Chapter 980: Chapter 976: The End of the Story (20)
"The Empress is unworthy and must be dethroned!" Suddenly, a loud voice rang out from somewhere.
The sound in the court came to an abrupt stop. Everyone on the Shen side looked at each other in disbelief, and both Lord Wu and the First Master were taken aback for a moment...
Everyone stopped and looked towards the ruler sitting high on the Dragon Case.
The Emperor showed no reaction; his face remained calm. Seeing this, someone immediately shouted: "The Empress is jealous of the virtuous, unfit to be the mother of the nation and a model for women. We request the Emperor to dethrone Empress Shen."
After saying this, the sound of people kneeling down rose in succession.
The Grand Dowager sighed but said hatefully, "That fourth child has always been like this since he was young, never willing to tell me anything. If he had told me earlier about Min’s background..." She stopped herself, knowing that if she had known Min’s background earlier, she would only have been less confused, but the sadness would remain.
Just thinking about losing a grandson made her heart ache: "That child was so kind and had to endure so many hardships; it really was bitter for him."
Xiqiu’s mood also became somber, saying nothing.
The First Madam softly said, "Everyone is destined at birth to their fate, and only through trials can they grow. He has his responsibilities. We cannot protect him forever; such a day was bound to come."
"Indeed." The Grand Dowager wiped away her tears and sighed, "I just hope that everything will go smoothly for him in the future."
Xiao Yanzheng picked up the conversation, saying, "I see that Min is smart, and Fourth Sister-in-law has taught him well—with neither arrogance nor haste, neither aggressive nor passive. He won’t suffer any losses when he enters the palace." Then, looking at Xiqiu to tease everyone, "Fourth Sister-in-law, don’t you agree?"
Xiqiu smiled lightly, nodding, "Yes."
The Grand Dowager gave Xiao Yanzheng an affectionate glance.
Xiqiu, concerned about her family, returned in the afternoon with Zhi to the Governor Mansion. Zhi, having been away for several days, toured the garden with Qingyuan and Qingshan, picked camellias for Xiqiu in the backyard, and went to pay respects to Mr. Ji, who had missed lessons for a few days. Mr. Ji asked Zhi, "Is Madame well?"
Zhi nodded, "She’s well, just much thinner." Mr. Ji patted his head, smiling, "You must be more filial to your mother in the future and shouldn’t be mischievous anymore."
"I remember, sir." Zhi nodded continuously.
Xiqiu instructed Nanny Cen, "Hang white banners at the door and send out death notices to each residence." As she spoke, her heart grew heavy with sorrow.
Nanny Cen, unaware of the situation, thought of Min’s voice and smile from the past, and tears fell down her cheeks as she nodded, "I understand, this I shall do at once!"
That afternoon, white banners hung at the entrance of the Governor Mansion, and funeral gongs were struck.
Xiao Huaimin, the third son of the Xiao family, had passed away.
Madam Jiang, Madam Xia, and Madam Luo, along with Tong Xiyan, who was heavily pregnant, all came over. Seeing Xiqiu, everyone cried and laughed for a while before sitting down.
Madam Xia, disregarding convention, took Xiqiu’s hand, examining it up and down, looking at her bony hand with deep sympathy, "So much thinner in such a short time." After speaking, tears she had just wiped away fell again, "Once the funeral is over, why don’t you come back and stay for a few days? I’ll personally make some nourishing soups and medicines to help you regain your strength."
"Aunt, I’m fine, and my health is good." Saying this, she held Madam Xia’s hand in return, "We have maids at home, no need to trouble you." After a pause, she joked like a child, "But if you’re really worried, you could come over with Twelfth Sister to keep me company for a few days."
Madam Xia laughed.
Madam Jiang picked up the conversation, saying, "Sixth Sister is right, Aunt must be worried; you would be thinking about it every day if you went back, so why not come and stay for a few days? I’ll talk to Father." Madam Xia shook her hands, saying, "No... no need, I don’t want to be a bother for Sixth Lady after all." After speaking, she did not loosen her grip on Xiqiu’s hand.
Xiqiu sighed, knowing Madam Xia always adhered strictly to her place, never crossing boundaries.
Tong Xiyan saw Xiqiu’s somewhat regretful expression and changed the subject, "Ease your mind about Min’s matter; you still have Zhi. Don’t let it affect your health." Now that she was also about to become a mother, she could deeply understand Xiqiu’s feelings. Although Min was not her biological child, raising him over the years made it impossible for her not to feel pain now that he was gone.
Xiqiu couldn’t tell them about Min’s background, so she nodded, "I understand."
"This Empress is really something, behaving in such a way without the demeanor of a Queen Mother, her heart so narrow, it’s truly unexpected." Tong Xiyan frowned with contempt, "The Emperor doesn’t know how to handle Shen."
Madam Jiang gently pulled on Tong Xiyan’s sleeve, "Don’t speak recklessly; state affairs are not for us to discuss." She only stopped her, not scolding, then continued about domestic matters, "Min was just a child, and his death was accidental, so according to the Capital’s customs, it cannot be conducted too grandly. Furthermore, his body can’t be brought home but must be placed in Fahua Temple. I think having a seven-day wake at home is fine. After moving to Fahua Temple, we should hold several good ceremonies."
The customs in the Capital dictate that children who die unexpectedly or away from home cannot be kept at home.
"I understand. The Grand Dowager instructed the same—to keep him at home for seven days, then move to Fahua Temple, and after the coffin returns, to conduct forty-nine days of ceremonies before taking it to the Xiao family cemetery."
Madam Jiang nodded, seeing Xiqiu not in good spirits, suggested, "How about this, if you don’t mind, I’ll come over to help from tomorrow."
"Why would I mind, having my sister-in-law help is something I would greatly appreciate." Xiqiu nodded in response.
Madam Jiang nodded, "Then it’s settled." And then turned to Madam Luo, "I’ll leave the household in your hands."
Madam Luo smiled gently, nodding, "Don’t worry, First Young Madam."
Madam Jiang smiled at Tong Xiyan, "You shouldn’t come tomorrow, stay home and rest well, and spend some time with your mother-in-law."
"What happened?" Xiqiu was startled to hear this, "Is Madam Zhou unwell?"
Tong Xiyan nodded, "Just making it this far hasn’t been easy; the doctor fears she might not make it through this summer," she said, her tone laced with sorrow.
Xiqiu sighed, remaining silent.
"She’ll get better gradually." Madam Jiang patted Tong Xiyan’s hand, signaling her not to bring up such sad news during Xiqiu’s grieving period. Understanding, Tong Xiyan quickly ceased her sorrow, "Yes, when Nurse Zhang returns, we’ll have her come to the residence for a visit; she’ll surely have a solution."
Xiqiu knew even Ruan Jingliu hadn’t any answers but still nodded, "Okay."
After a moment of silence, Tong Xiyan thought of Tong Xiyang’s matters: "I heard that the third child in the family is getting married, and they sent an invite to my sister-in-law for the first day of October."
"Marriage is a good thing; I remember Old Third from Third Sister’s house is coming of age this year, right?" Xiqiu said with a smile.
