Chapter 168: Filial Piety

Chapter 168: Filial Piety

The Emperor's royal procession arrived in Xiurong County on the day of the Wutai Mountain temple fair.

Although Wutai Mountain had once experienced a wildfire, the temples on the mountain had been rebuilt over the years, and now it was once again a place of thriving incense offerings.

The magistrate of Xiurong County, Mr. Sui, lived in the county yamen with his wife and their son and daughter. Their courtyard was not small, but certainly not sufficient for the Emperor's stay. Therefore, this time, the Emperor resided in a villa offered by the local wealthy Guo family.

This villa, named Xi Chen Mountain Villa, was located at the foot of Wutai Mountain. It was situated far from the stone steps leading up the mountain, chosen for its tranquility.

On the first day, the Emperor traditionally met with local officials and wealthy gentry, conveniently avoiding the temple fair on the mountain, so as not to disturb the common people who came to worship.

It wasn't until the second day that the Emperor and his entourage went to Wutai Mountain.

Magistrate Sui got up early, prepared by his wife. After having a bowl of steaming millet porridge, he planned to take his son to Wutai Mountain.

Just as they were leaving the gate, a carriage approached, bearing the crest of the Lady of Guiren County.

Magistrate Sui subtly furrowed his brow. When he succeeded the previous magistrate of Xiurong County, he had been covertly advised by his predecessor and the Ministry of Rites to be wary of the Lady of Guiren County. Although unaware of the full story, he always maintained a respectful distance from her.

Seeing her carriage now, Magistrate Sui quietly instructed his attendant, "Go to the residence and inform my wife that the Lady of Guiren County has arrived." He then slightly bowed and intended to lead his son around the entourage on horseback.

However, his son, Young Master Sui, said, "Father, the Lady of Guiren County must have urgent business at this hour. I should ask what it is."

Without waiting for his father's response, he eagerly approached the carriage and called out respectfully, "I greet the Lady of Guiren County. May I know the purpose of your visit?"

The carriage curtain was lifted, and Xiao Xing jumped down from the carriage, followed by helping Song Ran, who was wearing a veiled hat, to alight.

Song Ran greeted Young Master Sui with a peer's courtesy. Her youthful face was partially hidden under the pale veil. She spoke softly, "Young Master Sui, His Majesty is visiting Wutai Mountain today to worship the Empress Dowager. As the Empress Dowager's adopted daughter, how could I not accompany them? However, as a lone and frail girl, I fear mishaps on the road from the county to Wutai Mountain and worry about offending His Majesty and the nobility, so..."

Her gentle voice lingered in Young Master Sui's heart like spring willow fluff. He hurriedly replied, "My lady, you can accompany my father and me. We are also heading to Wutai Mountain."

"But..." Song Ran hesitated, "About Magistrate Sui..."

"What about it? As the adopted daughter of the Empress Dowager, it's only right for you to attend the worship at Wutai Mountain." Young Master Sui smiled, revealing dimples, and assured confidently, "I'll just speak to my father about it."

No sooner had he spoken than he quickly returned to his father's side, smiling, "Father, the Lady of Guiren County wishes to go to Wutai Mountain to worship the Empress Dowager. She's concerned about safety on the road and would like to follow us."

Twirling his beard, Magistrate Sui glanced sternly at his son, "The unmarried Lady Yunying of Guiren County following us? What would that look like?"

Young Master Sui's face fell as he pleaded, "Father, I've already promised her. Please save my face! Besides, it's for the worship of the Empress Dowager. The lady has her own carriage; it surely won't be seen as inappropriate."

Sui County Magistrate, always doting on his only son, thought to himself: As the Countess of Gui Ren is the Empress Dowager’s adopted daughter, it’s her duty to worship at Mount Wutai. So, it doesn’t seem like a big issue.

Moreover, glancing at his teenage son, who was at an age of budding romance, the magistrate thought refusing outright might provoke rebellion. He decided to have his wife persuade the boy later. As long as he was around, the boy would never marry an orphan.

Resigned, the magistrate said, "Look at the weather! Why aren't you on horseback yet?!"

With the Sui County Magistrate leading, no one stopped Song Ran on her way.

When they arrived at the base of Mount Wutai and the Emperor had not yet appeared, the magistrate instructed his son, "Once we go up the mountain, stand next to Young Master Yao from Yao County. Don’t cause trouble."

As an official, he would follow the Emperor with other local officials. The sons of officials and gentry were only brought along to show their families' loyalty and would stand at the back.

"I understand, father," Sui's son replied, his eyes stealthily glancing towards Song Ran. All the men waiting at the mountain base made her stand out conspicuously.

Seeing his son's behavior, the magistrate suddenly felt a surge of worry, fearing he had made a mistake.

About to advise him further, the sound of a whip striking the ground echoed — the imperial carriage was approaching.

The magistrate, abandoning his concerns, led the officials forward a few steps, kneeling down to respectfully greet the Emperor.

To demonstrate filial piety, the Emperor decided to ascend the mountain himself. Stepping down from the carriage, his gaze swept over the kneeling crowd, pausing on a woman wearing a veil, and he asked with a frown, "Who is this?"

Sui County Magistrate hurriedly responded, "Your Majesty, this is the Countess of Gui Ren, also here to worship the Empress Dowager."

"The Countess of Gui Ren?" The Emperor chuckled lightly, as if he remembered this person, "Truly a model of filial piety!"

Hearing the Emperor's tone, Sui County Magistrate felt uneasy, but the Emperor made no further comment and continued towards the stone steps.

Yi Shun Yi, accompanying the Emperor with Princess Huai Qing and the Second Princess, glanced at the Countess of Gui Ren, her face obscured by a veil, and then at Liu Gu Gu, dressed as a palace maid beside her, before shifting her gaze away.

Yi Shun Yi knew about the Empress Dowager's adopted daughter but had thought she was of no significance. However, the maid beside her was a familiar face from Feng Yi Palace.

Back when she pretended to align with Queen Wang, Yi Shun Yi frequently visited Feng Yi Palace and recognized Liu Gu Gu – wasn't she Autumn Moon, a former chief maid of the deposed Queen Wang?

If Queen Wang was willing to place her chief maid with this Countess, there must be something unknown about her.

The deposed Queen Wang... Princess Huai Qing...

Yi Shun Yi recalled the maid who hurriedly left Princess Huai Qing's residence at the Prefectural Governor's mansion that night, a slight smile forming on her lips.

What was Queen Wang's greatest concern before her death? Naturally, the current Empress. If she entrusted her chief maid to this orphan, it was probably aimed at the Empress.

Moreover, this orphan was the Empress Dowager's adopted daughter... After all, the sudden departure of the Empress Dowager from the palace occurred right after the Empress's palace maids were taken to the Judicial Bureau and Concubine Zhao was sent to Chang Men Palace...