Scholars in the courtyard.

Chapter 3365 The Passing of the Great-Grandfather

Chapter 3365 The Passing of the Great-Grandfather

Papapa

Firecrackers crackled inside and outside the courtyard, and the exploding fireworks transformed the dark night sky. The already bright moonlight now seemed almost dazzling.

"Mom, are my new clothes ready yet?"

Rongrong's voice came from inside the house, and then her head popped out from the doorway, her face anxious.

Ran Qiuye was making dumplings with Cuiping and Miaomiao when she heard the voice and said irritably, "They've been washed and are drying by the stove, but they're not dry yet!"

Upon hearing this, Rongrong's face fell.

This guy found his new clothes yesterday and insisted on showing them off, but he slipped and fell while playing in the yard, turning his new clothes into dirty ones.

There was nothing Ran Qiuye could do but help wash them, but the washed clothes wouldn't dry so quickly.

Rongrong pouted, looking at everyone else in the yard wearing new clothes, and sat on the bed sullenly.

Yueyue, Duanwu, and Dudu, who were standing next to her, were all wearing new clothes and had smiles on their faces.

Dudu leaned closer to Rongrong and asked, "Third Sister, do you think my new clothes are pretty?"

As she spoke, she jumped up and down a couple of times, making a point of showing off her cotton shoes.

Rongrong glanced at Dudu after hearing this, then rolled her eyes and said with a smile, "It's pretty, but it's a little small."

Dudu asked doubtfully, "A little small? I don't think it's small."

"How can it not be small? Look here, look here, it's all tied to your body. Come on, let me loosen it for you."

Rongrong pointed hard at Dudu with her finger, then got up and came to her side.

Dudu was grabbed by the collar by Rongrong, and then she felt pain in her ears and arms.

"Please let me go, Third Sister, I was wrong."

Dudu cried out, "Help! Third Sister's going to hit me! Second Sister, Big Brother..."

Dudu was pinned to the bed and cried out, but Duanwu and Yueyue just smiled and then dashed out.

He brought this on himself; of all people to mess with, he had to mess with the fourth brother.

They didn't want to mess with that little devil, the fourth brother!

Seeing that no one was coming to his rescue, he could only struggle to run away, with Rongrong, who was still angry, following behind him.

Miao Miao was holding chopsticks and wrapping dumplings. She just smiled and didn't say anything.

Yang Xiaotao glanced at Dudu, then looked at Rongrong.

Rongrong stuck out her tongue and immediately ran back.

Ran Qiuye laughed from the side, "Look how you've spoiled them."

Yang Xiaotao shook his head. "Did I spoil him all by myself?"

"Why isn't Grandpa coming up?" It was already evening when Yang Xiaotao returned.

The place Old Wang found was indeed good, but the liquor was a bit strong, so after drinking for a short while, the old men were all drunk out of shape by Yang Xiaotao and went home early.

Originally, we wanted to bring Grandpa up to the house before the Lunar New Year, since it's a bit cold in the countryside, but he just wouldn't come and stayed at Yang Dazhuang's house.

Yang Xiaotao had no choice; he was quite busy lately, so he planned to resume work during the Chinese New Year.

But when he got home, his grandfather still hadn't come, so he asked about it.

"I called Uncle Dazhuang, and he said he'd bring it up soon. You know, Grandpa's getting more and more stubborn; we have to appease him, otherwise..."

Just as Ran Qiuye was speaking, the phone rang in the room.

Rongrong ran quickly out of the inner room and rushed into Yang Xiaotao's study.

Yang Xiaotao didn't mind. Ever since Rongrong wanted to pursue an artistic career, the task of answering the phone at home had been handed over to Rongrong, which was also a way to let Rongrong experience more things.

Yang Xiaotao and Ran Qiuye were talking about their great-grandfather when Rongrong came running out, shouting, "Dad, Grandpa Dazhuang called and wants you to come home right away. He said... he said it's Great-Grandpa..."

Rongrong said urgently.

Yang Xiaotao dropped the rolling pin on the table with a thud, then quickly ran into the house, picked up the still-connected phone, and said, "Hello, Uncle Dazhuang, it's me. What happened? What's wrong with Grandpa?"

Yang Xiaotao asked eagerly.

The person on the other end of the phone was somewhat incoherent for a moment before Yang Dazhuang's voice came through, "Xiao Tao, we were going to take Grandpa there, but he fell in the yard before we even got in the car. We're on our way to the hospital now. If you're in a hurry, just come over..."

"Don't go to the town hospital. Find a car to take him here first. I'll drive back to pick him up and take him directly to the Ninth Hospital."

After Yang Xiaotao finished speaking, he hung up immediately, then quickly put on his clothes and prepared to leave.

Ran Qiuye rushed out, followed by Old Ye and the old Taoist priest, all three looking anxious.

Cuiping asked anxiously, "Xiao Yang, what exactly happened?"

Yang Xiaotao said directly, "Grandpa fell in the yard, it's quite serious. I'll go back and pick him up to take a look."

Ran Qiuye's expression changed. "I'll go with you?"

