Chapter 453: This Money Feels Guilty

Chapter 453: This Money Feels Guilty

That night.

At the Deng family's villa, a whole floor was specially reserved for the visiting nephew of a high-ranking official and his family.

In the room, Deng Changyong lay on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Originally, this trip back to his hometown with his mother was not only to fulfill her wish but also to see how his clansmen were doing. If they were struggling, he had planned to offer advice to help improve their economic situation.

Although he was skilled in military leadership rather than economics, he had seen the world and had a broader perspective than the clansmen back home. Even a casual suggestion from him would likely be better than their current farming practices.

However, upon returning, he discovered that his clansmen were already thriving under the leadership of the clan head. Despite his lack of contribution to the clan, he was still given special treatment and received a significant annual dividend from the clan.

This money felt like a hot potato in his hands. He had initially refused it, but all the elders insisted he accept it. As a junior, he could not refuse their repeated requests and had to agree.

Receiving several tens of thousands of yuan each year would make most people ecstatic, but Deng Changyong felt uneasy about it.

He couldn't quite describe the feeling, but he knew he couldn't take the money with a clear conscience. He needed to do something for the clan to justify it, or he wouldn't be able to live with himself. This was also a matter of pride for him as a high-ranking official.

Liu Fang, on the other hand, couldn't sleep either, but for a different reason. She was excited.

Although she was the wife of a high-ranking official, her husband was strict and only took what he deserved, never using his power for personal gain. Their life was comfortable but not lavish.

Now, on their trip back to see her mother-in-law for the last time, they had unexpectedly received a significant annual dividend from the clan.

Moreover, this money was distributed fairly among all clan members, so there would be no issues with them taking their share.

Noticing her husband's restlessness, Liu Fang, who had been married to him for many years, understood his concerns and tried to reassure him, "Honey, don't overthink it. You've seen how well the clan is doing. Even the married aunts receive a few thousand yuan in dividends each year. The annual dividend you receive from the clan won't affect them at all. Besides, it's a heartfelt gesture from the elders. Just accept it."

"That's true, but I still feel guilty taking this money," Deng Changyong sighed. "Forget it, let's go to sleep. I'll see what I can do to help the clan later."

...

Deng Siguai and his wife were also unable to sleep. As the only child in a three-generation single-line family, the additional income of several tens of thousands of yuan each year would most likely go to them. The excitement kept them awake.

"Honey, we should replace the old sofa. Let's do it when we get back to the capital, okay?"

"Sure, let's do it!"

"I also want to install a telephone at home."

"Okay, that's a good idea. It will make communication easier."

"And our refrigerator is old. We bought it when we got married, and it's time for a new one, right?"

"Of course, let's get a new one!"

"..."

The couple chatted for over half an hour before finally falling asleep in each other's arms, satisfied.

...

Meanwhile, the news of Deng Shirong's special treatment for Deng Changyong spread throughout the clan.

If it had been about buying shares at the original price, some clan members might have been upset. But since it was just an annual dividend, similar to what the married aunts received, there were no issues.

In fact, some quick-thinking clan members even praised the clan head's decision.

As for those with narrow minds who feared this would set a precedent, their concerns were laughable.

Firstly, high-ranking officials were not common. The entire Naye Deng clan had only produced one Deng Changyong. The benefits of having such a person in the clan far outweighed a few tens of thousands of yuan a year.

To be frank, if not for the family connection, even if they offered money, he might not accept it.

Moreover, the dividend was flexible, unlike shares that could be passed down to children and grandchildren. If, in the future, Deng Changyong's descendants were worthy and felt a sense of belonging to the clan, they could continue to receive the dividend. If not, it could be canceled at any time.

In short, giving Deng Changyong a dividend had only benefits and no drawbacks.

...

The next day.

After breakfast, Deng Changyong said to his mother, "Mom, let's take a walk around the village." Yesterday, after the family returned, they were greeted warmly by the clansmen, chatting with one person after another, and then they had dinner at the clan head's house. They hadn't had time to explore the village.

Deng Changyong's mother nodded, "Sure, let's go out and see how much the village has changed over the past decade."

That night.

At the Deng family's villa, a whole floor was specially reserved for the visiting nephew of a high-ranking official and his family.

