An Ning leaned against the doorframe, watching Master Tang skillfully climb over the wall, and couldn’t help but laugh. "Master Tang, are you here to trade for some pickled garlic?"

"You got it, just wait!"

Master Tang’s head disappeared from the top of the wall. In the Jiang family’s courtyard, he climbed down from a stool, walked briskly back into the house, and grabbed a small basin.

Jiang Xia, just back from a walk, watched from the side as Master Tang expertly climbed the wall, came down, and then, basin in hand, went to a small pickling crock in the yard. Using a slotted spoon, he scooped out a ladleful of pickled melon.

Jiang Xia walked over and squatted down to Master Tang’s left, while Da Huang squatted to his right.

"Your life has been quite colorful this past month, hasn’t it?"

"If I hadn’t known you before, I would’ve thought you were a different person."

The Master Tang of this moment had completely lost the refined air of a gentleman in a long gown. From head to toe, he exuded the aura of a down-to-earth gourmand.

Master Tang covered the crock, skillfully placed a rock on top to weigh it down, and said, "This is what you call knowing how to act differently with insiders versus outsiders. How can family be the same?"

"It’s tiring to always keep up a facade."

Holding the bowl, Master Tang walked out of the yard and headed to the An family’s house with practiced ease.

Watching his familiar, well-trodden path, Jiang Xia could guess just how frequently the two families had been visiting each other this past month.

Less than a minute later, Jiang Xia heard the sound of An Ning’s voice.

A little curious, he stood on Master Tang’s little stool and watched An Ning and Master Tang talking.

"This is so delicious."

An Ning picked up a pickled garlic clove with her fingers, ate it with a CRUNCH, and shook her head in enjoyment.

Master Tang sat on a small stool, chatting with An Ning. As for the elm-seed cornbread, it wasn’t ready yet.

Jiang Xia, perched atop the wall, felt it was improper to eavesdrop, so he climbed down.

More than half an hour later, Master Tang returned carrying a plate with eight pieces of cornbread.

Both families had clearly just finished their meals not long ago, but the fragrant cornbread, steaming hot, was irresistible. Everyone couldn’t help but eat one, and then another.

That night, everyone went to bed a little late, giving their food time to digest.

At four in the morning, a frantic banging echoed from the An family’s main gate.

The big rooster was the most alert, starting to CACKLE CACKLE CACKLE! Immediately, Da Huang next door began to bark, "WOOF WOOF!"

With that, everyone in the An family’s and Jiang Xia’s households woke up.

An Sancheng was the first to run out. He was heard letting out a cry of surprise at the door, followed by sounds of agreement. The person at the door ran off, and An Sancheng rushed back inside.

"An Ning, get dressed! You need to come with me!"

"What’s wrong?"

Lin Cuihua was holding An Sancheng’s jacket, which he hurriedly put on.

"Third Grandfather is dying. He specifically asked to see An Ning."

"What? Wasn’t he perfectly fine during the Qingming Festival? That feels like it was just yesterday."

Lin Cuihua’s mind went blank; she couldn’t quite believe it.

Although Third Grandfather no longer managed daily affairs, he was the eldest member of the An family, the one with the highest seniority.

Third Grandfather’s contributions had been indispensable for the entire village of Shili Gou to successfully navigate those difficult times.

He was like the patriarch of a great family; as long as he was present, people would gather.

Sometimes, when such a patriarch passes away, the people below lose a reason to come together, and their hearts gradually drift apart.

An Sancheng didn’t know the specific reason for the sudden decline, but given Third Grandfather’s advanced age, it wasn’t as if everyone was completely unprepared.

"An Ning—"

"Coming!"

An Ning, now fully dressed, followed An Sancheng and ran out the door.

"You three brothers, get ready too. Wait for news."

"Got it!"

An Guoqing and the others, not yet fully dressed, shouted their reply from the courtyard.

An Ning followed An Sancheng, running all the way to Third Grandfather’s house.

The courtyard was filled with people, almost all of them the heads of their respective households.

"An Ning’s here!"

"Quick, go in!"

"Third Grandfather is waiting for you."

Everyone quickly made way for An Ning. She walked in silently, entering the low-ceilinged room, and saw Third Grandfather sitting propped up on the kang bed.

He was very different from what she had imagined.

She had expected to see an old man, gasping for breath, full of sorrow.

But Third Grandfather was in high spirits. He still wore that same kind smile, the wise elder looking with gentle warmth at a junior he was fond of.

"An Ning is here."

"Third Grandfather."

An Ning called out respectfully, standing by the edge of the kang.

Third Grandfather extended a withered hand, and An Ning, understanding, placed her own hand in his.

"Good. With you in the An family, I can rest easy."

"An Ning, every clan needs a leader. You may be young, but your abilities are great."

"I know it’s somewhat unfair to place this heavy responsibility on you."

"It’s not. I’m willing."

An Ning spoke with sincerity.

’She had understood a certain principle long ago: when you have enjoyed the protection of your ancestors, you must step up when it is your turn.’

’It was just like in the interstellar era: the strong always protect the weak and would fight and strive for the sake of humanity’s young, all for the continuation of the species.’

An Ning’s words put Third Grandfather even more at ease.

He patted An Ning’s arm with his other hand, repeatedly saying, "Good."

Third Grandfather released her hand and said to Uncle An, "Have everyone come in."

"Yes."

Uncle An called the household heads from outside into the house. Soon, the main room and the kitchen were filled with people.

Everyone waited in silence for Third Grandfather to speak.

"In my life, I have seen great ups and downs, and I have witnessed the rise, fall, glory, and shame of our An family."

"Once I am gone, the An family will need another person to speak for it. Not to control what everyone does, but so that when real hardship comes, we have the ability to unite as one and overcome it."

"From now on, for village customs and affairs, go to An Dacheng. For matters concerning development and new policies, listen to An Ning."

"Does anyone have any objections?"

The room was silent. No one spoke, and no one objected.

Uncle An’s status was already very high. As for An Ning, even without Third Grandfather’s decree, everyone would still listen to her.

Nine out of ten people in the village worked for the An family. Who else would they listen to?

Third Grandfather continued to arrange his own funeral affairs, explaining what needed to be done and how.

After he had finished saying all this, Third Grandfather sent everyone away, keeping only An Ning behind.

"Child, come here."

An Ning stepped forward, waiting for Third Grandfather to speak.

"On behalf of our An family, I thank you."

A slip of paper was now in An Ning’s palm.

She looked at Third Grandfather in confusion. He silently mouthed two words to her: "For you."

An Ning didn’t draw attention to it. Not knowing what it was, she walked out of the room.

Next, Uncle An and the others inside the room helped Third Grandfather change into his burial clothes. Finally, Third Grandfather lay down in his own coffin ahead of time.

He patted the side of the coffin with one hand and said, "Not bad. Comfortable."

"This is what you call a ’joyful passing.’ Tell everyone who comes to be happy. I like that."

"Happiness is good. Our An family is doing well."

Third Grandfather slowly closed his eyes, passing away peacefully, free of any pain or illness.

The sound of the suona horn rose from the village, its music carrying far and wide, letting all the villagers know what had happened.