~~~~~
With their curiosity satisfied, Xiao Han, Xiao Bai and Escort Chun turned their attention to the boat prepared by the magistrate.
It was a large traveling boat, designed for passengers who preferred the speed and comfort of water travel over the arduous journey by land. The boat was sturdy and well-crafted, with a sleek wooden hull that cut through the water with ease. Its deck was spacious, with comfortable seating for passengers, and it had a covered area to protect from the elements.
The boat's interior was well-appointed, with benches lining the sides and a small cabin at the rear for storage and privacy. The boatmen, experienced and professional, greeted the workers and helped them aboard.
"This is impressive," Wu Chen remarked as he boarded the boat. "We're fortunate to have such a fine vessel for our daily journey back and forth." He complimented the boat to its captain, who responded with gratitude, saying, "It's an honor to provide transport for the Dragon's Edge Woodcutters company." He then handed Wu Chen a small scroll.
"This is the permit to harvest wood in the specific area you mentioned," the captain explained. "The magistrate has already stamped it with his official seal, stating the approval of the local government. You're legally authorized to harvest in that area and some meters surrounding it."
Wu Chen unrolled the scroll and inspected the seal. "Thank you, Captain. This will ensure we have no trouble with the authorities."
As they settled in with everything loaded and the permit in hand, the boatmen untied the mooring ropes and pushed off from the dock. The boat glided smoothly into the river, its sturdy design ensuring stability even in the rough waters as the boatmen expertly navigated the currents.
Wu Chen and Master Jiang stood at the bow, looking out over the river.
"Look at this, Chen," Master Jiang said, pointing to the scenery. "A far cry from our usual view, isn't it?"
Wu Chen nodded, his eyes scanning the horizon. "Indeed, Liheng. It's good to have a different perspective sometimes."
Behind them, the apprentices and other workers settled in, some chatting excitedly, others simply enjoying the ride. Xiao Lin, Xiao Bai and Xiao Han, still buzzing from the explanation at the dock, leaned over the railings, watching the water rush by.
"This is amazing!" Xiao Han exclaimed. "I never thought I'd be on a boat like this."
Xiao Feng, sitting nearby, nodded though he didn't dare get close to the railings. "It's a nice change. I'm glad we get to experience this."
The woodcutters, accustomed to hard labor and the land beneath their feet, marveled at the efficiency and comfort of their waterborne transport.
♤♤♤♤♤
With the woodcutting workers on board crossing the river, Wu Meifen and Chief Jing walked to the small wooden ancestral home beside the river, about a five-minute walk from the dock.
Ling Kai's small ancestral home was a modest yet sturdy structure built on a shallow cliff by the river. Its exterior was reinforced with strong timber, designed to withstand the elements. The roof was made of thick thatch, and a small stone path led to the entrance. The interior was just large enough to fit two people kneeling side by side, creating an intimate space for prayer.
As they approached, the gentle rustling of leaves and the distant murmur of the river created a serene atmosphere. Wu Meifen and Helper Jing began by inspecting and cleaning the ancestral home, ensuring everything was in order for the prayer session.
"Let's make sure everything is ready," Helper Jing said softly, her voice blending with the natural sounds around them. She started by wiping the small wooden altar, then arranged the incense holders and family heirlooms with care.
Inside, the walls were adorned with simple yet meaningful decorations: a small wooden altar with Ling Kai's memorial tablet, incense holders, and a few family heirlooms. A long incense stick, which lasted an hour, was used to measure the prayer time.
For her first day, Wu Meifen planned to light ten incense sticks, dedicating ten hours to prayer from after lunch until late at night if the weather was favorable. Candles were placed around the room, providing a soft glow during the evening hours.
Helper Jing carefully arranged the ten incense sticks for the day's praying session. "Mistress, since you are now the head of the family and both your husband's parents are not present, you need not adhere strictly to the praying hours. You can take breaks after every hour," she advised gently.
Wu Meifen nodded, listening intently. "Thank you, Chief Jing. I will take your advice to heart."
"Remember to stand up or stretch for a minute or two if you feel stiff. I've brought light snacks and a pitcher jar full of water. Drink occasionally to avoid cramping," Helper Jing added, her tone motherly.
Wu Meifen gave a small smile. "I appreciate your care. It has been three years since my father's vigil, and I know the first few days will be difficult."
