Chapter 378

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Protagonist:

Chai Mi

After the autumn harvest was done, Chai Mi actually had very few things to do; every day she set up a stall with Song Qiushui, and then just waited for the fifth of next month to send Chai Xiu to the provincial competition.

As for that matter at Eldest Aunt's home, Chai Mi helped where she could. That sum of four thousand five hundred yuan added up, Chai Mi also didn't plan on being able to get it back.

Wait until later when Liu San and his wife have money again.

Actually, relatively speaking, Liu San and his wife aren't bad people, but they generally lack shrewdness... this is the actual situation. Both of them didn't study much, and don't understand the law, so it's very hard for them to get by.

This day happened to be the day before Mid-Autumn Festival; at night Chai Mi had just fallen asleep when she was startled awake by the sound of knocking on the door.

Chai Mi went out to open the door and took one look, immediately feeling a strong sense of foreboding; she saw Uncle Su Renguo's eldest son, Su Xiaofu, come wearing mourning hemp and filial piety clothes. Seeing Chai Mi open the door, he first knelt down and kowtowed, then said: "Cousin, tell Third Aunt to go home. Your maternal grandfather passed away in the middle of the night......"

Chai Mi instantly felt her heart rate speed up a lot; trembling, she helped her cousin up, then led her cousin into the house.

Chai Youqing and Su Wan were already asleep; the third child and Chai Xiu were also already asleep.

Chai Mi turned on the light, told Su Xiaofu to wait in the outer room for a moment, then entered the inner room and turned on the light.

Su Wan woke up in a daze, muddle-headed, and asked: "What's wrong, Chai Mi......"

Chai Youqing was also awake, but before he could say anything.

Chai Mi said: "Get dressed. My cousin came. My maternal grandfather passed away. In the middle of the night......"

Chai Mi's voice wasn't loud, yet it was like a thunderclap striking Su Wan on the head. She bolted upright, her face turning pale instantly: "What?... Father?"

Chai Youqing was also startled awake, and sat up following her.

Su Xiaofu entered with red-rimmed eyes, thudded to his knees again: "Third Aunt, Third Uncle... Grandpa is gone. It happened in the middle of the night. He passed away in his sleep......"

Su Wan let out a "wah" and burst into tears, her whole body trembling like a leaf in the wind: "Father ah... how could you..." She was so flustered her hands couldn't even find the buttons on her clothes.

Chai Youqing hurriedly got off the kang, supported her: "Don't panic, don't panic... get dressed first." He turned his head and asked Su Xiaofu, "Xiaofu, what happened? Wasn't he still fine a few days ago?"

Su Xiaofu wiped tears: "Grandpa's body was always weak. These past two days the temperature dropped, his cough got severe. At night he drank a bowl of porridge and lay down. In the middle of the night he stopped breathing... discovered too late......"

Chai Mi took a deep breath, suppressing her surging emotions: "Cousin, get up, don't kneel anymore. Mom will pack up right away." She turned back to her own room, woke Chai Xiu, "Xiu'er, Maternal Grandfather is gone. We have to go to Maternal Grandmother's house. Your school tomorrow and all that, let Song Qiushui take you. Meals also at her house, remember?"

Chai Xiu rubbed her eyes, bewildered: "Maternal Grandfather... gone?"

"Mm, gone." Chai Mi's voice was hoarse.

Afterwards Chai Mi explained the situation to Su Xiaofu, then ran to Song Qiushui's house.

Song Qiushui heard the knocking and came out to ask: "What's wrong, Chai Mi?"

"My maternal grandfather passed away." Chai Mi didn't beat around the bush, handed the house keys to Song Qiushui: "Qiu Shui, you help look after Xiu'er for two days. The cow at home and such, you handle it too. I won't be back these two days. If you need to spend money, you know where my money is. Just take it yourself when the time comes."

"Got it. You go quickly. I'll look after things at home." Song Qiushui nodded.

