Chapter 1895: 1882: Finale

Chapter 1895: Chapter 1882: Finale

Just as Lady Gao had predicted, before the mourning period for Old Madam Zhong ended, Song Hong’s health began to visibly decline.

He had anticipated this and prepared a letter in advance, handing it over through Song Chongjin to officially pass the Duke Weiguo title to him.

In his heart, the Emperor felt endless emotions; as he grew older, the familiar faces around him gradually disappeared, leaving few recognizable elders on the court.

The Emperor felt deeply touched; it is said he stayed alone in his residence until late at night, with the lights on until the third watch. The next day, he approved the letter, naturally granting the request.

With this decision, Song Chongjin was firmly established as the next Duke Weiguo.

Song Hong had already set everything in order before his death and, in his final moments, arranged for Lady Gao to be brought before him.

He was neatly dressed, sitting solemnly at the table with two cups of wine before him. As Lady Gao entered, he did not say much, only gestured for her to sit and raised his cup in a silent toast.

Lady Gao was well-prepared, unusually dressed up. Upon seeing Song Hong, she looked him up and down and showed a smile of unclear meaning. She readily picked up the remaining cup of wine and drank it all, leaving only a sentence: “I’ll wait for you below!”

Then she returned to her courtyard.

That very night, news came from both Song Hong and Lady Gao’s quarters that they had both passed away.

The mourning cloths and white lanterns were still hung throughout the residence and were put to use once more.

During his lifetime Song Hong was esteemed by the Emperor, and after his death, he was honored. He was not only granted the posthumous title “Zhongwu” but also allowed to be buried in the imperial tomb.

This was the highest commendation a military general could receive.

At his funeral, both Chief Steward Su from the Emperor’s side and Chief Steward Huai from the Empress’ side personally came to pay their respects, an honor unprecedented in this dynasty.

Since Song Hong was to be buried in the imperial tomb, a cenotaph was erected in the Song Family cemetery, and Lady Gao was interred nearby holding the memorial tablet for her unborn child.

Wang Yongzhu wondered if Lady Gao would be satisfied; given the customs of the time, this arrangement was the most fitting. At the very least, Lady Gao and her unborn child could enjoy the offerings and incense from descendants, not becoming lonely spirits.

Due to his mourning duty, Song Chongjin submitted a request for a three-year leave of absence, which the Emperor promptly approved.

No matter how grand or intense, after the funeral, the Duke Weiguo Residence closed its doors to visitors.

Some lamented that the Duke Weiguo Residence would likely have no successors since Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu still had no children and had to observe mourning for three years. It might benefit the brothers from divided families.

Even Song Chongjun had thoughts; he was pondering having a son after his mourning period, considering adopting him to Song Chongjin so the Duke title would return.

Unexpectedly, shortly afterward, news came from the Empress that Wang Yongzhu was already expecting, being three months pregnant.

The timing traced back to before Old Madam Zhong’s death.

This news silenced those who openly lamented but inwardly rejoiced.

After one hundred days, Song Chongjin took Wang Yongzhu out of the Capital City and went directly to the Hot Spring Manor for mourning.

Several months later, Wang Yongzhu gave birth to a healthy baby boy at the Hot Spring Manor.

It is said that not only did the Empress reward them with several carts of goods, but the Emperor also bestowed a name upon the child; usually, only princes were fortunate to receive names from the Emperor.

What family of a minister or duke has children named by the Emperor? Such an honor drew much attention.

And it showed everyone that although Duke Weiguo, Song Hong, was gone, Song Chongjin still had favor in the Emperor’s heart, not to be underestimated.

Officials in the Capital City wanted to visit with congratulations, but Song Chongjin and his family remained secluded in the Hot Spring Manor for three years, except for bringing Old Granny Zhang there and maintaining correspondence with the Gu Family. They seldom left, turning away any visitors by claiming mourning obligations.

Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu’s son was given the name Song Jianshen.

Wang Yongzhu, hearing this name, would have liked to go to the Imperial Palace and give the Emperor a beating if she weren’t still in confinement. Not only had the Emperor taken away their right to name their child, but he also chose such a dreadful name.

To know more, the historical figure who shared the same name from the Zhu Family, aside from other things, was most famous for pursuing a woman seventeen years older than himself and indulging her in cruelly harming his children within the imperial harem.

If she didn’t know for sure the Emperor wasn’t a time traveler, Wang Yongzhu might suspect the Emperor was being intentionally spiteful.