In a quiet town, Wang Cuifeng lives alone in a quaint courtyard. In this courtyard, every corner carries the memories of the past and the traces of the years.
Far from the bustling metropolis of this town, Nan Huaijin, a well-known scholar in academia, is busy with his academic research and public speaking. His marriage to Wang Cuifeng has gone through 74 long years, but the actual time they have been together for less than 2 years.
Nan Huaijin and Wang Cuifeng: The long wait
In the spring when Nan Huaijin was 17 years old, the sun shone through the branches and leaves of the ancient courtyard, sprinkling dappled light and shadow on the bluestone slabs. Nan Huaijin and Wang Cuifeng were standing in the center of the courtyard, their shadows intertwined, as if to indicate that their future lives would be closely linked. Nan Huaijin was wearing a light blue robe, and her eyebrows revealed the unique sharpness and determination of young people. And Wang Cuifeng was wearing a simple pale yellow dress, her hair was simply coiled on the top of her head, her face was gentle, and her eyes showed a faint joy.
At the stone table in the old courtyard, Nan Huaijin's parents and Wang Cuifeng's parents were talking to each other. The conversation between the two families was full of good wishes for the future and high expectations for this marriage. The flowers and trees in the old courtyard seem to feel this joy, and the flowers are competing to bloom, exuding bursts of fragrance.
Nan Huaijin turned to Wang Cuifeng, his eyes were firm and sincere, and he slowly spoke: "Cuifeng, I will try to be a useful person and create a better life for you." Wang Cuifeng bowed her head slightly and responded softly: "I believe in you, no matter what happens in the future, I will support you." This short conversation, like a vow, condenses their commitment to the future.
However, fate does not seem to be following the trajectory they expected. With the deepening of Nan Huaijin's studies and thirst for knowledge, he began to travel around in search of a broader academic world. He often had to leave the town and travel farther afield, even abroad, to pursue his academic dreams and career achievements.
Wang Cuifeng stayed in the town to maintain the daily operation of the family. She takes care of household chores day in and day out, taking care of both elderly parents, while also caring for and educating the children. In the days when Nan Huaijin was away, she often stood alone in the courtyard, looking at the distant sky, and her heart was full of thoughts for her husband.
Difficult Choices: Career and Family
As Nan Huaijin's academic career continued to expand, he returned to that town less and less. He has lectured in many cities in China, participated in academic conferences, and even traveled overseas to exchange with universities in Europe and the Americas. His name gradually became louder in the academic community and he became a high-profile scholar.
At the same time, Wang Cuifeng maintains daily peace at home. She wakes up early and works late to take care of her two young children, while also taking care of her elderly parents. Everything in the family, whether it is the education of the children or the chores at home, is undertaken by her.
In the days when Nan Huaijin left home, Wang Cuifeng often lit an oil lamp in the dead of night and sat quietly in front of the window. She makes clothes for the children or mends Nan Huaijin's old clothes, her hands are constantly busy, but her eyes are always looking into the distance, where her husband pursues his dreams.
As the children grew up, their impression of their father came more from Wang Cuifeng's mouth and the letters sent back by their father. When the children asked about their father, Wang Cuifeng always patiently explained: "Your father is a great scholar, and he is doing important things for our country and nation. Although the children did not fully understand, they also felt respect and pride in their father's words from their mother's words.
Whenever Nan Huaijin returns to the town, her home is always filled with joy and warmth. He would bring back new things from the outside world and tell the children about his experiences and what he had seen. But such a happy reunion time has appeared too little in Nan Huaijin and Wang Cuifang's 74 years of married life, adding up to only about 2 years.
However, each of Nan Huaijin's returns is short-lived, and he will soon embark on a new journey. Before leaving, Wang Cuifeng would quietly help him pack his luggage, her movements were careful and skillful, but she never spoke much. Nan Huaijin would stop at the door, turn to Wang Cuifeng and say, "Take care of yourself and the children." Wang Cuifeng nodded lightly and responded: "Everything is fine, you don't have to worry." This simple exchange is a symbol of the deep affection between them.
In Nan Huaijin's absence, Wang Cuifeng would take the children for walks in the fields, teach them about various plants and insects, tell them stories of childhood, and teach them to do housework. Although her life is ordinary, it is full of love and responsibility for her family.
Mother's death: an opportunity to reunite
One stormy night, the wind was blowing, and the rain outside the window hit the window like teardrops. Nan Huaijin sat alone in the study overseas, clutching the telegram she had just received in her hand. The simple and cold text on the telegram told him that his mother had died in the town. This sudden bad news made Nan Huaijin feel dizzy for a moment, and he stared at the telegram and was speechless for a long time.
Early the next morning, Nan Huaijin packed her luggage and stepped on the plane back to China. During the whole flight, he sat quietly, and the clouds outside the window seemed to tell the heaviness and sadness in his heart. After a long journey, he finally returned to his hometown.
When Nan Huaijin arrived in the town, the sky was already slightly bright. The streets of the town are still quiet, and the old buildings look particularly calm in the morning light. Walking on the familiar street, Nan Huaijin's steps seemed heavy. He walked all the way until he came to his mother's house.
Wang Cuifeng had already learned the news of Nan Huaijin's return and was waiting in front of the door. When she saw Nan Huaijin, she didn't speak, just walked towards him quietly and gently took his hand. Nan Huaijin looked at Wang Cuifeng and found that the years had left traces on her face, but those eyes were still as gentle and affectionate as they were back then.