Helper Jing nodded, her eyes soft with understanding. "I'll be back at nightfall with dinner. Take care of yourself."
Wu Meifen listened to her like an obedient daughter to her mother's advice. Although Wu Meifen didn't interact much with Chief Helper Jing Xiu since she didn't go to the shop frequently anymore, she remembered Jing Xiu from her childhood visits to Dragon's Edge Woodcutters. Back then, Helper Jing was already a worker there and often babysat her.
"Chief Jing, you've always looked out for me, even when I was a child," Wu Meifen said quietly. "I am grateful for your support."
Chief Jing smiled warmly. "You have always been like a daughter to me, Meimei. Remember, you have two mothers: myself and Mrs. Tang."
With everything in place, Wu Meifen calculated the time and began her 100-hour prayer vigil for Ling Kai, dedicating ten hours until late at night. Chief Jing left to give her some privacy, ensuring she had everything she needed before heading back to the hunters' camp.
As Wu Meifen knelt before the altar, the soft sound of the river and the rustling leaves created a tranquil backdrop for her prayers. She lit the first incense stick, its fragrant smoke curling gently upwards, marking the beginning of her vigil.
The Ancestral Vigil is a time-honored tradition of this world, requiring a 100-hour prayer ritual on three occasions within a year of a loved one's passing. These rituals are conducted at the site of their passing or the ancestral homes to honor their spirit and seek blessings for their journey in the afterlife. It is an essential duty that must be fulfilled to maintain harmony and respect for their ancestors.
With each hour that passed, Wu Meifen felt a sense of peace and connection with Ling Kai's spirit. The quietness of the place, the gentle flicker of candlelight, and the steady burn of incense sticks provided a serene atmosphere for reflection and prayer. The emotions she felt were a mix of regret and remembrance.
As the incense burned, memories of her life with Ling Kai flickered in her mind. She recalled their visit to the temple, where Ling Kai had eagerly told a monk, "I wish for a son as our first child." She smiled softly at the memory of his ecstatic face when she told him she was expecting. "We're going to have a baby!" he had exclaimed, lifting her off her feet in joy.
Another memory surfaced of Ling Kai holding their newborn son for the first time. "We have a son, Meimei! Our own little Ling Yu," he had said, tears of happiness in his eyes. She remembered him tinkering in his workshop, carving wooden trinkets for their baby boy, his concentration and love evident in every stroke.
'You didn't get to finish them, Ah-Kai.'
As night fell, the tranquil atmosphere was only disturbed by the occasional rustle of the leaves or the gentle lapping of the river. When Chief Jing returned with dinner, Wu Meifen took a brief respite, stretching her legs and hydrating before returning to her prayers.
♤♤♤♤♤
By the time Escort Wu Yunzhou, Helper Jing, and Physician Chu came to fetch her with a night lamp, Wu Meifen had completed her ten-hour session. Her legs were numb.
"Let's get you back to the cabin," Helper Jing said, offering support as Wu Meifen stood up slowly.
Physician Chu volunteered to join them so he could check her condition. "You're doing well, Mistress Wu. Remember to stretch and stay hydrated. It will get easier as the days go by."
Wu Meifen nodded, grateful for their concern. "Thank you, all of you."
Wu Yunzhou, noticing her fatigue, bent down before her. "Cousin, let me carry you back," he offered, his voice filled with concern.
Though tired, Wu Meifen declined. "Thank you, Yunzhou-ge, but I can manage."
As soon as she declined, Wu Yunzhou sighed in relief. "Good, because I really didn't want to. Father suggested it, but I thought you might be too heavy to carry," he joked.
Triggered by his remark, Wu Meifen took back her words. "Too heavy, am I?" she said with a mischievous glint in her eye. She pushed him down lightly and forcefully hopped onto his back.
"Hey!" Wu Yunzhou exclaimed, pretending to struggle. "I take it back! You're as light as a feather!"
Helper Jing, familiar with their antics, smiled and shook her head. "You two never change," she remarked.
Physician Chu looked at them, his expression a mix of surprise and bewilderment. He had always seen Wu Meifen as a refined woman, almost like a young noble lady. Seeing her outgoing personality and close relationship with her cousin was unexpected.
As they made their way back to the cabin, the serene atmosphere of the ancestral home lingered in Wu Meifen's heart. The night air was cool and refreshing, and the flickering light of the night lamp guided their path, casting long shadows that danced gently in the breeze.