Golden Branch

White silk was hung in the princess's mansion, and the chief secretary and other officials arranged people to inform the Wang family's relatives and old friends of the death.

In the main courtyard on the central axis, the mourning hall has been set up.

Wang Heng was served by servants. She took off her hairpins and rings, combed her hair into a mourning bun, and tied it with a linen strip.

Then, change into coarse linen clothes.

Zheng Shisan helped Bai Zhi and others to dress Wang Heng.

She touched the linen clothes that had been hastily made in the sewing room and said worriedly, "Nine Mother, this is too rough!"

Wang Heng had lost her father, so if she wore mourning clothes, it would be the heaviest of the five mourning periods.

The cloth used is the coarsest raw linen, which cannot be sewn at the edges and the broken parts are exposed to express extreme grief.

It would be fine for others, linen is just linen, it’s just uncomfortable to wear.

But Wang Heng was different.

She was born noble and raised pampered. From childhood to adulthood, even her outer clothes were made of the most expensive and comfortable silk and brocade.

Underwear, lining and other close-fitting garments are made with the utmost care and are silky and skin-nourishing.

Wang Heng's skin was fair and delicate, and if the fabric was a little rough, it would rub red, and even leave marks and sting all over her body.

"How about I sew a layer of soft silk inside?"

While Zheng Shisan felt sorry for Wang Heng, he also knew what was important and what was not.

As an unmarried girl, Wang Heng had to wear mourning clothes when her biological father passed away, and she had to wear coarse linen clothes.

But, you can do some tricks in it.

On the side of the coarse cloth, silk of similar color was carefully sewn, which not only did not attract attention but also saved Jiu Niang some suffering.

It’s not good to let too many people know about this kind of “cheating”.

That's why Zheng Shisan said that she would sew it herself instead of asking the servants to do it.

Wang Heng shook her head. "No need!"

Wang Heng didn't even leave any loopholes in her acting, let alone something as important as mourning.

It was just a little pain, she endured it.

Besides, putting aside etiquette and rules, no matter what kind of person Wang Lin is, he is still her biological father after all.

She was blessed with the gift of giving birth to him.

When Wang Lin died, she mourned for him for three years in accordance with the rules, thus fulfilling the bond between father and daughter.

A bad fate is also a fate.

In the path of filial piety, Wang Heng has already taken 999 steps, and this last step is really not a problem.

If possible, Wang Heng also wanted to build a hut in front of Wang Lin’s tomb to observe mourning.

The reputation of a filial daughter was definitely an excellent amulet for her in the Dayu Dynasty.

With the golden signboard of pure and filial piety, and a noble character that is worthy of praise and admiration from the world, even if there are occasional flaws in the future, they will be forgiven.

Just like Lou Yu today, he has managed his reputation very well.

Elegant and dignified, a benevolent gentleman... Even if he lies in public, no one will doubt him! Even if he is exposed, there will be people to defend him!

Wang Heng lowered her head and let the servants change her into the prickly coarse linen clothes, but her mind couldn't help but emerge with the outrageous actions of someone in front of Wang Lin's sickbed!

Great!

At this point, Lou Yu still found ways to make the engagement flawless.

With Wang Lin's dying entrustment, the marriage between Wang and Lou, even if the process was not so rigorous, could be understood and even supported by the world.

"This person is really——"

For a moment, Wang Heng didn't know how to comment.

However, Wang Heng could also see Lou Yu's sincerity from this: he would not miss any opportunity to finalize his marriage with her. He was indeed determined to have her and she was the only one he could have.

Well, since I've already agreed, I might as well give it a try.

Wang Lin's death was just right—

After his death, Wang Heng needed to observe mourning for three years.

This period of time can be used as a buffer.

She observed him, he conquered her, and as for what the future would be like, it all depended on their respective methods!

Wang Heng put on her mourning clothes, and Wang Erlang and other half brothers and sisters also dressed properly.

The Wang family also prepared coffins and other things.

It’s not for Wang Lin, but for Madam Xie.

The best nanmu wood was carefully placed in the warehouse by the best craftsmen, and was taken out every year and painted.

Madam Xie had been lying paralyzed on the couch. Although she was like a candle in the wind, she was still alive.

Her coffin was then given to Wang Lin as an emergency measure.

At this time, it was almost dusk.

Several elders of the Wang family and some of the in-laws received the news and rushed over.

Wang Heng was slender and delicate, and looked even more frail against the backdrop of her loose, rough linen clothes.

Her fair and beautiful face showed the fatigue of days of traveling, the grief of losing her loved ones, and the haggard look of illness.

Under all kinds of stimulation, her body was shaking, but she gritted her teeth and persevered.

The key is that Wang Heng is beautiful enough.

The stunning beauty, even with just a slight frown, is as beautiful as a dream.

At this moment, Wang Heng, who was already a pitiful and filial daughter, looked even more pitiful and distressing.

The elders, relatives and friends all gathered in front of the coffin and took a last look at Wang Lin.

There was no vomiting of blood, no external injuries, it was just an accident where the patient was seriously ill and could not be cured.

Then, they watched with their own eyes as the slaves put Wang Lin's body into the coffin and nailed it shut tightly.

"Princess, my condolences!"

The elder sighed, leaning on his cane, and slowly approached Wang Heng, comforting her in a deep voice: "A-Lin, this departure will be a relief for you!"

"You, on the other hand, are a filial child and have done your best."

"If Heaven doesn't spare you, what can you do? You still have the Wang family and a whole family to look after!"

