Chapter 1381: Snow Over the City

The fifty-fifth year of Yuan Feng, the twenty-sixth day of the tenth month, was the day of Jiang Wu Qi's funeral.The scale of this funeral was unprecedented.It was presided over by the Minister of Rituals, under the overall direction of Advisor Wen Yan Yu.By imperial decree:Ninety attendants and guards of the Evergreen Palace, and six hundred officials and guards of the Imperial Clan Court were to wear mourning for twenty-seven days.All civil and military officials of the court were to remove their caps and wear plain clothes for seven days.Even the Son of Heaven, in his exalted position, removed his cap for three days in mourning.A ceremonial procession was held in the main hall of the Evergreen Palace, where princes, dukes, and ministers gathered to perform the rites as prescribed.Feasting was set up outside the hall, with fifteen tables laid.Officials and commoners in Linzi were forbidden from engaging in merrymaking or marriages for thirteen days. Officials and commoners throughout the realm were forbidden from merrymaking or marriages for three days...This scale of funeral far exceeded the mourning rites that a prince should receive.For a time, the three hundred li of Linzi City was draped in frost.Numerous brothels, wine shops, and gambling houses, including the four famous establishments of Linzi, hung signs and closed their doors.The Son of Heaven seemed to feel it was still not enough, and ordered the public execution by dismemberment of twenty-three spies of the Equal Nation at the execution ground, including Yan Tu, the commander of the Sword Rain Army, and Li You Jiu, a third-rank Green Token constable, to comfort the soul of the Eleventh Prince.When a true person dies, heaven and earth mourn. To offer such a sacrifice for the Master of the Evergreen Palace was truly a grand rite.It was said that the commoners waiting to witness the execution blocked the road for a full five li, crowding the execution ground so that not even a drop of water could pass."Shall we go take a look?" asked Chong Xuan Sheng at the Jiang family residence in Yaoguang Ward. "There's still a little time."Jiang Wang, dressed in mourning clothes, walked out from the inner chamber and asked, "Look at what?"Chong Xuan Sheng narrowed his eyes. Unbeknownst to him, this young man before him had truly grown up. Though he was clad only in coarse cloth and hemp, he wore it with an air of elegance. And his bearing as he walked... it truly had a touch of the immortal. Was immortal technique so good?He then looked at the mourning clothes he wore, which felt rather uncomfortable... they were too ill-fitting!He would have to bring a few tailors here later, he thought. Hmm, and he would need to prepare another sedan chair. The potted flowers in this courtyard weren't quite right either; they needed to be replaced.Many thoughts flitted through his mind in an instant, but he spoke aloud, "Li You Jiu caused you such suffering, do you not wish to see him dismembered slice by slice? I hear this time they will make three thousand three hundred and eighteen cuts, and he is not to be allowed to die until the number of cuts is complete."Jiang Wang shook his head. "Since it is already a certain death, what is there to see?""Do you not hate him?" asked Fourteen, speaking rarely, with a hint of curiosity."I hate him. To harm me without cause, how could I not hate him?" Jiang Wang said quite seriously. "If Li You Jiu had not been discovered and were still alive, I would certainly kill him in the future. This is my hatred for him. But it ends there. I only require his death; I do not need to appreciate the process of his dying.""Then let the court handle the killing," Chong Xuan Sheng said. "Even among the Nine Legions, they have their people. The power of the Equal Nation is greater than I imagined. It is not suitable for you to stand in the front."Having been targeted by the Equal Nation multiple times, Jiang Wang naturally had his opinions regarding them, but he did not utter any harsh words. Instead, he gently turned the conversation. "Today is the funeral of the Eleventh Prince. Let us hasten to offer incense."Chong Xuan Sheng: ...Jiang Wang then seemed to have a sudden realization. "Oh, I almost forgot!"He straightened his collar and said nonchalantly, "Only officials of the third rank and above are permitted to offer incense in the main hall of the Evergreen Palace... *cough*, then I shall go ahead."With that, he swept his robe and left gracefully, not giving the fat Chong Xuan a chance to retort.Chong Xuan Sheng appeared quite calm, watching the fellow's receding back. He only said to Fourteen, "I asked the wrong question just now."Fourteen tilted her head, casting a questioning look."I should have asked him if he wished to study the performance