In the room, Deng Changyong lay on the bed, tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Originally, this trip back to his hometown with his mother was not only to fulfill her wish but also to see how his clansmen were doing. If they were struggling, he had planned to offer advice to help improve their economic situation.

Although he was skilled in military leadership rather than economics, he had seen the world and had a broader perspective than the clansmen back home. Even a casual suggestion from him would likely be better than their current farming practices.

However, upon returning, he discovered that his clansmen were already thriving under the leadership of the clan head. Despite his lack of contribution to the clan, he was still given special treatment and received a significant annual dividend from the clan.

This money felt like a hot potato in his hands. He had initially refused it, but all the elders insisted he accept it. As a junior, he could not refuse their repeated requests and had to agree.

Receiving several tens of thousands of yuan each year would make most people ecstatic, but Deng Changyong felt uneasy about it.

He couldn't quite describe the feeling, but he knew he couldn't take the money with a clear conscience. He needed to do something for the clan to justify it, or he wouldn't be able to live with himself. This was also a matter of pride for him as a high-ranking official.

Liu Fang, on the other hand, couldn't sleep either, but for a different reason. She was excited.

Although she was the wife of a high-ranking official, her husband was strict and only took what he deserved, never using his power for personal gain. Their life was comfortable but not lavish.

Now, on their trip back to see her mother-in-law for the last time, they had unexpectedly received a significant annual dividend from the clan.

Moreover, this money was distributed fairly among all clan members, so there would be no issues with them taking their share.

Noticing her husband's restlessness, Liu Fang, who had been married to him for many years, understood his concerns and tried to reassure him, "Honey, don't overthink it. You've seen how well the clan is doing. Even the married aunts receive a few thousand yuan in dividends each year. The annual dividend you receive from the clan won't affect them at all. Besides, it's a heartfelt gesture from the elders. Just accept it."

"That's true, but I still feel guilty taking this money," Deng Changyong sighed. "Forget it, let's go to sleep. I'll see what I can do to help the clan later."

...

Deng Siguai and his wife were also unable to sleep. As the only child in a three-generation single-line family, the additional income of several tens of thousands of yuan each year would most likely go to them. The excitement kept them awake.

"Honey, we should replace the old sofa. Let's do it when we get back to the capital, okay?"

"Sure, let's do it!"

"I also want to install a telephone at home."

"Okay, that's a good idea. It will make communication easier."

"And our refrigerator is old. We bought it when we got married, and it's time for a new one, right?"

"Of course, let's get a new one!"

"..."

The couple chatted for over half an hour before finally falling asleep in each other's arms, satisfied.

...

Meanwhile, the news of Deng Shirong's special treatment for Deng Changyong spread throughout the clan.

If it had been about buying shares at the original price, some clan members might have been upset. But since it was just an annual dividend, similar to what the married aunts received, there were no issues.

In fact, some quick-thinking clan members even praised the clan head's decision.

As for those with narrow minds who feared this would set a precedent, their concerns were laughable.

Firstly, high-ranking officials were not common. The entire Naye Deng clan had only produced one Deng Changyong. The benefits of having such a person in the clan far outweighed a few tens of thousands of yuan a year.

To be frank, if not for the family connection, even if they offered money, he might not accept it.

Moreover, the dividend was flexible, unlike shares that could be passed down to children and grandchildren. If, in the future, Deng Changyong's descendants were worthy and felt a sense of belonging to the clan, they could continue to receive the dividend. If not, it could be canceled at any time.

In short, giving Deng Changyong a dividend had only benefits and no drawbacks.

...

The next day.

After breakfast, Deng Changyong said to his mother, "Mom, let's take a walk around the village." Yesterday, after the family returned, they were greeted warmly by the clansmen, chatting with one person after another, and then they had dinner at the clan head's house. They hadn't had time to explore the village.

Deng Changyong's mother nodded, "Sure, let's go out and see how much the village has changed over the past decade."

...

The family walked from the villa area back to the old village. The changes in the old village were neither too great nor too small.

The layout of the village was largely the same as it was over a decade ago, but the new brick and tile houses that had been built over the years stood out significantly from the mud-brick houses that were once everywhere when Deng Changyong's mother lived there.

Deng Changyong's mother, who had lived in the village for decades, was very familiar with everything. As they walked, she would recount stories related to each place, and Deng Changyong would follow along, recalling the past. Liu Fang, Deng Siguai, and He Jinfeng, on the other hand, simply accompanied them, having no real memories of the place.

