Xie Sui felt that officials at this time were much more incorrupt than in his previous life, with most of them genuinely committed to serving the country.
Later, as the economy improved, greed began to breed among officials. Corrupt officials became more numerous; some succumbed to temptation, while others found it impossible to avoid corruption. This downward trend corrupted the general atmosphere.
Regardless of the dynasty, combating corruption has always been an arduous task.
Being an official is also exhausting. If one amasses wealth through corruption, they cannot spend it freely and live in constant fear. The only benefits are a good reputation and high social status. Xie Sui believed that being a merchant was far more preferable, and he was certainly not cut out to be an official.
After a pleasant meeting with the new Party Secretary, he also paid visits to Director Gu, the director of the machinery factory, Director Ma, and the director of the food factory, Director Liu. Xie Sui had not forgotten those who had previously helped him.
Director Gu, in particular, was habitually helpful to people, and her casual assistance had brought immense benefits to his family.
His son was the General Manager at the factory, enjoying a top-tier salary and benefits among young people. Xie Sui’s gifts to her during the Spring Festival were continuous, truly embodying the principle of repaying a drop of kindness with a gushing spring.
After completing these social visits and gift-giving, the year drew to a close. Xie Sui and Du Feiyang each drove a Mercedes-Benz, bringing the entire family back to the village for the New Year.
Grandma Xie was still hale and hearty, waiting at the village entrance every day. She finally saw Xie Sui and his family return, and joyfully announced to the whole village that her grandson was back.
When some had previously spread rumors that Xie Sui was in trouble and spoken ill of him, Grandma Xie had blocked their doorways and cursed them for their jealousy and for wishing ill upon her grandson, threatening to hang herself at their doors. This terrified the villagers into immediate apologies, and they sent her away with conciliatory words.
No one dared to challenge Grandma Xie’s formidable spirit, though whispers and snide remarks continued behind her back.
Now, with Xie Sui’s return, the various envious glances instantly dissipated, replaced by admiration. The Old Xie family had truly prospered.
Just those two Mercedes-Benz cars were enough for them to brag about for a lifetime if they had the chance to ride in them even once, let alone for the family to own two. Su Dan Novel Network.
After unloading the New Year's goods from the cars, Xie Sui distributed cigarettes to the villagers, creating a festive atmosphere. When it was time for lunch, everyone returned to their own homes.
Great Aunt still wore a long face and made a few sour remarks. Lin Wanwan decided against giving her the gold bracelet she had intended to gift, as she wouldn’t receive any pleasantries even if she did.
She gave it to Grandma Xie instead. The old lady, wearing one on each hand, joyfully revealed her toothless gums and smiled, saying, "This old woman has one foot in the grave, yet I still get to wear gold bracelets. I must live well and wear them for many more years."
"Grandma is right. May you live a hundred years and still be around to help Doudou and Dingding find wives. Your judgment is the best," Lin Wanwan said.
Lin Wanwan then placed earrings on the old lady. When she was young, Grandma Xie had her ears pierced, but she only wore tea stems, never daring to wear silver earrings. Now, her grandson’s wife was honoring her with gold.
Great Aunt’s dissatisfaction reached its peak. "Wanwan, you’re really willing to buy gold for the old lady? Is gold cheap in Hong Kong? I take care of the old lady all day, and no one has ever shown me such filial respect."
Lin Wanwan replied, "Gold isn't cheap in Hong Kong; it's even more expensive. Because the craftsmanship is excellent, made by old artisans, the jewelry produced is unlike anything we have here.
Don't you have sons and daughters, Great Aunt? Naturally, they should be the ones to show you filial piety. Would it not be shaming your children if I, a nephew's wife from another branch, were to show you filial piety?
As for your care for Grandma, if Grandma is happy and feels you've taken good care of her, she will naturally bestow these items upon you. Why are you so anxious, Great Aunt?"
Great Aunt considered this. The old lady wouldn't live for many more years, would she? These items couldn't be taken to the grave, could they?
She had been by her side serving her; surely, some of these would be passed down to her. This represented a considerable sum of money.
Immediately, she broke into a smile. "I'll go make you all lunch. Shall we have noodles today? Dumplings for parting, noodles for reunion. We'll have hand-pulled noodles; I make the best hand-pulled noodles."
"Yes, Great Aunt, your hand-pulled noodles are indeed excellent. Thank you for your hard work."
"It's nothing, it's what family should do."
As Great Aunt bustled off to the kitchen, Grandma Xie took Lin Wanwan’s hand and smiled, "You mischievous girl, but you must keep your Great Aunt in check. If you don't discipline her for three days, she'll climb the roof and tear off the tiles, not knowing her own limitations."
Lin Wanwan gave a sly smile. "No matter what, Great Aunt works hard taking care of you. It's just that her mouth is unpleasant. If you see she behaves well, reward her with one. I have more here.
Let me tell you secretly, when Xie Sui bought the house, the previous owner hid some gold that he didn't take. He found it; it's dozens of catties. We can have some jewelry made from it to play with."
"Really? Won't their family come looking for it? If it's ill-gotten gains, it's best to return it."
Grandma Xie's perspective was indeed different. Others would consider unexpected wealth a great windfall, but she was unwilling to accept such gains.
Lin Wanwan replied, "Their family is all gone, so there's no issue. Xie Sui plans to repair the roads in the village after the New Year, and build a new primary school. He'll be investing money into it. We won't keep it."
"That's good. It's best to be honest and down-to-earth in life."
"Yes, we'll remember. Keep these gold rings for yourself. Give them to Great Aunt and her new daughter-in-law."
"Alright, Grandma will take them."
The gold rings weighed only two or three grams each, so giving them away didn't cause any heartache. It also demonstrated the elder's generosity towards the younger generation, making Great Aunt's family happily serve the elder.
Lin Wanwan didn't begrudge spending a little money to maintain family harmony, especially since with so much gold, giving away a little was like a drop in the ocean.
Great Aunt prepared the meal. Grandma Xie was not stingy either and gave her a gold ring. "I'm not letting you work for nothing. Don't say I, your mother-in-law, mistreat you. Control that mouth of yours, and you won't miss out on benefits."
"Thank you, Mother. I was just speaking casually, without thinking."
"Speaking casually reveals your character. Learn your lesson for the future."
"Yes, I will definitely change."
Her gaze fell upon the gold bracelet, which must have weighed at least fifty grams. How much was that worth?
"When I die, I'll leave one for you. Don't covet it now."
"I wasn't. I was just worried it would be too heavy for your wrist."
Xie Sui couldn't help but chuckle. This Great Aunt was quite amusing.
After the meal, the village chief came to see them. Xie Sui directly informed him about his plan to repair the village bridges and roads and build a primary school. The village chief was overjoyed, feeling as though their ancestors' graves were emitting auspicious smoke due to a prominent figure emerging from their village.
Xie Sui felt embarrassed by his praise. "Uncle Village Chief, please don't praise me. If one's ancestors' graves were to emit auspicious smoke, it would be for a scholar, someone who gets into a good university. In ancient times, that would be like becoming a Jinshi or a Zhuangyuan – a great event that brings honor to one's ancestors.
My earning money is not much of a skill. Since we're on the topic, from now on, if any children in the village do well in their studies but come from disadvantaged families, I will sponsor their education."
The village chief said, "There are indeed a few bright children who are not allowed to continue their studies after junior high. They've been admitted to the county's high school. It's too regrettable that they have to drop out. I'll go talk to their families."
"Good, Uncle Village Chief, please attend to it. The children's education is important. As long as they have the talent, a little financial support is no problem."