Chapter 1 — Picked up the Bridegroom on the Riverbank

I was on the riverbank and found a handsome husband. So he immediately decided to bring him back to the palace, marry him, give birth to children, and prosper our Liu family. Unexpectedly, he said to me:

"This lower official wants to enter the capital, apply for the exam, and win the title of Poinsettia!"

I asked:

“When you become famous, are you willing to have a child with me?”

His face turned red and he nodded slightly in agreement. However, after he passed the exam, he never returned. Everyone said that he had become a mandarin, married a princess, and could no longer return. The prosperity of the capital captivates people's hearts. When men have money, their hearts also change. I quickly calmed down my longing, so I went to the riverbank again, planning to pick up another husband card.

1

The day my mother left this world, the sky was sunny and beautiful, was a rare day. I helped people out to the yard to bask in the morning sun. Raising her head to catch the sunlight, her mother smiled leisurely:

“Today's sunshine is so good... I'm afraid from now on, it will be difficult to see you again.”

I frowned and said coldly:

“Mother, what are you doing?”

My mother glared at me:

"You rotten girl, I'm about to return to heaven, can't you just let me be a little bird and fly away freely?"

I immediately fell silent. Since childhood, my mother has been like that, she can perform plays anywhere, anytime. To be honest, I'm used to it. It's just... I didn't expect that today would be the last time I would see someone like that. Her breathing is getting weaker and weaker.

"Tuan Tu, you're not going to survive."

I cried and shook my head:

"No! You won't die! I'll go call the healer to save you!"

“With this serious illness, there is no way to cure it.”

He held my hand and gently advised:

"When the mother dies, burn her body. If there is any part that is not completely burned, use a stone to crush it, grind it thoroughly, then spread the ashes into the East river. In the countryside, people all do that when they die."

Isn't that... exterminating the body, crushing the bones and scattering ashes? I just thought it was a waste of money and didn't want to have a funeral. Hurriedly ran into the house, brought out all the life savings of mother and child, and offered it in front of the mother:

"Niang, we have money! I will definitely choose the most beautiful coffin for you and organize a solemn funeral for you!"

As soon as my mother saw the silver in my hand, she immediately got angry, grabbed my ear and scolded:

"You rotten girl, you're really brave! You dare to snoop around the old lady's secret stash of money!"

"What's the secret place? Don't you always keep it under your pillow?"

I was in so much pain that I cried out, but I still couldn't help but argue. My wife showed an expression as if: "When did you know that?" Finally, he was so angry that he let go and scolded angrily:

“Idiot! What do you know! If I put money under my pillow, I can sleep well!”

I didn't say a word. Nuong lied. The person clearly has trouble sleeping every night, tossing and turning all night restlessly. I guess it's probably because I can't sleep due to the pain in my neck. Seeing that I didn't speak, mother sighed again.

"Tuan Tu, listen to your words. After I die, there is no need to hold a party, no need to dig a grave, and no need to erect a stele."

Your hometown is not here, and you don't want to stay here forever.

"Just let me go with the flow! Who knows, maybe I'll have the opportunity to travel to four lakes at once!"

Ta looked at people stupidly. So many years have passed, but I still often cannot understand what my mother says. But I know, what my mother said... I must listen. Mother told me two more secret places to hide money - one under a tree in the middle of the yard, one in the toilet behind the garden. His chest rose and fell slightly, his breathing gradually weakened. But he still tried to open his eyes and held my hand tightly.

"Tuan Tu, don't be too heartbroken. Actually, in life, you can live well alone."

I cried so much that I couldn't breathe, I just kept shaking my head. Mother looked at me, forced her lips to curl, and gave a faint smile.

“But if you feel too lonely, you can also find a good-looking man, raise him and look at him for fun.”

"Just remember that famous saying: 'A man who falls in love can still escape, but a woman who falls in love cannot escape.'"

"You definitely shouldn't sink too deep. If you can live, then live. If you can't, borrow him to give birth to a child, raise a little baby as a friend... you won't be lonely in this life."

I quietly looked at her, thinking in my heart: Could it be that my mother... lived her whole life like that? Thinking about this, my tears keep falling.

“So what if I can't find any man, lady?”

My mother was stunned.

"Then raise a dog! Do you still expect my old lady to go to the underworld and come back to give you a man?"

But why not? I thought to myself, but on the outside I stammered and replied:

“But… I like cats…”

"You rotten girl! This old lady is about to die and yet she still makes me angry, it's true that you and you cat lovers can't play together in this life!"

“What if... what if you're not dead?”

“That's a bit embarrassing, we'll have to find another place to hide the money.”

... My mother is someone who does not like to put herself in an embarrassing situation. So, that night... he really left. From that day on, I no longer have a mother.

2

I held your funeral exactly as you told me. Burn the body, crush the bones, and scatter the ashes. No parties, no grave digging, no tombstones. I stood by the riverbank and softly asked: "Niang, Tuan Tu is very obedient, right?" In response, there was only the gurgling sound of the small river. After leaving, I took over his wine making business. My wife's wine is not like the usual murky wine. Whether it's strong wine or fruit wine, it's as clear as water, has excellent flavor, and never has to worry about going out of stock. When I first started selling alcohol, there were people who came to cause trouble. But my mother has support. The most famous wine shop in the citadel - Huong Man Lau - behind is the lady of Doan palace of Phung Thien citadel: Lieu Tranh. After my mother cooperated with her, from then on no one dared to act rashly. Aunt Lieu is the closest person to my mother. After he passed away, my aunt looked at me alone and felt extremely sad. My aunt asked me if I wanted to move to the city, and then live permanently in Huong Man Lau, with enough food and accommodation, to be paid, and to take care of my old age. I was very moved, but in the end I still refused. Because I still want to be a little closer to my mother. Been busy for several months, but I still miss you constantly. Every time I think of you, I go to the riverbank and stand there whispering to you.