Miss Truth-Chapter 495 - 326: Seizing Bereavement

The two hurried down the mountain. As soon as they arrived at the mansion, the maid by Lady Dugu’s side immediately came forward and whispered, "Jiulang, the old lady sends me to tell you that the Duke is furious—be careful."

Xiao Song did not even have time to change his clothes; he straightened his robe and rushed to the study. freēnovelkiss.com

"Ah Tao." Ran Yan stopped the maid who was about to leave and asked, "Do you know what it’s about?"

Even though it was privately said in the mansion that Ran Yan came from a low background, having nothing but a pretty face, no one dared to slight her to her face. Ah Tao crouched down to perform a courtesy, "In reply to Lady Jiulang, it’s about Ling Xiang’s issue, but as for the specifics, this servant does not know."

"Thank you," Ran Yan nodded slightly.

Ah Tao was already used to Ran Yan’s thank yous; after exchanging a few polite remarks, she left.

Ran Yan could not disturb their father-son conversation and had to return to her room instead, having someone keep watch in case the two started fighting again, so she could go and mediate.

In the study.

With a smack, the Duke of Song slapped the letter in his hand onto the desk, his anger touching the sky, "Xiao Yuezhi! Is this how you handle things?! How could our Xiao Family have produced such an unworthy descendant! Speak! What are the ancestral teachings of our Xiao Family!"

"Loyalty, integrity," Xiao Song had to follow his lead now, otherwise, a fight would immediately ensue.

The Duke of Song took two heavy breaths and threw the paper at him, his frustration boiling over, "You still know them! The clan appointed you to handle this matter, and you handled it so negligently? What do you take the rules of the Xiao Family for?"

Xiao Song was investigating the matter, but he decided to bide his time. Rather than eliminating his opponent’s pieces one by one, it was better to keep them and follow the trail. Ran Yan was adept at dealing with corpses, while he was skilled in dealing with the living.

To avoid alarming the enemy, he had to endure the Duke’s temper. He really wanted to explain properly, but who knew if there were ears behind the walls? If they could reach into Chang’an, how much more so here in the family home!

"Speak!" the Duke of Song stamped his foot.

"Father, the immediate priority is to handle grandmother’s funeral affairs. As for Ling Xiang, she died in the name of martyrdom, and the Emperor has posthumously granted her the title of Virtuous Lady. What else is there to question?" Xiao Song said this calmly, but in fact, Ling Xiang had watched him grow up; whenever the grand lady taught him a lesson, Ling Xiang always tried her best to help him. In his heart, Ling Xiang was as close to him as Nurse Shu, and this vengeance, he must intensely pursue!

Although the Duke of Song was furious, he was still father to his son. He could clearly perceive Xiao Song’s subtle emotional changes. The reproaching words reached his lips, but he did not continue, instead sitting down heavily on the mat, breathing heavily.

He stared at Xiao Song for a long time before finally saying irritably, "You’d better think about how to explain this to the clan!"

Thinking of this, the Duke of Song’s anger rose again, and he waved his hand, "Before I change my mind, go, go, go."

Xiao Song bowed respectfully, stood up, and withdrew. Xiao Song and the Duke of Song had been at odds not just for a year or two. He knew his father’s temperament all too clearly; although quick-tempered, he was definitely a wise man. Once the anger behind this matter subsided a bit, it would be clear.

When Xiao Song returned to the courtyard, Ran Yan was sitting on the porch reading a book. Seeing that his clothes were still as tidy as before, she knew that there had been no scuffle.

"Rest well these few days. We will return to Chang’an in three days," Xiao Song said upon seeing Ran Yan, his mood brightened considerably.

Ran Yan did not inquire further, responding with a simple acknowledgment before adding, "Can those orchids on the slope be picked?"

"They can," Xiao Song said with interest, "What for?"

"They have many uses, they can be used in meals or as medicine," Ran Yan, seeing such a large patch of orchids for the first time, instructed Wan Lu to prepare a basket so they could go there again tomorrow morning.

"I think father’s resignation document has already been submitted," Xiao Song suddenly sighed.

Ran Yan paused, then remembered that ancient people observed mourning. As a son, one must mourn for three years and could not stop wearing mourning clothes. The so-called "three years" varied in length from one dynasty to another. For instance, the laws of the Han Dynasty mandated twenty-six months, whereas the Tang Dynasty specified twenty-seven months.

As a grandson, Xiao Song naturally did not have to mourn for as long as three years, especially since he was considered a high-ranking official at court.

For high-ranking officials, if the Emperor did not wish them to withdraw from the political center, a common practice called "shortening of mourning" was used, where one day could represent an entire year, thus the mourning period could be reduced to twenty-seven days or at most thirty-six days.

Although Song Duke was no longer in the Cabinet, considering his past contributions, no one could deny that he was a high-ranking official at court.

However, currently holding a minor position as Inspector of Qi State, there was absolutely no need for the shortening of mourning. The Great Tang was not short on talent; upon Song Duke’s departure, someone appropriate could immediately fill his position. Therefore, whether the mourning should be shortened or not depended on what the Emperor thought.

"What do you think?" Ran Yan asked Xiao Song. She felt that Song Duke must be feeling conflicted now. Shortening the mourning meant he was still deemed very important, but observing traditional mourning would mean Emperor’s recognition of his filial piety.

"No shortening of the mourning," Xiao Song said. Seeing that Ran Yan seemed puzzled, he explained, "The Emperor never does meaningless things. To speak frankly, Lady Song has been unwell since the New Year and has been treated by the Imperial Physician. If the Emperor wanted to know about Lady Song’s condition, how could he not know? And with your title of Imperial Decree still pending, that’s probably the Emperor’s way of ensuring a balance."

Li Shimin once gave Xiao Yu the accolade "a fierce wind tests the strength of the grass; a turbulent board discerns the sincerity of a minister," showing great regard for him. Li Shimin’s magnanimity was notable among emperors, and even though some displeasures arose later, they were relatively minor in comparison. He likely anticipated Lady Song’s impending end and purposefully withheld Ran Yan’s Imperial Decree title as a hint.

If Song Duke observed mourning for three years, Li Shimin could use this as an excuse to elevate Xiao Song’s rank, both honoring his filial devotion and clearly showing him: see, I still value you highly.

"One could say, if I were promoted to Minister of the Ministry of Justice, it would be entirely because the Emperor favors me for my father’s sake," Xiao Song said with a resigned smile. Relying solely on his current qualifications for a cabinet position would surely draw much criticism, which was not desirable.

In ancient times, climbing to high ranks through family influence was also a mark of a man’s capability, nothing to be ashamed of, but for someone with talent and skill, perhaps proving oneself was more desirable than simply acquiring glory and wealth.

"Jiulang, Lady, there is a maid outside the gate, she came to summon the Lady, saying she was instructed by Lady Dongyang," Wan Lu reported, standing at the bottom of the stairs.

"What for?" Ran Yan frowned. (To be continued. If you like this novel, please visit Qidian (qidian.com) to cast your recommendation ticket and monthly ticket, your support is my greatest motivation.)

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