Chapter 998: Chapter 996 Important Matters
But as for Duke Weiguo, who knows if his brain was muddled — the family he found to adopt Song Chongjin was like a swamp. Had it been anyone with a softer disposition or worse fate, they might have perished in it long ago.
You’d think he wasn’t sentintal, but he still sent people to instruct Song Chongjin in literacy and encouraged him to take the imperial exams.
From just a few days’ observation, Governor Chen could see that Song Chongjin was not the type to lose his wits due to so-called familial affections.
On the contrary, this child was calm and rational, understanding the situation, knowing when to advance or retreat, striving for success, and even better, seizing opportunities.
Suffice it to say, though he’s just a scholar now, Song Chongjin has already connected with Imperial Doctor Du and his best associate, Gu Zikai, who is the most outstanding of the Gu family’s younger generation.
Plus, thanks to Song Chongjin’s wife, he also has ties to the Lee Family.
This kind of young man, given the opportunity, could probably soar high.
Most importantly, it’s quite sure now that this child holds no deep father-son affection for Duke Weiguo.
Such an outstanding young man, erged from such a swamp, with his talents, if he had been raised in the Duke’s Mansion, perhaps the glory of Duke Weiguo’s residence would last another generation.
Compared to the sons currently in the Duke’s Mansion, the difference is monuntal.
One wonders what Duke Weiguo was thinking, nurturing such useless sons in luxury while leaving such a talented child to fend for himself, truly missing the big picture.
However, these things could only be swallowed back down, as it’s not for outsiders to interfere in others’ family matters.
Moreover, his relationship with Duke Weiguo, Song Hong, was rely ordinary. Even though they both serve the current regi, wasn’t there always a subtle difference?
The core lineage of the current residence and those who pledged allegiance midway never truly aligned.
With these thoughts, Governor Chen officially inquired about everything he needed to know before reassuringly patting Song Chongjin on the shoulder, “Nephew, you’ve indeed endured hardships over the years, but after the bitter cos the sweet; perhaps good days are soon to co!”
His words were peculiar, as if hinting at sothing.
Yet no one dared to think deeply about it.
Ultimately, the al was finished without much taste, and after a quick conclusion, Governor Chen took his leave.
Just before departing, he gave Song Chongjin a aningful look, nodded to Imperial Doctor Du, and was escorted downhill.
The two stood at the courtyard gate, watching as Governor Chen and his n disappeared around the bend in the mountain road. Only then did Imperial Doctor Du speak, “Your true identity can’t stay hidden!”
Song Chongjin nodded, his voice calm, “I know! I have long been prepared!”
Imperial Doctor Du sighed, “The tree wants to remain still, but the wind keeps blowing! Judging by Governor Chen’s stance, he’s not just after your lineage; I fear other issues are involved. Let’s take one step at a ti and see.”
Song Chongjin nodded again, suddenly turning to solemnly bow to Imperial Doctor Du, “If my lineage involves too much and things go wrong, I will separate from Yongzhu and hope Master can protect Yongzhu and my mother-in-law!”
Imperial Doctor Du gave Song Chongjin a steady look, then nodded after a mont, “Don’t worry! If it cos to it, this old body of mine will protect your wife and mother-in-law!”
Song Chongjin finally exhaled a breath of relief.
※※※
The secluded manor.
Today’s security appeared more stringent, with guards stationed every three steps and sentries every five, along with mobile patrols constantly moving through the courtyard.
The open coffin rested quietly at the center of the courtyard. Guards were thodically removing items from it and laying them on the ground.
Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran were sitting in the shade of a tree, watching as the guards lined up the items before they stepped forward.
The items, just taken from the coffin, exuded the sll of decay, which was quite unpleasant.
Governor Chen, having been through similar experiences before, could tolerate it.
Zhu Haoran, however, found the sll unbearable, shielding his nose with his sleeve as he leaned in for a closer look.
There weren’t many items, just a few bedding rolls that had long adhered together; once exposed to the sun, they dried and revealed the black cotton padding inside.
After observing for a while without gleaning much insight, he glanced at so separate, rough burial goods made of gold and silver, lacking any craftsmanship.
It was evident these weren’t ticulously buried but rather carelessly so. There weren’t even the usual adornnts for won, such as grooming articles, clothing, or jewelry.
After a long observation, Governor Chen pointed at the bedding rolls, “Take them apart and inspect them carefully.”
The guards disassembled the bedding, extracting the black and slly cotton to search thoroughly but found nothing.
Governor Chen frowned, “Is that all?”
The lead guard nodded, “Reporting to milord, that’s all. The coffin was transported here directly under our escort.”
“But if Qi Huan’s tomb doesn’t contain it, where might it be?” Governor Chen muttered to himself, rubbing his temple unconsciously.
He suddenly turned to the guard, “When Song Chongjin and his wife collected the remains, did you see them take anything else besides the bones?”
The guard signaled for two nimble guards to step forward, “Reporting to milord, we were monitoring them the whole ti; aside from the bones, they took nothing else.”
These two were renowned for their sharp eyes; if even they didn’t notice, then nothing had been taken.
Moreover, he had personally witnessed Qi Huan’s bones being placed back into the coffin. There were watchers all along the way, and no one opened the small coffin from the ti the bones were inserted until they were removed.
Could it really be that the item wasn’t with Qi Huan?
Governor Chen and Zhu Haoran exchanged a glance, both with worried expressions.
Waving his hand, he signaled the guards to return the items to the coffin, and the two of them entered the house.
“Lord Chen, what should we do now? Without finding that important item, how can we explain to the Emperor?” Zhu Haoran, being sowhat younger, grew anxious, fearing the Emperor’s wrath at the mission’s failure.
Governor Chen was distressed as well; if they hadn’t found Qi Huan’s trail, it would be different. Yet, they did find it, only to learn qi Huan had died over ten years ago.
If they had discovered Qi Huan’s death a few months earlier, it wouldn’t be a big deal.
However, now that the Qi family had perished entirely, the Emperor had placed his last hope on Qi Huan, yet now hopes were dashed. The Emperor was likely to be furious.
Still, they had no choice but to present sothing fictitious to report?
Governor Chen wiped his face, “We can only report the truth! Qi Huan died over ten years ago; surely, the important item couldn’t be with her. She was rely a woman; how could the Qi family entrust sothing so crucial to her?”
At this, Governor Chen’s eyes suddenly brightened, “Furthermore, after Qi Huan’s death, it was Duke Weiguo who ultimately buried her—”
Zhu Haoran paused, then showed delight, “Exactly right!”
They exchanged smiles, both feeling a sense of relief.
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