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Chapter 707: Chapter 707: Funeral Ends
Over these years, everyone knew of Lin Fengying’s disgrace, but out of respect for her as an elder, as their mother, no one bluntly brought up the matter between her and Si Weimin. At the last moment of her life, all Lin Fengying cared were her children with Si Weimin, and Si Weimin himself, without a thought for her own children and grandchildren.
Their years of treating Lin Fengying to good food and drinks seemed to have all become a joke.
Si Boyi couldn’t hold it in anymore and said: "We’ve come to this point, and you’re still hung up on Si Weimin, Mom, don’t you think the person you’ve wronged the most is my dad? Do you have no face to see him even in death?"
His father worked in Kyoto for the sake of the family, sending his wages home as soon as he received them, making them the most affluent family in the village.
Before his dad discovered the affair between his mom and Si Weimin, their family was very happy; his mom was envied by everyone in the village. Although his dad spent less time with them due to work, it was already hard enough to live comfortably in that era.
Wanting money and companionship at the same time, is that even possible?
Who wants to leave their hometown if not for livelihood?
Seeing his mom still unrepentant and not remembering his dad even on her deathbed, he felt sorry for his dad.
Upon hearing Si Boyi’s words, tears streamed down Lin Fengying’s eyes, "Boyi, I’m sorry for what I did to your dad. I was shameless back then. However, you have no idea how desolate it felt for a woman to stay at home, struggling with kids without anyone caring, if it weren’t for Weimin, how could I have raised three of you alone?"
Before Si Boyi could respond, Si Chen cut in coldly: "If not for him, you wouldn’t have the three children then?"
Everyone present understood the meaning behind his words, especially Si Xiaohui who, feared having her identity dragged into the open and quickly interrupted.
"My elder brothers, at this stage, are you still going to quarrel and upset Mom?"
Turning to Lin Fengying, she complained tearfully: "Mom, I can barely support myself, let alone visit him. Besides, if it wasn’t for him, my husband would not have met with misfortune. I am in this state because of him too. I was just being difficult and didn’t really want to divorce him."
Honestly, Si Xiaohui really regretted her actions these past two years. Reflecting on the past, she realized those times weren’t bad at all.
It was all Si Weimin’s fault, if not for him, she wouldn’t have been blinded by wealth. Now, she was living like a ghost, without somewhere to belong.
Si Weimin always promised he would open a store for her, but it never happened. If it had opened sooner, she wouldn’t be in this state now.
The more she thought, the more miserable she felt. Si Xiaohui really did not want to visit Si Weimin. She had no place of her own, let alone taking care of Si Weimin.
Hearing Si Xiaohui’s complaints, Tong Yao snorted coldly. Clearly, it was she who burned her own bridges, but she kept blaming others without reflecting on her actions. No matter how much help she received, it was useless with her mentality.
Si Xiaohui was like a venomous snake, always ready to strike at those who treated her well.
"Huihui, how can you blame him? He truly cared for you. If you don’t visit him, no one in this world will care for him..."
Perhaps it was due to her emotional outburst, Lin Fengying’s condition suddenly worsened. She seemed on the brink of taking her last breath, but her hand tightly gripped Si Xiaohui’s, scaring her.
"Mom, don’t hold me like that, I’m scared."
No sooner had she managed to pull away, than Lin Fengying closed her eyes. Si Xiaohui was terrified, and looked at a stone-faced Si Chen in horror.
"Big brother, did Mom just die?"
Si Chen glanced at her coldly, went over to check on Lin Fengying, but did not say anything. Instead, he walked over to Tong Yao and had her sit down and rest for a while.
Lin Fengying did not die. She was just worn out and fell asleep again, not drawing her last breath until the next morning.
Si Xiaohui was scared to be with Lin Fengying’s body overnight, fearing she would suddenly die, so she spent the night sleeping away from the bed.
The next morning, Si Chen arranged for a vehicle to transport Lin Fengying’s body back to their countryside home. In this era, cremation wasn’t a common practice. The village head and the elderly villagers helped with the funeral arrangements, while Si Boyi and Si Chen were kept busy. 𝓃𝓸𝓿𝓹𝓾𝓫.𝓬ℴ𝓶
Tong Yao, however, wasn’t so busy and, in accordance with village customs, was kneeling in front of the casket on vigil.
When Gu Hongwei heard the news of Lin Fengying’s death, he hurried back overnight with Guo Jinnian, who was yet to have his stitches removed.
Everyone assumed Si Chen and Si Boyi would host a grand funeral for Lin Fengying. However, to everyone’s surprise, they chose to keep it simple, similar to usual funerals in the village. They didn’t even hire a band. By the third day, they buried Lin Fengying.
Some people couldn’t understand this, but those who knew the inside story understood.
Over these years, even though the brothers did not take care of Lin Fengying at home, they had hired a nanny to ensure she was comfortable. The older folks in the village often praised Lin Fengying for her good fortune.
She had done nothing good when young, yet enjoyed a blessed life in old age, all thanks to her capable sons.
After the funeral, Gu Hongwei sent Tong Yaohui and the children to Kyoto, while Tong Yao and Si Chen stayed back, planning to leave after observing the seventh-day mourning rites.
Guo Jinnian did not want to return to Kyoto, and insisted on having her stitches removed here. Gu Hongwei couldn’t argue with her and agreed.
Si Xiaohui lingered in the village, planning to stay until after the seventh-day memorial. Her elder brothers wouldn’t drive her away before then.
The villagers were cautious of her brothers and didn’t dare to gossip about her. They still greeted her warmly when they met, which delighted Si Xiaohui.
After taking everyone to Kyoto, Gu Hongwei returned overnight. This time he came back to discuss the road construction plans for their hometown with Si Chen and Tong Yao. The news delighted the senior officials of Li City.
They were pleased that scholars from poor families who had made fortunes and become big shots didn’t forget about the development of their hometown, but instead planned to build roads. This was good news.
In the days following, taking advantage of their free time, Gu Hongwei and Si Chen were busy traveling between the city and the village. Tong Yao stayed at home helping Zhang Lijuan with the children, while Si Xiaohui spent every day wandering around the village. However, she never stepped out whenever Gu Hongwei was home.
Knowing that Guo Jinnian was Gu Hongwei’s fiancée, Si Xiaohui made her feelings clear every time she spoke with her.
One day, when Tong Yao was out, Guo Jinnian was watching TV in the living room. Si Xiaohui sat down next to her, gave her a sidelong glance and asked: "Where are you from and how did you get hooked up with Brother Hongwei?"
Upon hearing Si Xiaohui’s offensive words, Guo Jinnian retorted indifferently, "Are you checking my background?"
