Before Yuan Yunzhong had finished speaking, Eleventh Grand Master Song immediately stood up, startled.
Others could not even invite Magistrate Jiang and Registrar Wang to visit, so how could anyone think of turning them away?
His eyes darted around, and he quickly said, "Song Daliang and Song Sanliang haven’t arrived yet, let’s wait a bit longer!"
Everyone was taken aback and then realized that not only had Song Daliang and Song Sanliang not arrived, but neither had their wives and children.
Suddenly, there was an uproar outside Baoxia.
"Old Master Song is really out of line. Regardless of any grievances, it’s the Second Old Master’s ’seven sevens’ ceremony; he should at least show his face! Even if brotherly affection is gone, there are still his nieces, he should at least act like an elder!" someone said.
"How come the Third Old Master hasn’t come either? When the Second Old Master of the Song family was alive, he benefited quite a bit from him. Now that there are no more benefits, he ignores his nieces, seems like a real ingrate," another remarked.
"It seems that the two married daughters from the Song family’s main branch and their husbands haven’t come either," someone else muttered, "That’s really unacceptable. When they got married, it was the Second Old Master who prepared their dowries."
Magistrate Jiang inside Baoxia suddenly stood up.
The talking immediately ceased.
"Since it’s getting late, let’s not wait any longer," Magistrate Jiang slowly said. "Let’s leave someone here to wait for the two Mr. Songs. We shouldn’t delay the auspicious time. After all, the deceased should be respected."
His voice wasn’t loud, but his attitude was very firm.
Everyone was stunned.
Was Magistrate Jiang going to the gravesite to offer sacrifices to Song Youliang?
People quietly exchanged glances, occasionally looking at Song Jiyun or Magistrate Jiang.
Upon hearing this, Eleventh Grand Master Song became so agitated that he was at a loss for words and hurriedly said, "What the Dignified County Magistrate says is right. Song Daliang and Song Sanliang must have been delayed by something; I’ll leave someone here to wait for them."
He then expressed the Song family’s gratitude on their behalf, "If Youliang knows about this from the afterlife, he will be tremendously grateful!"
Magistrate Jiang dismissively waved his hand, glanced at Yuan Yunzhong, and said, "Had I not encountered this situation, it would be one thing, but having come across it, how could I not offer incense to the Second Old Master of the Song Family?"
"Yes, yes, yes!" Eleventh Grand Master Song didn’t understand the implications, but it didn’t stop him from agreeing with Magistrate Jiang, leading the way ahead, "This way, please."
Magistrate Jiang walked out of Baoxia with his head held high and hands behind his back.
Registrar Wang, who had been watching Magistrate Jiang and Song Jiyun, finally came to his senses, pinched the beard under his chin, sat in the Taishi chair for a while, slowly got up, and followed Eleventh Grand Master Song out of Baoxia under his invitation.
Outside, the crowd was noisy and tumultuous.
Suddenly, many who had not initially planned to follow to the gravesite changed their minds, hiring sedans and donkey carts, and some looking to share rides, creating an endless stream of people everywhere.
Steward Wu was running back and forth in front of the door; Madam Qian’s sedan had already disappeared, and at the Song family’s gates, more sedans and donkey carts were lined up, waiting in queue.
Pedestrians couldn’t help but stop to watch the excitement: "Why are there so many people?"
"Isn’t the Song family’s first branch just the three brothers? Even including in-laws, there shouldn’t be this many people, right?"
Those who were well-informed shared, "I heard that the Dignified County Magistrate also went to offer sacrifices to the Second Old Master of the Song Family. He even followed to the gravesite."
"Really? What virtues and abilities did Song Youliang have to make the magistrate himself go to his gravesite to offer incense?"
"The Song family has struck it lucky. They have the protection of the Dignified County Magistrate now!"
"They were originally wealthy."
"But no matter how rich, that’s all hard-earned money. With the Dignified County Magistrate’s support, they’re definitely going to be wealthier."
"How did their family come to be favored by the Dignified County Magistrate?"
The affairs of the Song family became even more the talk of the town.
On her side, Song Jiyun supported her mother as they went to her father’s gravesite to burn paper money and some Jitian paper offerings.
