historical

As the evening descended, Zhou Xiuying returned to her humble abode, and the family assembled harmoniously to partake in their evening repast. Amidst the conviviality, Liu Yong astutely observed his father's visage still bearing the marks of sternness and anger. At the same time, his mother seemed to exude an air of unaffected cheerfulness, as though naught had occurred to disrupt the domestic equilibrium.

Gently, Liu Yong broke the silence, his words carrying an undertone of concern, "Father, does your anger still persist?"

Liu Hongfu emitted a soft snort, yet his countenance appeared to have softened to some extent, hinting at a potential amelioration of his mood.

Before Liu Yong could inquire further, Zhou Xiuying, taking the initiative, interjected with a conciliatory tone, "Head of the household, please do not remain aggrieved. I shall accompany you on a sojourn to your hometown tomorrow, if it pleases you."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hongfu's countenance further relaxed, and a visible improvement in his overall complexion could be discerned.

Curiosity danced in Liu Yong's eyes as he observed the exchange between his parents, for he sensed a veiled understanding of the unfolding situation.

Zhou Xiuying enlightened her family, "Let me elucidate the matter. Your Uncle Hongyuan telephoned earlier today, informing us of their imminent nuptials taking place the day after tomorrow. Hence, they extend an invitation for us to attend the wedding festivities."

Liu Yong chimed in, his voice brimming with enthusiasm, "Mother, this is indeed auspicious news!"

Zhou Xiuying responded, "I am well aware of the joyous tidings, but I had already arranged for my fellow sisters to partake in their nightly square dance routine. We have been diligently rehearsing a new routine in preparation for a competition. I proposed that your father could return to his ancestral land unaccompanied, while I continue our dance practices. Yet, your father had insisted that we embark on this journey together, becoming vexed with me."

Thus, the true nature of the situation came to light.

Liu Yong laughed heartily, interjecting, "Mother, it is but a trivial matter for you to suspend your participation in the square dance temporarily. I am certain your dance companions would understand should you request a two-day hiatus."

"I have already informed them to take two or three days off so they can accompany your father on his hometown expedition for the wedding celebration," Zhou Xiuying revealed.

Seizing the opportunity, Liu Yong conveyed his own intentions: "Actually, I was just about to disclose that the house in our ancestral village has been constructed. Zhou Jingkang urged me to pay a visit and inspect the abode. I have already given him my word. Therefore, why don't the three of us journey together tomorrow? Lan, due to her academic commitments, should be exempted."

Liu Hongfu astonished Liu Yong, "Xiaoyong, the notion of the three of us traveling in unison tomorrow is indeed remarkable."

Liu Yong affirmed, "Very well then, we shall commence our voyage early tomorrow morning."

Suddenly, Liu Hongfu's countenance transformed into sheer delight as he exclaimed with exuberance, "Darling, retrieve a bottle of wine. Xiaoyong and I shall partake in a celebratory libation."

Zhou Xiuying smiled wryly, teasingly glancing at Liu Hongfu, "Pray, who was the epitome of sternness mere moments ago, and now, inexplicably brimming with joy?"

Both Liu Hongfu and Liu Yong joined in the laughter. Liu Yong fetched a bottle of Moutai, expertly uncorking it and pouring two glasses of the precious nectar, thereby engendering an atmosphere of friendliness as they conversed and revelled in each other's company.

Given their imminent return to their ancestral homeland, it behoved them to make suitable vehicular arrangements. Liu Yong devised a plan involving two opulent Rolls-Royces, with Kang Zhenggang and He Qiang serving as their chauffeurs.

Liu Hongyuan, being distantly related to Liu Hongfu, with their fathers sharing the bond of cousinhood, had extended a formal invitation, warranting the presentation of traditional red envelopes.

Liu Hongfu cautiously probed, "Xiaoyong, how much shall we enclose within the red envelopes? Ten thousand yuan should be adequate."

In rural regions, customary practices dictated the amount bestowed in red envelopes, typically ranging from one to two hundred yuan for acquaintances and three to five hundred yuan for closer relationships.

Considering the affinity between Liu Hongfu and Liu Hongyuan, Liu Yong opined, "Father, if we wish to exhibit utmost courtesy, we should proffer an envelope containing 88,000 yuan."

An exorbitant sum indeed, equivalent to bestowing 88,000 yuan!

