CHAPTER 1298: CHAPTER 1297: ANCESTRAL RITES

Earlier, he was in the study with Old Doctor Du, talking about court matters.

Although Wang Yongzhu also talked about affairs in the Capital City, Song Chongjin didn’t keep anything from her. However, some matters, some affairs of the court, were described in greater detail by Song Chongjin himself.

Old Doctor Du was once the most trusted person by the Emperor, naturally understanding him better.

After carefully asking Song Chongjin, he pondered for half a day before saying, "The current His Majesty is very astute. Back when he was a Prince, he wasn’t very notable among the Princes. Yet ultimately, it was His Majesty who ascended to the throne, which shows his capability, intrigue, and disposition."

"After you leave, I fear the Capital City might not remain stable for a time. I wondered why Eldest Brother would send Brother Jun to Jing County, and perhaps he worried that if Brother Jun did not come to Jing County, according to the informal rules there, he would have to enter the Imperial Academy."

"Now His Majesty has single-handedly instigated this civil and military conflict. The students of the Imperial Academy are young and restless, easily incited, and accidents could happen. That’s why Brother Jun was sent away, to avoid the turmoil."

"His Majesty, using your reputation, stirred up the civil and military conflict and removed you from it, balancing fortune with mishap. But sending you to Chicheng might have deeper meanings."

"I suspect there may be more to the Qi Family’s affairs, perhaps further developments. Since you are the only known kin of the Qi Family, His Majesty might be using you as bait to draw out the person he wishes to reveal. Otherwise, such effort wouldn’t be made!"

At this moment, Song Chongjin voiced Old Doctor Du’s opinion, and Wang Yongzhu was stirred inside.

They shared the news from Lady Qi about Qi Le and exchanged glances.

There might be a connection here!

But since Qi Le’s fate is unknown, this matter will have to be approached step by step.

Even if Old Doctor Du is right and we can indeed draw someone out, it might clear up the doubts in our hearts.

Since tomorrow they still need to go pay respects to Qi Huan, they dare not speak much further and fall into a deep sleep.

Perhaps because of returning to a familiar place and feeling particularly relaxed, Wang Yongzhu slept especially soundly.

When she woke up, breakfast was already prepared, with Old Granny Zhang, Song Chongjin, and Jinhoo waiting for her.

Hurriedly finishing breakfast, the two of them changed clothes, Song Chongjin in his Seventh Rank Official Robe, Wang Yongzhu in her Matron’s Attire, carrying various offerings, surrounded in grandeur, heading towards the estate outside the city.

All along the way, personal soldiers cleared the path upfront, others guarded the rear, though it didn’t require the County Magistrate’s ceremonial gongs, just seeing the soldiers’ intimidating presence made the townsfolk quickly step aside.

They stood by the roadside, tiptoeing, craning their necks to look in the middle.

After all, Song Chongjin had only left Jing County for about half a year, his appearance was quite distinctive, and his prominence during last year’s Dragon Boat race was fresh in the minds of the locals.

"Isn’t that the Graduate who saved someone during last year’s Dragon Boat race? Has he become a Scholar and took office?"

"You’re just finding out? This man is something else, not only is he this year’s new Second Class Imperial Graduate, but there’s talk he’s the long-lost son of the Lord Duke of the Capital City, already been recognized and titled as the Master Heir-Apparent!"

"And what’s more, this lord is returning to his hometown at the imperial command to pay respects, the first one in this dynasty!"

"Don’t you know? After his visit home, he’s heading straight to his appointed position—"

"Indeed, haven’t you seen? This lord is going to pay respects today; our County Magistrate, along with other masters, sent stewards to purchase offerings early on—"

...

The well-informed chattered fervently, leaving surrounding onlookers dumbfounded.

Gazing into the procession, looking at Song Chongjin aboard a horse in his official robe, their eyes naturally revealed awe.

As Song Chongjin’s party finally passed by, someone whispered, "Could the woman in that carriage be the lord’s country wife?"

"Of course!"

"That woman is truly fortunate, rising to become the wife of an official family!"

"Indeed, this lord is good-hearted, becoming a Scholar, acknowledging a Noble Patron as father, yet he didn’t divorce his humble wife—"

"Indeed, though Lord Song seems cold in demeanor, his heart is good! Would he have saved people last year otherwise?"

...

Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu went off in the distance, missing these discussions.

Amongst the crowd, Madam Gu listened and couldn’t help but click her tongue. She thought her neighbor had merely advanced from Scholar to Scholar.

Who knew this cold-faced Graduate was a legitimate child of the nobles in the Capital City?

Oh wow, their family actually became neighbors with the Lord Heir-Apparent? Her two sons even ate what was made by the Wife of the Heir-Apparent!

Thinking this over, Madam Gu couldn’t stay still, lifting her skirt, she hurriedly ran home.

This was a rare opportunity, should there be a chance to meet the Wife of the Heir-Apparent and exchange a few words, it would be greatly beneficial.

She had to go home and discuss it with her household.

On the other side of the street, Xiao Wu stood among the crowd, watching the distant procession, feeling both excited and a bit apprehensive.

His benefactor had returned! This was fantastic news!

Especially since his benefactor became a Scholar and some kind of Master Heir-Apparent, though he wasn’t sure what that meant, it certainly sounded impressive.

Looking at today’s procession, if he wanted to see his benefactor’s family, give a kowtow, and pay respects, would he be able to?

He didn’t know if his benefactor would be satisfied with the flowers and plants he had tended in the courtyard?

After the benefactor left, he tended to them multiple times each month, and was on good terms with the gatekeepers. All the flowers and plants in the courtyard were nurtured by him.

Would the benefactor like them?

Watching as the procession finally turned a corner and disappeared, Xiao Wu dejectedly lowered his head.

As expected, as the neighbors mentioned, when Song Chongjin and his group had left the city and arrived at the estate.

Placing the prepared offerings before Qi Huan’s grave, Song Chongjin and Wang Yongzhu paid their respects to Qi Huan, saying internally: Mother, your son did not disgrace you! Your son has become a Scholar and was appointed as County Magistrate of Chicheng County by the Emperor, soon to assume the position.

Do you know Chicheng County? It was the place of exile for the Qi Family years ago. Mother, you need not worry about my journey—

Before the thoughts were finished, Shitou came to report that Lv Wenguang and others also brought offerings.

With no choice, Song Chongjin had to rise and went personally to greet and thank them.

By the time those people were seen off, it was already past midday.

Fortunately, Yao Da had brought Old Madam Ding and food supplies to the estate, and together with the women guarding the house, they prepared a simple lunch.

After lunch, as the midday sun warmed them, they simply rested on the estate until late afternoon, when the sun wasn’t so harsh, before returning to the city.

As soon as the carriage entered the alley, Wang Yongzhu had just lifted the curtain when the door of Madam Gu’s house across the street creaked open, and Madam Gu stepped out.

Seeing Wang Yongzhu, she paused, but quickly put on a smiling face, "Lady Wang, oh dear, no, Lady Wang! Congratulations—"