The peach grove covered five mu, densely planted with peach trees.
Xia Shumeng’s tomb lay in the very center of the peach grove. Every year, during March, April, November, and December, when the peach blossoms were in full bloom, countless tourists would flock to the grove, even knowing it was a burial ground.
The spontaneous procession of Chang’an’s citizens headed that way, carrying paper money. On this day, every resident of the city would bring paper money to offer their respects.
An entire city venerating a single person—such a scene would be profoundly moving even in a national capital.
“I want to go see,” Ye Longlin said slowly. He wished to pay respects to his mother; after so many years, he had almost forgotten what she looked like. Now that he was in Chang’an, he had the chance to visit her grave, and he certainly would.
“Fifty kilometers south of Chang’an, you’ll see it after you get off the highway. On the highway, look for the peach grove to take the exit ramp.”
“Thank you!”
*In the peach grove, a peach tomb; within the peach tomb, a dreamer.*
This verse was remarkably fitting.
“Suddenly, I encountered a peach grove, lining the banks for several hundred paces. No other trees grew there; the grass was fresh and beautiful, and fallen blossoms lay scattered like brocade.”
A gentle breeze blew, carrying a faint scent of peach blossoms, punctuated by wisps of fragrance drifting through the air.
Walking among them, the peach trees stood like graceful maidens, so delicate and captivating, evoking a sense of pity from the heart. Perhaps the pity was not for the peach blossoms, but for the solitary, pitiable soul who rested there.
“Daddy, why are we here?” Ye Churan asked curiously. The peach trees here seemed like sentinels guarding the place.
“Because Grandma is here. Shall we come and see Grandma?” Ye Longlin held the little girl’s hand, walking through the peach grove and speaking softly.
Mu Hanqi also held his hand, sensing the sorrow in Ye Longlin’s heart. From his birth until now, his memories of Xia Shumeng were scarce, if not nonexistent. He had almost forgotten what his mother looked like, holding only fragmented recollections. For a son, this was a great sadness.
“It’s alright, we’re here now, aren’t we?” Mu Hanqi gently squeezed his hand, her voice filled with concern.
Ye Longlin took a deep breath and nodded slightly, continuing his steps toward the center.
At the very center, a tomb rose from the ground. It wasn't large but was exquisitely crafted.
*Beloved Daughter—Tomb of Xia Shumeng.*
A tombstone stood tall in the middle, inscribed with five prominent characters.
A flicker of sadness crossed Ye Longlin’s eyes as he gazed at the photograph, his own eyes turning red.
“Our mom… is quite beautiful. She must have been a great beauty back then,” Mu Hanqi said, her eyes also reddened, her voice low. The photograph depicted Xia Shumeng with a smile as radiant as a flower, her eyes seeming to hold a light, and her smile a genuine one from the heart.
Ye Longlin remained silent, then his knees buckled as he knelt. In his life, he knelt to no one under heaven, nor to any ghost or god, only to his parents. Yet, he had never knelt to Ye Guohui. Now, before his mother, he knelt.
“Mom, your son is back. Your son has come to see you.”
“Your daughter-in-law and granddaughter have also come. Do you see them?” Ye Longlin’s voice was low, tears shimmering in his eyes.
“Mom, I am Mu Hanqi, Ye Longlin’s wife, and your daughter-in-law. I’ve come to see you.”
“Yiyi, kneel!” Mu Hanqi also knelt. Though Xia Shumeng was deceased, no one could deny that she had raised a remarkable son, one who had become the most brilliant figure of this era. If Xia Shumeng were still alive, she would surely be proud.
Seeing her parents kneel, Ye Churan also knelt. At her young age, she seemed to sense the gravity of the moment, remaining silent.
Flames ignited, lighting three sticks of incense and red candles. Sheets of yellow paper were burned.
*Boom!*
In an instant, three mu of peach trees seemed to have regained life like withered wood in spring. Pink blossoms appeared on every single peach tree. The peach blossoms bloomed, and all the surrounding trees burst into flower, presenting a sea of pink before them.
“Say hello to Grandma,” Mu Hanqi said softly, a hint of bitterness on her lips. Perhaps the greatest fear in life was this: when one’s children achieve success, the parents are no longer present.
“Grandma?” Ye Churan tilted her little head, her eyes fixed on the surrounding pink petals. A breeze swept through, carrying countless petals that swirled around the little girl.
This time, the little girl could not remain still. With a joyous cry, she began chasing the petals, as if Xia Shumeng had sensed her presence and wished to tease her granddaughter.
“Mom, I’m sorry for taking so long to come. Please forgive me for not being able to bury you and Dad together. Dad is in the Heroes’ Mausoleum, and he cannot be moved. I met Grandpa. Grandpa is in good spirits and seems quite well, though he still becomes sad when he thinks of you. Please, go home and see Grandpa. He’s had a difficult time these past years.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m doing well. I have a wife who loves me and gave me a little girl. Her eyes are quite like yours.”
“Mom…” Ye Longlin spoke at length, recounting his experiences over the years, how he climbed step by step to his current position. Yet, he deliberately omitted his injuries on the battlefield, his hardships during difficult times. Parents naturally wanted to hear about their children’s struggles; just as Mu Hanqi would weep and grieve if their daughter had a difficult life in the future.
“Mom, we have to go now. I’ll come to see you again next time, perhaps with Grandpa,” Ye Longlin said after more than an hour, taking a deep breath and forcing a smile, a hint of reluctance and lingering affection in his eyes. If only his mother were still alive.
“Yiyi, come say goodbye to Grandma.” Hearing her father’s call, the little girl with the round head responded with a childish sound, “Coming!” She toddled over, mimicking her parents, and kowtowed three times to her grandmother. Unbeknownst to her, a drop of liquid fell onto the photograph.
“Grandma, don’t cry. Yiyi will take good care of Mommy and Daddy. Don’t worry, Grandma.” The little girl, like a tiny adult, patted her chest and promised.
Mu Hanqi couldn’t help but smile through her tears, ruffling the little girl’s head. “Mom, please don’t ruffle Yiyi’s hair anymore. Yiyi has grown up now.”