Four hundred and thirtieth chapters return of the soul
People, when they get older, are afraid of being alone, especially when they are surrounded by children and grandchildren but none of them are around. The feeling of emptiness and loneliness is difficult for ordinary people to understand.
Ji Yun was extremely happy for Yunjing's arrival, and the smile on her face never stopped. She had always treated Yunjing as her own son. This time, she was asking about Yunjing's welfare and was concerned about the study abroad situation.
Yunjing's care can be described as meticulous.
In the past, when I was at home, Yun Jing would come to stay with his wife every few days. He went on a study tour some time ago and hasn't been here for a few months.
While chatting with his wife, he also said something cheerful to make her happy.
Manager Zhao, who ordered his servants to serve tea and snacks, left quietly. Seeing Ji Yun and Yun Jing talking and laughing, he felt somewhat emotional.
As Li Qiu's housekeeper, Manager Zhao knows the situation of this family very well. The young lady married out of town in her early years and rarely comes back. The two young masters are dedicated to learning and go out to study all the year round. For several years, they never came back for the annual festival. In recent years, Li Qiu
He also went out to become an official, leaving Ji Yun alone at home...
Although there is a big family, Ji Yun is often alone. On the contrary, Yun Jing, a disciple, often comes over, which makes Ji Yun always have a smile on her face. Otherwise, Ji Yun may have heart problems.
He understood the feelings between the old lady and Yun Jing. After Manager Zhao left, he immediately ordered his servants to prepare the ingredients. Yun Jing would definitely stay for dinner, and Ji Yun would cook the food himself. This kind of treatment was only Yun Jing's.
Jing and Li Qiu's children can enjoy it, but Li Qiu himself rarely gets to eat food cooked by Ji Yun himself.
"As long as you have a safe journey, it's good to be safe. I just hope that you children will be healthy. If you can, stay away from fighting, killing, etc. If you bump into each other, it will be very distressing." Listen
After Yunjing talked about his experiences on the study tour, Ji Yun patted his hand and expressed concern.
Yunjing only talked about the fun and happiness along the way, and didn't mention anything about the killings. He knew that if he did, he would only worry his wife, but would not get her praise for his ability.
Peace and health, these are the elders' biggest hopes for the younger generation. How great the ability is, how many people have been killed, and how much evil is done, these are not what the elders want to see.
"Don't worry, Mistress, Jing'er is fine. I never cause trouble when I go out, and I won't get involved if there is any excitement." Yun Jing said with a smile, trying to say some soothing words so as not to bring worries to the elders.
Nodding happily, Ji Yun said: "That's how it should be. Jing'er, you have been sensible since you were a child, which makes people worry-free. Unlike your two senior brothers, who think about how to be limelight all day long and don't know how much to worry about."
"Senior brother, they also want to stand out and earn face for you, my junior wife." Yunjing tried his best to say nice things.
Ji Yun smiled and said melancholy: "Hey, when the child grows up, he can't help but become a mother. By the way, your senior brother and the others wrote a letter a few days ago saying that they will come back for the annual festival this year. When the time comes, Jing'er, you can come over and get close to them.
We are all a family. We stay together less and apart more often. Don’t get too separated. We will take care of each other if anything happens in the future."
"Okay, Senior Wife, Jing'er will definitely come over when the time comes. I haven't seen Senior Brother and the others for a while. I just want to ask them some questions about knowledge."
"That's right, study more and learn more, don't think about practicing martial arts and killing. For this person, safety is the most important. Being brave and fighting will not last long. Okay, Jing'er, are you hungry? Master's wife
I’m going to cook for you and make your favorite fried pork with winter bamboo shoots. By the way, you’ve had it orally today, Jing’er. Some time ago, your senior brother sent two ice fish as a gift. These are rare things and they’re so delicious.
tight"
"Master Wife, I'm going to help you light the fire and talk to you by the way."
"Jing'er is so sensible, let's go, let's cook together..."
