The guard went forward and picked up a extinguished torch from the ground. He shook it open with his hand. As expected, it was a half-burnt shirt. He asked the young miss how to deal with it.
Lin Ming took the half of the clothes. The ashes in her hand were still warm. She bowed to everyone and said,"The people are suffering from disasters and the Imperial Court is providing relief. Although Uncle has worked hard, everyone remembers Uncle's intentions and has come all the way here today. If my uncle knows about this, he will definitely be grateful and shed tears. However, no one knew that his uncle had previously instructed that everything would be simple after his death and that he must not disturb the people. Therefore, the family had stopped mourning for five days and had been escorted back to their hometown by their relatives today.”
"We came to pay our respects and didn't dare to delay on the way. Master Lin has done us a great favor, so we have to send him off. I wonder where Master Lin is going back to. It's good for us to light some incense and send some wax to his tomb.”
Everyone expressed that this year's disaster was a huge favor to everyone. Such a great benefactor, a great official was gone. No matter what, they had to send him off and thank him. At that moment, everyone talked about the place where they had a chance at survival. They all felt sentimental and cried loudly again.
Lin Ming was thinking about how to persuade everyone to go back when suddenly the guard whispered to report that the angel had been alerted. The angel did not know what was going on and insisted on rushing over to take a look. Lin Ming handed the knife to the guard and told everyone to put away their knives. He added," The Lin family is grateful for everyone's kindness. However, it's spring now, and it's the time to plant mulberry and grain. After the disaster, everything has to be done. Uncle often said that the people's safety is the country's security, and the country's security is his long-cherished wish. Uncle has passed away, and everyone has already expressed their deep friendship by coming to the Lin manor. If we send it to the village tomb again, even if we burn incense and pray, I'm afraid it will delay the spring ploughing. It's not Uncle's wish.”
When everyone heard this, they wiped their tears speechlessly and nodded. The old man in the lead said," Master Lin is always concerned about the food and clothing of the common people. Old man, old man," he said and kowtowed a few times on the ground." I don't know how to thank such parents. I only wish I could exchange my life for Master Lin!"”
Lin Ming quickly helped the old man up and said,""Uncle, quickly get up. Uncle definitely can't bear to see uncle like this.”He then said loudly," The Lin family is grateful for everyone's friendship. Everyone, you must not give this spirit away anymore. Otherwise, it will delay the spring ploughing.”
The old man wiped away his tears and said," But, Duke Lin treats us so well. He always thinks for us. We, we, Duke Lin, you have to let us kowtow in front of Duke Lin's spirit no matter what. That's good, that's good."
"Alas," said Lin Ming,"I don't know how to express my feelings for you. Since everyone insisted on seeing Uncle off, they could only invite the memorial tablet to come out. Everyone bowed on the long street. Uncle must know.”After saying that, he bowed to the crowd again and turned back to the spiritual altar. The remaining servants and guards held the lanterns of the Lin Manor and waited with the crowd.
Lin Ming went back and changed into a set of mourning clothes for Daiyu. At the same time, he ordered the kitchen to prepare a big pot of rice porridge and steamed buns to be moved to the back door for these people who came from afar. Also, the snacks and cakes used to receive guests and worship were stored in Nai. They were wrapped in paper and asked them to bring them back as dry rations when they returned.
A three-foot-wide spiritual altar was placed on the street. On it were the memorial tablets and the two largest white candles. In front of the memorial tablets was only a large copper furnace with incense sticks. No offerings were used. Only four white banners were used and they were placed on the walls on both sides.
An old uncle of the Lin Manor was invited over and stood at the side to greet him. The group of a dozen or so people came from different places and bowed. The elder or the leader of the group came to offer incense. Lin Ming bowed in front of the spirit. This formation stretched from the Lin Manor's entrance to the street, and the angel who delivered the decree couldn't help but exclaim in admiration.
The cries and prayers alerted the neighbors and the officials who were patrolling the city. Those who came came offered incense again. There were also refugees who arrived one after another. Although there was no sound of drums or funeral music, the momentum of this funeral was not weak. The old uncle shouted for 25 minutes, but he couldn't shout anymore. He asked another elder in the clan to take his place, and then another elder took his place. Finally, Lin Ming bowed and returned the greeting.