Afterwards Chai Mi returned home. Mother and Father were also dressed and ready.

Su Wan cried so hard she couldn't stand, half-supported by Chai Youqing as she put on her clothes, her hair all messy. Chai Mi wrapped Chai Xin up tight and carried her out.

Chai Youqing had already hitched the gray donkey, threw on an old padded jacket, rubbing his hands: "Get in the cart quick. It's cold outside."

Su Xiaofu drove his own family's donkey cart over, and still had to go call Chai Mi's Eldest Aunt's family. Chai Mi didn't delay, let Su Xiaofu go, and she herself set off sitting in the donkey cart.

Su Wan cried all the way. Chai Mi held her arm, comforting softly: "Mom, stop crying..."

Chai Youqing drove the cart with his head down, sighed: "Ai......"

Arrived at the Su family. The sky had just turned light. White lanterns were already hung in the courtyard. A simple mourning shed had also been erected. Crying sounds came from inside the house.

Su Wan's legs went soft. She practically tumbled off the cart, stumbled into the house: "Father ah——!"

Chai Mi carried Chai Xin and followed inside. The room was packed with people. Maternal Grandfather lay on the kang, covered with white cloth. Maternal Grandmother sat on the edge of the kang, eyes swollen like peaches. Several uncles and aunts were all there.

Da Jiu Su Renguo saw them, voice hoarse: "Third Sister has come..."

Su Wan threw herself before Maternal Grandfather, wailing: "Father! How could you leave without saying a word, Father..." Several women rushed up to support and console her.

"Third Sister, Father passed away peacefully, didn't suffer. It's a joyous funeral." Da Jiu Su Renguo's voice was hoarse. He patted Su Wan who had cried herself limp: "Don't cry yourself sick."

Su Wan sobbed: "Eldest Brother... Father at the end... did he say anything..."

"He was muddled. Just said he was cold..." Eldest Aunt wiped tears and interjected, "Good thing you made him a new padded jacket recently. He was wearing it when he passed. Warm and cozy."

Chai Mi handed Chai Xin to a cousin-in-law beside her to hold, walked to the edge of the kang, gently touched Maternal Grandfather's hand covered by the white cloth. Ice cold. She didn't speak. Turned to support Maternal Grandmother: "Grandma, go rest in the other room? Too many people here, too noisy."

Maternal Grandmother clutched Chai Mi's hand. Her withered fingers trembled violently: "Mi ah... your Maternal Grandfather... truly heartless... just left me like this..."

"Grandma, Maternal Grandfather went to find his own father to enjoy blessings. No sickness or disaster over there." Chai Mi comforted Maternal Grandmother with abnormal calm: "You must live well. Watch Xiu'er become accomplished. Watch Chai Xin grow up."

Second Uncle Su Rentang squatted in the corner smoking, muttered: "Chai Mi is right, Mom. You have to hold on. There's still a lot of business afterward."

"Exactly, exactly." Eldest Aunt came over. "Mom, your body absolutely cannot collapse. Father's funeral, we must handle it properly. Renguo, hurry and discuss with Rentang. So much needs doing. And the banquet..."

Da Jiu Su Renguo frowned and interrupted: "Don't talk about that yet! Keeping the coffin one day, erecting the shed, inviting the ritual master, announcing the death... which one doesn't cost money? Father lay at home these years, money all spent. Even the coffin board money was scraped together from here and there!"

The room fell instantly silent, leaving only Su Wan's stifled sobs.

Chai Mi spoke: "Da Jiu, money matters, don't rush for now. What should be spent, can't be saved. Maternal Grandfather was proper his whole life. In death he must be proper too. Coffin money, mourning cloth, paper offerings — I'll advance them first. If not enough, we'll talk later."

Eldest Aunt's eyes lit up: "Aiyo, Chai Mi, still you..."

"Chai Mi ah!" Su Wan abruptly raised her head, grabbed Chai Mi's arm: "Is your money enough..."