The ice fish Ji Yun mentioned is really a delicious and rare food. It is only one foot long and its whole body is almost transparent. It looks like it is made of ice, hence the name ice fish. In many cases, you cannot buy this thing even if you have money.
I know where Yunjing’s senior brother got it.
When the servants were catching the ice fish that had been fed in the water tank, the ice fish jumped up and slapped it on the face. This reminded Yun Jing of the lyrics, and the cold ice fish slapped the face randomly...
After a sumptuous lunch at his wife's house, Yunjing was quite stuffed. The more he ate, the happier Ji Yun became.
After sitting for a while after the meal, it was getting late. Yunjing said goodbye. Ji Yun didn't hold back too much. He just asked him to come and have a look when he had time. Treat this place as his own home and don't see anyone else. Yunjing naturally agreed.
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When Yunjing left, Ji Yun also gave him two sets of clothes that she had sewn by herself. They were made when she had nothing to do. As an elder, she always cares about the younger generation no matter what.
She personally walked Yunjing to the door. When Yunjing's figure disappeared at the corner of the street, Ji Yun withdrew her gaze and returned to the house. The house was deserted again, but she became happy again when she thought that her children would be back soon.
After having some free time, Ji Yun had time to look at the things Yun Jing had brought, and found that they were all very practical. She couldn't help but smile on her face, secretly thinking that Jing'er was also interested. At the same time, Ji Yun felt that when Li Qiu accepted Yun Jing's
This apprentice is simply the most correct thing he has done in his life...
Yunjing left his master's home, turned the corner, and met a middle-aged man in gray clothes. This man was one of the four late-stage innate masters that Yunjing had noticed before.
The other party was not looking for trouble, but took the lead and apologized: "Master Yun, we were sent by Mr. Li to protect Mrs. Li. I met Master Yun before, so I paid attention to it. I hope you will forgive me for any offence."
While talking, the other party also showed his military badge to identify himself, so that Yunjing would not misunderstand him.
Knowing their identities, Yunjing naturally didn't think too much about it and said politely: "It doesn't matter, you are also responsible. Please pay more attention to the safety of my wife from now on."
"Master Yun, please don't say that. Madam Li has been very courteous to us during this period, and she will not let Xiao Xiao hurt Madam Li at all," the other party said seriously.
They obviously had a lot of background and spoke very measuredly. They didn't say they were ordered to protect Ji Yun, but they talked about Ji Yun's attitude towards them. It was very comfortable to hear. What is the difference between mission protection and sincere protection?
of.
He had no intention of inquiring into their origins. It was enough to know that they came sincerely to protect his wife. After a few pleasantries, Yunjing separated from them and left.
"This Master Li's apprentice is not simple. I met him before, and after just one glance, I felt an inexplicable light on my back. I really don't know what ability he has at such a young age to bring such a strong feeling to me.
Sense of crisis, Master Li is highly valued by His Majesty, and Master Li’s disciple is no ordinary figure..." After seeing Yun Jing leave, the man couldn't help but secretly thought.
He really couldn't figure out why Yunjing could bring him such a strong sense of crisis. He must know that with his ability, even a character who has just entered the true artistic conception can deal with it, otherwise he would not be entrusted by Li Qiu.
The important task has come to protect the family.
Walking on the streets of Niujiao Town, it was getting late today, and Yunjing did not intend to go to Wang Bolin and the others to reminisce about the past. We would wait for another day, so he headed to the small courtyard in the suburbs to take his things home.
However, when passing by a blacksmith shop, Yunjing turned in, spent some money, described his requirements to the blacksmith, and asked him to help build a stove. There was no reason why his family should not enjoy this winter weapon.
Although things like stoves and cloudscapes have been popularized in the north since their creation, it took too short a time to spread to the south.
After thinking about it, Yunjing felt that one was not enough, so he simply asked the blacksmith to make a few more. If his family needed one, his wife would also have to arrange one, and then the teachers who took good care of him in the school would also arrange one. Anyway, it is not bad now.
