When Lu Yui, Zhao Han, and Liu Zhizhong respectively rushed to the Zhang Family Mansion, the body of Zhang Dingkang had just been brought back.
The ancestral hall was still being set up. In the sweltering heat, the ice coffin had not yet been delivered. On such a hot day, with a person gone, an ice coffin indeed beca an urgently required item.
Zhang Dingkang's body was still inside the hospital's ambulance, having been processed and just waiting for the ice coffin to arrive, to be transferred into for the mourning relatives and friends to view and offer their condolences.
Of course, the tables and chairs used for the birthday banquet the night before were still scattered in the central courtyard of the estate, in the garden, and under the eaves of the three connected buildings!
The staff from Longhua Hotel, in charge of the banquet, had only cleaned up the tabletops, leftover food, and drinks, planning to tidy everything and clear up today during the dayti.
But who could have predicted Old Master Zhang's passing, following the old rules of Yangzhou, a three-day banquet must be held. Thus, these tables and chairs remained untouched, just redecorated with white flowers to match the somber style of the funeral.
Following the birthday banquet, it was imdiately succeeded by the funeral feast. There was nothing wrong with the hotel doing business, but the hearts of the Zhang Family mbers were utterly downcast, almost feeling shaful when speaking of it.
The crucial point was that as long as Old Master Zhang was alive, he was a living fossil in Yangzhou's officialdom, a trendous asset for the Zhang Family.
After the old man passed, so relationships would inevitably fade. When he was alive, if he showed up at important events or made a phone call, people in officialdom and business circles would give him so face; just getting by was fine, and it was beneficial for the Zhang Family and their direct line of power.
Think about it, back then, during New Year and holidays, and at ancestral grave visits, there was a ban on burning papers and setting off fireworks, but Old Sir Zhang would just need to cause a stir in the Provincial City, and in Yangzhou, people would continue burning and setting off fireworks as usual. What did that illustrate? Firstly, the leaders in the Provincial City really didn't want to argue and enforce rules against an eighty-sothing-year-old elder. Besides, while the elder was still there, face was maintained. But with the elder gone, that face faded sowhat...
Without the elder, the Zhang Family lost a trendous political asset. That was the root of the distress and sorrow.
By the ti Liu Zhizhong and the others arrived, Zhang Zhengchang and Zhang Hongyang were also directing the setup of the ancestral hall and organizing items like incense, candles, paper money to be offered.
For the Zhang Family, no aspect of the funeral was trivial; Old Master Zhang's 89 years of life ant it was a fortunate passing, and of course, it had to be a grand affair. Retired and currently serving Party and governnt officials connected to the Zhang Family, various organizations, and representative groups from Yangzhou would surely co.
Indeed, organizing such an elaborate funeral was going to be quite exhausting.
The Zhang father and son were stunned, not expecting the Zhao family mbers to arrive first.
At this ti, even Zhang Zhenglong, Zhang Yuxing, and the core direct mbers of the Zhang Family hadn't made it yet; they were still rushing on the road!
Nevertheless, the father and son stopped their current tasks to greet the visitors.
At this mont, both were dressed in mourning clothes of hemp and filial piety, with somber and sorrowful expressions.
Upon arrival, Zhang Zhengchang took the initiative to greet, "Mother-in-law, Han Han, you've arrived! Thank you for your struggles!"
Zhang Hongyang also stood by his father, nodding his head politely, "Mom, you've co, thank you. My wife, you're back too, thank you. For Grandpa's funeral, we need my wife's support; together, we'll make sure the Zhang Family holds a respectable event!"
Look, these father and son only greeted Lu Yui and Zhao Han, completely ignoring Liu Zhizhong who followed behind them, as if he were invisible.
Lu Yui and Zhao Han felt uncomfortable on the spot, secretly criticizing how the Zhang father and son could behave like this.
However, on the surface, Lu Yui still nodded and exchanged pleasantries with Zhao Han.
Lu Yui talked about offering condolences and readily offered to lend a hand if there were any need for help.
Zhao Han didn't make a strong statent but simply said that fulfilling her duty was obligatory, and wearing mourning clothes for her grandfather was appropriate.
Liu Zhizhong was left hanging, inwardly exclaiming: Exquisite! Such a father and son with their exquisite mannerisms! Are they so devoid of propriety? After all, he too was here to mourn! Otherwise, by now, he should be enjoying a leisurely trip with his mother-in-law and aunt.
Just then, considering kindness and courtesy, Liu Zhizhong intended to express his condolences, share in the deep sorrow, empathize with their grief, and offer his help in making the funeral arrangents smoother.
But the mont he called out "Secretary Zhang," Zhang Zhengchang responded to him, "Secretary Liu, thank you for coming. Hongyang has sothing to say to you; you two go talk it over."
Liu Zhizhong was taken aback and looked towards Zhang Hongyang.
Zhang Hongyang, with a severe expression, gently pushed his glasses up his nose and nodded at him, "Let's go, Secretary Liu. This matter really needs a private discussion."
Lu Yui and Zhao Han were sowhat puzzled, but it was not their place to question anything. At this ti, Zhang Hongyang, at least as one of the hosts, warranted that guests should accommodate the host's wishes.
Therefore, they could only watch as Zhang Hongyang led Liu Zhizhong through the greenery of the garden to stand firm by the central large fountain pool, unaware of what would be discussed.
User Comments
0 comments from readers