Chapter 996: 994 Moving the Grave

Words : 1313 Updated : Sep 25th, 2025

Chapter 221 of "The Country Maiden: Fields and Leisure" opens presenting twists: Chapter 996: Chapter 994 Moving the Grave Then, a man dressed in a vermilion official robe... Keep following!

Chapter 996: Chapter 994 Moving the Grave Then, a man dressed in a vermilion official robe emerged from behind the guard; it was Zhu Haoran. He looked at the newly filled grave and waved his hand: “Dig it up—” A few people came out from the guards, each holding a shovel, and began to dig. This was soil that had just been filled back, so they dug easily. In no time, they saw the stone coffin. They spent a bit more effort and directly lifted the stone coffin out. Without needing Zhu Haoran’s command, the guards covered the stone coffin with black cloth, a specially designed carriage quietly stopped at the mountain gate. The coffin was lifted into the specially designed carriage and quickly disappeared along the mountain path under the watch of a group of guards. Zhu Haoran leisurely entered the temple’s main hall, gazed at the deities enshrined inside for a moment, and then a subordinate came to report: “Sir, everyone has been locked in the adjacent room.” Zhu Haoran nodded, followed the subordinate to the room, and inside, the whole temple’s monks and novices were present. The bolder ones showed anger in their eyes, while the timid ones just chanted Amitabha, except for the abbot, whose hands turned the prayer beads faster and faster. The commotion in the temple was entirely unknown to Song Chongjin and his companions. Fearing missing the hour, they rushed to the manor as fast as they could. Since it was a relocation of graves, they were cautious not to cause any conflict. They barely arrived at the foot of the hill when the sun was atop the trees, and the manor was in sight. Yet, they found something amiss. There was only one road up the mountain, and at this moment, the entrance was guarded by several guards. Song Chongjin, Wang Yongzhu, and Old Granny Zhang all halted and exchanged looks. It was still Song Chongjin who adjusted his attire and took a few steps forward, recognizing a somewhat familiar face. Wasn’t that the very guard under Governor Chen, that fellow Zhang Hu, who participated in the Dragon Boat Race on the Festival of Lanterns representing Baiyun Academy? What was he doing here? Does that mean Governor Chen was also here? Zhang Hu also saw Song Chongjin and quickly approached, seeing Song Chongjin in white mourning clothes, he couldn’t say much and just cupped his fists in salute: “Brother Song, our Grand Commandant came today to find Imperial Doctor Du and heard today was the day Brother Song moved the grave of your late aunt, so he came to pay his respects.” Though Song Chongjin didn’t know why Governor Chen came today, seeing the sun rising higher, he couldn’t concern himself with it further and returned the salute: “The official is too kind! Such a small matter is not worth disturbing you.” Zhang Hu looked like a rough man but was quite meticulous. Seeing Song Chongjin was being polite yet showed a hint of urgency in his eyes, and looking at the sky, how could he not understand? He said no more and just stepped aside: “The day is getting late, better not delay the timing. Brother Song, don’t be polite, please—” Song Chongjin gratefully cupped his hands towards Zhang Hu and marched up quickly. Zhang Hu had already made a gesture, and those guards made way. The group said nothing and kept their heads down, going up the mountain. Arriving at the manor’s entrance, the security was even tighter. However, it seemed someone had instructed them, as no one stopped them upon their arrival. In the yard, Imperial Doctor Du was accompanying Governor Chen, looking around and making comments. Hearing the commotion, both turned their heads. Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu quickly paid respects to Governor Chen. Today, Governor Chen, whether by coincidence or intent, was wearing plain clothes. Seeing Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu pay respects, he quickly stopped them, his demeanor quite affable. It was Imperial Doctor Du who asked: “Is everything settled?” Song Chongjin nodded. Imperial Doctor Du glanced at the sun and didn’t waste words: “I think it’s about time, let’s not delay, quickly go!” As he turned to Governor Chen: “Would Governor Chen care to rest a moment in the manor? Though not large, it still has some rural charm.” Governor Chen waved his hand: “Since I’m here, how can I not accompany you on this journey? No need to say more!” Both being old foxes of a thousand years, they understood each other’s tactics very well. Imperial Doctor Du said no more and just let Song Chongjin lead the people up. The road up went beside the manor, there was also a road at the manor’s back door. Not far from the manor, they soon reached the spot marked beforehand. Song Chongjin still took the first shovelful of earth, and then the helpers put down the coffin and started digging. Governor Chen followed, seeing the helpers sweating profusely, waved his hand decisively, and several guards stepped forward and took over the shovels. Soon, a deep and large pit was dug out. The carefully prepared fine nanmu coffin opened and waited on the side; the helpers supported black cloth to shield the coffin from direct sunlight. Inside the coffin was already lined with four or five layers of brocade quilts, with gold and silver pressed in the corners. Only then did Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu respectfully step forward, open the small coffin from before, and remove Qi Huan’s remains. In general, when families relocated remains, they placed them in a jar, put it haphazardly in a coffin, and buried it. This time, people saw Song Chongjin pick up, Wang Yongzhu receive and properly arrange them in the coffin. Within a short time, a human form outline was placed, then covered with a brocade quilt. After checking there were no omissions, they closed the coffin. Then placed a golden toad at each of the coffin’s four corners in the grave before lowering it down. The earth was then filled, and the tombstone erected, incense was burned, paper offerings laid, and an offering table set with fruits and pastries as tributes. Generally speaking, friends and relatives attending would offer a stick of incense. Imperial Doctor Du and Lady Qi offered incense first, yet even Governor Chen surprisingly lit a stick, making a bow. It caught Song Chongjin off guard, and he hurriedly knelt at the grave’s edge with Wang Yongzhu to return the gesture. Then Old Granny Zhang and Yang Zongbao came forward and also offered incense. They mumbled a few words, and the relocation was finally complete. After such a fuss for most of the day, everyone was exhausted and longed to return home to lie down. But since Governor Chen was still there, Song Chongjin had to muster all his energy to accompany him. Wang Yongzhu and Old Granny Zhang accompanied Lady Qi in the backyard. Well prepared, Old Madam Ding and the others had lunch ready, though they hadn’t expected so many guards. Fortunately, Lady Qi had earlier sent someone to the city’s restaurant to order several tables, and there was also a family guarding the house to help steam several baskets of steamed buns, which, along with the ordered tables, provided meals for the guards outside the manor. With Yang Zongbao and the Steward from Imperial Doctor Du’s residence accompanying them, no one felt slighted. In fact, having guarded those two dignitaries in the small yard for several days, having had only the meals cooked by the guards themselves in large pots, simply to fill their stomachs. To have such a lavish table with plenty of fat and the piping hot steamed buns filled them with satisfaction, and looking at Yang Zongbao, everyone appeared much more amicable.

Chapter 996: 994 Moving the Grave

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