Chapter 1894: 1881: Funeral
Chapter 1894: Chapter 1881: Funeral
Therefore, when Wang Yongzhu came to pick her up, Old Granny Zhang was reluctant to go to the Duke’s Mansion.
To her, now going to the Duke’s Mansion meant there was still a Duchess Dowager Zhong, although she had long retired to the backyard and did not concern herself with worldly matters. Additionally, Lady Gao also claimed to be ill and had not appeared in public for years.
Moreover, there were only two concubines left in the mansion, while the others had moved out with their sons. For her, an outsider, to move in might be inappropriate.
Furthermore, based on Gu Changqing’s understanding, although he was not privy to the internal details of Wang Yongzhu and Song Chongjin’s trip to the grasslands, he knew the Emperor.
Having returned with such great merits, it was just the time for the young Song Chongjin to be in favor, yet after being summoned back to the Capital City, although still holding the title of Imperial Censor, he was not sent to the Northwest Circuit but was instead given a nominal post. The meaning was clear to any discerning person.
Either his merits were too significant, making it difficult for the Emperor to reward him, or there was something the Emperor was apprehensive or dissatisfied about.
Now it was only fitting for Song Chongjin to lay low and act discreetly.
The fear was that some people might be keeping an eye on the Duke Weiguo Residence, looking for ways to trip them up.
If Old Granny Zhang moved to the Duke’s Mansion, though it was no major issue, with enough gossip behind her back, it could harm her reputation.
Old Granny Zhang took these words to heart. Even though she did not understand the major affairs of the officialdom and the imperial court, she knew that Gu Changqing would not harm her or her daughter and son-in-law.
Naturally, she could not implicate her daughter and son-in-law, so she insisted on not going to the Duke’s Mansion.
Wang Yongzhu had no other choice but to urge Song Chongjin to accelerate the progress of the Hot Spring Manor and, once completed, simply move Old Granny Zhang there to stay, where no one would gossip about it.
As for the Gu Family, Gu Zikai’s secret memo had reached the Emperor, and soon after, the Emperor specifically deployed the army to take over the gold mine.
Reportedly, the gold mine had a very decent yield, and the Emperor was delighted, promptly promoting Gu Zikai to Magistrate of Xizhou Prefecture. For a time, Gu Zikai soared to become a newly favored official at the Imperial Court, a talented minister highly regarded by the Emperor.
The Gu Family also became a bustling place, especially when news spread that Gu Zikai had not yet arranged a marriage. Households with eligible young daughters flocked to present their daughters.
The Lady of the Gu Family and Lady Hua received so many visiting cards and invitations that their hands were sore, and they were invited to banquets every day.
With Gu Zikai at the forefront, the number of people watching Song Chongjin and the Duke Weiguo Residence decreased.
After the New Year, just as the Hot Spring Manor was nearing completion, the old madam Zhong in the Duke’s Mansion fell seriously ill.
Over the years, she had stayed in the backyard, uninvolved in the mansion’s affairs, devoting herself to vegetarianism and Buddhist prayer. Ever since Song Chongjin was recognized and brought back to the mansion, she had not seen anyone besides Song Hong.
Afterwards, she did not meet any grandchildren or granddaughters, living almost like a recluse.
Thus, in the mansion, the servants and family, apart from those in the old madam’s courtyard, barely had any special impression of this old madam beyond providing for her daily needs.
Only when hearing of her serious illness, incapable of leaving her bed, did people suddenly realize that such a formidable presence still existed in the mansion.
Song Hong, despite his own health, attended to the old madam day and night, inviting doctors for treatment, personally testing medicinal soups, staying constantly by her side.
However, he physically couldn’t withstand such exhaustion. In just two days, he fell ill, severely weakened, and if not for Du Zhongjing and Wang Yongzhu’s combined efforts in treatment, he might have preceded Old Madam Zhong to the grave.
During this time, Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu naturally had to step up, caring for Song Hong’s health while keeping an eye on the old madam.
Although there were numerous servants around, it was a time that emphasized filial piety – when parents and elders fell ill, naturally attending to them personally was the right thing to do.
Thus, the couple was so busy that they could only meet at night to talk briefly.
Before long, Song Hong’s other children received the news and returned to visit.
The daughters only returned every few days to visit or send medicinal materials and the like.
Whereas Song Chongjun and his siblings came to the Duke’s Mansion every morning, returning home only at night.
They realized that Song Hong and Old Madam Zhong might not have much longer, sparking thoughts of improving their standing with Song Hong. Before his passing, wouldn’t the private assets still be there? Perhaps if they showed sincere filial piety, they might receive a larger share.
Even after the family division, they received significant assets. But having lived lives of luxury, they came to understand the value of daily necessities and the benefits of wealth only when managing on their own.
Thus, they, thick-skinned, hoped to linger at the Duke’s Mansion a bit longer and enjoy a few more days.
Though Song Hong was ill, his mind was still sharp. He refused them on his own accord before Song Chongjin even spoke, stating that since the family was already divided, true filial piety lies in diligently serving the court and the Emperor, becoming self-reliant and honorable without embarrassing him, is the best form of respect.
As for other matters, merely visiting every few days would suffice. Above them, they had their elder brother and sister-in-law to rely on, not to mention the servants, weren’t they enough?
Even sick, Song Hong’s residual authority remained. His children dared not defy his wishes, agreeing reluctantly despite their thoughts.
Wang Yongzhu and Du Zhongjing, after much discussion, concluded that Old Madam Zhong’s condition was beyond human intervention. Doctors can treat illness, but when a person’s lifespan is reached, no medicine could alter fate.
However, for Song Hong, new medicinal pills helped prolong his life. Though still bed-bound, he didn’t appear on the brink of death.
Old Madam Zhong did not survive much longer, passing away within just half a month.
Being the Duchess, Duke Weiguo Residence, held in high imperial regard, received comforting visits from the Emperor and the Empress upon her passing.
With this imperial stance, naturally, all the officials in Capital City didn’t dare neglect their duties.
The funeral was even grander than the late County Monarch Rongyi’s.
Due to the old madam’s funeral, Lady Gao, who had been under house arrest for years, also came out, weeping in front of the altar with other female family members daily.
Absent from public view for years, Lady Gao appeared gaunt and needed assistance even for mourning.
After weeping, she was assisted back by the servants to rest, leaving no opportunity for even her friends to exchange a few words.
Some, sensing something amiss, kept their thoughts to themselves, for it was ultimately another family’s private affair.
However, Lady Gao seized an opportunity to meet with Wang Yongzhu directly, inquiring bluntly, “Song Hong doesn’t have much time left, does he?”
Wang Yongzhu remained silent, which was an acknowledgment.
Lady Gao smiled bitterly, “So that’s why he’s willing to let me out. I see!”
Wang Yongzhu was puzzled.
Having broken ties with Song Hong long ago, Lady Gao made no attempt to cover for him, merely stating, “We’ve been married for years; I know him well. He doesn’t have much time left and wouldn’t spare me either! Before leaving, he’d send me off first. Allowing me out now was merely to ensure the old madam’s respectful farewell!”
“You needn’t say more. I’ve had enough of this life! Having been entangled with him this entire life, whether in death or life, he owes me, or perhaps I owe him; we’ll settle it when we meet below!”
“Consider this our farewell today. I know your nature, so after I’m gone, do allow those serving me, who wish to leave, to go freely, and those wishing to stay, I beg you to give them a place.”
With that, Lady Gao stood up and gave Wang Yongzhu a proper bow.
Wang Yongzhu sidestepped to avoid the bow, nodding, “Madam, rest assured!”