Chapter 112 Difficulty
The matters concerning Duke Chong’s Mansion were heard by Xie Jingchen from Duke Zhen.
Three years ago, Old Duke Chong was poisoned, becoming paralyzed, which deeply saddened Duke Zhen. What he regretted the most was the untimely death of Duke Chong’s heir in those days.
Old Duke Chong never believed that his most beloved son and grandson were killed successively. The corpse of his eldest son was brought back from the battlefield; he couldn’t accept it, yet had to. However, his young grandson fell off a cliff, leaving only a few fragments of cloth and bones, which Old Duke Chong refused to believe.
Thus, for so many years, he didn’t appoint another heir until he was poisoned three years ago, unable to move or speak. The Empress Dowager intervened, allowing the second son to inherit the title, who is the current Duke Chong.
At this point, a few more words must be said.
The current Empress Dowager and Old Duke Chong are cousins, and Duke Chong was born to a concubine turned legitimate wife.
Old Duke Chong was heroic all his life, daring and responsible, yet bedridden with illness and heartbroken, further embarrassed by his son’s manipulation.
Perhaps out of anger, Old Duke Chong did not side with Duke Chong, instead asking the Emperor not to pursue the matter further.
Duke Chong escorted the Emperor away.
The Emperor noticed he looked well and said, "Since Duke Chong is recovering well, you should return to court soon, as I need your assistance in solving troubles."