Chapter 153 Inheritance

On the day when the imperial edict was delivered to the palace, Ming Huazhang was taken away by the palace staff after receiving it. Later, the eunuchs came and took away Ming Huazhang's books, files and other belongings, but other than that, they did not take anything away from the Zhenguogong Mansion.

Yes, his last name was Li, and he was the only son of the Crown Prince Zhang Huai. He had no choice but to be fostered in the home of a minister. How could he possibly use the minister's things? There was no need to collect old clothes and old things, as there were plenty of new ones in the treasury.

That day was a chaotic day, both the Ming family and the outside world were in a mess. Ming Huashang didn't have time to say anything to Ming Huazhang, he was surrounded by the crowd and left. Later, when the old lady Ming learned the truth, she was furious. The second and third rooms had their own plans, and the servants were talking about it, breeding all kinds of rumors. Ming Huashang was busy dealing with family affairs and had no time to pay attention to Ming Huazhang.

Now, he should be called Li Huazhang.

Ming Huachang looked up. It had been half a month since they last met, but it felt like a lifetime ago. He was wearing a round-necked ultramarine robe with a black belt around his waist. He was tall and handsome, with a radiant appearance. Standing under the tree, he looked like a distant mountain at sunrise, cold and gentle.

He lowered his eyes and smiled, as patient and careful as ever. However, Ming Huashang was the first to notice the auspicious cloud and dragon patterns on his body.

His dressing style has not changed much from before, and he still likes cool and clean tones, but the details quietly remind you that they are different.

He was now the Prince of Yong. According to court etiquette, only the princes could be granted the title of two-character princes, and the grandsons of the emperor were all three-character county princes, such as the Prince of Linzi. But Li Huazhang jumped a level and had the same status as his uncles, such as the Prince of Xiang and the Prince of Wei.

Not to mention that his fiefdom was Yongzhou, where Chang'an was located. Even the most favored King Wei could not match this. The Queen did this to compensate her second son, but more importantly, she was sending a signal to the outside world that the impact of the Danfeng Gate bloodbath was over and she would no longer pursue the Li family's guilt.

After the death of Li Chongrun and Princess Yongtai, although no one in the Li family expressed resentment, it was like a festering wound that lay deeply between the empress and the Li family. The empress's generous reward for Li Huazhang was also a show for the Li family. She used this method to heal the trauma of beating Li Chongrun to death.

Moreover, Crown Prince Zhang Huai committed suicide on the charge of treason, but now the empress has named his son "Prince Yong" and let Li Huazhang move into Li Xian's old house, which is also a hint that she has reconciled with Crown Prince Zhang Huai and no longer cares about the fact that someone used the name of Crown Prince Zhang Huai to rebel against Zhou and restore Tang in Yangzhou. Whether Crown Prince Zhang Huai was guilty of treason can be reconsidered.

The empress's series of actions were all to protect the Li family, which was equivalent to acknowledging to the people of the world that the next emperor would be named Li and that the Wu family would not produce a second emperor.

She has tacitly accepted the transfer of power between Li and Wu, and the Great Zhou Dynasty will end with her generation.

The attitude of the empress is the attitude of the court. During this period, Prince Yong's Mansion was particularly lively. Li Huazhang was busy dealing with visitors from all sides and could not spare time to visit the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion. Today, he learned that the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion was going to burn incense, so he forcibly rejected all the visiting cards and came to accompany Ming Huashang on the trip.

When the women in the family go out, the elder brother must escort them all the way. He suppressed the excitement in his heart, but he saw her take a step back, bow her head and salute: "You see the King of Yong."

Li Huazhang's hand was still in mid-air. He paused for a moment and reached out to help her: "Shang Shang, what are you doing?"

"There is a difference between the monarch and his subjects, and etiquette cannot be abandoned." Ming Huashang glanced at the maid behind her and said, "His Royal Highness Prince Yong is here, why didn't you report it?"