"No rush, just stay home and keep an eye on things. We'll contact you if anything comes up."

After saying that, he picked up the satellite phone and ran out of the yard.

A Jeep was parked in the alley, which was what Yang Xiaotao had arranged beforehand, so it would be convenient to use the car during the Spring Festival.

Just as he got into the car, Miao Miao and Duanwu ran in from outside. Yang Xiaotao didn't say much and drove towards Yangjiazhuang.

At this moment, Yang Dazhuang, Yang Shitou, and other members of the Yang family from Yangjiazhuang looked anxiously at Grandpa Yang, while Uncle Yang Jiu sat to the side, smoking silently, looking dazed.

They only started to leave when the car arrived.

Uncle Yang sighed.

Yang Shitou asked curiously, "Uncle Jiu, what's wrong with you?"

Uncle Yang shook his head, sat silently by the car window, reached out and held Grandpa Yang's hand, remaining silent.

Yang Dazhuang glanced at it, his expression anxious.

The car was heading north when, halfway there, Yang Xiaotao's jeep screeched to a halt on the side of the road.

"Xiao Tao, Grandpa is in this vehicle." Yang Shitou quickly got off the vehicle and pointed to the cargo bed of the tricycle.

Yang Xiaotao stepped forward and looked at Grandpa Yang lying on the quilt. His face was ashen and his eyes were closed.

Uncle Yang, standing to the side, glanced at Yang Xiaotao and smiled, "Xiaotao, Grandpa originally wanted to visit you, but..."

Uncle Yang seemed to know something, but Yang Xiaotao didn't pay any attention to his expression. He stepped forward, picked up Grandpa Yang, and put him in the car.

When Miao Miao and Duan Wu saw their great-grandfather like this, tears streamed down their faces.

"Hold back your tears," Yang Xiaotao snapped, and the two immediately stopped crying.

A voice echoed in Xiao Wei's mind, and she immediately slipped into the blanket through Yang Xiaotao's sleeve.

The next moment, Xiao Wei's voice appeared in Yang Xiaotao's mind, "Master, my body is severely depleted, I... I can only do my best."

Yang Xiaotao's hands trembled, his heart pounded with anxiety, and he felt like he had sunk to the bottom.

The car then made a U-turn and drove straight to the Ninth People's Hospital.

Before coming, Yang Xiaotao had already called Ji Xiang. At this moment, Ji Xiang, along with Lao Hu, Shan Daren, and the others, were all ready at the entrance of the Ninth Hospital.

Firecrackers gradually went off all around, filling the road with a joyful atmosphere.

Yang Xiaotao was driving, but he looked anxious. Xiao Wei's voice came over every now and then.

No good news.

The car stopped in front of the Ninth People's Hospital building. Yang Xiaotao jumped out of the car in one swift motion, and Ji Xiang led the people over quickly. "Quickly, get checked out."

Yang Xiaotao was immediately pulled aside. "Don't just stand there like an idiot, hurry up and help."

Yang Xiaotao nodded silently, then helped carry his great-grandfather directly into the ward.

The emergency room lights suddenly came on. Yang Xiaotao, Duanwu, and Miaomiao were sitting outside in the corridor.

A moment later, Ran Qiuye led the child over as well.

The old Taoist priest and Elder Ye, who had received the news, also came over, followed by Yang Dazhuang and others who hurriedly arrived in a tricycle.

In an instant, the corridor was packed with people.

Yang Xiaotao found a place to lean against and squatted down silently.

Memories of every moment I spent in Yangjiazhuang over the years flooded back.

When he arrived, his father had just passed away.

It's fair to say that once you walk through the courtyard house, you'll find yourself completely alone!

Back then, in the courtyard house, he always felt like he was all alone, facing a whole yard full of beasts.

But then Grandpa came.

He still remembered how his great-grandfather had brought Yang Shitou over in a donkey cart, just to show his support.

If it weren't for Yangjiazhuang back then, perhaps...

Tears slowly streamed down her cheeks.

Xiao Wei's helpless voice echoed in his heart again. Yang Xiaotao could no longer hold back his tears, which streamed down his face. He covered his eyes with his hands, not wanting anyone to see, but the tears still flowed out from between his fingers.

Those around who witnessed this fell silent.

Ran Qiuye, standing beside Yang Xiaotao, was equally saddened. She held Yang Xiaotao's hand, her palm trembling slightly, and tears fell onto the back of her hand.

They met in Yangjiazhuang and received the blessings of the elders.

With the support of their great-grandfather, they were able to plant corn in the village.

It was only after the great-grandfather made the final decision that a school was established in the village.

With their great-grandfather holding them back from the pressure, they were able to get through the most difficult times safely.

It was because of the existence of the great-grandfather that they were able to act freely and do something big.

In their hearts, the old man was their dearest elder.

Now that the elderly man is lying in the hospital room, their hearts are in their throats.

Miao Miao, who was standing to the side, was holding Yueyue, who was crying uncontrollably, and recalled the scene of the old man teaching her skills.

