Chapter 1845 - 1842: Calculating with My Fingers, Shall We Get the Marriage Certificate? (Part 2)
Chapter 1845: Chapter 1842: Calculating with My Fingers, Shall We Get the Marriage Certificate? (Part 2)
The Crown Prince approached, "Master, I have already summoned the Imperial Physician."
Zhou Shuren nodded, "Thank you, Your Highness."
The Crown Prince personally supported him, while Chang Lian stepped back to follow.
Zhou Shuren could sense the emotions of the Crown Prince, having watched this child grow up. Over the years, he held nothing back from the Crown Prince, teaching him with an open heart. In the past, he dared not teach his own sons due to the lack of forward-thinking soil in ancient times, but now, after years of change, such an environment has finally emerged.
The Imperial Physician examined him, saying, "Today Mr. Hou is tired. When he returns, he needs to rest more."
He then prescribed numerous restorative remedies.
Zhou Shuren felt nauseated hearing about the tonics; in these years, the Royal family has been deeply fearful that he might suddenly pass away, thus conducting peace checks twice a month without fail.
The Crown Prince breathed a sigh of relief, "I shall escort Master back home."
Zhou Shuren waved his hand, "Your Highness has other matters; my three sons will escort this old minister home."
After confirming that his master was alright, only then did the Crown Prince gaze at his departing master.
The Crown Prince returned to the government hall, where the Emperor asked about the situation, "Is Marquis Zhou alright?"
The Crown Prince spoke with heaviness in his tone, "Father, Master is already over seventy."
The Emperor replied, "Indeed, you should visit him more often."
The Crown Prince nodded, "Yes."
Upon returning home, Zhou Shuren saw his wife asleep on the rocking chair. In the past two years, her health had not been good, exempting her from going to the palace today. His eldest daughter-in-law went into the palace with the other daughters-in-law.
Zhou Shuren called out twice but received no response from his wife, which made him anxious, "Zhulan, Zhulan."
Zhulan slowly opened her eyes, "You’re back."
Zhou Shuren breathed a sigh of relief, "Yes, let’s go inside and rest."
Zhulan shook her head, "I don’t want to move. While you were in the palace today, I had a premonition; we should divide the family."
Zhou Shuren smiled, "Alright."
He also felt that their time was limited.
Chang Lian, on the side, listened with his mind buzzing, his voice hoarse, "Father, Mother, your son has just returned home!"
Zhou Shuren could wait no longer, fortunately, he had already prepared what was to be given to his sons.
The next day, all the male members of the Zhou family took leave, and the daughters married in the capital also returned.
Zhulan was uncommonly spirited, the couple sat in the main seat watching their offspring. In ten years, the Zhou family’s great-grandchildren were born one after another. The room couldn’t hold them all long ago, and the great-grandchildren stood in the courtyard.
Zhou Laoda and several others were no longer young; except for the youngest son, the others had white hair on their heads.
Zhou Shuren looked at his children; Zhou Hou Residence had grown so large, he pointed at the divided estates, "The eldest, according to the law as the first son, takes seventy percent, the remaining thirty percent is equally divided among you, Chang Yi and the others."
After a pause, he continued, "The residences for dividing the family were prepared long ago, once I pass, you will move out."
Several of the eldest turned red-eyed, "Father."
Zhou Shuren waved his hand, "Everyone must experience birth, aging, sickness, and death. Having lived past seventy, I have experienced what should be experienced and enjoyed the honors; now you all have your own achievements, I have no regrets."
Several of the elders wiped their tears, knowing that their father, who sheltered them from the winds and rains, was finally letting go.
Zhulan had many private savings; her savings did not follow the division laws. They divided seventy percent equally among their sons and daughters, thirty percent was given to the grandchildren, and some cherished items went to the great-grandchildren.
Zhulan instructed, "After our passing, we don’t need luxurious burial goods. We’ve prepared the burial items. Preserve diligently what I left for you; it will be your future wealth."
The words equated to a testament; Xue Mei and Xue Han were already crying and unable to speak, and Lady Li along with several daughters-in-law were almost the same.
Zhulan and her husband exchanged a glance, feeling the passing of life, a feeling too evident.
Zhou Shuren handed a book to his eldest son, "Chang Li, you are the eldest. This is the last hope I entrust to you; ensure you remember and constrain our lineage well."
The eldest son received it tearfully, "Your son will not disappoint you."
Zhou Shuren looked at Chang Yi, "You, relying on yourself, achieved a legitimate status. I am proud of you."
Chang Yi rasped, "Father, I will bring you glory."
Zhou Shuren repeatedly expressed approval, then turned to Chang Lian, "You hold the highest position in the family. You’ve been out there for many years and need not my teaching. I impart to you four words: retreat when needed."
Chang Lian replied, "Yes, your son will keep it in mind."
Zhou Shuren turned to his fourth son, "You probably won’t leave the Hanlin Academy; that’s good."
Chang Zhi, with red eyes, said, "Father, your son has worried you."
Zhou Shuren laughed, "You understand everything, apart from sometimes being extraordinarily daring, otherwise you bring peace of mind."
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