Money should be used to honor the elders. In fact, it is not expensive, but it is still a thoughtful thing.
In this way, Yunjing almost took care of all the work of the blacksmith shop for a long time. The labor and material costs, all added up, the stove that Yunjing needs to build will cost more than a hundred taels of silver. Mainly
Iron is expensive, and metals in this era are not as abundant as in Yunjing's previous life.
After paying one-third of the deposit, the owner of the blacksmith shop got the money, but his eyes turned red instantly and he burst into tears.
Yunjing couldn't handle this and asked him why he was crying.
The boss was a forty-year-old man, with a stooped back from years of hard work. His clothes were patched layer by layer. He choked with red eyes and said, "I want you to know that my father also made a living by making iron ten years ago. In order to make more money,
To make money, I worked around the stove day and night. When I was exhausted, I accidentally fell into the stove. Although I was rescued, my hand tendons were burned out and I could no longer swing a hammer, especially for treatment.
My father spent a lot of money on his burns and owed a large debt, which has not yet been repaid. Today, the young master came to order a stove. With this money, he can repay the unpaid debt. It has been ten years.
, I was finally able to pay off the debt I had carried for ten years. I felt relieved and cried with joy, which actually made the young master laugh."
Hearing what he said, Yunjing felt sad in his heart. There are always people who are burdened with hardships in the world. Ten years of debts have weighed on them. Once they are relieved, Yunjing feels that sense of relief. Even though Yunjing cannot empathize with him, he understands it.
This feeling is so difficult for myself.
Feeling in his heart, Yun Jing said: "Uncle, if that's the case, don't be busy today. I'm not in a hurry anyway. You can go and pay off the debt first, and then buy two ounces of wine to celebrate and let out all the depression over the years."
"
"As it is, then... this young master, I will go first. Don't worry, I will help you build what you want as soon as possible, using the best materials I have." The blacksmith said gratefully with red eyes, and then also
He couldn't care about so much anymore and immediately went out to pay off his debt. He almost fell down when he went out, but his steps were very brisk, like a child jumping happily.
This scene reminded Yun Jing of a sentence he often heard in his previous life. Many people were saying, when I pay off my debt, I must be happy and joyful without any scruples. Maybe, those people
What he is talking about is probably the situation of the blacksmith at this time.
There are so many people in this world who are burdened with so much pressure that it makes them breathless and almost collapses. How many people can achieve true freedom?
He helped the blacksmith cover the fire and closed the door for him, and then Yunjing left.
"He must be very happy at this time. He is so happy that he forgets about his home and safety risks. From now on, there is one less person in the world who is burdened with pressure..."
Returning to the small courtyard in the suburbs, Yunjing told Song Yan to keep everything as usual, and then took the cloth he bought and the things he sent back, and disappeared into the sky under Song Yan's dumbfounded gaze.
"The young master actually... can fly. This is not Qinggong, but the ability to fly. This..." Song Yan stared at the horizon with wide eyes for a while without regaining consciousness. It can be imagined that Yun Jing's actions had a negative impact on him.
What a huge shock to my heart.
He simply couldn't imagine how capable Yun Jing was, that he could actually do things under the hands of such a person. Song Yan suddenly felt that the burden on his shoulders was getting heavier. After all, every move he made was related to Yun Jing's face.
.
Showing off his ability to fly in front of Song Yan was not because Yun Jing was deliberately showing off or trying to beat him up, but purely out of convenience. As for him knowing that he could fly, Yun Jing didn't care. Given the relationship between the two parties,
He would know it sooner or later, and there was no need for him to hide it. It was not a shameful matter anyway. At the same time, Yunjing also believed that Song Yan was not a big-mouthed person and would not go around shouting.
Flying above the sky, I could see Xiaoxi Village in the distance, but the atmosphere there was not right, because almost all the villagers gathered at the entrance of the village, and the snow-white ground was full of people, among which the clouds
Jing's grandfather Yunlin was at the front of the crowd.
