"The time has come—"
The Taoist priest's shrill voice pierced the sky once again, stabbing into Qu Yue's heart like a sharp blade.
Her delicate features were contorted by anxiety. She tried hard to lift Xiao Yang up with both hands, but to no avail.
"If we miss the right time, the general..."
"Why is the young mistress still hesitating? Just agree to her request!"
The whispers of the servants pricked Qu Yue's eardrums like needles. She wasn't reluctant to agree; it was just that Mu Wang's words had reminded her.
The person who came at this moment clearly had ill intentions.
She had to safeguard everything that belonged to Mu Yuan and prevent it from being stolen by those with ulterior motives.
Forcing aside the malicious blame from the servants around her, cold sweat broke out on Qu Yue's forehead. "Please get up first. We can discuss the reward later, okay?"
Xiao Yang's wailing grew even louder, even reaching outside the Marquis Mansion and attracting the curious looks of many onlookers.
Mu Wang sneered and cast a cold glance at Mu Qing and the other two who were standing silently on one side. He stepped forward, pulled Qu Yue out of the entanglement, and casually pushed Xiao Yang away.
"Don't waste so much breath on her."
"Back then, my elder brother had sorted everything out with her. How dare she come back now?"
Mu Wang's eyes darkened. "Get out of the way!"
Startled by this, Xiao Yang's body trembled violently.
Chuer beside her let out a shrill wail.
The continuous crying gave Qu Yue a splitting headache. She looked up at the outside and then down at Xiao Yang and Chuer. Her face was full of distress.
Mu Wang's help not only failed to intimidate Xiao Yang but also attracted comments from the passers - by who were watching the show.
"Why is the second young master of the Mu family talking?"
"After all, isn't it just that the general's wife wants to take all the rewards for herself? Now she's even delaying the time. Alas! Why did the general marry such a greedy woman back then!"
"Maybe these two have long..."
"Stop talking nonsense!" Seeing that the plan had reached a dead - end, Song Luo didn't want Mu Wang to be criticized by outsiders, nor did she want him to bear Mu Qing's anger. She quickly stepped forward to smooth things over. "Your elder brother's family affairs are none of your business."
There was still a trace of paleness on her well - maintained face. After regaining her composure, she showed a forced authority, which was not very intimidating.
But at least she had shifted all the blame onto Qu Yue.
If they missed the time for Mu Yuan's funeral, even if the emperor blamed them, it would be due to improper handling of family affairs, and Qu Yue would be held responsible.
Qu Yue understood this point and broke out in a cold sweat on her back.
She tightened and then relaxed her palms. Straightening her back, her hesitant words were filled with a firm strength: "So, your goal is to get the reward, right?"
Her sudden outburst left many people on the scene stunned.
According to Qu Yue's character, shouldn't she be hiding and keeping silent now?
Xiao Yang hugged the crying child and, under everyone's watchful eyes, took on the responsibility of a mother: "Yes! I've already explained before. I want to fight for Chuer's rights!"
"It's okay for Chuer to inherit the reward." Qu Yue's gentle voice drifted into everyone's hearts. "As his step - mother, I naturally agree."
As soon as these words were spoken, Xiao Yang's eyes immediately lit up. "Then I'll thank the mistress on behalf of Chuer first!"
Mu Qing, who was standing on the side, relaxed his eyebrows and slowly curled his lips into a sly smile of victory.
Mu Wang frowned, stepped forward and grabbed Qu Yue. "Are you crazy!"
Qu Yue staggered. She patted Mu Wang reassuringly and then continued, "But—"
"The emperor detailed to me yesterday that those who are unfilial and disloyal cannot be granted any titles."
"May I ask, is it unfilial for Chuer to block his father's coffin from being buried today?!"
"As his mother, aren't you being disloyal by instigating your child to block the funeral?!"
The powerful interrogation was like a long spear breaking through the air, stabbing straight into everyone's hearts, leaving them bleeding.
The three members of the Mu family standing on the side immediately looked extremely ugly, as if they were also being rebuked.
It seemed that Qu Yue had gained confidence after getting the reward. They had to think of a way to curb her arrogance in the future!
Xiao Yang could no longer maintain the smile on her face.
She had just wanted to gain a good reputation as a mother, but how could she suddenly become a money - hungry woman who instigated her child to pursue fame and fortune!
Xiao Yang clutched her chest and burst into tears. "Mistress, I definitely didn't mean that! My love for my husband is also genuine!"
"Then get out of the way with your child!"
A fierce look flashed in Qu Yue's peach - blossom eyes. A powerful aura radiated from her, and the authority of the general's wife was re - established at this moment.
Xiao Yang looked around in confusion and saw Song Luo blink twice.
It seemed that she had to resort to the second plan.
Last night, she had been called by Mu Qing and Song Luo to discuss countermeasures, and they had planned two ways to force Qu Yue to hand over the reward.
She squinted her eyes, connected with the idea of the second plan, and stood up tremblingly. "Mistress, I understand your concerns, but can you confirm that you will distribute the reward to my child as promised?"
Qu Yue's tense breathing eased a little. "I will make the distribution after the event."
Xiao Yang couldn't help but press further. "With so many people here as witnesses, you can't go back on your word, mistress."
"I won't."
Qu Yue slowly shook her head. Her delicate face darkened. She seemed calm, but in fact, her mind was in a complete mess.
It was already extremely difficult for her to come up with a way to make Xiao Yang back off for the time being in such an urgent situation.
Maybe she could ask Mu Wang and the others for their opinions later.
They might dislike her, but they would never stand by and watch the items belonging to Mu Yuan be divided by others.
"Then, mistress, can I go with you to bury my husband?"
Xiao Yang smiled faintly. Just as she was seriously asking the question, she heard the Taoist priest outside shout again.
"The time has passed. Please let the deceased start on his journey immediately—"
After much thought, Qu Yue thought this wasn't a big deal, so she quickly agreed to avoid further delay. "Okay."
Only then did Xiao Yang make way.
Qu Yue hurriedly shouted outside, "Master Taoist, please set off!"
As soon as the words fell, the mourners looked sad and wailed to the sky, "The heroic general will forever guard the mountains and rivers!"
The dark gray sky pressed down heavily. A solemn silence enveloped the entire long street. Mu Qing walked at the front of the procession, holding the soul - guiding banner high. The white tail of the banner fluttered in the wind, leading the way for everyone.
White paper money fluttered in the sky as the procession moved forward. The desolate song pierced the clouds and struck people's hearts.
Wherever the procession passed, countless withered leaves were whirled up by the wind, mixing with the paper money and falling to the ground.
All passers - by were saddened by the passing of the brave general, Mu Yuan.
Mu Yuan's tomb was located outside the city, and they had to walk for dozens of miles on foot.
It was the height of summer. Even though the sky was overcast, the heat still welled up.
Before long, Qu Yue's vision began to blur.
When her steps became unsteady, someone walked over, held her hand, and gently asked, "Mistress, let me support you and walk side by side with you?"
Qu Yue's eyelids were so heavy that she forced them open to look at the person in front of her.
Her heart suddenly tightened. "Is it you?"