Chapter 1417: Chapter 1417: Anniversary of Death (3)
As May arrived, the weather became even hotter, but in this era, the environment was lush with greenery and filled with trees everywhere; thus, even the heat was never suffocating like the future surroundings of tall buildings and car exhausts. Especially in those large estates, where trees mingled with water, the heat was not unbearable.
The day before the Dragon Boat Festival was the memorial day for Dong Xiangshi, so the Dong Family began their preparations. As they had found their daughter this year, the ritual was particularly grand, with various paper effigies and paper horses being made, along with plenty of gold and silver ingots.
Dong Wenxiu had embroidered scriptures before and had offered them in front of the Bodhisattva, but she felt that it was still not enough; thus, she personally made clothes, hats, shoes, and socks, ready to be burned for her mother during the grave visit.
The ancestral grave of the Dong Family was located halfway up a hill behind West Lake; it was constructed as a double grave, awaiting the day when Dong Xun and his wife could be buried together after he passed away.
This was the first time Dong Wenxiu was going to her motherâs grave, so she was dressed in heavy mourning garments as if she were attending Dongâs funeral.
Many members of the Dong Family also ascended the hill.
âRongrong,â Dong Xun knelt in front of his late wifeâs grave, tears streaming down his face, âWe have found our Wenxiu, now you can rest in peace⊠I will live just a few more years and take care of our daughter for youâŠâ
Dong Wenxiu had already collapsed in tears in front of the grave.
Yang Ruxin also felt sad, but it was just sadness; she couldnât grieve as deeply as Dong Wenxiu. Perhaps because Yang Baiyue and Dong Ruoqiu were also at the grave today, she inexplicably dared not relax.
Although Yang Baiyue had recovered fairly well, his right hand was completely disabled, and he turned somewhat gloomy. Despite being silent throughout, the occasional glances he cast were chilling to the bone.
Fortunately, he just glared and did no other excessive actions, even the members of the Dong Yun family branch, who previously had grievances with Yang Ruxin, behaved properly.
Only Dong Wenjiang occasionally shot glances at Yang Ruxin but kept his distance, evidently wary.
Yang Ruxin couldnât be bothered with him; her principle had always been to not offend others unless offended. But if someone dared to provoke her, they should be ready for her retaliation.
There were no disturbances, so the entire grave-visiting process was very calm.
Before noon, everyone descended the mountain and did not have a communal meal but returned to their respective homes.
Though exhausted, Dong Wenxiu still had a simple lunch with Dong Xun before returning to Jinxiu Courtyard. Even though she felt tired, she couldnât sleep at all.
In the back garden of the Dong Residence, there was a Lotus Pond, whose waters connected to those of West Lake. With trees and a pavilion by the river, it was very comfortable.
Dong Wenxiu liked sitting there.
âYou donât need to stay by my side all the time, go and have fun on your ownâŠâ Dong Wenxiu glanced at Zaochun and Yang Miao, âThis is our home, it is safe here.â
âThen we will pick some lotus flowers to make lotus seed porridge,â Zaochun suggested.
âSure,â Dong Wenxiu nodded. âWe can make lotus porridge and lotus cakes, but be careful, donât fall into the waterâŠâ
The two maids had just left the pavilion when footsteps were heard from behind.
Dong Wenxiu didnât pay much attention, thinking it might be a servant moving around, and continued to lean against the railing, enjoying the cool breeze.
But the person behind approached the pavilion and then stood in front of her.