The two of them walked into the house together. The room is furnished with simple furniture, and in the corner is a rattan chair commonly used by Nan Huaijin's mother. Wang Cuifeng led Nan Huaijin to the rattan chair, where there was a small offering table with a portrait of Nan Huaijin's mother and flowers. Nan Huaijin stood in front of the offering table and bowed deeply.
Nan Huaijin turned to Wang Cuifeng and whispered, "Over the years, I've worked hard for you." Wang Cuifeng shook her head lightly and responded, "This is what I should do." In this brief exchange, there was not only Nan Huaijin's gratitude to Wang Cuifeng for supporting the family alone for many years, but also Wang Cuifeng's understanding and support for her husband hidden deep in her heart.
In the next few days, Nan Huaijin was busy dealing with her mother's funeral. He revisited relatives and friends he hadn't seen in years, and each familiar face brought back memories of his past. Wang Cuifeng has always been by his side, helping him arrange everything, and although she doesn't talk much, her actions and meticulous care have provided Nan Huaijin with great support.
A brief reunion: guilt and gratitude
After Nan Huaijin dealt with his mother's funeral, he put forward an idea: take Wang Cuifeng back to Hong Kong and live together. He hopes to give Wang Cuifeng a more comfortable living environment within his ability, so as to make up for the regrets caused by the long-term separation in the past.
A week later, Nan Huaijin and Wang Cuifeng embarked on a journey to Hong Kong together. The bustle of Hong Kong contrasts sharply with the tranquility of the town. High-rise buildings, busy streets, and flashing neon lights, all of these are things that Wang Cuifeng has never experienced. Accompanied by Nan Huaijin, she visited Hong Kong's scenic spots, tasted a variety of foods, and experienced the prosperity and convenience of the metropolis.
In Hong Kong, Nan Huaijin arranged a comfortable residence for Wang Cuifeng. The furnishings are luxurious, the rooms are spacious and bright, and the windows offer beautiful views of Hong Kong. Nan Huaijin hopes that Wang Cuifeng can find her own comfort and tranquility here.
However, Wang Cuifeng did not fully adapt to such a life. One afternoon, she said to Nan Huaijin: "Life here is good, but I still want to go back to our town." Nan Huaijin asked, "Are you sure? The living conditions here are much better than in the small town." Wang Cuifeng replied: "I know, but I am more Xi to the way of life in a small town." Nan Huaijin was silent for a while, and then said, "Okay, if this is your choice, I respect you." ”
Life in Hong Kong is too busy and noisy for Wang Cuifeng, who prefers the simple and peaceful pace of life in a small town. She is Xi to waking up early every day, watching the morning light shine all over the yard, and Xi to basking in the sun in the backyard in the afternoon and listening to the birds sing. In the small town, she has more time to take care of the flowers, chat with the neighbors, and do things she enjoys.
So, Wang Cuifeng made a decision, she wanted to return to the town. Although Nan Huaijin was a little surprised, he respected Wang Cuifeng's choice. After a short stay in Hong Kong for a week, Wang Cuifeng returned to the town alone. She returned to that familiar home, where there were her memories, where there were her roots.
Wang Cuifeng has two reasons for this, the first is that she is Xi to a hard life, and she is not used to the life of a rich old lady, and the other is that she knows that Nan Huaijin has already married another wife and children in Taiwan, and she feels that Nan Huaijin betrayed her in this marriage.
Wang Cuifeng's choice: loyalty and self-esteem
Wang Cuifeng, who returned to the town, began to rearrange her daily life. She wakes up every morning, opens the window to welcome the fresh air, and gets busy. She would go to the kitchen to prepare breakfast and then feed the chickens and ducks at home. She always likes to spend her mornings doing these simple but fun chores.
Although Wang Cuifeng's life is peaceful, she is not alone. She would often visit her neighbors' houses, chat with them, and exchange new things about them. Sometimes, she would bring some of the snacks she had made to share, and the neighbors would give back some home-grown vegetables or fruits. This kind of communication makes her life full of warmth and humanity.
Every weekend, Wang Cuifeng takes her grandchildren to the town's market. She will teach them how to pick fresh ingredients and how to bargain with vendors. The grandchildren love to follow her because Wang Cuifeng can always find the freshest ingredients from the market and make the most delicious home-cooked dishes.
Wang Cuifeng has not forgotten her hobbies. She likes to embroider patterns or do handicrafts in her free time. Her craft is very good, and her embroidery and weaving are well known in the town. Sometimes, the neighbors would come to her and ask her to help with some handicrafts.
At a village party, someone asked about Nan Huaijin's situation, and Wang Cuifeng just smiled and said: "He has his career outside, and I believe he will make the right choice." Then she changed the subject and started talking about the food and the weather at the party.
Wang Cuifeng also often participates in some community activities, such as volunteering and participating in reading clubs for the elderly. She enjoys interacting with people at these events and sharing her experience and knowledge. These activities have made her life more fulfilling and meaningful.
In the evening, Wang Cuifeng likes to walk in the yard and feel the tranquility of the night. She would look at the stars and listen to the chirping of insects in the distance. Such moments make her feel peaceful and content.
Wu Longcan, Sun Yingxue, Nan Huaijin, Mr. Academic Thoughts[J].Tianzhong School Journal,2023,38(5):50-59