RPAGF Chapter 3: Recognizing Relatives at Old Zhu's Grave!
Chapter 3: Recognizing Relatives at Old Zhu's Grave!
Qiao'er was the girl he met in Chenzhou years ago. She was gentle and kind. When he was down on his luck and begging, she secretly gave him hot porridge and wheat cakes. He remembered the smile in her eyes for the rest of his life.
Old Master Liu is Qiao'er's father and her father-in-law!
Given Liu Yao's age, background, and the connection he has with Chenzhou, he is very likely the son he unknowingly left behind back then!
For over twenty years, he had no idea that he had a son who had been living in the countryside and had lost his mother at a young age, growing up with his maternal grandfather.
Zhu Yuanzhang's fingers trembled slightly as he gazed at Liu Yao's tall yet lonely back. A mix of guilt, elation, and heartache surged within him, lingering for a long time until even his breathing became heavy.
He suppressed the turmoil in his heart, then pulled over another neighbor and asked casually, "I heard that wide, flat road we just passed was also built by the young master of the Liu family?"
Upon hearing this, the villager instantly perked up, his sorrow fading somewhat, and his tone filled with admiration and praise: "That's right! It was Young Master Liu who spearheaded the road's construction! Speaking of our Young Master Liu, he's truly extraordinary, far beyond the reach of ordinary wealthy merchants!"
"After repairing the roads, he also built eight stone bridges in Chenzhou over the years, connecting all the villages and towns so that merchants no longer have to wade through rivers."
"They also spearheaded the reclamation of tens of thousands of acres of wasteland, distributing it to impoverished people who had no land to cultivate, requiring them to pay only a small amount of grain each year, just enough to make a living."
"Not only that, he also opened three academies inside and outside Chenzhou City. The largest one admitted children from wealthy families, the medium-sized one admitted children from ordinary families, and the smallest one was specifically for orphans. No matter whether a family was rich or poor, as long as they were willing to study, they could enter, and the Liu family would provide all the writing materials!"
"And that welfare home, it takes in the helpless elderly and orphans, providing them with food and lodging, and even new clothes for holidays. The people of Chenzhou have been able to live a good life these past few years, all thanks to Young Master Liu!"
Zhu Yuanzhang was shocked upon hearing this. His expression changed to one of astonishment, and his eyes widened. He was speechless for a long time.
Although he was the emperor and devoted himself to the people's livelihood, he never expected that a wealthy merchant could do such a thing, caring so much about the people and bringing benefits to the region.
Liu Bowen, standing beside him, was so shocked that he stared in disbelief, his mouth slightly agape. He coughed twice in his excitement.
He had served Zhu Yuanzhang for many years and had met countless talented people and wealthy merchants, but he had never met a person with such vision and benevolence. Liu Yao's actions were even more dedicated than those of many officials in the court.
The two exchanged a glance, both seeing shock and astonishment in each other's eyes. For a moment, they forgot to speak and silently followed the funeral procession.
Before long, the group arrived at the cemetery. The feng shui master selected an auspicious spot, and the coffin was lowered into the burial chamber. Liu Yao slowly stepped forward, removed his mourning cap, knelt down, and kowtowed three times heavily to the tombstone. His forehead turned red from the kowtow, and his voice was hoarse: "Grandpa, rest assured, your grandson will live well and find my biological father to fulfill your last wish."
This cry seemed to shatter Zhu Yuanzhang's last line of defense. He could no longer hold back, rushed forward, and knelt down beside Liu Yao with a thud. Tears instantly streamed down his face as he wept bitterly, his voice filled with guilt and regret: "Father-in-law! I've wronged Qiao'er! When we were down on our luck, it was Qiao'er who saved us!"
Liu Yao was so startled by the sudden turn of events that he froze, then turned sharply to look at Zhu Yuanzhang, who was weeping beside him.
Zhu Yuanzhang raised his tear-streaked face, staring intently at Liu Yao, his eyes filled with expectation and guilt, and asked in a choked voice, "My child, I am your father!!"
Liu Yao was stunned for a moment, then slowly nodded, his voice hoarse: "Uncle, are you serious?!"
"Your biological father was a wandering monk back then, wasn't he?" Zhu Yuanzhang continued to ask.
Liu Yao's pupils contracted sharply, his eyes filled with shock. He nodded again: "Yes, my maternal grandfather said that my biological father was a monk who was passing through Chenzhou and saved my mother."
As soon as he finished speaking, Zhu Yuanzhang could no longer control himself. He hugged Liu Yao tightly in his arms and cried out, "My child! I'm so sorry! I'm too late! I've finally found you!"
Liu Yao stood frozen in place. After a moment, the pent-up grievances, confusion, and longing of many years burst forth. Tears streamed down his face as he reached out and hugged Zhu Yuanzhang, choking out the title he had never uttered before: "Father... Father..."
The father and son embraced tightly, weeping bitterly. Their cries were filled with belated affection and remorse, touching everyone present.
When the villagers who came to the funeral saw this, they were first stunned, then they clapped and cheered, saying "It's good that they've been reunited with their relatives" and "Heaven has eyes." The scene was very touching.
Only Liu Bowen and Erhu's entourage stood there, completely bewildered, looking at each other in utter panic.
Liu Bowen's expression was complex, his eyes filled with doubt and unease. How could His Majesty suddenly have another son?!
All of this happened so strangely.
He wanted to go forward and ask, but he kept coughing and could only stand by anxiously.
Just then, Liu Yao's butler, Chen Zhong, quietly stepped forward, leaned close to Liu Yao's ear, and whispered urgently, "Young Master, be careful!"
"This man's arrival is too coincidental. You just learned about your background, and he shows up, insisting he's your father. He might be lying! You can't believe him so easily!"
Liu Yao shook his head slightly at Chen Zhong and said in a voice only the two of them could hear, "I am naturally aware that this matter is suspicious, and I will not easily believe it. This is just a temporary measure to keep the other party calm and not to alert him. I want to see what his background is and what his purpose is."
Chen Zhong understood, nodded, and quietly stepped aside, keeping his eyes fixed on Zhu Yuanzhang and his entourage with a wary expression.
On the other side, Liu Bowen also realized what was happening and quickly stepped forward, tugged at Zhu Yuanzhang's sleeve, and, taking advantage of the fact that no one was paying attention, whispered a reminder: "Master, is this Zhu Yao really your child who has been lost and wandering? Cough cough..." Before he could finish speaking, he coughed again.
"Nonsense! We're just putting on a show today to figure out the situation." Zhu Yuanzhang coughed twice. "Don't you want to find out the secret of how roads are built?"
So it was all just acting!
Liu Bowen felt relieved and nodded: "Your Excellency is wise. I was overthinking it."
"only……"
"But what?" Zhu Yuanzhang asked.
"But sir, your acting was so convincing that I almost thought... it really was your long-lost eldest son..." Liu Bowen shook his head with a wry smile, then coughed twice, covering his mouth.
Zhu Yuanzhang's lips twitched. If he weren't the emperor, he would definitely have acknowledged his relatives. But now that he was the emperor, if he were to acknowledge his relatives, it would probably cause an immediate uproar throughout the court and the country!
Just then, Zhu Yao cupped his hands to the villagers present and said, "Thank you all for coming to see my grandfather off on his final journey. My humble abode has prepared a small feast. Please come to the Liu family courtyard, have a drink, and express your gratitude."
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in cheers. The sorrow on their faces vanished, replaced by undisguised excitement. They all cupped their hands in response, saying, "Thank you, Young Master Zhu! Thank you, Young Master Zhu!"