"It's not that something happened in the village, it's about welcoming the children who have gone out to come home..." After a little understanding, Yunjing understood what was going on. While he was relieved, he was not happy at all, and felt extremely depressed.
It fell to the ground in the distance, and then Yunjing took the object and used Qinggong to quickly rush to the entrance of the village.
At the entrance of the village, the current mayor of Niujiao Town came here in person, followed by dozens of government officials, including Wang Shi, whom Yunjing knew.
The atmosphere here is very solemn and solemn. Including the mayor of Niujiao Town, they all have a white cloth tied with flowers tied on their arms. At the same time, more than a dozen government officials and police officers are holding watermelons covered with black cloth.
Large and small porcelain jars, with someone holding a black umbrella beside them.
In front of these people, there were six or seven people standing. Their backs were straight. Some of them needed help to stand firm because they were all disabled, each missing an arm or a leg!
Yun Jing knew the six or seven disabled people standing in front of him. They were the villagers who had gone to Xiaoxi Village for the military conscription. Now they are back, bringing back a body of glory and...disability...
Then, it goes without saying that the porcelain altars held by those police officers must be the ashes of other people who were drafted!
"When I left, I was fine, an upright and strong man, and was already the backbone of the family. But over the years, when I came back, most of them were separated from yin and yang." Seeing this scene, Yun Jing felt very unhappy.
No one said anything in such an occasion, and it was not suitable for Yun Jing to say anything. Yun Lin was handing over the ashes of the soldiers who went to the expedition with the mayor of Niujiao Town. He saw Yun Jing and motioned Yun Jing to come over and stand still.
Obediently passing through the crowd, Yunjing put his things down at his feet and stood behind his grandfather, lowering his eyebrows and waiting quietly.
The villagers in the back were crying uncontrollably. Some cried until their hearts broke, and some cried until they almost fainted. Their children were back. They sent them out reluctantly, but when they returned home, only one child was left.
Holding the cold ashes.
Every soldier who went on an expedition was raised by his mother and father, and they were all the treasures of the family. They were the children of their parents, some were the fathers of their children, and some were husbands whose wives were eagerly looking forward to returning home. But from now on
After that, the yin and yang were separated forever.
Only then did Yun Jing understand that the reason why there were so many people in the town's yamen earlier was because the soldiers who had gone to war far away had returned...
As the village chief, Yun Lin has almost finished the handover with the town mayor. The mayor handed over the soldiers' pensions and some pension lists and suicide notes to Yun Lin, and then said with emotion: "Old village chief, these things, I'll trouble you."
According to the pension list, it is distributed to the families of the soldiers. They are all good men, good men with strong bones. They serve the country and the family. It is because of them that we can live in peace. Now they are back, they are back.
, I won’t bother you anymore. On the day of the soldiers’ funeral, I will bring someone to see them off.”
"Well, to bother the mayor, why don't you go to the village to have a rest and drink some hot water?" Yunlin choked with red eyes. No matter what, you still have to have the proper etiquette.
The mayor shook his head and said: "Forget it today, it's not appropriate. Old village chief, let's go back first. Don't be too sad. After all...hey..."
At this point, the mayor couldn't go on. Whether it was sincere or fake, at least everyone, including him, looked sad.
Holding tightly what the 'children' in the village had paid for with their lives, Yunlin looked forward, looking at the children who were missing arms and legs but still standing upright, looking at the cold urns, there were circles in his eyes
Turning red, he yelled hoarsely with all his strength: "Children, go home, it's cold outside, go home, all of you, kneel down to welcome the children who have gone off to war!"
As soon as he finished speaking, all the villagers in Xiaoxi Village, regardless of age or sex, including Yunlin himself, knelt down in the snow to welcome the soldiers back from the expedition.
This is the highest etiquette for welcoming soldiers who are on an expedition. At this time, in front of the soldiers returning from the expedition, there are no elders. They are all the civilians they are protecting with their lives. As civilians, the soldiers paid the price with their lives. This kneeling, kneeling
It's their contribution.