of a Golden Body and Jade Marrow under the Thousand Cuts. And if he wanted to observe, at close range, the data of a true person's physical body receiving three thousand three hundred and eighteen cuts. Furthermore, the blade technique of the executioner who can cleave through a Golden Body and Jade Marrow, a true person's body, is also worth studying."Fourteen thought for a moment and had to admit that Chong Xuan Sheng's words made sense. Jiang Wang was indeed the kind of person who would be interested in such things."Then are you going to see it?" she asked."No," Chong Xuan Sheng turned back and walked into the courtyard where he resided. "The death of a true person is nothing rare.""You're not going to the funeral either?" Fourteen asked, following behind him."The later the better, I suppose..." Chong Xuan Sheng finally could not remain calm. "I get angry when I see anyone named Jiang now!"Frost and snow covered the entire city, and the Evergreen Palace was no exception.The Crown Prince of Qi, Jiang Wu Hua, dressed in mourning clothes, came out to the palace gates. "Mother, how is it that you have time to come today?"The Empress of Qi took his hand and walked into the palace. Though her steps were quick, she did not lose her regal bearing. "Today is Little Eleven's funeral. As your mother, I feared you would be overly saddened, so I came to see you. I will accompany you to the Evergreen Palace later."Jiang Wu Hua then ceased to speak.The mother and son entered the palace chambers and took their seats.Empress He looked around. "Where is Ning'er?"Jiang Wu Hua said casually, "She woke up late. She's still dressing and making up now."Seeing the Empress furrow her brow slightly, he softly explained, "There is plain makeup for plain clothes. Ning'er knows the proper measure."Empress He then let the matter pass and gently waved her hand.The attending palace maids withdrew one after another. For a time, only the mother and son remained seated side by side in the vast palace chambers.This was the most noble pair of mother and son in the entire Eastern Region."Eleven's funeral is already at the level of a Crown Prince, yet the Crown Prince is still well and here! I truly do not know what His Majesty is thinking!" The Empress's tone was already quite displeased.Jiang Wu Hua, however, showed no jealousy, merely saying softly, "Eleven's fate was fraught with misfortune. It is inevitable that Father will show him more pity. When he was alive, I did not contend with him for anything. Now that he is gone, there is even less to contend for."The Empress sighed and gently brushed the hair from Jiang Wu Hua's forehead. "He pities this one and that one every day. When will he pity you more? You are also his flesh and blood, the Crown Prince of Qi. Was it your fault that you were born later and did not accompany him through his most difficult times? Was it your fault that you had your mother's care? You are already so outstanding, so free of flaws. Why is he so harsh towards you?"Jiang Wu Hua's expression remained gentle, showing not the slightest hint of resentment. "Bearing the weight of the state also means bearing its responsibility. It is proper to be a little harsh on the heir apparent. If he errs after inheriting the throne, the very foundation of the nation will be harmed. A thousand refinements are needed to produce a wise ruler."The anger and displeasure on the Empress's face vanished in an instant.She sat there so gracefully, with only nobility and magnanimity. "It is best that you think this way. Whether you truly think this way or pretend to think this way, you must always think this way."Her complaints and dissatisfaction might have stemmed from her true feelings, but their expression was entirely a test for the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince, even before his mother, could not be provoked into any resentment, then he was truly a man with a flawless heart."This son truly thinks so," said Jiang Wu Hua.Everyone knew that the former Crown Prince, Jiang Wu Liang, had been imprisoned in the Qing Shi Palace by the Son of Heaven because of private words of resentment, leaving him to die there in old age.At that time, he had already been deposed for six years. For six years, nothing happened, and he had been trying to recover. But in one morning, everything was cut off.Yet, how were "private words of resentment" known to the Censor?The mistakes of the past are lessons for the future!The Empress nodded with satisfaction. Whether his true feelings were real or not was unimportant. Even she, as his mother, could not judge, nor did she need to judge. This was good. To be able to consistently display this demeanor meant that he was truly a benevolent Crown Prince.She then asked, "When do you plan to achieve the Divine Arrival stage?""In