RPAGF Chapter 192 Returning Home for Funeral
Chapter 192 Returning Home for Funeral
Xiaohu ran over to open the door, and when he opened the door, he saw that it was Yuan Ziang.
The Zhang family's courtyard was small, so Yuan Ziang walked straight into it and greeted Zhang Laoer and Xu. "Hello, uncle and aunt!"
Then he walked to Zhang Ping'an, his face unusually serious: "Ping'an, did you know that the emperor passed away on the first day of the first lunar month? I received the news this morning."
Zhang Pingan nodded: "I just came back from my teacher's house and heard what my teacher said."
"Your teacher?" Yuan Ziang raised his eyebrows in surprise.
Zhang Ping'an then told him about the past few days. When he learned that Han Juren was his teacher, Yuan Ziang laughed and scolded him, "I was wondering why you asked me about the Han family back then. At that time, I thought you wanted to learn from Professor Han, but it turns out you wanted to learn from Han Juren. I've heard my father talk about this person. He's very knowledgeable, but he's quite upright in his conduct."
"The teacher is indeed very knowledgeable, but it's a pity that I haven't even finished a day's class," Zhang Pingan smiled bitterly and did not comment on anything else.
"Okay, I came here to tell you this important news. I didn't expect you to know it in advance. The county city gate is now open. According to this situation, the opening of classes in the provincial school will probably have to be postponed for a few days. You can take this opportunity to ask Professor Han for leave to go home to attend the funeral, but the road may not be easy to travel," Yuan Ziang said with a smile.
Zhang Pingan bowed and thanked him, "Thank you Ziang for making this special trip. You've worked hard."
Yuan Ziang waved his hand: "Oh, it's okay, I'll go back first."
He came and went in a hurry, and after saying that, he left the yard, got on his own mule cart and left.
Zhang Laoer and Xu also heard what Yuan Ziang said.
Xu asked hesitantly, "So are we going back tomorrow, or what?"
Zhang Laoer was also a little hesitant: "I'm afraid the road is difficult to travel now. I wonder if there is any escort agency willing to take this business."
Zhang Pingan thought for a moment and said, "Well, Dad, you go to the escort agency first to see if they're open. I'll go to Professor Han's house to ask about the current epidemic situation in the counties below, as well as about taking leave to go home. Then we'll decide whether to go back based on the situation."
"Okay, that's it. I'll go to the escort agency first," Zhang Laoer nodded.
Zhang Ping'an went out and called a cart to go to Professor Han's house. Professor Han's house was not far from the provincial school, and it took more than a quarter of an hour to get there by cart.
It is estimated that Professor Han has also received the news. White couplets and white lanterns have been placed in front of the Han Mansion, and white mourning cloth has been hung on the gate. The same is true for the houses on the left and right.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, Zhang Ping'an came to the Han Mansion to pay New Year's greetings. Professor Han's servants knew him and took him directly to the study.
After a while, Professor Han came in wearing white mourning clothes.
After Zhang Pingan stood up and saluted, Professor Han waved his hand and said, "Sit down, no need to be polite."
After saying this, he sighed, "The death of the emperor is a major event. The whole country is in mourning. I don't know whether it is fortunate or unfortunate for you. You almost couldn't become my disciple. What brings you here today?"
"I think it's a blessing. It means that my teacher and I have a master-disciple relationship. I came here today mainly to ask about the epidemic situation in the county. I heard from Yuan Ziang that the gates of each county will be unsealed from today and all of them will be opened," Zhang Pingan asked.
Professor Han stroked his beard and said, "I've heard from my clansmen that the epidemic is under control quite well in the counties below, and the vaccination method is very effective. However, the population of each village and town is scattered, not as concentrated as in the provincial capital. To ensure that there will be no large-scale transmission, they have kept the city gates closed. Now that the emperor has passed away, it is a national mourning, so we can't continue like this."
"Will the opening of the provincial school be delayed?"
"Well, this matter will be discussed by all the professors and academic officials of the prefectural school today. I haven't experienced it, but I estimate that it will be delayed for at least five or six days," Professor Han replied after thinking for a while.
Zhang Ping'an was a little undecided and said, "Professor Han, this is what happened. My grandparents died of an illness years ago. It's been over a month now, and the county gates have been closed. My family hasn't been able to go back for the funerals, and we didn't go back for the New Year. I don't know what the situation is like at home. Now the gates are open, and the start of the provincial school will have to be postponed, so I'd like to take some time off and go back."
Professor Han was surprised. "Oh? I've never heard you mention that before. If that's the case, then taking a leave of absence during this period is most appropriate. It won't affect your studies too much. How many days will it take you to go there and back?"
"Normally, six days is enough for a round trip, but now it's snowing heavily and the roads are difficult to travel on. I estimate it may take eight days," Zhang Pingan replied.
Professor Han pondered for a moment and then said, "Then I'll grant you fifteen days of leave. You can take care of your family affairs before coming back."
"Thank you, Master," Zhang Pingan said gratefully.
"Okay, you are my nephew now, no need to be polite," Professor Han said kindly.
There were a lot of things going on in the prefectural school right now, so Zhang Ping'an didn't disturb them too much. He bowed again before saying goodbye and leaving.
When they got home, Xu was packing up. Seeing her son coming back, she explained, "I'm afraid I'll have to leave tomorrow, so I'm putting my things away first. If you don't leave, I'll put them back."
As she spoke, her eyes turned red. Zhang Ping'an could see that his mother really wanted to go back.
"Mom, I have just asked Professor Han for fifteen days off. I also heard that the epidemic is under very good control in the counties below. There is no danger. As long as the escort agency can accept the order, we will go back tomorrow," Zhang Pingan whispered to comfort her.
"Why take such a long leave? It will delay your studies," Xu said anxiously. "Just take eight or nine days off."
Zhang Pingan helped to pack up while explaining, "It's snowing heavily now, and the roads are difficult to walk on. It can't be compared to when I was rushing to take the exam. Besides, we didn't go home for the New Year, so we will definitely have to stay home for a few more days. The provincial school will also postpone the start of classes, so it's okay."
After this explanation, Xu felt a little better. Although she wanted to go back, she was more afraid of delaying her son's studies.
After a while, Zhang Laoer also returned with a look of joy on his face. After entering the house, he said, "I just went to the escort agency to inquire. We can go back tomorrow. Now that the gates of all the county towns are open, many people want to go back. The escort agency is easy to recruit. I have already paid the deposit. We will set off tomorrow morning."
"That's great," Xu said happily.
Zhang Ping'an was also happy. He picked up his pen and wrote two letters to Han Juren and Yuan Ziang, asking Xiaohu to deliver them quickly. He must say goodbye to them before leaving.
"Shuisheng, are you going back?" Zhang Pingan asked.