Because people came one after another, the funeral lasted until dawn. The angel accompanied him for the whole night. At the end, she was so excited that she said she wanted to leave when the sky was slightly bright. Lin Ming saw the tears in the corner of his eyes and didn't waste any time. He prepared a small bag of dry food like the one he gave everyone yesterday and sent it out of the mansion.
Lin Ming put away his spiritual altar, changed his clothes, ate a bowl of porridge, and went to sleep. At first, he thought that the refugees were gathering for the rebellion, but now that he knew that it was not, he was finally relieved. This sleep was dark and sweet until he woke up to see the gentle sunlight outside the window. Time was good, and his mood was extremely comfortable.
The servant girl came to wash up and said that Mr. Zhao had returned. She asked the girl to meet him after dinner.
Lin Mingzheng washed his hands and said with a smile," The disaster relief matter is so troublesome. I was worried that Mr. Zhao would be too busy. It would be hard to see him again when we return to the capital. I didn't expect him to rush over." Why didn't you call me earlier when you came back? I've been neglecting you for a long time.”
The servant girl pouted and handed over a handkerchief to wipe her hands." Young Lady has been so busy these days and hasn't had a proper sleep for several days and nights. She was so tired last night and finally managed to get a good sleep. Who would dare to call her?" Besides, Mr. Zhao reeked of alcohol. It would be best if he went to wash up.”
"Has Sir offered incense to Old Master?”
The servant girl said," There is a need to offer incense. The clan master who is in charge of receiving the guests asked the young lady to stand up and greet them. Mr. Zhao said,'I have worked for Lin Gong for many years, and I have lived in this residence for a few years. I am considered a member of this residence. If I offer incense in front of Lin Gong's spirit, why would I need to greet him?'So he went to offer incense himself and told us that the girl was tired and did not need to report. The manager had shown them the food, so they were probably eating at the moment.”
Lin Ming nodded and asked again,"Is the lady back yet?"”
The servant girl knew that she was asking about Daiyu, so she said that she hadn't yet. However, the outpost had just returned and said that in about two or three hours, the girl should arrive.
"Two to three hours. Go and call the steward. Tell him that Young Lady doesn't need to come to the residence when she comes back. Tell him to wait at the dock. When Young Lady arrives, change the ship and head to the capital. If you don't follow the servants to the capital, go to the clan master. I've already told him to arrange for you to be a servant in the clan.”
The servant girl said,"I'm afraid it's not convenient if I don't come back. I have to change my clothes before I can go to the capital."”
Lin Ming said," The manor is empty. If I come back to see her, I will make her sad. Moreover, there are many people who have come to attend the funeral. I don't know how many people have come in the past four hours. I'm afraid her body can't take it if she has to pay her respects. It's better to call the clan to take over immediately. The clan will know to agree." Tell the servants to send the clothes that the young lady has changed into to the pier. It is the same for her to change on the way. In addition, prepare some food for the journey and send it over.”
After Lin Ming made the arrangements, he went to meet Zhao Fusheng. Zhao Fusheng was in the small hall where he received guests every day. He had already washed up and changed into plain clothes. He sat there with a cup of tea in his hand and did not drink it. Lin Ming had come. Even though the girl had called out, he had not noticed that half of his soul had left him.
Ever since the two of them took over the disaster relief work, whether it was through the government, persuading merchants to donate, or coordinating with various parties, they had been at a loss. There were also times when they racked their brains. It was normal for them to be busy and not have time to eat or sleep. Even so, although their bodies were not as strong as ordinary people, not even as strong as Lin Ming's daughter, Zhao Fusheng, this old Lianpo, was still glowing with health and moved with vigor. Unlike today, where he looked dejected.
"Mr. Zhao?"
"Ah, Second Young Lady is here." Zhao Fusheng came back to his senses and stood up to greet Lin Ming. Lin Ming also returned his greeting. The two of them chatted for a while before giving up their seats.
Zhao Fusheng raised his cup to drink tea, but he didn't drink it. He suddenly sighed and said,""Sigh, the world is really unpredictable."
"Hmm? What do you mean?"