Madam Qian, holding on to the Song sisters, inevitably burst into tears again.
Though Song Jiyun was overwhelmed with grief, she still had to manage the ceremony, suppressing her tears as she turned around and began discussing with Nanny Zheng about the arrangements for the banquet: "Lord Jiang is a distinguished guest, so it’s not appropriate to arrange his seating in a pavilion. I have already instructed Zheng Quan to clean up the rooms near Jitian for Lord Jiang and Registrar Wang..."
As she was speaking, Hong Xi walked over.
"Miss Song," he said solemnly, "There are too many people today and we might not have enough seats. We need to order more from a restaurant or tavern. Peach Blossom Residence is our family’s tavern, and the funeral banquet can just about pass muster. You should quickly check how many tables are missing, and I’ll have them send the banquet over immediately."
Song Jiyun was somewhat annoyed by his uninvited assistance.
"Thank you, Young Master Hong." Although the intentions were good, she still had to patiently thank him, "I have already arranged these matters."
She explained further, "Steward Wu stayed at home just to prepare for these matters."
Hong Xi’s expression relaxed, and he smiled apologetically, "I had already heard you were capable, and today I have seen it for myself. I hope Miss Song won’t blame my presumptuousness."
Song Jiyun responded courteously, "You meant well too!"
"In fact, I haven’t been a steward for very long," Hong Xi laughed, "This was the only thing I could think of."
He earnestly added, "Is there anything else I can help with?"
"No need," Song Jiyun smiled, "I have arranged everything. Young Master Hong, just relax and enjoy the event."
"I have also arranged for Lord Jiang and the others in the side rooms," she led him towards the side rooms, "It’s too hot, better to sit there and avoid getting sunburned."
But Hong Xi said, "Miss Song, I’m sorry!"
Song Jiyun was puzzled.
Hong Xi apologized, "I was so surprised to see Magistrate Jiang here that I instinctively paid my respects to him. It wasn’t out of disrespect to Old Master Song."
Song Jiyun did not understand for a moment, but after thinking it over, she realized he was referring to the incident that had just occurred at the altar.
Her father and Hong Xi were not acquainted, and his presence to offer incense was merely a courtesy, something she need not take to heart or fuss over.
"Young Master Hong, don’t worry about it," she exchanged pleasantries, "I am already very grateful that you came."
As they made small talk, Song Jiyun escorted him to the side rooms.
But as she looked up, she saw Yuan Yunzhong standing under a camphor tree by the shelter, looking intently at her with a heavy gaze.
"What’s wrong?" Song Jiyun asked hurriedly.
He had just been accompanying Magistrate Jiang and Registrar Wang.
Yuan Yunzhong passed by her without a word.
Confused, Song Jiyun immediately followed him, "What’s the matter?"
Yuan Yunzhong didn’t even spare her a glance.
"You stop right there!" Song Jiyun’s temper flared, "If you have something to say, say it; if not, I’ll assume there’s nothing wrong."
Yuan Yunzhong stopped, glancing at her sideways with a cold sneer.
Song Jiyun was thoroughly perplexed.
But she wasn’t prepared to indulge his moodiness.
"Fine, if you won’t speak, I’ll take it as nothing’s wrong," she said, "Then I’ll be going."
Song Jiyun walked past him.
"What’s the matter?" Yuan Yunzhong suddenly said in a low voice.
Song Jiyun blinked, turning to look at him, "What do you mean?"
Yuan Yunzhong’s gaze was deep and sharp, "Didn’t I tell you to stay away from Hong Xi?"
Song Jiyun was taken aback, "You need to understand, everyone here is a guest. Besides, I wasn’t the one who sought him out; he approached me!"
She walked away, head held high.
She had a multitude of tasks waiting for her, and she had no time to soothe his mood.
Yuan Yunzhong stood there, his posture erect like a tree in the open field.
A pale hand rested on his shoulder, "I’ve noticed, Miss Song doesn’t seem to think much of you, does she?"
Magistrate Jiang said in a faint voice.
Yuan Yunzhong quickly shrugged off the hand from his shoulder.
"Get lost!" he walked away without looking back.
Leaving Magistrate Jiang standing there, touching his nose.
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