a while," Jiang Wu Hua said calmly. "The optimal time has passed. Little Eleven has just passed away. As his elder brother, if I were to achieve Divine Arrival at this time, not too early, not too late, should people mourn for Little Eleven or rejoice for me? Father would also inevitably ask, 'What does the Crown Prince wish to show? What does the Crown Prince wish to do?'""Very well, you are a man of calculation." The Empress of Qi was now completely at ease. She rose and said, "Let us go to the Evergreen Palace now. If we are late, your father will be displeased.""Yes," Jiang Wu Hua replied gently. "I will go and call Ning'er."Today, the Evergreen Palace was draped in frost and snow, a scene of pure white.It inexplicably gave Jiang Wang the feeling that Jiang Wu Qi was standing before him, wearing his white fox fur cloak.Everyone he saw wore mourning clothes, their expressions sorrowful, but he wondered how many of them were truly grieved!Advisor Wen Yan Yu, along with officials from the Ministry of Rituals, had already taken over the outer part of the Evergreen Palace and arranged all the ceremonial rituals.Two officials from the Ministry of Rituals stood at the palace gates, responsible for receiving and sending off guests.Even Wen Yan Yu himself stood to the side.Of course, even those who came to mourn at the Evergreen Palace at this time were either wealthy or noble, and few were qualified to exchange pleasantries with Wen Yan Yu.He was presiding over the entire funeral this time.Only a handful of people, such as the Son of Heaven and the Empress, could cause him, in his dignity as Advisor, to greet them at the palace gates.As soon as Jiang Wang appeared, an official from the Ministry of Rituals immediately stepped forward and addressed him as Lord Jiang.What surprised the onlookers was that Wen Yan Yu, who had been silent at the palace gates for a long time, actually nodded to Jiang Wang on his own initiative, with a cordial attitude. "You've come?"Jiang Wang had originally intended to shamelessly greet Wen Yan Yu first, regardless of whether the other party would acknowledge him.Among the True Persons who had gone to the Wu Yan Du Mountain Range from Qi to find him earlier, Wen Yan Yu was one. Although it was by the command of the Qi Emperor, he still owed this favor.He did not expect Wen Yan Yu to speak first.He quickly stepped forward and performed the juniors' salute. "I should have visited the True Person's residence earlier, but unfortunately, I was tied up with matters. I am fortunate to see you here today, and I hope the True Person will be lenient.""No matter," Wen Yan Yu said slowly. "If you have time later, you can come and sit at my Orchid Heart Garden. It will also allow this old man to connect with you young people and understand their thoughts.""Certainly." This was not the occasion for pleasantries. Jiang Wang bowed respectfully again and then tactfully said, "Please continue with your duties. This junior will go in first."Wen Ting Lan had once invited him to the Orchid Heart Garden where Wen Yan Yu privately held tea parties with friends, but he had not yet been there. Wen Yan Yu's personal invitation this time could be said to be giving him ample face.However, Jiang Wang knew very well that although he could be considered to have some influence now, in the presence of a figure like Wen Yan Yu, it was nothing.Wen Yan Yu's show of goodwill was more for the sake of Yan Fu.Giving face to Yan Fu's close friend was to support Yan Fu.That wealthy dog's father-in-law is truly remarkable!Bidding farewell to Wen Yan Yu, he walked directly into the palace.The route he took this time was different from the previous two times. The rear section of the Evergreen Palace was not open during this funeral.Palace guards guided him all the way. Soon, he rounded a screen wall and saw an open area.The mourning feast was set up here.There were fifteen tables in total, and only noble persons were allowed to be seated.And Jiang Wang continued to walk forward.Many people were already seated at the tables. Seeing Jiang Wang, their moods were inevitably complex.This most brilliant prodigy of Qi today, who had already reached a high position in the Qi officialdom as a Golden Gourd Warrior, had in fact been in Qi for less than two years when one examined it closely.In these two years, he had experienced so many earth-shattering events and left behind so many thrilling deeds. Now, he was already above these people.Advisor Chen Fu once said—"A so-called peerless prodigy is the kind of person who makes you feel disheartened."And was not the present Jiang Wang bringing this feeling to many people?After all, the funeral of the Eleventh Prince was not a suitable occasion for pleasantries, so no one rashly came forward to disturb him.Jiang Wang walked