"Oh." Zhao Fusheng said," I mean, I've been working for the Lin Family for many years, and we have a tacit understanding of each other. Who would have thought that it would happen in the blink of an eye? Sigh!" This place is prosperous, but being an official is also the most difficult. Everyone only thinks that we are in charge of a rich city. Everyone is scheming with money in their eyes. Not to mention that the people hate us for not having the conscience of their parents, I'm afraid that even the Emperor will suspect us.”He suddenly asked,"I heard that His Majesty has sent an angel to comfort Master Lin. Has the angel arrived at your residence?" On the way, I heard that some commoners are coming to pay their respects to Lord Lin. If we can keep the angel for two days and send it to the Emperor, then Lord Lin's painstaking efforts will not be in vain.”
Lin Ming couldn't help but feel strange." The angel arrived yesterday and left this morning." I was just thinking, even if His Majesty had bestowed me with the honor of mourning, why was the angel so careful and secretive? I didn't even hear a word about him before he arrived at the door.”
Zhao Fusheng nodded." I didn't plan to tell you this, but since you've asked, I might as well tell you. I can also vent the frustrations in my heart."”
"Please teach me, Mister," Lin Ming said.
Zhao Fusheng couldn't help but sigh when he heard the word 'teach'. Finally, he said," We civil officials are not the same as the generals of this dynasty, especially the officials who are the lifeline of money and food. How can the Emperor not suspect us?"”You've seen it before. There's the Zhang family as an example, and your father and brother as an example. Could it be that he had made a big fuss and had been holding high the imperial edict along the way? If it was something else, how could it be a blessing?”
"Duke Lin is a high-ranking official of the Salt Administration, he has no children, and he is also the Emperor. This is the time when the Imperial Court is in need of money the most.”
"Although I can see it clearly, I don't know if it's the best way to deal with it."”Hence, he told her everything that had happened in the past two days, especially the matters concerning the angels. He didn't mention any details. "After that, I asked the servants and heard what they had heard. They said that the angel was quite touched and that the residence was too light.”
"This should be a suitable response. What are you thinking about?" asked Zhao Fusheng.”
Lin Ming thought for a moment and finally said," Sir, you and uncle know each other very well. Do you know what uncle is most worried about other than political affairs?"”
" What else?" Zhao Fusheng said." As parents, they naturally have children and descendants." Especially Master Lin, he often heard him say that his daughter had a disease in her womb. Her body was weak and her personality was weak.”
"Not bad," Lin Ming said. The person that uncle misses the most is Dai Yu. He had entrusted her with many things in front of him, only asking for her to be more comprehensive.”
Zhao Fusheng sighed." Although she is a daughter of a noble family and the daughter of the Marquis 'Residence, she is still a girl. Her parents have passed away, and her family is not strong. It is also a good idea to entrust her to her grandmother's family. The Jia Residence is also considered a noble family, so it is a safe place to go."”
Lin Ming said," A girl can't stand on her own feet. Her uncle has passed away, and she doesn't have many places to go. It's naturally safe for her to join the Jia family. However, I think that if the Emperor takes away the Lin family's assets, he has to appease her. She's an orphan. How can the Emperor make up for it? There was an old rule in the previous dynasty. Governor Fan Yong was assassinated and died. The emperor and queen comforted his orphan daughter and granted her the title of county lord. If Daiyu had a food city, she could stay in the clan or go to the Jia residence.”
"How can the title of county head be so easy to obtain?" Zhao Fusheng asked. Don't think too much. I think you haven't read Ono's history book and don't know the inside story. Fan Yong was originally the study companion of the previous emperor. Their relationship was unusual. Fan Yong gave birth to a daughter who was beautiful and unique. The previous emperor had seen her long ago and wanted to take her in. However, the empress didn't allow it and gave her the title of county head from afar instead of returning to the capital.”
"Let's not talk about it. He only said that Duke Lin was loyal and upright, and the Emperor was suspicious of him. Why would he give his orphan the title of county head for no reason?”Zhao Fusheng laughed." Unless there's another disaster somewhere and you go to town again, His Majesty has to reward you. He doesn't want to give a woman an official position either. Naturally, he will use the excuse of comforting his orphans to reward her."”
Zhao Fusheng suddenly said," I heard that Concubine Jia had a miscarriage just a month after she got pregnant. The Jia family is not in such a bad state?"”
Lin Ming said," I can't say that it's declining. It's just that they're too focused on money. The official positions in the clan are somewhat lacking."”
This book comes from：m.funovel.com。