"Rumor has it that it was the Madam of Duke An who wronged the old concubine, turning her into a venomous snake. As a result, the madam herself was bitten by the snake and left paralyzed. She is forced to live with the unbearable pain and has even lost her beloved eldest grandson to the snake’s bite. This is to ensure her suffering surpasses even that of death...."
"Absolutely True! My younger uncle’s family delivers pork to the mansion. They often interact with the servants there. As per them, the old concubine used to be Duke An’s favorite. Even now, after she died bitterly, her restless soul is said to be heard crying in the courtyard at night...."
In the carriage, Fei’er was stunned. With tears streaming down her face, she grabbed Mu Zhongqing’s sleeve, asking anxiously, "Dad, are they talking about Grandma? Is it Grandma?"
Mu Zhongqing coughed, replying, "No, I had someone check on her yesterday. Your Grandma is fine. As soon as I get the chance, I will bring her out."
Mu Zhongqing was forced to lie. Fei’er had always been close to Lady Mei. When they lived in Duke An’s mansion, Fei’er shared a room with Lady Mei. If Fei’er were to learn about Lady Mei’s death, it would be impossible for her to keep it a secret from Lady Mei. Lady Mei is not yet three months pregnant, and her condition isn’t very stable. She shouldn’t suffer any shock. The news of Lady Mei’s death must be kept from her.
Fei’er didn’t believe what Mu Zhongqing said. She pointed outside the carriage, her voice trembling as she said, "Then, why did they say it’s an old concubine, and why an old concubine who has gone blind? No, Dad, we have to go to Duke An’s mansion to see for ourselves. Otherwise, I won’t be at peace..."
Mu Zhongqing’s heart skipped a beat. Of course, he couldn’t let Fei’er go to Duke An’s manor. If Fei’er came to know of Lady Mei’s death, wouldn’t Lady Mei come to know too? Hence, he maintained a stern face and said, "Stop fussing. We have already cut ties with Duke An’s family due to the conflict. We didn’t even offer condolences when someone in their family died. Now, they are in the midst of their funeral proceedings. If we were to go, wouldn’t it only provoke them even more? They might even vent their anger on your grandma. With this move of yours, won’t you be adding to your grandma’s troubles?"
"But why are they spreading such a rumor?"
"Most of the world’s matters are misconstrued as they are passed along. Fei’er, do not believe every wind that blows."
Fei’er nodded half-heartedly, her voice choked, "Dad, you must find a way to bring Grandma out soon. Or else, something bad might happen!"
Mu Zhongqing nodded, "Yes, I’m thinking about it. Don’t worry!"
Despite her father’s reassurances, Fei’er could not set her mind at ease. Even though her father had scolded her, she had decided that she would sneak out and visit Duke An’s mansion to see her grandmother with her own eyes and be at peace!
Mu Zhongqing assumed that he had managed to placate his daughter. His heart had lightened considerably. He discreetly wiped the cold sweat off his forehead, still in fear. He thanked his lucky stars that Fei’er was naive and easily deceived. Imagine if she were to discover the truth, Lady Mei would surely be grief-stricken!
The state Duke’s family has always been about reputation and pomp. This time because the eldest grandson of the eldest family member was dead, the burial ceremony was grand indeed. Many officials, considering the face of the Great General, set up colored tents on the road and arranged for music at the funeral to lend them their support.
The funeral procession was huge. A massive stream of silver offerings moved from the north towards the ancestral graves of Du family in the suburbs....