"We are all family, what is there to report?" Li Huazhang noticed that she was avoiding him, so he held her arm and pulled her to his side, saying, "Since I call Duke Zhenguo my father, he will be my adoptive father for life, and you are naturally my sister. How come you are alienated from your brother after not seeing him for just a few days?"

Although no one was looking directly at her, Ming Huashang could sense that many people were paying attention to her. She became more and more embarrassed, and struggled quietly, trying to pull her hand out: "Prince Yong, you are joking. Your sisters are princesses and county lords. I dare not marry them."

Li Huazhang looked at her frowning eyebrows, but he was reluctant to embarrass her, so he let her run away from him as if she were a flood or a beast. Madam Ming, who had been silent for a long time, finally sat down and sent someone to pass on the message: "Second Madam, it's time to set off."

Ming Huashang nodded, saluted Li Huazhang, and walked away without looking up. Li Huazhang did not try to stop her. After she turned around, a gust of wind blew past her, blowing off the flowers on the tree. His voice was mixed in, so soft that it seemed like an illusion to Ming Huashang: "If it's not my sister, what about someone else?"

Jinbao and the others were so angry that they dared not breathe, and they followed Ming Huashang like quails. After getting in the car, Ruyi hesitated and asked, "Madam, what does Erlangjun mean by this?"

Jixiang immediately glared at her: "What Erlangjun? That's Prince Yong."

Ruyi slapped her lips and quickly changed her words. Ming Huashang saw their faces that seemed careless but actually tilted their ears, and pretended to look at the scenery outside, and said casually: "Prince Yong is a gentleman who knows how to repay his gratitude. He is just here to repay his father's kindness in raising him. Don't think too much about it."

The maids murmured "oh" and looked a little disappointed.

After Erlangjun left the Ming family, the once supreme eldest house suddenly became embarrassed. There is no doubt that the Duke of Zhenguo has made contributions. Although the empress did not say anything, everyone with a discerning eye knows that when the Li family comes to power in the future, they will definitely reward the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion for protecting the orphan of Prince Zhang Huai.

However, the Duke of Zhenguo had a fatal problem: he had no son.

The Duke of Zhenguo Mansion fell into the same predicament as the former Marquis of Pingnan Mansion, but the ancestral tomb of the Marquis of Pingnan Mansion was filled with smoke, and a female Marquis was born for the first time. However, Ren Yao was raised as a boy since childhood. She practiced the Ren family spear for many years and risked her life to save the driver. With the right time, place and people, she inherited the Marquis Mansion as an exception.

This kind of thing is as rare as a woman becoming an emperor. It is the only time in the history of the world that this can happen. The Ren family can do it, but it does not mean that other families will have this luck. If the Duke of Zhenguo wants to keep the title of the Ming family, he will most likely have to pass on a son. Coincidentally, the second and third branches both have males of the right age.

The second wife was born out of wedlock, and Madam Ming would never let the son of a wedlock inherit the family business. In the end, this boy would most likely be chosen from the third wife. When this child was passed on to the eldest wife, even if Hua Shang was his elder sister according to etiquette, people would definitely be more supportive of their biological mother and sister.

The wind direction in the deep mansion changes very quickly. Some people have quietly run to the third room these days, and it is faintly revealed that Ming Shuo is the real daughter of the Duke's Mansion. Jinbao and other maids who have followed Ming Huashang for many years are naturally very resentful, but they can't stand the situation. Ming Huashang really has no brothers. When the Duke of Zhenguo is alive, he can pamper his wife, but what about when the Duke of Zhenguo dies?

But if Ming Huashang could marry into the royal family and become a princess, everything would be different. Prince Yong grew up in the Ming family, and he and his wife have a brother-sister relationship. Duke Zhenguo is also indebted to Prince Yong. If his wife could marry Prince Yong, her second half of life would be settled.

Today, the Duke of Zhenguo went out, and Prince Yong came early in the morning. There were so many ladies in the Ming family, but Prince Yong only walked to Ming Huashang's side, which showed that Prince Yong still had feelings for her. Obviously, the second lady and Prince Yong were very close before, but now she suddenly became cold.

