Chapter 1236: Idle Chatter and Gossip

Nowadays, both weddings and funerals are held simply; just past eleven, Qiu Tai Nai's coffin was carried out the door.

At noon, the Qiu family prepared vegetable soup and two-flour mantou to treat those who came to mourn and those who helped.

Upon seeing Xia Qiu, Fu Yan Cheng said: "Sister, Chuxue asked me to tell you that it's not too late to go over after settling the family matters first; she will have already spoken with them."

Xia Qiu was very grateful: "This matter is indeed somewhat ill-timed, putting Chuxue in a difficult position; I will go over as soon as possible."

After all the guests left, Qiu Mu, looking exhausted, turned to her youngest son: "Go borrow a mule cart from the brigade; you and I will go together to fetch your wife back. After all, staying one day at the clinic costs one day's expenses, and it's not as comfortable as staying at home."

Qiu Shaocheng nodded; today Tai Nai was buried, yet his father-in-law's family had not sent a single person, which made him lose face before his own clan, greatly diminishing the joy he had felt as a new father.

However, though his mood was poor, he did not refuse, and soon borrowed a cart from the brigade.

But as soon as the mother and son left, people began to gossip: "That mother and son are going to the clinic to fetch someone."

"They've already stayed three days; they can't keep staying at the clinic forever—that would waste so much money!"

"An Xiaojing's luck is truly wretched; the moment her son was born, the old lady passed away..."

"Sister-in-law, we all live as neighbors; it's better to keep some virtue in your words. Life and death are fate; if you speak like this, how will Qiu Shaocheng's son conduct himself in the future?"

"Exactly, exactly. Besides, Qiu Tai Nai lived to this age; not only is she unique in the village, she's rare even in the county. This was originally a joyous funeral; it was merely a coincidence. Do not say anything else, lest someone seize on your words and cause trouble."

"By the way, did you see any of the An family come to mourn today?"

"Heh, actually, no, we didn't see them."

"I know this: early this morning, the An couple went to the clinic to care for their daughter and grandson."

"Qiu family's old lady's burial is a major event; even if the An family had any thoughts, they shouldn't have failed to come to mourn, right? Perhaps we just didn't notice."

"I was standing right at the main gate all morning; except for Shaocheng's in-laws, every other family came."

The mother and son who went to fetch the patient tied the mule cart at the hospital and entered together.

But as soon as they approached the ward, they heard the voice of the An family's sister-in-law: "That Qiu family old lady is truly something; why did she have to die on the very day my younger sister gave birth? You don't know what the villagers are saying; it's truly enough to make one die of anger."

An Mu sighed lightly and said: "When such things happen, people inevitably gossip. Besides, life and death are a great matter entirely beyond human control; even Qiu Tai Nai herself probably did not wish for such an event to occur and bring trouble to her descendants. Xiaojing, just don't take it to heart; in time, no one will mention it again."

An Xiaojing began to cry: "Why is my son so unlucky? In the future, I'm afraid we won't even be able to celebrate his birthday, let alone deal with all those idle rumors in the village."

Seeing his sister cry, the An family's eldest brother said: "That old lady is truly something; couldn't she have held on for a few more days? It's truly bad luck."

Hearing his son's irresponsible words, An Fu said: "Shut your mouth. It's one thing to say such things here, but do not speak of them outside; if the Qiu family hears it, they will bring disaster upon your sister."

"I only said it because I couldn't bear the anger; don't worry, I'm not stupid."

An Fu was also in a bad mood: "By the way, how many gifts were recorded today?"