Chapter 497 - 496: Bestowal of Honors

Chapter 497: Chapter 496: Bestowal of Honors

As the distance increased, the medicinal smell dispersed somewhat.

Nanny Zhu took two deep breaths, and from afar, she spotted an unfamiliar old woman following Hong Jinbao’s family from Shaohui Garden. She couldn’t help but take a closer look.

After sending someone to inquire, she learned that the unfamiliar old woman was from the Du Family, bringing news of happiness.

Nanny Zhu lowered her shoulders and decided not to mention the news of happiness to the Lian Family.

In Shaohui Garden, Du Yunluo was in a good mood.

The lady who came recently said Jiang Si Niang had given birth to a son.

The newborn’s face was still wrinkled and hadn’t quite opened up, so it was hard to recognize whom he resembled. However, he had a head full of shiny black hair.

The Liao Family was very fond of him and repeatedly said that this boy would certainly be handsome in the future.

Du Gongfu and Old Mrs. Xia were also delighted. Adding a member to the family is always a joyful event no matter when it happens.

Naturally, the name for the boy was chosen by Du Gongfu.

A few days ago, when Du Gongfu entered the palace, the Holy Emperor mentioned Prince Shun to him.

When Prince Shun left the Capital, Du Gongfu was slogging away at the Hanlin Academy and had heard a few things about Prince Shun.

Du Gongfu was a smart man who didn’t wish to comment on imperial family affairs, especially those related to the late Emperor. Saying the wrong thing could cause immense trouble, so he simply shifted the topic to The Three Pure Ones, which Prince Shun and Consort Zhuang revered.

Readers speaking of The Three Pure Ones would eventually lead to Taoist texts.

The Holy Emperor greatly enjoyed conversing with Du Gongfu, and after returning home, Du Gongfu took out the "Huainanzi" to read.

When Jiang Si Niang gave birth to a son today, Du Gongfu chose a name from the "Huainanzi."

"The sage preserves the pure way and embraces the female softness," hence the boy’s name was Qing.

Du Yunluo thought the name was fitting. Since she couldn’t attend Qing’s washing ceremony, she sent gold and silver ingots along with gifts, to be taken back by the lady.

As February passed, by early March, there were several thunderstorms, and the weather gradually warmed.

Mu Lianxiao’s back no longer experienced stabbing pain. According to Imperial Doctor Xing’s instructions, he was slowly stretching his muscles and trying to straighten his back.

Du Yunluo watched him practice. Ordinary movements had become exceedingly difficult for Mu Lianxiao.

Simply watching was bearable, as Mu Lianxiao didn’t cry out in pain or complain, but the sweat on his forehead couldn’t deceive anyone.

Du Yunluo and Mrs. Zhou both urged him to rest for another half month, but Mu Lianxiao refused.

Mu Lianxiao said that in half a month or a month, Mu Lianyu’s coffin would arrive in the Capital. Faced with his brother who died on the battlefield, Mu Lianxiao wanted to stand up straight to meet him.

Du Yunluo didn’t persuade him further; she understood what Mu Lianxiao meant.

In their past and present lives, there were many things as a couple they couldn’t forgive Mu Lianyu for. Despite the resentment, Mu Lianyu also died fighting for the court.

Mu Lianyu made many mistakes, especially regarding Mu Yuanjing and Lady An, which were enough to make him unable to raise his head.

But he died on the battlefield.

His blood was worthy of the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion’s plaque.

The person was already dead, and the rights and wrongs would be buried with him.

As his brother, Mu Lianxiao wanted to stand straight to welcome him back. It was only natural.

What Du Yunluo could do was to spare some time daily to massage Mu Lianxiao’s back muscles and help him relax a bit.

By the end of March, spring rains kept pouring.

Unlike the lingering drizzle in Jiangnan, the entire Capital was shrouded in a curtain of rain.

The city gates opened wide, and several brothers from the Mu Family went out of the city to receive the coffin, which entered the Capital through East Street. White paper, weighed down by rain, fell heavily to the ground.

