A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace Chapter 1562 - 1560: Jiangnan Side Story 6

Chapter 1560

On the third day of the first month in the sixth year of Jiachen, Old Master Xia passed away at the age of sixty-eight.

In ancient times, this would be considered a long life, passing away peacefully in one’s sleep.

The funeral was conducted grandly in accordance with local customs.

The usually quiet and desolate Xia Residence was bustling for over ten days.

Whether it was former colleagues of the father during his lifetime, or family relatives, even those distant and long unseen, none dared to defy the Governor General’s wishes and sent people to mourn sincerely at the funeral.

Even some neighbors, unrelated and unfamiliar, wanted to curry favor upon hearing that the Governor General was present.

The officials in the State County were also aware of the funeral and sent their condolences.

With all this coming and going, the Xia Residence was more bustling than ever.

The funeral lasted for over ten days, and once it was over, the Lantern Festival also passed.

Yet Xia Jingfeng remained unable to let go.

He knew not how to alleviate his grief but could only resort to drinking one bottle after another.

Previously abstinent from alcohol, he was now drunkenly intoxicated every day.

Fortunately, he never made a scene when drunk, instead, he would grasp Tang Xun’s hand, weep, and then fall into a deep sleep.

This evening.

Once again, drunkenly intoxicated, he returned, grasping Tang Xun’s hand tightly and continued to weep.

"I never imagined that coming back from afar would mean attending my father’s funeral!"

"Xunxun, tell me... am I too much of a fool!"

"I am full of knowledge, I have a high position, I have countless silver at my disposal, yet my father died in poverty and despair! I regret it so much!"

The bonds of blood, steeped in familial love, are impossible to change.

No matter how much hatred, sadness, or disappointment there once was.

Once family members awaken and sincerely apologize, they will still forgive each other.

This scenario is likely the same for anyone.

And in this world, if there is something more regrettable than ’when a child wants to care for their parents but they are no longer there,’ it is probably ’when a child could have provided care but didn’t.’

Seeing him, a man of staunch resilience, weeping with utter helplessness, Tang Xun’s heart shattered.

She used a handkerchief to wipe as she softly consoled him.

"No!"

"You have done well!"

"Father passed away peacefully. He even said... he saw mother coming to receive him, and one could assume they were a loving couple and could continue their love underground!"

"Indeed!"

Xia Jingfeng suddenly stopped crying.

"I wonder if mother can forgive father, but sister is there too, she might also mediate a little!"

After saying this, he suddenly realized.

Back then, a family of four, his closest kin, now were all in the Underworld, with only him living in the world above.

He was instantly frightened and felt a little scared.

Not frightened by this fact, but scared of loneliness.

When a person has no relatives left and is alone trudging through life, that kind of bone-deep loneliness is enough to break anyone.

"Husband, stop overthinking!"

"Have a good sleep!"

Tang Xun used a handkerchief to wipe his face, removed his outer garments, and assisted him onto the bed.

Xia Jingfeng initially resisted but eventually fell asleep as usual.

Tang Xun tidied herself up and quietly lay beside him.

Resting her head gently on his shoulder, her gaze showed slight fatigue.

As she pondered in silence, she knew life couldn’t continue like this.

Some matters needed resolving.

Her eyes became slightly sharp, and her mind was set.

"Since... husband is momentarily immersed in sorrow, then I shall handle this matter!"

...

The next day.

Xia Jingfeng went out to drink again.

After seeing him off, Tang Xun went to Lady Wen’s courtyard.

She didn’t beat around the bush and got straight to the point.

"Second Madam, there is something... before we leave, I want to settle for my husband!"

Lady Wen knew what she was referring to and sighed softly.

"I know Jingfeng harbors resentment in his heart, and I know you won’t let Xia Weifeng and his wife off!"

"But I want to say... if the old master were here, he definitely wouldn’t want to see his sons turning against each other!"

Tang Xun’s emotions were somewhat agitated.

"Even if his youngest son drove him to death?"

"How is that reasonable, could father be so magnanimous? He was beaten severely by his son and died at his hands."

"Would he truly not hold any grudges?"

Lady Wen chuckled bitterly.

"When the old master was alive, he didn’t resist or tell me!"

"He kept all this hidden, simply fearing I’d find out and complain to you!"

"I’ve been with him all my life. I understand his thoughts too well!"

"He must’ve believed all this was his fault, a punishment he deserved!"

"You’re right. Even if he died at the hands of his son, he wouldn’t want them turning against each other!"

Tang Xun pursed her lips.

Even though she knew she needed to be filial, even though she knew she shouldn’t speak rashly, she couldn’t understand Lady Wen’s thoughts.

"Enough!"

Lady Wen held her hand.

"Don’t worry about this matter!"

"Jingfeng must have already decided!"

"Ultimately, the death penalty can be avoided, but the living punishment can’t escape!"

Don’t forget, the current emperor is the old master’s grandson, even if everyone won’t admit it, that is a real blood relation.

"Alright!"

Tang Xun resignedly stood up and left.

She indeed never revisited the matter afterward.

...

After the first month, Xia Jingfeng’s mood gradually calmed down.

After quitting drinking, the first thing he did was summon Xia Weifeng and his wife, making them kneel before the old master’s plaque in the ancestral hall.

The light in the ancestral hall was dim.

The old tables and chairs, long in disrepair, were partly broken, the bronze Incense Burner was layered with a thick layer of ash, and the offerings on the table were all empty.

Even the air was filled with the smell of dust and mildew, and the ancestors’ plaques and portraits were covered in dust.

This was utter disrespect to the ancestors, Xia Jingfeng was so furious he turned his back, unwilling to see anything.

Xia Weifeng and Lady Jin were somewhat bewildered.

Facing the Governor General, Lady Jin felt somewhat timid.

She knelt weakly and said softly.

"Second Brother..."

Xia Jingfeng, enraged, picked up a candleholder and hurled it, crying out in fury.

"What are you to call me Second Brother?"

A mere shameless widow, he would never acknowledge such a sister-in-law.

After half a month’s investigation, he found that the matters weren’t entirely Xia Weifeng’s ideas but Lady Jin’s.

Xia Weifeng wasn’t smart; many of his actions were instigated by this Lady Jin.

If not for Lady Jin, at most Xia Weifeng would threaten a few times without taking action, it was all this Lady Jin!

The candleholder missed, landing with a clang.

Lady Jin was scared out of her wits.

"My... my lord! Please calm down!"

"We have committed many wrongs. We admit our guilt. You can punish us, but please don’t harm your health!"