Ding Dayong spoke slowly, recalling his past days on the frontier. "Back in the frontier military camp, my father, Ding Weishan, intended to marry my sister to the old marquis. At that time, the previous generation's Xingyuan Marquis was already seriously ill and was quite supportive of the match."

Hearing this, Hong Yingrong immediately understood that the sister he was talking about was the Concubine Shoukang in the palace today.

She vaguely remembered that Concubine Shoukang was three years older than her husband Xue Yonghuai. In the days when she first married into the Marquis's Mansion, she often heard Xue Yonghuai talk about various past events in the military camp. Occasionally, when he mentioned Concubine Shoukang, he always called her "Sister Ding".

Ding Dayong continued, "At that time, the Xingyuan Army had just been established, and the previous generation's old marquis was the first commander of the Xingyuan Army. My father, Ding Weishan, served as the deputy commander. The two fought side by side and were as close as brothers.

To strengthen the relationship between our two families and maintain the stability of the Xingyuan Army, my father came up with the idea of ​​marrying my sister to Brother Yonghuai."

"However, fate plays tricks on us."

At this point, a trace of sadness flashed in Ding Dayong's eyes, as if he had returned to the era when iron horses and icy rivers appeared in his dreams.

"Later, in order to win over the military power of the late emperor, my sister was selected to enter the palace and became a concubine. I also inherited my father's legacy and continued to serve the court."

After hearing this, Hong Yingrong couldn't help but feel a lot of emotions in her heart. She didn't expect that the Ding family and the Marquis' Mansion had such a deep connection.

She said softly, "General Ding, these things are in the past. Now we should cherish the present and work together for the well-being of the court and the people."

Ding Dayong nodded, took a deep breath, and said, "Sister-in-law is right. It's just that the sudden appearance of this tiger talisman blueprint has forced me to recall those past events."

His expression straightened, pulling his thoughts back from his memories. He said in a deep voice, "Sister-in-law, let's get back to the point. The reason this tiger talisman has the words 'Mighty General's Mansion' on it is because it was created by my father, Ding Weishan."

He paused, as if gathering his thoughts, and then continued, "Back then, my father was the deputy commander of the Xingyuan Army and was also well versed in mechanical engineering."

"This tiger talisman blueprint was drawn by him. It not only details the size and shape of the talisman, but also the materials and craftsmanship required for its production. The words 'Mighty General's Mansion' were added by my father on purpose."

Hong Yingrong originally thought that there was a deeper mystery behind the words "Mighty General's Mansion" on the drawing. However, after Ding Dayong's explanation, she learned that the tiger talisman drawing was indeed drawn by the old general Ding Weishan of the previous generation, but it did not reveal any more secret information.

Although she felt a little disappointed, she also understood that this might be the end of the matter.

Ding Dayong looked at Hong Yingrong and said after a moment's contemplation, "Sister-in-law, if you want to know more about this blueprint, perhaps you could go to the palace and ask Concubine Shoukang. When my father was in the army, he often took you with him and personally taught her many secret military strategies. Perhaps you might know more about this tiger talisman blueprint."

Hong Yingrong's heart moved after hearing this. Although she didn't want to be too involved with the palace, this matter involved the tiger talisman, which was a serious matter, so she had to act with caution.

Yes, she nodded, and thanked Ding Dayong again and again: "Thank you General Ding for your guidance. I will consider visiting Concubine Shoukang in the palace."

Ding Dayong waved his hand, signaling Hong Yingrong not to be polite. He knew the importance of the matter and understood Hong Yingrong's worries and concerns.

Therefore, he did not say much, but just silently sent Hong Yingrong away from the general's mansion. As for everything that happened next, it all depended on Hong Yingrong's own choice.

…

As the Ghost Festival approaches, the atmosphere in the capital gradually becomes solemn and dignified.

On the streets and alleys, people began to burn paper to commemorate their ancestors and express their remembrance of their deceased relatives.

The rising smoke filled the night, as if carrying the grief and prayers of countless people.

However, within the majestic imperial city, there is a completely different scene.

Any form of memorial activities is strictly prohibited here. No matter whether you are a noble concubine or a humble palace maid, you must abide by this palace rule.

Anyone who dares to violate it will be severely punished.

Therefore, even though the Ghost Festival is approaching, the imperial city still maintains its former tranquility and order.

The Imperial Astronomical Observatory carefully selected an auspicious day for the royal family.

On this day, Empress Dowager Lu Fengqing and His Majesty Li Longze will lead a group of royal relatives to the Taimiao to offer sacrifices to the emperors of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

The entire Silijian, the Ministry of Rites and other responsible departments suddenly became busy. They each performed their duties and worked intensively to prepare the items and ritual procedures needed for the sacrifice.

Inside the Taimiao, incense and candles were burning, smoke was curling around, and the atmosphere was solemn and peaceful.

The palace maids carefully placed the offerings, while the eunuchs checked every detail of the ceremony over and over again.

As the auspicious time arrived, the Empress Dowager, His Majesty and other members of the royal family slowly walked into the Taimiao. They performed the ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows in front of the tablets of emperors of all dynasties in turn. This was followed by a lengthy reading of sacrificial texts and sacrifices. Every step was carried out strictly in accordance with the ritual system and no mistakes were allowed.

The entire sacrificial process lasted a whole day and ended successfully at nightfall.

On the way back to the palace, the dragon chariot moved slowly. Li Longze sat in it, his eyes revealing his concern for Lu Fengqing: "Mother, you have worked hard today!"

Lu Fengqing glanced at his son, a sneer curled up at the corner of his mouth: "Oh? The emperor is tired too, right? After all, after a whole day of acting, anyone would feel tired."

There is no need for disguise between mother and son.

Li Longze chuckled, his tone tinged with teasing, "Isn't Mother acting too? I've noticed you've been staring at Father's tablet, and I'm afraid you've already been wanting to throw it away."

"The emperor is really good at joking," Lu Fengqing responded calmly, "Am I the kind of person who can't keep calm?" After saying that, she leaned back gracefully on the cushion, closed her eyes and rested, without saying any more.

As the dragon chariot slowly drove into the palace, Li Longze just got off the car and saw Chen Jin walking towards him from a distance.

Chen Jin saluted him respectfully, then whispered, "Your Majesty, it's been arranged."

When Li Longze heard this, he immediately understood.

He turned around and bowed to Lu Fengqing: "Mother, please return to the Cining Palace to rest first. I will accompany you for lunch tomorrow."

Lu Fengqing opened his eyes and his gaze lingered on Chen Jin for a moment. He vaguely guessed something from the direction he came from.

She glanced at Li Longze coldly, her tone tinged with sarcasm, "Since the Emperor is preoccupied, it would be best if he could finish his business first. This way, he won't be unable to enjoy his meal when he comes to accompany me."

After saying this, Lu Fengqing, supported by the eunuch Chang Bao, slowly walked towards the Cining Palace.

Her back gradually became blurred in the night, but she exuded a majesty and arrogance that could not be ignored.