forward in silence.Passing from the mourning feast area, he reached the main hall of the Evergreen Palace.Jiang Wu Qi was said to have died in front of the Qi Emperor. His coffin was once placed in the Dong Hua Pavilion, showing the Emperor's grief... Now it had been moved back to the Evergreen Palace and rested in the main hall.Feng Gu, the Chief Eunuch of the Evergreen Palace, knelt outside the main hall, bowing to everyone who stepped in to mourn.Seeing Jiang Wang, he even managed a strained smile, pulling at the corners of his mouth. "It pleases the Duke Jiang to come and mourn. If His Highness knows in the netherworld, he will be happy."Jiang Wang half-knelt down and patted his wrinkled hand. Not knowing what to say, he only said, "You have been troubled."Then he stood up and walked into the hall.The place was completely set up as a mourning hall, and the coffin rested in the center of the hall.Beside the solemnly carved coffin stood a familiar figure.The coarse material of the mourning clothes could not conceal her tall, athletic build, nor hide her heroic and valiant bearing.The Mistress of Hua Ying Palace, Jiang Wu You, was looking down at the person in the coffin, her expression neither sorrowful nor joyful, lost in thought.Jiang Wang walked forward.The young man lying in the coffin wore a purple prince's python robe, his eyes slightly closed, his face pale and handsome.At this time, he clearly would no longer fear the cold...And of course, he would no longer cough violently.After standing with her for a while, Jiang Wu You suddenly said, "I used to have a very bad temper. I bullied many people in the palace, either beating this one or that one... But I never bullied him. Because I always felt like he was a porcelain doll, and I was afraid that if I touched him, he would break."Jiang Wang did not know what to say, only sighing. Then he walked to the altar in front of the coffin, bowed meticulously, and offered three sticks of incense to Jiang Wu Qi.At this moment, he heard a faint sobbing sound. Turning his head, he discovered that kneeling on the other side of the coffin was also an acquaintance - the Fourteenth Prince, Jiang Wu Yong.His eyes were red, his expression was grief-stricken, and he was crying very suppressed.It was just that Jiang Wu You's aura was too strong, and he had not noticed this prince at first.However, there was no friendship to speak of between them. Jiang Wang merely glanced over, looked at Jiang Wu You with some concern, but said nothing.He found a seat at the very edge of the chairs arranged on either side of the mourning hall and sat down.Only officials of the third rank and above could offer incense in the main hall of the Evergreen Palace. In this rank, he was indeed at the very edge.Just at this moment, a man of about thirty, with a powdered face and ill-fitting mourning clothes, walked into the mourning hall.Seeing Jiang Wu You, he first bowed. "He Zhen pays his respects to the Third Highness!"Jiang Wu You continued to look at the coffin and paid no heed.He did not mind. He walked around the coffin, went to the altar, took three sticks of incense, bowed three times, inserted them into the incense burner, and then turned to look for a seat.His gaze swept over the Fourteenth Prince kneeling on the other side of the coffin, lightly passing over him. He looked around and saw Jiang Wang sitting at the very edge.His eyes lit up, and he walked directly towards him, sitting down next to Jiang Wang."This must be Qing Yang Zi, right? I am He Zhen! Shall we get acquainted?"Whether he truly admired Jiang Wang or not, his voice was quite loud, and thus a little grating.Jiang Wang thought for a moment and was about to subtly refuse the other party when he heard a cold rebuke."What do you think this place is?"Jiang Wu You, standing beside the coffin, turned slightly, showing only a frosty profile. Her heroic eyes flashed with cold light, and for a moment, it was as if iron horses and golden spears were sweeping with raging thunder. "Get out of here!"He Zhen, the only son of Lord He Fu, the Empress's nephew, was stunned.He subconsciously lifted half of his buttocks, wanting to continue sitting but daring not, wanting to leave but feeling too humiliated.He even thought that perhaps he had misheard, and the Mistress of Hua Ying Palace had told Jiang Wang to get out; after all, he was considered a "relative."But upon meeting Jiang Wu You's cold gaze, all hesitation vanished instantly.Although it was still autumn, it felt as if he was in a world of ice and snow.Although he was in a mourning hall, it felt like he had fallen into a battlefield of slaughter.His body stiffened, and his soul trembled.Ignoring the prospect of making friends, he practically fled out of the mourning hall in a panic.Genius one second: m.173kxsw