Chapter 319
318, Last Words (2 more)
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May her path ahead become ever brighter, and when we meet again, may I be in a high position, able to do something for her.
The first girl I’ve ever liked and held dear in my heart, yet I can’t even say I like you, nor express my affection openly.
“Brother, come quickly, Grandpa seems to be in bad shape!”
Hearing this, Yuan Wang hurried in.
Old Master Yuan had been quite healthy previously, but a series of setbacks and the anger caused by Madame Yuan had taken their toll. Now, learning that Xie Zhinuan had returned without coming to see him had added to his distress.
Thinking of the gentle and lovable young girl who used to call him ‘Grandpa’ warmly and took care of every aspect of daily life meticulously, and how they had heartlessly pushed her away.
He had even said so many harsh and hateful words afterward.
He felt utterly disheartened.
“Father!” Yuan Cheng knelt by the bed.
Old Master Yuan slowly scanned the room; everyone who could come had come. He looked towards the doorway, his lips moved slightly, and his nose felt a bit sour.
“Yuan Wang stays, the rest of you go out!”
Although the others were puzzled, they still left the room.
In the room, Old Master Yuan took Yuan Wang’s hand and softly called out, “Wang’er!”
“Grandpa, don’t worry. If I have the chance, I will definitely take care of Zhinuan and look after her as if she were my sister!”
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“…”Old Master Yuan had not expected Yuan Wang to know about his intentions.
He let out a weary sigh.
“My debt of gratitude towards her was settled that time we forced her to go to the County Governor’s Office. Later, when she went to the county city to save you, she told no one, but I surmise it must have been her. Otherwise, you, who had offended the son of the Prefect, could not have been released so easily and continued with the imperial examinations!”
Old Master Yuan spoke softly, his gaze intense.
He actually understood everything, knew everything.
But some things were hard to say outright.
Initially, he was reluctant to let Xie Zhinuan go to the county city, so his words were particularly hurtful then.
“Grandpa, I understand it all!” Yuan Wang said softly.
Having experienced much, he had grown sensible, matured.
No longer was he the Yuan Wang who only knew how to study; he now had the right and qualification to speak in the household.
“It’s good that you understand. One more thing about your father and mother; I never expected your father to take a concubine, and your mother, though arrogant in her earlier years, was nevertheless reasonable and clear-headed. Recent events have revealed her true nature. Don’t blame her, for there are no flawless parents in this world. She might not heed the words of others, but for your sake, she will certainly listen to you!”
As he spoke, Old Master Yuan began to cough.
He knew his time was nearly up.
“You are going to the provincial city to study; take your mother with you. The recipe for braised meat that Zhinuan gave you, open a shop in the provincial city with it. It may not make a fortune, but it will be enough to make ends meet. Ask your father for it; he will give you what you need. Your father…”
Old Master Yuan sighed softly, “Given his ambition, that’s just who he is. He will have other sons in the future. You have to plan for yourself and for your younger brother. Don’t concern yourself with his little bit of silver. A man’s ambition should be boundless; you need to look further ahead!”
Yuan Wang nodded in affirmation.
Tears fell onto the back of Old Master Yuan’s hand.
Old Master Yuan sighed softly and told Yuan Wang to go out, “Call your father in!”
Yuan Wang left the room, his eyes red, and called Yuan Cheng in.
As Yuan Cheng entered the room, he cried sorrowfully, kneeling by the bed, calling out several times, “Father, Father…”
Old Master Yuan looked at him, remembering the days of his youth when he lifted a young Yuan Cheng high, feeling a certain nostalgia.
“I have nothing much to instruct you, the only thing I’m concerned about is your mother. I’m sending your wife with Yuan Wang to the provincial city. Your mother will stay with you in the county city. From now on, you must treat her with filial piety. Don’t let her spend her old age in desolation. In the years she was with me, I never said a harsh word to her or caused her distress. If you are not filial… I fear I won’t rest easy even in death!”
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Chapter 320