Jiang Shuxiu, Xue Huichun and Xue Shanqiu rode in the same carriage. The atmosphere in the carriage was warm yet a bit solemn.

Jiang Shuxiu gently stroked her sister-in-law Xue Shanqiu's hand and said softly, "Shanqiu, don't be sad."

Xue Shanqiu nodded slightly, her eyes red, but she tried hard not to let the tears fall, and said softly: "I know, sister-in-law."

Outside the carriage, Xue Zhongfu and Xue Jiyan were riding side by side on horseback, their backs looking particularly resolute.

Xue Zhongfu turned to Xue Jiyan and said, "Third brother, when we return home, we must take care of the affairs of the mansion more attentively and not let mother and eldest brother worry about them."

Xue Jiyan nodded firmly, his eyes revealing determination: "Second brother is right."

The large group of people returned to the Marquis' Mansion in a mighty procession, attracting the attention of passers-by along the way.

Many people were grateful for the contributions of the old Marquis Xue Yonghuai in guarding the border. They knelt down, put their hands together, and kowtowed devoutly.

At the same time, Xue Yuanchu and Hong Yingrong got on another carriage, accompanied by twenty servants, and drove towards the Taimiao.

In the carriage, mother and son sat facing each other. Xue Yuanchu asked with a worried look on his face, "Mother, you seem to be quite concerned about the affairs of the mansion these days. Is there something wrong with your son and daughter-in-law?"

After hearing what Xue Yuanchu said, Hong Yingrong stared at him deeply for a moment, and said in a low but firm voice: "Don't involve your wife. Shuxiu's filial piety and virtue are unmatched. Even in the whole capital, there is no other daughter-in-law as good as her!"

After hearing this, Xue Yuanchu showed an awkward yet polite smile on his face. He could see that his mother admired and protected Jiang Shuxiu very much. However, he couldn't help but wonder in his heart and asked, "Then, mother, is there something you are worried about me, your son?"

Hong Yingrong sighed softly, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, "Chu'er, it's not that I'm worried about you, but I've been feeling a little uneasy these days. Your father's sudden passing has given me a strong desire to personally see to it that the Marquisate remains the same as before."

Although Xue Yuanchu was proud in his heart, his respect and filial piety for his mother were sincere and deep.

After hearing his mother's words, he felt ashamed, as if his soft spot had been touched. He couldn't help but feel ashamed: "It's my son's limited ability that has caused you, mother, to worry."

Hong Yingrong did not rebuke her harshly, but instead gently reminded her, "You are naturally adept at handling affairs within the mansion, but I cannot control the situation outside the mansion."

Xue Yuanchu understood his mother's hidden meaning and suddenly felt a little uncomfortable. He responded respectfully: "Mother, I will remember your teachings in my heart."

As he was speaking, the carriage had slowly arrived at the solemn and majestic Taimiao of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

As soon as she got off the car, Hong Yingrong was presented with a spectacular scene.

All the officials have been neatly arranged into two groups. They are dressed in gorgeous court robes and stand solemnly, with awe and solemnity written on everyone's face.

On the altar of the Taimiao, the dragon throne and phoenix seat carved with dragon and phoenix patterns have been placed properly. The seats shining with golden light appear even more dazzling in the sun.

Emperor Li Longze and Empress Dowager Lu Fengqing had already taken their seats, their figures appearing majestic and sacred on the altar.

The melodious sound of bells echoed in the distance, and the entire Taimiao was shrouded in a solemn and majestic atmosphere. The air was filled with a faint scent of sandalwood, which complemented the surrounding majestic architectural style.

Hong Yingrong carefully held the spirit tablet of Xingyuan Hou Xue Yonghuai in both hands, while Xue Yuanchu respectfully supported her right hand.

They walked onto the imperial road covered with bright red silk, and headed towards the altar of the Taimiao with solemn and slow steps.

At this time, the chief eunuch reported loudly and clearly: "The wife of the Marquis of Xingyuan has been granted the title of Lady of Langya County, Lady Hong, of the first rank. She has brought her son, the Marquis of Xingyuan's eldest son, Xue Yuanchu, who has been granted the title of first-class noble. They are carrying the Marquis of Xingyuan's spirit tablet into the Imperial Ancestral Temple."

When Hong Yingrong and Xue Yuanchu stepped onto the imperial road and slowly walked towards the altar, all the officials on both sides of the road stood solemnly, each dressed in court robes and official hats, bowing and saluting to express their final respect to Xingyuan Hou.

However, there were also some subtle emotional changes in this solemn occasion.

While some officials saluted, they slightly raised their eyes and glanced sideways, looking at the mother and son.

This special case of being allowed to take the Imperial Road is so rare and simply astonishing.

You must know that this imperial road is the path for His Majesty the Emperor to walk on. How can ordinary people be qualified to set foot on it?

Several officials from the Censorate had already revealed displeasure on their faces.

They have always taken it as their responsibility to impeach illegal activities and rectify the government. Now that they see such an exception, they are naturally dissatisfied.

In their view, even the descendants of meritorious officials should not enjoy such honors, which undoubtedly violated the rules of the court.

But these dissatisfactions and doubts did not affect the progress of the ceremony.

Inside the entire Taimiao, apart from the echoing sound of bells in the distance, the only sounds left were the gentle breathing of the officials.

Hong Yingrong and Xue Yuanchu continued to move forward solemnly until they reached the altar.

Emperor Li Longze is nearly thirty years old. He has an upright posture and a calm face, and naturally exudes the majesty that only an emperor can have.

He was wearing a dragon robe with a five-clawed golden dragon on it. Under the light, the golden dragon on the robe seemed as if it would fly into the clouds and soar into the sky at any time. It was so vivid that it seemed as if it was about to come out.

Wearing a golden crown on the head is a sign of identity and a symbol of imperial power.

On the phoenix throne next to it, Queen Mother Lu Fengqing sat quietly.

She was wearing a gorgeous robe embroidered with a lifelike pattern of a phoenix dancing in the sky, symbolizing the empress dowager's dignity and authority.

Although there are some fine lines at the corners of her eyes, they add a bit of calmness and elegance to her, and highlight her majesty and demeanor as the mother of the country.

My dear, there is more to this chapter. Please click on the next page to continue reading. It will be even more exciting later!