Jiang Yunuan supported the Lian Family at the Dingyuan Marquis Mansion’s entrance.

As the coffin appeared at the alley’s mouth, the Lian Family’s legs went weak, and rain mixed with tears blurred her vision.

"My son! My Lianyu!" The Lian Family cried out, heart-wrenching.

Du Yunluo and Zhuang Ke supported Madam Wu together so she wouldn’t fall.

Mrs. Xu bowed her head, her eyes red like a blazing sun.

She thought of nine years ago when Mu Liankang didn’t return to the Capital; facing her deceased husband’s coffin was even more painful than the Lian Family’s pain now.

She resented the actions of the second household but also felt bitterness; it reminded her of her past self.

Motherly instincts.

The Lian Family’s cries stirred Mrs. Xu’s tears. She leaned against Mrs. Lu, her throat sore, so sore that even the phrase "cause and effect cycle" stuck in her chest.

The Marquis Mansion had already set up a mourning hall, and everyone was in mourning clothes.

The mourning hall was filled with ice basins, making it feel like winter had returned.

The Lian Family threw herself on the coffin, crying until she ran out of breath before being pulled away.

Mu Yuanmou stood with his hands behind his back, watching the scene before him, his eyes red.

He gritted his back teeth tightly, his jaw set into a straight line, and his eyes nearly bled.

Relatives, in-laws, and other familiar Duke’s Mansion, and official families came to pay their respects.

Madam Wu sat in Flower Hall, looking fatigued.

At times like this, Du Yunluo was so busy she didn’t have a moment to breathe. Zhuang Ke came to see Madam Wu and asked, "Grandmother, would you like to go back and rest for a while?"

Madam Wu waved her hand, "It’s the same wherever I am."

While they were speaking, Hong Jinbao’s family came in quickly to report, "Madam sent me to inform you, the imperial decree from the palace has arrived."

Madam Wu glanced at Zhuang Ke and slowly stood up.

She had already guessed.

The decree for inheritance and rewards hadn’t been issued yet; the Holy Emperor was surely waiting for this day when Mu Lianyu returned to the Capital.

Madam Wu returned to Baijie Hall to change and comb her hair, while Du Yunluo was busy putting on formal attire according to the rank. The Heir’s Wife’s attire was bright and vibrant, standing out among the gray and white of the entire mansion.

Mu Lianxiao dressed more easily than Du Yunluo. Once they were both ready, they hurried to the front to receive the decree.

There were two imperial decrees.

One was for Mu Lianxiao to inherit the title, with rewards one after the other, and the other recognized Zhuang Ke’s imperial kinship, granting her the title of Commandery Princess and Imperial Consort.

Cining Palace bestowed additional rewards to Du Yunluo, and Zhuang Ke, dazzling and varied, leaving people in awe.

The Lian Family knelt on the ground, the red before her eyes so dazzling it almost burned. The sight of various gold, silver, jade, jewelry, and brocades turned into sharp knives in her ears.

This was the price paid with Mu Lianyu’s life and her son’s life. Was it just for so little?

The Lian Family’s body swayed, and as others shouted long live thrice, she let out a wail and fainted.

Mu Liancheng and Jiang Yunuan hurriedly helped the Lian Family up, carrying her back in a soft sedan chair to Fengyu Courtyard.

With downcast eyes, Mu Lianxiao said to the eunuch delivering the decree, "Second Aunt has lost her son and is in immense pain. I will plead guilty to the Holy Emperor when I enter the palace later."

While these words were being spoken, the contents of the imperial decrees spread among those who had come to offer condolences.

Mu Lianxiao inheriting the title was expected and didn’t create much of a stir.

Zhuang Ke being recognized as Prince Shun’s daughter, transforming her from an outsider scrutinized by others to a member of the imperial kinship, astonished everyone.

The patriarch’s wife came to the mansion to accompany Madam Wu in conversation. Upon hearing the news, she closed her eyes and sighed.