Liu Hongfu expressed apprehension, "Do you not believe it to be excessive?"

Liu Yong retorted with a smile, "Father, Uncle Hongyuan's family shares an intimate connection with us. If we wish to demonstrate our magnanimity, let us present them with an auspicious sum of 88,000 yuan."

Zhou Xiuying concurred, "Indeed, Head of the household, heed your son's counsel. By gifting 88,000 yuan, we not only convey our goodwill but also alleviate their financial burdens. I heard that they scrambled to amass a dowry of 300,000 yuan, taking loans from various sources just to secure their daughter-in-law's hand in marriage."

"Very well, we shall bestow 88,000 yuan," Liu Hongfu resolved.

Dispensing such a generous red envelope within a rural setting bore significant implications of honour and prestige. Liu Hongfu was well aware of this, and as a result, a rosy blush graced his countenance.

Post-dinner, the family embarked on a trip to the local supermarket, acquiring an assortment of commodities such as spirits, tobacco, confectionery, and fruits. These provisions would accompany them on their journey back to their ancestral homeland the following day.

The break of dawn marked the commencement of their long-awaited expedition.

Two resplendent Rolls-Royces set in motion; the leading vehicle is a majestic Rolls-Royce Phantom, chauffeured by He Qiang, with Liu Hongfu and Zhou Xiuying occupying its luxurious interior.

The next car, a magnificent Cullinan, bore Liu Yong within its elegant confines.

Peering through the crystal-clear glass, his gaze fixed on the scenery passing by, a multitude of thoughts meandering within his mind, pondering the changes that may have transpired in his hometown during his extended absence.

The journey predominantly unfolded on the highway, allowing them to traverse great distances within a span of a mere two and a half hours before exiting onto local roads and finally arriving at the town.

Coincidentally, the town was abuzz with a bustling fair, its narrow streets teeming with a sea of humanity. Vehicles, ranging from modest tricycles to predominantly utilitarian vans, lined the sides of the road, while the presence of two Rolls-Royces commanded the attention of onlookers.

"Pray, what wondrous chariots be these? Their splendor surpasses all; could they perchance be the fabled luxury automobiles?" inquired one curious observer.

"Why, indeed! 'Tis a Rolls-Royce, each worth no less than six or seven million! Make way and avoid any inadvertent contact!" advised another, fearful of compromising the vehicles' immaculate condition.

"By heavens! Such opulent conveyances! In our village, Ergui procured a brand-new van for over 40,000 yuan. These vehicles must have cost 60,000 to 70,000 yuan apiece!" marvelled a bystander.

As word spread of the arrival of these flashy cars, more and more people gathered, their curious gazes drawn to the spectacle.

"Who dares flaunt such extravagance?"

"Indeed! One Rolls-Royce alone would make one's heart skip a beat, but two together!"

"The occupants of these cars must be true luminaries."

The arrival of the two Rolls-Royces triggered a wave of astonishment and curiosity, captivating the attention of all. Coincidentally, Mao Yiming and his daughter-in-law had also ventured to the town fair, seeking excitement and merriment.

Mao Yiming's wife handled the driving duties. At the same time, Mao Yiming himself, seated in the passenger seat, fretted incessantly, urging caution to prevent any potential mishaps or scratches to their own vehicle.

His daughter-in-law, her countenance twisted in annoyance, retorted, "I know, you don't have to keep nagging. You're so annoying!"

Mao Yiming fell silent, only to have his eyes widened by the sudden sight of two Rolls-Royces approaching. Although their speed was modest, his heart raced in apprehension.

These were luxury cars; the merest brush against them would leave him impoverished, unable to afford their repair costs even if he sold his own vehicle.

"Slow down and yield the right of way; let them pass," Mao Yiming advised with trepidation.

His daughter-in-law, however, exclaimed indignantly, "Why should I yield to them?"

Observing his wife's stubbornness, Mao Yiming realized she intended to drive on, prompting him to blurt out, "You prodigal woman! Do you think you're invincible? These are luxury cars worth millions! If you so much as touch them, we won't be able to afford their repairs, even if we sold everything!"

His daughter-in-law, oblivious to the nuances of car branding, had initially believed the Rolls-Royces to be merely superior to her own vehicle. But upon learning their exorbitant price, she grew pale with fright, mistakenly depressing the accelerator instead of the brake, causing their car to surge forward.

...