Ten Thousand Soul Banner: Deceased, do you have any unfulfilled wishes?-Chapter 913 - 909: Xiajing

March in Si Ming still carries the chill of spring. The light of dawn just passed through the window panes at six in the morning, and Ruan Hongzhuang was already washed and ready.

When she walked into the living room, she happened to see Mao Sanmei squatting on the ground tying Tang Tang’s shoelaces.

The little fellow was wearing a goose-yellow jacket, with a floral sweatshirt underneath, and was holding a little donkey in her hand, picked up from the wedding site that day. She especially liked it and had been holding it close these past few days.

At this moment, she was standing on tiptoes looking towards the door, chirping "ooh ooh," like a little bird eager to go out.

"Where’s Grandma?"

Ruan Hongzhuang picked up the light gray knitted cardigan on the sofa, which was prepared for Grandma — the wind in Xiajing in March is strong, and it’s chilly in the mornings and evenings, a light cardigan is perfect for keeping out the wind.

"She’s in the room organizing stuff."

Taozi carried a freshly heated milk; she was wearing a beige trench coat today, her hair styled into neat curls.

As she finished speaking, she saw Shen Jianjun supporting Grandma as they walked out.

Grandma was wearing a dark blue embroidered jacket, which Ruan Hongzhuang picked out for her while shopping yesterday, highlighting her good complexion.

The greying hair was combed neatly, the hair adorned with a pearl hair clip, chosen by Taozi - delicate yet understated, very suitable for someone of Grandma’s age.

The only mismatch was the blue cloth bag she was clutching, faded to white, with a small gardenia flower embroidered on it, which she stitched herself when she was young.

This bag is older than Shen Jianjun, yet she has always cherished it, using it from youth to old age, showing how much it means to her.

Therefore, during yesterday’s shopping trip, while everyone bought clothes, shoes, and even hair clips and necklaces for her without refusal, she firmly declined when it came to buying a bag, not allowing it in any way.

Thus, no one insisted, but everyone speculated that perhaps this bag holds special meaning for Grandma.

Last night, out of curiosity, Taozi even asked Shen Siyuan.

But Shen Siyuan didn’t know either, though he was aware of the bag; it was always kept at the bottom of a chest, pressed with several items of clothing, rarely taken out for use. Back then, he also paid attention to it, only considering it an ordinary item.

"Grandma, you don’t need to bring anything, we’ve prepared everything for you." Taozi leaned forward to help Grandma straighten her collar.

Upon hearing this, Grandma’s eyes crinkled with a smile.

"You’ve been so thoughtful, both of you."

Having spent these past few days together, she had grown very fond of these two granddaughters-in-law.

One mature and steady, is a good wife who manages the household well.

One lively and adorable, is a good girl who brings color to life.

An ordinary person would be fortunate enough to have even one, but her sons have both, what a blessing.

So seeing them brought her much joy.

She looked towards the door, not seeing Shen Siyuan’s figure, and asked, "Is Big Head really not coming with us?"

"He’s got some things to handle, he’ll come over when he’s done." Huang Huijuan came out of the room, carrying luggage.

"But he specifically mentioned that we should take lots of photos of you."

"He’s only just married, yet always too busy to be seen." Grandma complained, but didn’t say anymore.

The group drove to the airport, with Tang Tang hanging onto the car window watching the scenery. Seeing the roadside trees, she excitedly exclaimed "ooh ooh."

Mao Sanmei patiently gestured with her, though no one knew what she was saying.

Ruan Hongzhuang took out her phone, sending a voice message to Shen Siyuan about the road trip, playfully adding, "Your grandmother keeps talking about you on the way."

When the plane landed at Xiajing airport, the sunshine was just right.

Knowing that Shen Siyuan’s family was coming, the Special Affairs Bureau had sent a driver early to wait at the exit.

Holding a sign that read "Ms. Ruan."

Once in the car, Ruan Hongzhuang said, "Let’s check in at the hotel first, then go to the Forbidden City this afternoon, and see the flag-raising early tomorrow morning, okay?"

Grandma looked out at the bustling scene outside the window, wishing to go around, but considering the long journey, resting first seemed prudent.

Grandma nodded but didn’t withdraw her gaze from the window, suddenly saying softly, "Has Xiulan really lived in a place like this all these years?"

The compartment fell silent instantly. Shen Jianjun was stunned—for over fifty years, he had never heard his mother mention the name "Xiulan."

Ruan Hongzhuang and Taozi stopped their banter, even Tang Tang obediently sat in Mao Sanmei’s arms, watching Grandma with wide eyes.

Grandma caressed the cloth bag in her arms and slowly opened up: "Xiulan was a youth who came from the countryside back then, we were very close. Later, she returned to the city and wrote to me, saying she wanted to take me to visit the Forbidden City and watch the flag-raising."

She paused, opened the cloth bag to reveal a yellowed black and white photograph.

Two girls with pigtails standing side by side, both wearing blue labor cloth jackets, smiling with teeth showing, the photo edges were frayed but kept clean.

"Shortly after returning to the city, she wrote me a letter, saying everything was fine at home, except work was hard to find. She even sent me some dried hawthorns, but then there was no news..."

At this, Grandma’s voice softened, eyes revealing some regret: "Even after decades, I don’t know how she’s doing now..."

Listening, Ruan Hongzhuang took out her phone, quietly messaging Shen Siyuan, detailing Grandma and Xiulan’s story. She knew Shen Siyuan had influence, if someone was in Xiajing, they would definitely find them, at least this could address Grandma’s regret.

Shen Siyuan was surprised upon receiving Ruan Hongzhuang’s message. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

After considering, he replied to Ruan Hongzhuang.

"I’ll contact Song Meixian right away, have the Special Affairs Bureau help check the household registration files. They can access Xiajing’s old registration info, might find some clues. Don’t tell Grandma yet, give her a surprise once there’s news."

Seeing this, Ruan Hongzhuang smiled easily and put away her phone, saying to Grandma, "Grandma, we’re going to the Forbidden City this afternoon. I checked the guide, there are lots of pretty jewelry in the Treasure Hall, you’ll surely like it."

Grandma nodded cheerfully, putting away the photos, saying with a smile: "You guys just arrange everything."

In the afternoon at the Forbidden City, Grandma was awed by the red walls and golden roofs, when walking to Taihe Palace square, she couldn’t help but reach out and touch the white jade railings beside.

"Xiulan wrote in her letter that the Forbidden City’s railings are made of ’jade,’ they’re indeed this beautiful."

Tang Tang, on the other hand, was particularly fascinated by the bronze lions in front of Taihe Palace, circling them and touching their paws, with Mao Sanmei following behind, phone in hand constantly taking photos, capturing several of Grandma and bronze lions’ joint photos.

Taozi held Grandma’s hand watching the turrets, saying while walking: "Si Yuan says the turrets are best for photos, let’s take more here and send it to him later."

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