"We're back"
"We're back"
"We're back……!"
Facing the villagers who greeted them with courtesy, the disabled soldiers at the front looked up to the sky with tears in their eyes and roared three times in a row, helping those who had died to say the words "go home".
After a ceremony, the villagers stood up, and the policemen returned the ashes to the soldiers' families one by one based on the information on the ashes altar. Black umbrellas covered the sky and white snow paved the road. After many years, they returned to their relatives.
Yun Lin roared again in a hoarse voice: "The soul is back, children, go home, go home, it's cold outside, but it's warm at home, go home..."
The sound echoed over the small village, and the villagers were already crying.
Supporting each other, the soldiers' families took their children, their husbands, and their fathers home.
Among the crowd, Yunjing followed the crowd to greet the returning soldiers with a big gift. His eyes were red, and he was a human being. He was not a cold-blooded animal. He knew every one of the villagers who left. But since they left, many of them
People can no longer be seen, and in the future they will only be left with a lonely grave.
How wonderful it would be if there was peace and no war in the world. How many fewer tragedies would happen in the world?
Soon after, white flags were hung in the rooms of more than ten households in Xiaoxi Village. An atmosphere of sadness enveloped everyone's heart. Many families cried heartbrokenly, and many people would never see their relatives again.
Fortunately among the misfortunes, the conditions for conscription at the time were that, except for the elderly and children, those with only one male in the family were not included in the conscription. For those with more males, priority was given to those who were married and had children. Now that something like this has happened, families who are conscripted are also not eligible.
As for the end, a family will not collapse from now on.
When something like this happened, Yunjing put aside his own affairs first, and then went door-to-door with his grandfather to visit, and by the way, he paid the pensions to the soldiers in place.
During this process, Yunjing did some tricks and 'bullied' the villagers into being illiterate, and then used his own money to give an extra twenty taels to each family.
It’s not much, but it’s a heartfelt gift. It’s not that Yunjing can’t give more, but that in this era, as a member of the lower class, having more money is not a good thing. Yunjing doesn’t want his good intentions to harm others.
Twenty taels of silver is enough for these families to buy a cow. They have lost a strong laborer. Buying a cow can also make the family's work easier.
Yunjing was very busy in the next few days. As a scholar, funerals are also rites. He shouldered the task of funerals of soldiers. Of course, he would definitely be too busy alone. The government also expressed its intention and invited some scholars.
There is no need for the families of the deceased soldiers to pay for funerals, and the government has done a good job in this regard.
Yun Jing knew all the scholars invited by the government. After all, Niujiao Town was so big and there were only those scholars. Some of them were Yun Jing's former teachers and even his classmates.
When it comes to studying, not everyone can get a good name and live well. Some people who have studied for many years but cannot get a good name need to find their own way out. They can also support their families by helping others with funerals.
In this world, to be more small, the funerals of the Dali Dynasty are different from those in Yunjing's previous life. After all, there are no professions like monks and Taoists in this world, and those who conduct funerals are all scholars.
The funeral process is very complicated, using many ritual vessels, writing many "documents" to commemorate the souls of the dead and burning them to the deceased, and also chanting many classics that can save the souls of the dead.
Although these processes are complicated, and it is his first time doing this job, Yunjing is very good at it. Even people who have been in this industry for many years can't compare with him. When he was studying, etiquette class was a challenge for any teacher.
There's nothing wrong with it.
Many relatives of the dead soldiers came to chase them away. People came and went, and the atmosphere was depressing and sad.
The funeral lasted for three days. On the day of the burial, the mayor of Niujiao Town kept his promise and came to see the soldiers off.
Since then, there have been more than ten solitary graves on the mountain behind the village.
It didn't snow that day, the weather was fine, and the sky was clear, but many people couldn't stop crying, and the crying never stopped. The cigarette smoke curled up in front of the grave, carrying the longing and reluctance of their loved ones up to the blue clouds, leaving their loved ones behind.