Soon, the family arrived under a very tall "xiantao" tree. Deng Changyong's mother reminisced, "I didn't expect your father's xiantao tree to still be here."

Deng Changyong also reminisced, "I remember how much I loved eating xiantao when I was little, but I haven't had any since I joined the army."

Deng Siguai looked at the leaves of the xiantao tree and said, "Dad, isn't this a mango tree?"

"This xiantao is different from a mango..." Deng Changyong smiled and explained the difference to his son.

Xiantao is what it is called in Shuangwang. It is similar to a mango but of a different variety.

Unripe mangoes are rarely eaten, and mangoes have a large, hard outer shell and root-like structures, making them only enjoyable when fully ripe.

But xiantao is different. It doesn't have a hard shell or root-like structures, and its seed is very small. When eaten raw, whether dipped in sugar, salt and pepper, or "spiritual healing ointment," the taste and texture are excellent.

Of course, this is assuming one can tolerate sourness. Those who can't eat sour foods won't enjoy it.

Deng Siguai listened in amazement and said, "I should try this xiantao when I get the chance."

After a walk around the old village, the family began to head to the neighboring village.

As they walked, they soon arrived at Naye Village.

Deng Changyong's mother looked up and was surprised, "A Yong, look, isn't that our Naye Deng clan's ancestral hall?" The architecture of the ancestral hall was distinct, easily recognizable.

Deng Changyong took a closer look and said, "It should be our Naye Deng clan's ancestral hall. Mom, let's go take a look!"

Deng Changyong's mother nodded, "Sure, let's go."

Soon, the family arrived at the entrance of the ancestral hall. Looking at the spacious grounds and the grand hall, Deng Changyong's mother sighed, "The clan really has money. Look at how beautiful this ancestral hall is."

Liu Fang, Deng Siguai, and He Jinfeng were also very curious about the grand hall.

When they walked inside, they couldn't help but exclaim in amazement. The hall was not only beautiful on the outside but even more stunning inside.

The lifelike carvings, colorful paintings, and elegant architecture were truly breathtaking.

After walking around the hall for a while, the family finally arrived at the merit wall.

The merit wall, arguably the most important feature of the ancestral hall, was essential for its completeness.

Everyone in the family was literate, so they stood in front of the merit wall and began to read.

First, they read the most important part, the stele inscription. Typically, the stele inscription would record the history, purpose of construction, family origins, and the significant figures who had emerged from the family since its founding.

The stele inscription of the Naye Deng clan's ancestral hall was no exception. Although they couldn't contact Deng Changyong when the hall was built, he was already a deputy division commander at the time, a distinguished figure in the clan, so the inscription naturally mentioned him.

Seeing her son's/husband's/father's name on the stele inscription, Deng Changyong's mother, Liu Fang, and the Deng Siguai couple all smiled with pride.

After reading the stele inscription, they moved on to the family donation merit stones. The first and largest stone was dedicated to the clan head, who had led the entire clan to prosperity.

As they read, the family became increasingly amazed.

They had already heard about the clan head's achievements from other clansmen the previous day, so they were not surprised by these stories. What amazed them were the achievements of the clan head's children. His two sons, one from Peking University and the other from Tsinghua University, were truly impressive.

Moreover, the one who graduated from Peking University had already reached the deputy department level several years ago. What level he was at now, after so many years, was a mystery.

Although his rank might still not match that of Deng Changyong, the potential for growth was immense, and his future was boundless.

The wealth and generosity of the clan head also left the family in awe. He had donated over 300,000 yuan for the reconstruction of the ancestral hall, a truly formidable sum.

After being amazed for a while, the family finally turned to look at the other merit stones. They discovered that many clan members had donated tens of thousands of yuan, each having their names carved on stones for future generations to admire, truly basking in glory.

Deng Changyong's mother couldn't help but sigh, "Over these past dozen years, because of the strained relationship with your Fourth Aunt, I never wrote to her and lost touch. I missed out on the clan's development and the reconstruction of the ancestral hall, which is truly regrettable."

Deng Changyong comforted her, "Mom, my name is inscribed on the stele, which is already the greatest honor."

