Just as Lady Gao had predicted, before the mourning period for Old Madam Zhong ended, Song Hong's health began to visibly decline.
He had anticipated this and prepared a letter in advance, handing it over through Song Chongjin to officially pass the Duke Weiguo title to him.
In his heart, the Emperor felt endless emotions; as he grew older, the familiar faces around him gradually disappeared, leaving few recognizable elders on the court.
The Emperor felt deeply touched; it is said he stayed alone in his residence until late at night, with the lights on until the third watch. The next day, he approved the letter, naturally granting the request.
With this decision, Song Chongjin was firmly established as the next Duke Weiguo.
Song Hong had already set everything in order before his death and, in his final moments, arranged for Lady Gao to be brought before him.