Chai Mi patted Mother's hand back: "Mom, money's enough. I have a count in my heart. Maternal Grandfather's matter is a major event. I know what's what."

Da Jiu Su Renguo's expression eased a bit, but he still sighed: "Chai Mi, Uncle knows you have it hard... but this... ai, making you pay out again..."

"One family, don't speak two families' words." Chai Mi turned to Second Uncle: "Second Uncle, sky's almost bright. Must go announce the death. The list of old relatives and old friends, you and Da Jiu tally it up?"

Second Uncle stubbed out the cigarette and stood up: "Okay. I'll go find Great-Granduncle. He knows the ropes."

"Also," Chai Mi said: "The things in Maternal Grandfather's room, especially those old items of his, no one is to touch. Wait until Maternal Grandfather is buried in peace, then we'll talk."

Eldest Aunt opened her mouth, seemed to want to say something, but was glared back by Da Jiu's look.

Chai Mi supported Grandma as they walked out: "Grandma, come with me to the West Room and lie down for a bit. Mom, you go to that room too. They're tearing the mourning cloth."

Just after settling Grandma in, Chai Mi heard Eldest Aunt Su Jin's heart-rending wailing from the courtyard: "Father! My dear Father! Your daughter is unfilial... came too late..."

Chai Mi walked out and saw Eldest Aunt collapsed in front of the house; Liu San and Zhang Hailan were also dressed in plain white, kneeling beside her and weeping along. Su Wan couldn't hold back and ran out; the two sisters embraced and wept bitterly.

Chai Mi didn't go to console them, but said to Su Xiaofu who had just entered: "Cousin, go help Second Uncle find Great-Granduncle. Find a few more people too, reinforce the spirit shed again, the wind is strong."

"Aye!" Su Xiaofu wiped his face and hurried off.

"Da Jiu, only Second Aunt hasn't come, her place is far. Let's just dress Grandpa in his clothes."

Da Jiu sighed: "Aye..."

Around here people generally refer to the dead as "Old Person". The pronunciation of this term is a bit special.

And children dressing an aged Old Person — the clothes referred to are specifically longevity garments.

Longevity garments commonly take the form of Republic-era Maguà jackets and such.

Anyway the tradition is just this tradition.

"Da Jiu, about Grandpa's affairs, nobody should think about them. Once he's laid to rest, everyone can sit down and hash it out."

Chai Mi knew Grandpa probably hadn't left behind any designated items, but would definitely leave a pile of famine-era problems.

But as someone who lived from last century to now, there might be some old antiques, looking not worth money but having some use.

These also cannot be touched.

Actually Chai Mi remembers Grandpa seemed to have a very old broken tea tray; the several uncles at home have always been eyeing it.

That thing, actually really isn't worth money.

In this era it's just thirty-five or fifty... just like that; even if taken to later times, a late Qing thing, it still isn't worth money.

"Aye, aye, listen to Chai Mi." Da Jiu Su Renguo hurriedly agreed, then turned to the side, "Rentang, you keep watch, don't let the kids get sticky fingers and go into Father's room."

"Got it, Big Brother." Second Uncle Su Rentang agreed.

"Chai Mi," Eldest Aunt-in-law drew closer, voice lowered, "That... that coffin money, mourning cloth money, and the money for hiring musicians and hosting the banquet... can you really front it? This is no small sum, is your father capable..."

After all Chai Youqing is just a son-in-law; this money he may not be willing to spend.

"Eldest Aunt-in-law, at this critical juncture, since I've promised on the money I won't drop the ball. Grandpa lived a decent life his whole life, his send-off must be grand too. Every penny that should be spent, not a cent can be saved. If money's short, I'll think of a way." Chai Mi cut her off.

"Aiyo, good then good, still Chai Mi who has backbone!" Eldest Aunt-in-law relaxed, tone ingratiating, "Look at this banquet, by old rules, nine dishes right? Half a pig, and vegetables..."