"Don't dwell on the grief of losing your father. Jiuniang, you need to know what true filial piety is!"

"It's not about my father's affairs after his death, but to inherit the wishes of my father, to succeed him and complete his unfinished work—"

The clan elders gave such advice not only out of concern for Wang Heng, but more importantly for themselves and the Wang family.

What is Wang Lin’s wish?

Of course, he is a high-ranking official and brings glory to his family.

When the Wang family prospers, all members of the Wang clan will benefit.

The head of the Wang family had actually long been replaced.

As a waste, Wang Lin’s death or life did not make much difference to the Wang family.

On the contrary, Wang Jiu is the hope for the revival of the Wang family.

The clan elders knew that Wang Heng was filial and understood the strictness of the rules of etiquette.

However, he is the elder, and he is qualified to "advise" the head of the family, to protect him from public criticism, and thus achieve the purpose of "sharing worries".

"Yes! Granduncle taught me that, I saved it!"

Wang Heng bent her knees slightly and respectfully said, "I accept your instruction."

Wang Heng's attitude made the elders very satisfied.

What about the princess?

In front of him, he is also a well-behaved junior.

The elders were satisfied and wanted to ask more questions:

"By the way, I heard that before A-Ling died, he arranged a marriage for you and Mr. Lou?"

When the three words "Lou Langjun" were mentioned, a bright light clearly flashed in the elder's turbid old eyes.

That’s Lou Yu and Lou Hanzhang.

At the age of sixteen, he was granted the title of founding duke for his military achievements.

He is also the crown prince's confidant and is highly regarded by the saint.

With supreme father and son, two generations of kings, the Duke of Qi’s Mansion can ensure prosperity and wealth for decades to come.

Such a Lou Yu is more noble and valuable than a Princess Langya who has only a nominal title.

If Wang's daughter could marry into the Duke of Qi's mansion, it would be a great joyous event for the entire Wang family.

When the elders of the clan received the news and hurried over, they heard the news.

Although it was not appropriate, the elders and others were very happy in their hearts.

A Lin was confused for half his life, but before he died, he did a smart thing.

A dying person entrusts something to him before his death. Even if the Duke of Qi is unwilling, it is difficult for him to refuse.

Wang Lin used his last breath to get the best husband for his daughter and Wang Shi!

This achievement alone can offset Wang Lin’s absurdity for half his life!

"Replying to my great uncle, my father-in-law has already arranged my marriage to the princess and has even written the marriage certificate himself!"

Lou Yu took a quick step and stood beside Wang Heng, pulling out a document from his sleeve pocket.

He unfolded the document and showed it to everyone in the mourning hall.

The elders of the clan and others were even more delighted: there was actually a marriage certificate!

Haha, the marriage between Wang and Lou is legitimate and without any flaws.

Wang Mian, Zheng Shisan and others were standing beside Wang Heng. Seeing Lou Yu wanting to show the marriage certificate to the whole world, they couldn't help but twitch their lips.

Especially Wang Mian, who had watched a melodramatic short play before traveling through time.

And in those skits, the bosses love to carry their marriage certificates with them.

Lou Yu's behavior is no less than those infatuated bosses who are eager to gain status.

Lou Yu couldn't hear Wang Mian's inner complaints. After greeting the clan elders, he went back to work.

As Wang Lin's son-in-law, he personally went to the imperial city and the Eastern Palace to report the death.

In Baifu Palace, Concubine Jiang was taking a nap on a low couch, holding her round belly.

She had already heard the news that Wang Lin was courting death and that the Wei family was involved in chaos.

In her heart, Concubine Jiang had already begun counting down to Wang Lin's mourning period.

This person can finally die!

Therefore, when she received the confirmed news of the death, Concubine Jiang was not surprised. Instead, she felt a sense of relief as if the second shoe had dropped.

"...He's gone? Did he have any last words before he died?"

Imperial Concubine Jiang slowly sat up straight, a trace of sadness and melancholy flashing across her beautiful and cold face.

The palace maids stole a glance and saw Concubine Jiang's expression, and they could understand:

After all, they are a married couple, they have been in love for seven years and have a daughter.

Even if a couple turns against each other, the person is already dead, and all the grudges should be resolved.

Concubine Jiang looks cold and arrogant, but she is actually a person who values ​​love and friendship.

She may have long lost her love and longing for her ex-husband, but she still has feelings for him as an old friend.

Furthermore, the Chinese people believe that “the dead are the greatest” and “debts are paid off when one dies.”

Wang Lin is dead, and all the grudges and hatreds should be wiped out.

In response to Concubine Jiang's question, the maid who came to answer hurriedly said, "Before his death, Lord Wang suddenly woke up and entrusted Princess Langya's life to Master Lou!"

Concubine Jiang: ...What a great Lou Yu!

As Wang Lin's former lover, Concubine Jiang knew him very well.

Given this man's selfish and cold nature, even when he was about to die, all he could think of was himself.

He would never consider his daughter in this way.

Yes, Lou Yu!

This brat, how dare you, how dare you... Well done!

In fact, Concubine Jiang was optimistic about Lou Yu and wanted him to be her son-in-law.

However, her daughter was willful and insisted on making trouble. Concubine Jiang couldn't reprimand her directly, so she could only indulge her.

Fortunately, Lou Yu is a reliable person and knows how to take advantage of anyone and any opportunity.

Wang Lin, who always took advantage of others, probably never dreamed that he would be exploited so harshly before his death!

Whenever she thought of this, Concubine Jiang felt inexplicably refreshed...