The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

Chapter 800: Chapter 800: The Xia Family Arranges the Funeral

Many people died in the Dragon Boat Festival, and the Song Family went separately to offer their condolences to each household. As Song Ci was older and had received a tip from Eunuch Zhou, she headed to the Xia Clan.

Firstly, her noble status gave face to the Xia Clan, and secondly, hadn’t she and Song Lingzhao together rescued that young Prince?

So this time, she took Song Lingzhao with her, while the daughters-in-law went to different families.

There was no other way; the assassin incident didn’t only claim the life of a Xia Clan member, but several other families too. They had to disperse, and the next generation of the Song Family wasn’t married yet, so finding a granddaughter-in-law to accompany was not possible.

Bringing along Song Ruwei was also not suitable due to her young age, so only Song Lingzhao accompanied her.

Fortunately, Song Ci had already discussed with Nanny Gong in the carriage, and given her status, just appearing would be enough. She didn’t need to stay long.

When the Xia Clan surrendered years ago, the Late Emperor specifically allocated them a large area to live together for easier management. Over the years, the Xia Clan hadn’t moved; as their population grew and space became tight, they petitioned the Emperor to buy adjacent houses to expand.

When Song Ci arrived, she saw that the area was already adorned with white lanterns and banners, swaying gently in the breeze. At the entrance of each house, the servants wore hemp clothes, with white cloth tied around their waists. Whenever someone came to offer condolences, gongs were struck and firecrackers set off.

Song Lingzhao got off the horse first and came to Song Ci’s carriage. When Song Ci extended her hand, he lifted her directly in a princess carry, safely carrying her off the carriage.

Song Ci: ”...”

The first princess carry of this era was given by her grandson.

Sob, this eternally single mother wants to cry.

”Grandmother knows you’re strong, there’s no need to show off. Look, everyone is watching.” Song Ci glanced at Song Lingzhao reproachfully.

Song Lingzhao: ”Show off what? I’m just helping you off the carriage.”

Song Ci: Forget it, this child is a clueless young man, doesn’t understand the underlying message.

As soon as Song Ci appeared, someone was surprised. The quick-witted servants had already reported to the person in charge, and someone soon came out to greet her.

”Madam Song, it’s thoughtful of you.”

The person who came was a man in his thirties. Song Ci didn’t know him, so she only showed a mournful expression: ”My condolences.”

Song Lingzhao also offered a cupped fist salute.

Xia Zhe gave a bitter smile, shook his head, and said, ”Thank you for your concern, this way, please.”

Supported by her maid, Song Ci walked towards the ancestral hall where the funeral was being held, listening to this Xia Zhe talk about the funeral rites along the way.

Because their Xia Clan lost the most people in this incident, and they were all closely related within three degrees of kinship, they held a joint funeral to make it easier for visitors to offer condolences, saving manpower and resources in the process.

Song Ci was a bit surprised upon hearing this, as ancient people valued funeral rites greatly, conducting them with grandeur and propriety. Chosen graves even required geomancy verification, and auspicious days were selected for burials.

A joint funeral like the Xia Clan’s was unheard of.

Is it really so progressive?

”It’s Prince Xin’s idea.” Seeing Song Ci’s amazement, Xia Zhe explained, ”Because the families are close and would all be buried in the ancestral tomb, so...”

There was also the unsaid reason that with their status, it was best not to be too ostentatious, to avoid arousing the Emperor’s dissatisfaction and suspicion.

Song Ci said, ”A joint funeral is fine; the most important thing is to let the departed rest in peace.”

Xia Zhe perceived the sincerity in her words, somewhat surprised that Madam Song bore no resentment towards them.