Chapter 364: Chapter 290: Time Always Brings Change_3
Each household began preparing to go to Prince Rong’s Mansion to offer their condolences.
Pei Yu and his wife felt a bit troubled. With such a major event happening, although Princess Rong was never known for her pleasant demeanor, she had died, after all. One must respect the deceased, and there was no deep-seated hatred between the two families, so it felt appropriate to go.
However, not long ago, he had dismantled the walls and gates of the Prince Manor. If they really went now, it would feel like all that effort was for nothing.
Moreover, Pei Zhan had repeatedly warned them not to associate with those from Prince Rong’s Mansion, so this was all the more reason not to go.
The couple couldn’t decide after much deliberation, so they simply left the matter to Fu Zhen.
Fu Zhen, of course, had to go.
She invited Su Xinger, planning to attend on the first day of the ceremony as a gesture of respect.
For someone of Princess Rong’s status, a funeral must be conducted over a full forty-nine days. The first day of the ceremony is considered a significant event.
Therefore, those willing or obligated to pay their respects would all choose this day to make an appearance. Whether they come again the second or third time is another matter.
Xu Yin naturally was excused from morning court these days. Although he didn’t need to observe full mourning, he still had to show his heavy filial piety at the spirit altar, and in the first few days, he had to make time no matter what.
The third day since Pei Zhan moved into Prince Rong’s Mansion was the day of the ceremony, and it was also the deadline for Prince Rong to retrieve the fan for Xu Yin.
Xu Yin hadn’t appeared at Prince Rong’s Mansion yesterday, so early this morning, Prince Rong sent someone to the Xu family to summon him.
"Vice Minister Xu, the Prince said that today a noble from the palace will also come to pay their respects. He asked me to tell you that the matter he assigned must be concluded before nightfall."
Xu Yin asked, "Which noble from the palace is coming?"
"It is the Crown Prince."
Xu Yin’s gaze stayed on the messenger’s face for a moment, then he nodded and said, "Understood."
After the messenger left, Lian Rong brushed past him and walked in.
After looking at his back, he said, "He Qunying has returned and is waiting to meet with you at the teahouse at the alley’s entrance."
Xu Yin stepped out, "Has he returned to the He Family?..."
...
The Crown Prince’s arrival at Prince Rong’s Mansion to pay his respects was a joint decree from the Emperor and Empress. After the eunuch delivered the message, Prince Rong’s Mansion began to clean the streets and prepare for the reception.
When Fu Zhen and Su Xinger arrived at the Prince Manor, the entrance was bustling with activity. They dispensed with the courtesies of the female historian specially ordered by Mrs. Zhang to welcome them, and went straight to the memorial hall.
Just after completing their respects and preparing to find Pei Zhan, a sharp voice outside shouted, "The Crown Prince has arrived."
Fu Zhen hadn’t seen the Crown Prince for many years. Seeing everyone heading toward the door to welcome him, she tugged on Su Xinger’s sleeve and followed them out.
The Emperor and Empress had three legitimate sons in total.
The eldest legitimate son, Yang Hao, died young in an accident during a campaign. Later, they had a second and third son, one of whom is the current Crown Prince, and the other is the Third Prince.
The Crown Prince had just come of age, two years younger than Liang Ning by calculation. Fu Zhen’s impression of him remained in Liang Ning’s memories.
Since the eldest Prince Yang Hao was no longer alive, the second prince was established as the Crown Prince. Since she was young, Liang Ning knew that the young man in the palace, with his pleasant disposition, was destined to become emperor. Out of respect for his parents, Liang Ning was always polite to him, unlike with any other families’ children.
The Crown Prince seemed easy enough to get along with, not too talkative. Whenever they met, as long as it wasn’t something particularly urgent, he would stop to chat for a few moments.
The topics were of no real significance, purely courteous.
In contrast, Liang Ning was more familiar with the then betrothed Crown Princess Consort. Girls as petty as Yongping were rare; most young ladies enjoyed playing with the easy-going and carefree Liang Ning.
Back then, Liang Ning had made plans with the future Crown Princess Consort to often visit the Eastern Palace to accompany her. Who could have predicted that plans couldn’t keep up with change, and she passed away before the wedding could take place.
The main gate opened within the Prince Manor. Both the people from the Manor and the arriving guests were already standing, though there was some distance from the path the Crown Prince would take.
Fu Zhen and Su Xinger stood at the forefront of the officials and ladies. When they looked up, they got a clear view of the Crown Prince gracefully walking under the canopy.
"Welcome, Your Highness!"
Prince Rong and his son loudly called out and were about to kneel.
The Crown Prince quickly said, "Uncle Wang, you may dispense with formalities! All beloved officials may dispense with formalities!"
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