The maids felt sorry for her and looked at each other, wanting to persuade her but not daring to. Ming Huashang pretended not to notice the maids' grudges and focused on looking at the scenery outside the window.

Then, she saw Li Huazhang standing beside Madam Ming's carriage, listening attentively to what the old lady was saying. Ming Shuo leaned against Madam Ming and asked in a naive way how far the Jokhang Temple was and how long it would take to get there. Li Huazhang answered patiently, gently and politely, and with a sense of propriety, like a most reliable brother.

Ming Shuo thanked him in a sweet voice, and her laughter was like a silver bell that could be heard from such a distance. Ming Huashang suddenly felt upset, and with a blank expression, he lowered the curtain, leaned against the carriage, closed his eyes and rested his mind, simply out of sight and out of mind.

Li Huazhang patiently dealt with Old Madam Ming, and left as soon as he found an opportunity. He silently made a note in his mind to avoid this area in the future to avoid being stopped again.

In fact, he did not have a good impression of Madam Ming, but he always treated her with courtesy for the sake of Duke Zhenguo. The only relatives he recognized in his heart were Duke Zhenguo and Ming Huashang.

Su Yuji was sent to the countryside because of him, which was half true. But he was more of a compensation to Su Yuji, and the only one he was close to from the bottom of his heart was Shang Shang.

Unfortunately... He glanced at Ming Huashang's carriage. Her curtains were tightly closed, and she looked like she didn't want to be disturbed at all. Li Huazhang was afraid of annoying her, so he carefully kept a distance from her and accompanied her silently.

The carriage started quickly, and the convoy drove out of the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion and into the street. They had to pick up Su Yuji first, and then go to the Dazhao Temple. Over the years, Li Huazhang was used to the role of the prince of the Duke of Zhenguo Mansion. It was natural for him to take the lead in everything and take care of everyone. He stopped at the entrance of the alley, dismounted and invited Su Yuji. The Duke of Zhenguo wanted to go with him, but was stopped by Li Huazhang.

Li Huazhang said, "Duke, she still has some grudges against the Duke's Mansion, so we can't push her too hastily. After all, you are her father. If you go to pick her up, you may think it's nothing, but if others see it, they will say that you are unfilial. I'd better go."

The Duke of Zhenguo was ready to make a move, but he quickly calmed down after hearing what Li Huazhang said. He sighed and said, "You are thoughtful. I'll trouble you. She has a stubborn temper, so you have to bear with her."

Li Huazhang said: "This is what I should do."

Li Huazhang went to the alley and knocked on the door. The door opened quickly, revealing Su Xingzhi's face. Li Huazhang and Su Xingzhi looked at each other, both surprised and not surprised.

After Su Xingzhi knew Su Yuji's new address, he came to find her immediately. Su Xingzhi did not mention the quarrel that night, and continued to wash vegetables, cook, and clean the yard for her as before. The difference was that this time he took the initiative to leave as soon as it got dark, and did not ask Su Yuji to go home, and he would not stay overnight.

He silently expressed his attitude with his actions. The Su family was not Su Yuji's home, but the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion. She should return to the Ming family, and there was no need to feel embarrassed or have moral pressure. He knew that he was an outsider and was far from worthy of Su Yuji.

As long as he can continue to take care of her when she is not home, it is not safe for a woman to live alone outside.

Su Xingzhi acted so calm that Su Yuji couldn't bring herself to mention the quarrel, and the two of them got along in this strange peace. Today, the Duke of Zhenguo was coming, and they both knew that with Su Yuji's temper, she would never open the door to Li Huazhang, but she promised Ming Huashang to go out and burn incense, so it would be bad to be too unkind, and in the end, Su Xingzhi had to take the blame.

Li Huazhang did not ask why Su Xingzhi was here, and said gently: "Duke Zhenguo asked me to pick you up. Are you ready?"

Su Xingzhi thought of Su Yuji's cold face for several days, sighed secretly, and said, "I'll go call her, wait a moment."