Like Yang Xiaotao, Duanwu squatted on the ground, his mind filled with images of his great-grandfather taking him around the mountains to catch frogs in the summer...

Rongrong gripped Dudu's arm tightly, wanting to cry, but dared not cry out loud, for fear of disturbing the busy doctor inside.

The same applies to everyone else!

Outside the hospital, everyone was overjoyed.

Outside the ward, there was a sense of sorrow.

The sound of firecrackers suddenly intensified, then gradually subsided until it was almost inaudible.

Snowflakes began to fall outside, and everyone in the hospital remained silent; the sounds of weeping had long been replaced by waiting.

The operating room lights were still on, but Yang Xiaotao's vision was already blurred. He squatted on the ground, feeling the numbness in his legs, but it was nothing compared to the grief brought on by his nerves.

Xiaowei kept trying to comfort Yang Xiaotao in her heart, but she was powerless to do anything about it.

Yang Xiaotao didn't blame Xiaowei. He knew his grandfather's health well. So many battles in the past had left him with so many ailments; his body had long since collapsed. If it weren't for Xiaowei's constant help, perhaps…

They wouldn't have lasted this long!

In the midst of this silence, a ray of light gradually appeared on the horizon.

The lights outside the operating room suddenly went out.

In an instant, Yang Xiaotao tried to stand up, but the numbness in his legs made him stumble. Fortunately, Ran Qiuye pulled him up, preventing him from falling.

Yang Xiaotao waved his hand, but his gaze was fixed on the closed operating room door in the distance.

A moment later, Ji Xiang, Lao Ganzi, Shan Daren, and Lao Zhu came out one after another. Seeing the sorrow under their masks, Yang Xiaotao knew what had happened. He swayed and suddenly felt dizzy.

"Mr. Yang, we've done our best."

Ji Xiang dared not look Yang Xiaotao in the eye, and spoke quietly to him. Her voice was barely audible, but it struck a heavy blow to the hearts of everyone in the corridor.

Yang Xiaotao felt a sudden darkness before his eyes, and his body swayed backward.

"President Yang!"

"Xiao Tao!"

Shouts came from his side. He was put down on a recliner, and after a moment he shook his head, trying to stay awake, before looking at the doctor beside him. "Can't we think of something else?"

Shan Daren shook his head and stepped forward, saying, "President Yang, the old man's health was already depleted; it's a miracle he's managed to hold on this long."

Dean Wang also came over and comforted him, saying, "President Yang, things have come to this, please accept my condolences."

Yang Xiaotao nodded, then swayed as he got up. "I want to go in and take a look."

The crowd made way, and Yang Xiaotao walked forward. Yang Dazhuang stepped forward to help Uncle Jiu walk at the front, followed by a group of people, and they slowly entered the operating room.

As soon as I entered, I saw Grandpa Yang lying on the operating table, covered by a white sheet.

Yang Xiaotao walked unsteadily to the front, and gently lifted the white cloth, revealing the peaceful face of Grandpa Yang inside.

At that moment, she could no longer hold back her tears and knelt down on the ground, her tears falling onto her grandfather's clothes.

"Grandpa!"

"Grandpa!"

"Great-grandfather!"

A shout rang out from the crowd.

Outside the operating room, Ji Xiang and the others sat on reclining chairs, their faces ashen. They had tried every means possible, even the best and most effective medicines, but the old man's condition was beyond saving.

In the crowd, Uncle Yang walked shakily to Yang Xiaotao and put his hand on his shoulder. "Get up. I have something to say to you. This is what Grandpa told me before he passed away."

Hearing Uncle Jiu's words, Yang Xiaotao looked up at the old man with blurry eyes, then pressed hard on the table and stood up.

Uncle Nine, unable to hide his grief, still held back his tears and said, "Your great-grandfather actually knew that his time was coming to an end, and there were some things he didn't want to tell you in person. He said he was afraid that you wouldn't be able to bear it, and he himself wouldn't be able to bear it either! So he told me first."

Before he could finish speaking, Uncle Nine began to choke up.

The room was quiet, and everyone's eyes were blurred with tears.

Yang Xiaotao clenched his fists tightly, holding back his tears as he listened carefully.

Uncle Nine adjusted his mindset and then said again, "He told me a lot of things."

"He said that when he was young he didn't understand anything, but later he realized that if he wanted to live like a human being, someone had to stand up and not let others bully him."

"Then he led our Yang family to fight to the death, back then it was for our own people."

"Later, when the Japanese came, he said he understood one thing: to live well, you must become strong."

"We must never forget those who bullied us!"

He also said that his sons and grandsons were braver than him. He was 86 years old and now wanted to see how his children were doing.

"When you go down there, you can have a good chat with them."

"He also told them that with you carrying on the Yang family line, they would be content, and the Yang family's roots would never be severed."

He also said that all the money in the house is kept in a box to be given to the children, boys and girls alike, they all need to be given money!

"Also, don't bury him in the Yang family ancestral graveyard. He has let down many of his clansmen and has no face to see them."

After these words were spoken, many members of the Yang family present lowered their heads, their eyes reddening.