Liu Fang also chimed in to comfort her, "That's right, Mom. Although I don't know much about the ancestral hall, I understand the importance of the stele inscription. For Brother Yong to be inscribed on it, he is already one of the most important figures in the clan."

Deng Changyong's mother thought about it and smiled, "You're right. One shouldn't be too greedy. Our Naye Deng clan has been here for hundreds of years, with over twenty generations. For A Yong to become one of the most outstanding individuals in the clan's history, recorded in the ancestral hall's stele, we should be content."

After viewing the merit stones with donations of tens of thousands of yuan, the family left the ancestral hall.

Next, they visited the hospital in Naye Village. Learning that the clan had invested in building such a large hospital in the village, Deng Changyong and his family were almost stunned. This trip back to their hometown had truly broadened their horizons, and the clan's development far exceeded their expectations.

Over the next few days, Deng Changyong took his mother to tour the entire village where the Naye Deng clan resided, while his mother's health continued to decline.

A week later, Deng Changyong's mother sensed that her time was near. She immediately said to her son and daughter-in-law, "A Fang, quickly dress me in my funeral clothes. A Yong, prepare the mat and mosquito net, and take me to the Ah Zu Gong Hall."

In Shuangwang, when a villager is near death, they are carried to the Ah Zu Gong Hall, where they usually pass away.

If someone dies unexpectedly outside, like the old clan head's grandson, they are not allowed to enter the Ah Zu Gong Hall.

Although they had been mentally prepared, hearing her words, Deng Changyong couldn't hold back his tears. With a hoarse voice, he responded and immediately started following her instructions.

Soon, Deng Changyong's mother was dressed in her funeral clothes and taken to the Ah Zu Gong Hall by her son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

Upon receiving the news, the clan members rushed over to see her one last time.

In our country, death has always been the most taboo subject. When someone is near death and taken to the Ah Zu Gong Hall, only their direct relatives within the fifth generation will come close. Others generally avoid the place, let alone coming to see the person one last time.

However, there are exceptions. If the person is a centenarian, it is considered a joyful death, and it is normal for clan members to come and pay their respects.

Another exception is when the person or their children are wealthy and powerful. In such cases, many people will come to pay their last respects, even if they are not from the same clan. Friends from other surnames will also rush over to say goodbye.

People are often very practical. When a leader returns to pay respects to their parents, many come forward to show filial piety, often more enthusiastically than when they worship their own parents.

The same goes for the wealthy. When a billionaire returns for a funeral, there are always many people ready to serve.

Now, Deng Changyong's mother was receiving such treatment. Having a son who was a high-ranking official, the clan showed great respect and came to see her off.

As the clan head, Deng Shirong had visited almost every clan member who passed away over the past dozen years. This time was no exception.

"Clan Head!"

Seeing Deng Shirong arrive, the clan members made way for him.

At that moment, the Ah Zu Gong Hall was laid out with a straw mat, and a mosquito net made of hemp cloth was suspended above it. Deng Changyong's mother, dressed in funeral clothes and wearing a funeral hat, lay pale on the mat. Deng Changyong knelt beside her, holding her hand, his eyes blurred with tears.

Seeing Ninth Uncle arrive, Deng Changyong wiped his tears with his sleeve and greeted him, "Ninth Uncle!"

Deng Changyong's mother also greeted him weakly, "Ninth Uncle!"

Although Deng Shirong had seen many deaths, he still felt a pang of sadness at the sight. He nodded and said, "Yunhai's wife, as the saying goes, life at seventy is rare. In our Naye Deng clan, which has been here for hundreds of years, few have lived past seventy. You are seventy-three, which is considered a long life in our clan.

Now, your son is the only high-ranking official in the clan, one of the most outstanding individuals in our clan's history. He has truly made a name for himself. Your grandson is also settled in the capital with a very good job. You should have no regrets."

Hearing this, Deng Changyong's mother smiled and said, "Yes, after living so long, I should be content. My son has become the only high-ranking official in the clan, bringing honor to our family. I have no regrets in this life!"

Other clan members also came to pay their respects. Those with closer ties said a few words, while others simply came to show their presence.

Seeing that Changyong's mother was becoming increasingly weak, Deng Shirong knew she was truly close to passing away. He called out to the other clan members, "Everyone, please step outside and give Changyong some time with his mother."