"Follow the rules. Pork I'll have Cousin go haul from the market later, white flour too, use them first when the time comes. However much it costs, put it on my tab." Chai Mi crisp and decisive.

"Fine! Fine! I'll go arrange it right away!" Eldest Aunt-in-law got the green light, turned and went to busy herself.

"Chai Mi..." Su Wan, supported by Eldest Aunt Su Jin, walked over, eyes red and swollen, "This money... home was already not well-off, Xiu'er still has to go to the provincial capital..."

"Mom, Grandpa's just this one matter. Money I'll handle; Xiu'er's money I'll calculate separately. Don't think so much." Chai Mi patted Mother's hand.

"Third Sister, don't worry anymore." Eldest Aunt Su Jin wiped tears, "Chai Mi can shoulder things now. Father passing peacefully is a blessing. We unfilial ones... sigh." As she spoke she looked toward Liu San and Zhang Hailan standing in the corner with heads bowed, "You two still standing there doing what? Hurry go guard the spirit shed! Kowtow properly for Father! Then go find some work to do, don't stand like wooden stakes!"

"Aye! Mom, we're going right now!" Liu San and Zhang Hailan as if pardoned, hurried out.

"Wait," Chai Mi called them back, "Cousin, Sister-in-law."

The two stopped immediately, looking at Chai Mi nervously.

"Erecting the spirit shed, splitting firewood, running errands delivering messages — these heavy tasks, do more of them. Inside and out need manpower." Chai Mi instructed: "You two don't overthink either, I understand the bad mood, just do more work."

"Chai Mi rest assured! We definitely won't slack! Whatever you say do, we'll do!" Liu San hurriedly promised.

"Right, right! We have strength!" Zhang Hailan also hurriedly nodded.

"Go on." Chai Mi waved her hand.

Watching Liu San and wife's backs hurrying out, Eldest Aunt Su Jin sighed: "Sigh, those two muddleheads... Chai Mi, the money you lent them..."

"Eldest Aunt, talk later. First handle the matters at hand properly." Chai Mi didn't let her continue.

"Chai Mi! Chai Mi!" Second Uncle Su Rentang walked in quickly, "Great-Granduncle's side has been invited, the master too, hour set, keep the vigil three days, day after tomorrow morning the funeral procession. The death-notice bearers have all been dispatched. Just... just the musicians' troupe money, they want half upfront as deposit."

"How much?" Chai Mi asked directly.

"Eighty."

Chai Mi fished money from her pocket, counted out eight ten-yuan bills and handed them over: "Second Uncle, here. Remaining expenses, record whatever's used, settle together later."

"Aye!" Second Uncle took the money, moved: "Chai Mi, thanks to you. Otherwise with the family's state, Father's funeral... sigh."

"Second Uncle, family doesn't speak two languages. You go busy, keep an eye outside." Chai Mi said.

Second Uncle nodded, hurried out.

"Renguo!" Eldest Aunt-in-law's voice came from the kitchen, "Water vat's nearly empty! Hurry, call Xiaofu to carry a few loads of water! So many people, water can't keep up!"

"Got it! Xiaofu! Xiaofu! Where'd you die? Go carry water!" Da Jiu Su Renguo shouted at the top of his lungs.

"Dad, I'm going! I'm going!" Su Xiaofu's voice answered.

"Chai Mi," Su Wan watched her daughter handling everything in an orderly manner, heart both pained and heartbroken, "You rest a bit too, been tossing since midnight till now..."

"Mom, I'm fine. You keep Grandma company, she's the most heartbroken." Chai Mi helped Mother sit, "I'll go check the spirit shed side, in case something goes wrong."

Chai Mi had just reached the courtyard when she heard urgent footsteps and a woman's tearful shout from the door: "Father! Father! I came too late Father!"

?? Late, ten o'clock, card.