Chapter 1766: Chapter 1704: Rest in Peace
After the memorial rites for Old Lady Mei, it was time for the burial of Madam Zhou.
Originally, Wufu intended to dispel the idea of burying Madam Zhou here. However, after Hua Wushuangâs persistent persuasion, it was agreed that burying Madam Zhou here would be convenient for future ceremonies for Changsheng, ensuring the grave would be tended during festivals and the new year.
Madam Zhou was married and had children. Bearing the Zhou family name instead of Mei, naturally, she couldnât be buried in the Mei Family ancestral tomb, so they chose a lucky spot for burial not far from Old Lady Meiâs tomb.
The urn was buried, the tombstone erected, bearing only birth and death dates. Wufu added an epitaph, leaving a lonely grave standing here.
Unlike the memorial for Old Lady Mei, for Madam Zhou, Wufu personally wiped the tombstone clean with a handkerchief, arranged offerings, lit incense, and burned paper money, not delegating to anyone else.
She reverently knelt in prayer, kowtowing three times, then lifted her gaze to the name on the tombstone.
Mother, burying you here, I donât know if youâll like it, but this place has a good atmosphere, picturesque scenery, so I hope you will.
Mother, thank you. You knew I wasnât your daughter, yet still treated me with care.
Thank you for letting me understand what motherly love is. Although our mother-daughter connection was brief, it filled me with gratitude.
Mother, your life this time was mostly bitter. I wish you smooth and beautiful in your next life, even if not rich, may you have no worries, born into fortune.
Wufu burned one handful of paper money after another, then, with Xiao Changsheng, kowtowed a few times. As the setting sun slanted westwards, this burial ceremony concluded.
She looked at the new grave, sighed deeply. Only now was Madam Zhou truly laid to rest, the funeral finally complete and finished.
After today, she didnât know when sheâd return here to pay respects. Ancient customs emphasize ancestral rites usually attended only by men. Madam Zhou had descendants, so future generations would offer sacrifices.
So, todayâs farewell, who knows when we shall meet again!
Wufu silently recited a few Buddhist chants, then left.
Behind her, the lone grave stood, the white banner gently swaying, bidding farewell, marking the end.
...
Returning to the Mei Residence from the Mei Family ancestral tomb, Wufu met Jiang Yufang and her daughter again. The pitiable little girl, Khor Jun, had grown thinner. Seeing her, Khor Jun blinked, unsure of her thoughts, then turned her eyes aside, timidly glancing at Hua Wushuang, a hint of grievance and resentment in her gaze.
Wufu raised an eyebrow, suspecting: Could she be fond of her uncle?
"Has big brother returned?" Jiang Yufang asked with a smile, "Iâve had them prepare hot water. Big brother, you should wash up, the meal is ready too."
Over these years, Jiang Yufang, while serving as the Mei Residenceâs auntie, treated herself like a master, assisting with managing some affairs as a lady.
Hua Wushuang replied softly, then turned to Wufu, saying warmly: "Youâve worked hard today. Go wash up, weâll dine together tonight, then weâll talk in the study after the meal. Thereâs something I want to discuss with you."
Wufu agreed readily, nodded to the smiling Jiang Yufang and the increasingly aggrieved Khor Jun, and left with her maid.
As she departed, Hua Wushuang also entered the residence.
Jiang Yufang couldnât help but tighten her handkerchief, watching Wufu disappear, feeling somewhat jealous.
The Mei Family ancestral tomb, not just for them, even her father wasnât allowed to be buried there, not even nearby. But sheâd heard that Miss Zhouâs mother was buried not far from Old Madam.
She bit her lip, taking a deep breath, and walked inside.