The clan members left the Ah Zu Gong Hall, leaving only Deng Changyong's family behind.

Deng Changyong, sensing that his mother was about to pass, held back his grief and asked, "Mom, is there anything you need to tell me?"

Changyong's mother, gripping her son's hand with great effort, said, "Aigui has grown up in the capital and doesn't have much affection for our hometown. You must bring him back more often. This is our root."

Deng Changyong replied, "I will, I'll try to bring him back more often."

Changyong's mother's breathing became rapid, and she added, "After I'm gone, remember to bury me with your father. We agreed on this long ago. He has been waiting for me for so many years. If I don't go down to be with him, he will be worried."

Tears streaming down his face, Deng Changyong said, "Mom, you can rest easy. I will take care of everything."

"Son, your mother is leaving. Take care of yourself..."

With these words, Changyong's mother's hand suddenly tightened, her body convulsed a few times, and then she closed her eyes forever.

"Mom..."

Deng Changyong could no longer contain his grief. Tears streamed down his face uncontrollably.

As the saying goes, as long as one's parents are alive, there is a place to return to. Once they are gone, all that remains is the journey to the end.

The loss of a loved one is undoubtedly one of the most painful experiences in life.

Liu Fang, Deng Siguai, and He Jinfeng also couldn't hold back their tears at this moment.

The clan members waiting outside heard Deng Changyong's sobs and understood that Changyong's mother had passed away. The older clan members sighed, knowing that they too would soon be lying on a straw mat.

...

Three days later.

Changyong's mother was buried.

Deng Changyong, being a serving official, had taken a rare leave to see his mother off. Now that the funeral was over, he had to return to his unit.

Before leaving, Deng Changyong came to bid farewell to Ninth Uncle: "Ninth Uncle, I'm returning to the capital tomorrow. I heard that Uncle Yunsong works in the Ministry of Finance. Could you give me his contact information? I'll visit him when I have the chance."

Deng Shirong nodded and said, "Thank you for looking after him."

Deng Changyong replied, "Ninth Uncle, you're too kind. I've heard about Uncle Yunsong's situation. His father-in-law is a top official in a ministry, far more influential than I am. However, if he encounters any minor issues, I can help out."

Deng Shirong took out a piece of paper and a pen, wrote down his third son's contact information and address, and handed it to Deng Changyong: "You should also leave your contact information. This way, the clan can reach you in case of any important matters."

Deng Changyong took out a piece of paper with his phone number and address already written on it and handed it to Deng Shirong: "Ninth Uncle, this is my contact information. If the clan needs my help in the future, as long as it doesn't violate regulations, I will do my best to assist."

Deng Shirong took the paper and said, "Alright, I understand. But I doubt we will need your help. With the Naye Deng clan's current strength, if we face any insurmountable issues, they will be enormous!"

Deng Changyong understood this but still said, "If there's anything, just call me. For economic and political matters, I might not be able to help much, but for military-related issues, I can use my connections."

"Understood. Try to bring your children and grandchildren back to visit the hometown more often."

"I will. That's what my mother asked me to do before she passed."

"Good. I wish you a safe journey."

"Thank you, Ninth Uncle."

...

After Deng Changyong's family returned to the capital, the Spring Equinox soon passed, and the annual ancestor worship and mountain clearing began in the entire Bobai region.

The Naye Deng clan had consecutively held ancestor worship ceremonies for three years, and typically, they would take a break for a few years before holding another. Therefore, this year, the Naye Deng clan did not invite clan members to return for the ceremony but simply cleared the mountains.

While clearing the mountains, Deng Shirong was considering a question: whether to build a public cemetery and relocate the old and new graves of the clan members to it. This would prevent graves from being scattered all over the place.

In the future, almost every mountain in Shuangwang would have graves, ranging from one to dozens. If there was no development, it wouldn't matter, but if a place needed to develop, relocating graves would be a significant issue.

In this life, the development of the Naye Deng clan was vastly different from the previous one. This area was bound to develop in the future. If they didn't plan ahead, once all the mountains were filled with graves, relocating them later would be very difficult.

With this in mind, Deng Shirong called a meeting with clan elders like Deng Shian, Deng YunGui, and Deng YunQiang.

...

PS: As I grow older, I become more emotional. I couldn't stop the tears while writing this chapter.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end