Look at you, always stirring up trouble. A strapping young lad like you, not working hard, just loafing about with an old woman like me, enjoying the good life for so long. If this weren’t your own brother’s home, you would’ve been thrown out onto the street ages ago."

Gu Yuanshui now looked even more aggrieved. "Mother, that saying ’distance lends fragrance, closeness brings a stench’ really is true. Here I am, your devoted son, taking care of your every need, and you see me every day—no wonder you’re tired of me. Sigh. Should I be more like Seventh and find a post far away? Or should I be like Second and Fifth, who can’t squeeze a word out of their mouths all day?"

His teasing made Li Cuicui laugh, dispelling the bittersweet feeling of their departure. She walked over and twisted his ear, only letting go with a smile when Gu Yuanshui cried for mercy again and again.

"If you were as capable as your seventh brother, I wouldn’t complain even if you ran off to some faraway place. But you’ve got such a slick mouth. If you were half as earnest as Second and Fifth, I wouldn’t have to worry so much."

Clutching his ear, Gu Yuanshui deliberately moved a bit further away. "It’s so hard being the good guy! Why don’t you set a standard, Mother? I’ll definitely become your most considerate and reliable son."

Li Cuicui pointed at Ancient Wen Heng. "My standards aren’t high. Just try to be like Seventh."

"...Mother, I was wrong," Gu Yuanshui said. "Let’s just go back to the ’closeness brings a stench’ thing. I guess I already reek beyond belief."

Everyone burst out laughing, and their lighthearted chatter chased away the earlier somber mood.

"Le Huan, remember what Grandma told you yesterday," Li Cuicui added just before boarding the carriage. "I will help persuade your parents, but you must remember your promise as well."

Gu Lehuan nodded firmly. "I will."

Although the others were curious about what the grandmother and grandson had discussed yesterday, no one pressed the issue. If they didn’t set off soon, the escort agency might not wait for them.

Seeing that everything was in order, Jin Qianqian quickly told the driver to prepare to depart.

When she saw Seventh and his family getting into their own carriage, Li Cuicui immediately understood their intention. "It’s only a short way; you don’t need to escort us."

"Mother," Jin Qianqian said, "my husband already took leave from work specifically to see you off. We’re free, so we’ll just accompany you for part of the way."

"It’s one thing for you two to go to all this trouble on such a cold day, but why did you bring the children?" Li Cuicui’s face was filled with disapproval. "Besides, you’ll only see us to the city gates at most. Why go through all that trouble?"

"It’s no trouble," Jin Qianqian replied. "The weather is unusually clear today, and the children have been cooped up for days. It’s good to bring them out for a bit."

Li Cuicui knew their minds were made up. Besides, the carriage was already moving, so to protest further would be needlessly sentimental.

She dotingly pulled her little grandson into her lap. "My sweet grandson, so filial at such a young age. Remember to come home and visit Grandma often."

"...Mother, you’re playing favorites," Gu Yuanshui complained. "The little guy hasn’t done a thing. How is that filial?"

Cuddling the child in her arms, Li Cuicui retorted, "I say he’s filial, so he’s filial! Just look at how lovable his smile is. As for your face, I wouldn’t want to look at it even if you were twisting it into knots."

Crushed by his own mother yet again, Gu Yuanshui turned to his brother for comfort, only to find that Ancient Wen Heng was already pointing out the scenery to Jin Qianqian, without sparing him so much as a glance.

...

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