After a while, Su Yuji came out. She looked like she had already prepared everything, but she had to wait in the house for a while, pretending to leave in a hurry. As soon as she left the house, a cheerful voice came from the alley: "Sister Yuji!"

The three of them turned their heads at the door. Ming Huashang enthusiastically ignored the other two men, ran over, took Su Yuji's hand, and pulled her away affectionately. Li Huazhang and Su Xingzhi both felt a subtle embarrassment. Li Huazhang looked back calmly and asked, "Is the door locked?"

Su Xingzhi also nodded calmly: "Okay."

Li Huazhang nodded. The two men had nothing to say and followed the sisters in silence.

As long as Ming Huashang wanted, she could quickly get familiar with anyone within a quarter of an hour. She enthusiastically pulled Su Yuji into her carriage and asked Su Yuji questions all the time, like a ringing bell, and even the Duke of Zhenguo had no time to interrupt.

The Duke of Zhenguo touched his nose and felt as if he was isolated by his daughter. He rode his horse and followed the carriage closely. There was constant talking inside, but no one paid attention to him. He felt a little depressed and sighed silently.

They soon arrived at the Jokhang Temple, which was a royal temple with a palace dedicated to entertaining female guests. Old Lady Ming led her family of daughters-in-law and granddaughters to the back, while Duke Zhenguo and several men went to the main hall facing everyone.

After entering the hall, Old Madam Ming knelt at the front, and Second Madam Ming and Third Madam Ming knelt on the mats at the back. In an instant, everyone's eyes fell on the younger ladies.

Ming Huashang ignored the maids' gazes and pulled Su Yuji aside, saying, "The mansion doesn't have to be so particular. Just arrange them in order of seniority. The eldest sister is the oldest among the sisters. After the eldest sister has chosen, Sister Yuji can sit wherever she wants. There is no need to be restrained."

Mingyu glanced at Ming Huashang lightly. Now Ming Shuo was being praised everywhere in the mansion, and Ming Huashang was the daughter of Duke Zhenguo. Mingyu, the eldest daughter of a concubine, was stuck in the middle, feeling very awkward. She didn't expect that Ming Huashang still recognized her as the eldest sister.

Ming Yu didn't want to get involved in the conflict between the first and third wives, but she chose the position behind the second wife and knelt down because of Ming Huashang's kindness. Ming Shuo held the handkerchief, waiting for Su Yuji's choice with a smile. Su Yuji quickly glanced at the women present, and knelt down beside Ming Shuo calmly.

Ming Huashang naturally sat next to Su Yuji. Finally, Ming Shuo lifted her skirt and knelt leisurely on the mat beside Ming Huashang.

Old Lady Ming was in front, chanting with her eyes closed, as steady as a stone statue. She moved her lips silently for a long time before solemnly inserting three incense sticks into the incense burner. Afterwards, Old Lady Ming still had to listen to the ritual, and the second wife and several daughters-in-law had to continue to accompany her, but the granddaughters could move freely.

After Ming Huashang left the house, she pulled Su Yuji's sleeve and asked, "Sister Yuji, I'm going to light a long-lasting lamp for Zhaocai. Are you going?"

After Su Yuji learned about her life experience, she was always worried about how to face Ming Huashang. She hadn't figured it out yet, but Ming Huashang seemed to not feel embarrassed at all, and she took on the role of a sister, constantly throwing topics at her, and always coming up with new ideas. How could Su Yuji say no? She said, "Okay."

Su Yuji was dragged by Ming Huashang to the side hall where the ever-burning lamps were offered. It was much quieter than the main hall, and the number of pilgrims inside suddenly decreased. Ming Huashang, who had been talking nonstop all the way, suddenly fell silent. She invited a young nun and said she wanted to offer the ever-burning lamps.

The young monk was not surprised. He asked questions in a proficient manner. When he heard the birth date, he was stunned for a moment and blurted out, "So young?"

After she finished speaking, the novice monk realized something was wrong and quickly said, "I'm sorry, I thought the female donor was offering the lamps for the elders..."

