Mu Xue and Mu Xue

Today is the third update. I had written it but forgot to post it.

"Back then, I thought I was invincible, but now, looking back, I realize I was just scratching the surface, barely seeing the tip of the iceberg. The real world is vast and profound, and what I understood was just a drop in the ocean. Alas, how ridiculous!"

The three people were Mu Xue, Lin Mo and Zi Yuan. As soon as they stepped into the town, they were attracted by a burst of sad crying.

The crying sounded like a sob, echoing in the air, as if telling of endless sorrow.

Mu Xue's curiosity was instantly ignited, and like a clever little deer, she ran straight towards the source of the crying.

She tiptoed to a house, carefully lay down in the corner, and poked her small head out to look around.

In the narrow alley, I saw a group of people wearing plain white linen clothes, mourning hats on their heads, hemp ropes around their waists, and solemn faces.

Under the eaves of the house, there were several white lanterns hanging, swaying gently in the breeze, casting a pale light.

On both sides of the door, there were several exquisite wreaths, and the white paper flowers trembled in the wind, adding a bit of desolation.

Mu Xue stretched her neck hard, trying to see the situation in the yard clearly, but her vision was blocked by the crowd and she could only see a blur.

She was extremely anxious, her feet kept rubbing on the ground, and her little hands unconsciously tugged at the corners of her clothes, but when she thought of so many people in front of her, she still didn't dare to move forward rashly.

"Xue'er, what are you looking at? There's a funeral going on at home. It's not good for you to watch secretly like this." Lin Mo's voice sounded behind Mu Xue, with a hint of blame.

Mu Xue turned around, stuck out her tongue, and a blush appeared on her face. "I'm just curious. I've never seen a funeral before. I've only read about it in novels, but this is the first time I've actually seen one."

Ziyuan smiled softly, walked up and touched Muxue's head: "You are really a curious baby, wanting to find out everything.

Most people would try to avoid this kind of thing, but you actually come close to it.

Well, since you are so curious, I will take you to see it and satisfy your curiosity."

A hint of surprise flashed across Mu Xue's eyes, but then she hesitated: "This is not good, after all, we are outsiders, isn't it inappropriate?"

Ziyuan waved her hand and explained, "Don't worry, this is a happy funeral, which is different from an ordinary funeral.

In this situation, the host family would love to have more people come to join in the fun and share in the joy."

"Happy funeral? What does this mean? When someone in the family dies, shouldn't we be extremely sad? How can it be associated with happiness?" Mu Xue blinked her big eyes, her face full of confusion.

Ziyuan patiently explained: "Happy funeral is a traditional custom.

When an elderly person dies of natural causes at the ripe old age, people consider it a sign of 'fulfilling the wish for a long and blessed life'.

Generally speaking, when an ordinary person who has lived to be over 80 years old passes away, it can be considered a happy funeral.”

"Oh, so that's how it is." Mu Xue nodded thoughtfully, "But let's go and not disturb them."

Mu Xue finally restrained her curiosity and returned home with Lin Mo and Zi Yuan.

After returning home, everyone got busy with their own things.

Ziyuan and Lin Mo returned to their room, closed the door, and began to practice with all their heart.

Mu Xue came to the yard, and no one knew what she was doing.

I saw her squatting on the ground, digging in the soil with her hands. Her slender fingers were covered with mud, but she was completely unaware.

It turned out that she was digging the soil. Strangely, she did not use any tools such as a shovel, but used her hands directly, as if she was looking for something precious.

Mu Xue was digging hard when suddenly, a crisp knock on the door broke the silence in the yard.

The knock on the door seemed particularly loud in the silent air, and Mu Xue was attracted by the sudden sound.

She was afraid that the people outside were waiting anxiously, so she stood up hurriedly, without even having time to wash her hands, and ran straight to the door. Her skirt fluttered in the wind, raising a small cloud of dust behind her.

"Who is it?"

Mu Xue asked loudly while reaching out and opening the door.

The door hinge creaked slightly, and the person who came into view was an acquaintance - the mayor.

The mayor was wearing a long blue cloth gown, his hair was neatly combed, and he had a kind smile on his face.

"Xiaoxue, there is a banquet in the town tonight. Do you want to go? A 97-year-old man in our town passed away, and we are holding this banquet according to custom. Would you like to join in the fun?" The mayor's voice was gentle and kind, with a strong local accent.

Mu Xue's eyes lit up, and she nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice: "Okay, okay, I will definitely go!" When she thought of the delicious food to enjoy, her heart felt like being gently scratched by a cat's claws, and she was very excited.

After all, she had never had the opportunity to attend such a banquet in her life.

"Haha, I knew you would like it.

You should know where the banquet is held, right?

Today I saw you peeking from behind the corner. It was so embarrassing.

If you want to participate in the future, just come openly, there's nothing wrong with that." The mayor's words made Mu Xue's face flush red instantly, like a ripe apple. She lowered her head embarrassedly, and gently drew circles on the ground with her toes.

"By the way, remember to call your brother when you go.

"Tonight's banquet is quite sumptuous, with a wide variety of dishes. I guarantee you'll enjoy your meal." The mayor added with a smile.

"Okay, okay, I'll definitely go!" Mu Xue agreed hurriedly.

"Okay, I'll leave now if I have nothing else to do. I still have some matters waiting for me to deal with in the town.

Don’t forget to come!”

The mayor did not forget to give further instructions before leaving, then turned and left, his steps hurried and his clothes fluttering in the wind.

"Xue'er, who is outside?"

As soon as the mayor left, Lin Mo's voice came from the house, with a hint of concern.

"It's okay, it's the mayor. He invited us to a dinner tonight!" Mu Xue responded loudly.

"Oh, okay, remember to call me when you leave!" Lin Mo said in the house.

After Mu Xue agreed, the yard fell into silence again.

She squatted down and continued the "work" she had just unfinished.

I saw her slender fingers turning over the soil flexibly, and soon her hands were covered with moist soil.

"I plan to plant some flowers in the yard. Although I already have some at home, it's still too few.

I want my home to be fragrant for miles next spring.

But I don’t have any seeds yet. I’ll go to the market and buy some tomorrow.

But I haven’t decided what flowers to plant yet. Roses are gorgeous, peonies are elegant, and jasmine is fragrant. Each one has its own merits.

Well...if all else fails, I can always ask Sister Ziyuan. She's always been very resourceful and will definitely be able to give me some ideas."

As Mu Xue thought about it, she narrowed her eyes slightly and the corners of her mouth rose unconsciously. In her mind, she had already imagined a beautiful scene of her home full of flowers and fragrance next spring.

The gorgeous flowers swayed gently in the breeze, as if waving to her. Butterflies danced among the flowers and bees were buzzing busily. The scene was so beautiful that she was almost intoxicated by it, and her hands moved more and more briskly.