Chapter 130: Li Daoyun's Heart Knot

The little tree won't grow straight if it isn't pruned, and a person won't improve without guidance.

Under a severe scolding from Li You, Li Pi's early onset laziness was thoroughly cured. After the family finished tidying up and having breakfast, Li Daoyun put on his New Year's clothes in advance.

This outfit was bought by Li Xian from the mall in Beilin City: a red wool sweater with a V-neck, a navy blue Bosideng down jacket, and pants made from fabric that Zou Ni had bought and tailored before the New Year.

Li Daoyun, who had previously injured his foot and was fond of wearing homemade cotton shoes for their softness, was now wearing the leather shoes that Li Xian had bought for him. 

Li You, who had already gone to the cemetery to burn paper for his late spouse before the New Year, didn't understand why Li Daoyun was so determined to visit the grave today.

"Dad, the second son didn't make it back in time to visit the grave, so I'll take you to my mother's place to offer incense. It's too cold outside; it's really a hassle."

Li Daoyun waved his hand dismissively, "It's not like that. Stop nagging, just grab the paper and go quickly. If you dawdle, it'll be noon before we know it."

Seeing that he couldn't persuade his father, Li You reluctantly placed the items in the car. Wu Shengli, who could drive but wasn't authorized to enter the ancestral cemetery, took them to the back mountain.

The old Li family house, where Li Qing now lived, was on the way to the back mountain. Thinking that Li Daoyun wanted to show off in front of old neighbors, Li Xian asked if they should slow down and opened the car window.

Unexpectedly, Li Daoyun waved his hand again, "Cold enough? What's the point of that?"

This took Li Xian by surprise. It seemed that Li Daoyun wasn't just putting on airs. With this realization, Li Xian adjusted his attitude.

On the eve of New Year's Eve, every household was steaming food and cooking meat in preparation for the New Year. Children had already taken out the firecrackers bought for the occasion, setting them off one by one.

The popping sounds were like a warm-up for the New Year's Eve.

Despite the freezing cold outside, the festive spirit had driven many people out of their homes.

The white Cherokee drove slowly along the path, attracting the attention of the neighbors. While trucks carrying wood were common in the logging area, a stylish SUV like this was a rarity.

As the Cherokee approached, children threw firecrackers and ran around the car excitedly. Some adults gathered at the courtyard walls or doorways, discussing the vehicle.

Li You, sitting in the passenger seat, felt this was the most impressive moment of his life. Seeing the looks of the old neighbors, he finally said to Wu Shengli, "Brother Wu, lower the window for me."

As the window came down, people immediately recognized Li You, and the atmosphere became lively.

"Hey! Brother Li! Where are you going?"

"Didn't the second son come back? Taking him to his grandma's grave! Haha."

"Oh my, is this car yours? Oh my, Xianzi must have struck it rich outside!"

"Such nonsense, useless, useless, hahaha…"

"Brother Li, come over later! We'll have a drink at noon!"

"Yeah, yeah, we'll come by after the grave visit, haha…"

Seeing Li You's wide grin, Li Xian couldn't help but laugh too.

Nearby, Li Daoyun glared at his son, "Behave yourself."

The back mountain was inaccessible by car. Even the 4X4 Cherokee had to stop at the base of the mountain, below a broadcasting signal tower that resembled an overturned pot. Wu Shengli, an outsider, had to stay in the car.

Li You wanted to follow but was stopped by Li Daoyun, who just patted Li Xian and led the way up the mountain. Li Xian, seeing Li You's puzzled expression, followed along.

After trudging through deep snow for over half an hour, Li Xian finally arrived at the great-grandmother's grave with Li Daoyun leading the way.

The small grave marker, having been recently cleaned, wasn't yet covered by the heavy snow. The name "Li Yan Shi" on it made Li Xian feel a pang of sadness.

Li Daoyun used a broom to clear the snow from the tombstone and patted Li Xian on the back, "Kneel down for your great-grandmother."

Li Xian complied and knelt down.

Li Daoyun took a bottle of wine and poured it in circles before the tombstone, then sat down and spoke some family pleasantries, like "Tell your great-grandmother that we've brought the second grandson to see her" and "This kid has become successful; our family's reputation is shining."

As Li Daoyun continued speaking, Li Xian's knees grew numb from the cold, and the old man suddenly changed the subject.

"When you left, you asked me to find your uncle Shu Hua. Over the years, the family has been poor, and I thought I'd never get the chance. If Shu Hua was alive, I might still find him. Now that the second grandson has succeeded and is out there making his way, I'll leave this matter to him."

Li Xian was stunned, "Grandfather, find whom?"

"Your great-uncle, Yan Shu Hua."

…

While burning paper, Li Daoyun shared some past events with Li Xian. According to him, Li Yan Shi, the great-grandmother, was originally a young lady from a wealthy family. However, during the migration to the northeast, her family was ruined, and she was separated from them and taken up the mountain. At that time, Li Daoyun, who had just settled down in a dojo, was noticed for his skills and high status, and didn't have to rob the roads.

When Li Yan Shi was brought up the mountain, he was immediately interested. The mountain people said she had a fate that brought misfortune to those she had a relationship with. In an era where life was as cheap as grass, survival was crucial, and minor discomforts were insignificant.

Thus, Li Yan Shi protected herself.

Later, as Li Xian suspected, a charlatan who deceived everyone ended up taking advantage of the situation. He deceived the girl into believing he would reunite her with her family, but after the troublemakers were driven away by the troops, he took her as his own.

Thus, the Li family's lineage continued for three generations…

Realizing that his cleverness had some family roots, Li Xian felt like laughing but didn't dare to.

Recalling the past, Li Daoyun's face reddened slightly.

Whether from the cold or something else, he remained red for a while before patting Li Xian again, "I've only sworn two oaths in my life. The first was in bed, swearing to help your great-grandmother find her brother Shu Hua. The second was when I was pregnant with your father, swearing to protect her and the child. I didn't manage the second, so I wanted to die earlier, but she still wouldn't die. I thought I wouldn't manage the first one either, but now it's up to you, my grandson."

Seeing the tears welling in the old man's eyes, Li Xian patted his frail hand and reassured him, "Grandfather, don't worry. It's easy to find someone these days. After the New Year, I'll take care of it!"

Noting his grandfather's distressed mood, Li Xian helped him up and said, "Grandfather, this grave is a bit cold. I'll find someone to repair it in the spring."

Li Daoyun lit a cigarette from the fire of the burning paper and waved his hand, "Don't talk nonsense. When we were poor, we didn't change the house; when we're rich, we don't fix the grave. No need for that. Besides, your grandmother and I were in a ruined temple during the war, and you were born in a straw stack. Now the mountain is behind and the water is in front, isn't it quite nice? Don't worry about it."

Ah?

Even after returning to the car, Li Xian remained deeply impressed by his ancestors' toughness.

He looked at Li Daoyun with admiration.