"It doesn't matter." Ming Huashang said, "She is indeed very young. There is no one else in her family, so I am the only one who can take care of her funeral affairs."

Ming Huachang's tone was very calm, but Su Yuji felt uncomfortable listening to it. The little nun also fell silent. He lit the long-lasting lamp, put his hands together, chanted a Buddhist name for Ming Huachang, and left.

Ming Huashang stood in front of the lamp, quietly watching the flame inside. The incense slowly rose, and the flame core absorbed enough oil, and the light gradually stabilized, like a heart, beating vigorously in the void.

Jinbao and the others also fell silent. They stood in front of the ever-burning lamp that brought fortune, silently bidding her farewell.

Ming Huashang stared at the flames and suddenly recalled the conversation she had with Zhaocai not long ago. At that time, she thought she could not escape death and thought about her own funeral over and over again. She asked Zhaocai what he would do if he knew that she would die in another year?

Zhaocai said that she would first teach Ming Huashang's daily living habits to the newcomer, so that Ming Huashang would not be unfamiliar with the employment after she left; secondly, she would distribute her own savings to Jinbao, Jixiang, and Ruyi, all of whom were maids who served people. She had experienced their difficulties, and as the eldest daughter, she would give them some subsidies if she could; finally, she would eat and sleep well, and strive to live happily every day.

Ming Huashang used to live a muddled life. As long as she had enough to eat and clothes to wear, she didn't want to think about anything that was not related to her life. Until last year, on a snowy night, a sudden and predictive dream that was hard to tell whether it was true or false visited her life. From then on, her world turned upside down.

Everything she had taken for granted became uncertain, and she began to scrutinize everyone around her, wondering if they wanted to kill her.

Being constantly shrouded in the shadow of death is definitely not a pleasant experience. But it is also because of this that she finds that life is not so necessary, and many seemingly important things in life actually do not need to be cared about.

But there were also some people who made her realize that she would never worry about them harming her even at the critical moment of life and death, and Zhaocai was one of them. Zhaocai's words greatly inspired Ming Huashang. When she stood in front of death and thought about how others would evaluate her after her death, Ming Huashang finally knew what kind of person she wanted to be.

But, she was lucky enough to survive, so why did Zhaocai die before her?

Ming Huashang said silently in her heart, Zhaocai, I will divide your "family fortune" equally among Jinbao and the other two according to your wishes. I will find a little maid to take over your job and let her recognize you as her master. However, her name will not be Zhaocai, but Changming.

There will never be another lucky guy in this world.

I will carry your last wish with me, eat well, sleep well, and appreciate every bit of beauty in life. On the road to the underworld, you must have a safe journey. In your next life, remember to be reborn into a family that is loved by your parents and well-off, and don't be a maid anymore.

Ming Huashang finally placed a bag of pine nuts on the incense table. This was what Zhaocai promised to buy for her when she coaxed him to help her interrogate in Changshoufang. Jinbao and the others couldn't help but wipe their tears. Su Yuji glanced at Ming Huashang. She was always calm, but Su Yuji knew that Ming Huashang's grief was actually much greater than that of the maids.

Su Yuji had an indescribable feeling in his heart, and in the end, he could only accompany her silently.

After walking out of the side hall, the sunlight was just right, giving people a sense of being in another world. Ming Huashang was in a trance for a while, and said, "It's almost time, grandma should be ready, let's go back and take a look."

Su Yuji nodded.

After all, Madam Ming was old, and she couldn't kneel for long before she had to rest. Madam Ming II was going to accompany the old lady to the incense room at the back to rest, but the old lady kept her and only asked Madam Ming III to go. Madam Ming III helped the old lady sit down, gently massaged her legs, and chatted, "Mother, when I was out last time, someone asked me about my uncle's marriage. Some ladies have good conditions, and they don't care that my uncle has two children. They just want to find someone to live a stable life. What do you think I should say?"

Ming Huashang and Su Yuji took a shortcut and passed by the back window and just happened to hear these words.