After Sister-in-law Li and the others left, she specifically asked Tang Tanghai to co.
In the autumn, two large warehouses of sugar cane were harvested; a part was kept for seeds, another portion was sold or given away, and the rest was used for making sugar.
Now, Tang Tanghai was in charge of the sugar workshop. Originally from the north, he had decided not to return ho and stayed in Yangshu Village instead, spending his days making sugar and sleeping when done.
When Tang Tanghai arrived, she entrusted him with so matters, such as collaborating with Tieshu to open a shop exclusively for selling sugar, and so on. Once everything was explained, the family affairs were almost completely settled.
The last thing to do was to see that old demon; she had to visit before she left, as she wouldn’t return for two or three years. The old demon probably couldn’t accompany them to Mianyang, so she had to say goodbye properly.
She intended to visit the old demon the next day, but didn’t get the chance, as early in the morning soone from the Yang Family ca calling.
"Great Auntie, Great Auntie!"
"What’s the matter?" The ssenger had co panting heavily, as if they had run all the way.
"Old Grand Master, I’m afraid... I’m afraid he’s not doing well. Madam sent to call for you!"
When Yang Chuxia heard that Old Yang was unwell, she froze, hand in mid-air, stupefied. Despite being ntally prepared, the news was still hard to accept.
She didn’t even feel Yangyang tugging at her hand.
"Mom... eat..."
She was feeding Yangyang egg custard, and due to her blank stare, the spoon was a bit far from his mouth, which made him anxious and he began to shout and tug at her hand.
Yangyang started articulating clearly last month and was now ten months old.
However, at this mont, her son’s adorable antics couldn’t bring a smile to her face.
She called Ming Liu over to feed him and quickly changed into more somber clothes to rush to the Yang Family ho. When she arrived, Yang Da’an and Ms.Liu, Yang Xiaochuan, and Ms.Luo had just gotten there.
They hurried to Old Yang’s courtyard. Yang Dachuan, with red-rimd eyes, stood watching. Uncle Cai was also present, and when she saw Old Man Yang with his eyes closed on the bed, her heart skipped a beat. Had he already passed away?
"Dad!"
"Dad!"
Yang Da’an and Yang Xiaochuan stepped forward and called out one after another, only to see Old Man Yang open his eyes to glance at them, then close them again. Yang Chuxia finally breathed a sigh of relief.
"Uncle Cai, how is Grandfather?"
As soon as she finished asking, she saw Uncle Cai sadly shake his head.
At that mont, Ms.Wang brought a bowl of ginseng soup. Yang Dachuan took it and helped Old Yang drink a few sips. After a while, Old Yang seed to gather so strength and asked Yang Dachuan to prop him up a bit.
Then he slowly said, "I’m afraid my ti has co!"
"Dad..." Yang Da’an wanted to offer so words of comfort.
"No need to speak; I know my body well." After a pause, Old Yang continued, "If I pass away, don’t tell Qingtong yet, wait until after his examination. If he passes, then send the news."
Yang Qingtong was participating in the imperial examination again this year; by now, he probably had just finished the second stage, with the final part to be taken in the prefecture.
In ancient tis, the exam system and civil service had the sa rule: if a close relative died, one couldn’t take an examination for fa and rank for the next two years, and serving officials had to observe three years of mourning.
Hence, if Yang Qingtong was told now, he would have to wait until the year after next to take the exam.
Old Yang was aware of this regulation, which is why he instructed it explicitly.
Having spoken about Yang Qingtong, Old Yang then looked at his sons one by one. When his gaze fell on Yang Xiaochuan, he said, "If Ms.Hong gives birth and it’s a boy, also co and tell ."
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