When the two of them rushed back to the palace with Xie Cheng, the already cold and quiet palace was already immersed in mourning.
In the palace of the Empress Dowager, the entire palace was hung with black and white banners, and the palace residents also changed into mourning clothes. Everyone looked solemn and solemn, and the entire palace seemed to be only in black and white, without a hint of spring.
Xie Cheng already understood what had happened, and his usually cheerful face tightened.
He lost his father when he was still young and lost his mother last year. The child, who is only a few years old, already understands the meaning of death better than many people.
As soon as he arrived at the entrance of the hall, Xie Cheng let go of Luo Junyao's hand and ran towards the hall.
Princess Changling had already put on a plain uniform and walked out, just in time to stop Xie Cheng who was rushing in.
Xie Cheng looked up at Princess Changling, tears streaming down his face, "Aunt Changling, I want to see the imperial grandmother!"
Princess Changling covered her face and held back her tears. She hugged Xie Cheng and said softly: "A Cheng, the imperial grandmother is going to rest. Can we let the imperial grandmother rest?"
Xie Cheng burst into tears, "Aunt Changling is lying! A Cheng wants the emperor's grandmother! Wuwu... A Cheng promised the emperor's grandmother and will accompany the emperor's grandmother to bask in the sun today. A Cheng wants the emperor's grandmother..."
Princess Changling squatted on the ground, held her nephew in her arms and cried silently.
Not only did A Cheng lose her grandmother, she also lost her mother.
Xie Yan looked at the aunt and nephew in silence, and Luo Junyao couldn't help but blush.
Because of the Empress Dowager's health, she didn't have many interactions with this old man who had gone through countless trials and hardships. Most of the time, the Empress Dowager was asleep. When they came to the Queen Mother's palace, they could only take a look.
She. Occasionally she couldn't bother to talk much when she was awake. Usually they would just sit and talk to each other about the Empress Dowager before falling asleep again.
But even so, in Luo Junyao's heart, the Empress Dowager was still an old man worthy of respect.
She has always been very kind to her, and there has never been the legendary feeling of oppression that parents-in-law and elders have on new wives.
Because of the age difference, Luo Junyao's feeling is probably similar to that of Xie Cheng's. I just feel that she is a kind and kind grandmother.
Luo Junyao raised his head and whispered to Xie Yan: "Let's go in and take a look."
Xie Yan nodded silently and led her inside.
When passing by Princess Changling, Xie Yan didn't say much, he just raised his hand and patted Princess Changling's shoulder gently.
The Empress Dowager passed away very peacefully. If ordinary people didn't know in advance, they would almost think that she was still asleep as usual.
Luo Junyao felt relieved. At least...she didn't suffer any torture when she left.
Xie Yan stood by the bed and looked at it quietly for a long time, then turned his head and asked Eunuch Huang who was kneeling beside him, "How did Auntie Huang get there?"
Eunuch Huang said in a trembling voice: "Back to my lord, the Queen Mother woke up in the morning and used some things. Her Royal Highness the Princess accompanied her and said a few words. At that time, the Queen Mother looked at... nothing was wrong, and the eldest princess also told me
The old slave said that the Empress Dowager seemed to be in good spirits today. Afterwards, the princess went to deal with palace affairs, leaving the old slave to guard the Empress Dowager. Just after noon, the Empress Dowager suddenly woke up and said that she wanted to see... the princess and the prince, Lao Nu
The slave quickly sent someone to invite the eldest princess. But...the Queen Mother only said a few words to the eldest princess, and then left..."
Xie Yan was silent, looking at Eunuch Huang who was kneeling on the ground crying with tears streaming down his face.
He was not unaware of the condition of the Empress Dowager. She had become increasingly weak these days and the decoction was almost useless.
The Prince Regent's Palace was not far from the Royal Palace, but the death knell still rang before the people who went to notify the Prince Regent arrived. This shows that the Queen Mother left very quickly indeed.
Xie Yan closed his eyes and said, "Mr. Huang, please get up. Aunt Huang will go quickly... There are still many things to do."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The death of the Empress Dowager is a big event. Even though I have been preparing for it in the womb these days, now that the day has actually arrived, there are still many things to be busy with.
The sudden sound of the death knell in the palace caused the entire imperial city to become silent for an instant. After reacting, every household took off their original red and green robes, and the entire imperial city seemed to be covered with a layer of darkness in an instant.
White.
Both the dignitaries in the court and the common people in the countryside respected the Empress Dowager.
The Empress Dowager was also from a noble family. When she was young, she never resented Gaozu when he was forced to live in the world. Instead, she gave up the fine clothes and food to support each other along the way. It can be said that the Empress Dowager also took credit for the great cause established by Emperor Gaozu.
Very great.
Later, the emperor Gaozu and the late emperor died early one after another. She first endured the pain of losing her husband to assist the late emperor, and then supported the old and weak emperor to raise and teach the young emperor, stabilizing the court and the public. Moreover, the empress dowager had a graceful and generous personality, was tolerant and kind to others, and was always kind.
She lives a very frugal life, never extravagant or extravagant, which can be said to be the best portrayal of the word "mother's world".
Although the Queen Mother has been in poor health in the past two years, as long as she exists, she gives people a sense of stability. Now that she is gone, people feel sad and inevitably a little uneasy.
During the national mourning period, ordinary people only need to put on plain clothes, do not hold banquets, drink alcohol, listen to orchestras, silk and bamboo, etc., but the dignitaries in the court have to go to the palace to worship.
When the palace gate opened, a large group of courtiers who came to pay homage to the Empress Dowager had gathered in front of the palace gate.
Among them were several senior officials from the Emperor Gaozu's dynasty who were already enjoying their old age at home.
Seeing the palace door slowly opening, the people who were still chatting in low voices stopped talking and walked towards the palace in silence under the guidance of officials from the Ministry of Rites.
The Empress Dowager has been laid to rest, and her burial place is in the Jade Kun Palace behind the Political Affairs Hall.
Xie Yan and Xie Cheng, Princess Changling and Princess Changzhao also brought their children to watch the mourning of the Empress Dowager in the palace.
The mournful music makes people feel sour in their eyes and feel a little jealous in their hearts.
People all knelt on the open space outside the main hall. They knelt down, mourned and cried over and over again with the high-pitched voice of the ceremony official. The sobs and cries above the Jade Kun Palace continued for a long time.
This chapter is not over yet, please click on the next page to continue reading! The etiquette in the palace is naturally complicated. It took half an hour to complete a set of etiquette, and the officials waiting outside came in continuously and repeated them over and over again.
Wear etiquette.
In the west wing of the Jade Kun Palace, Luo Yun looked at his daughter, whose eyes were red and looked obviously tired, and said in a hoarse voice: "The Empress Dowager has passed away, and the eldest princess may not have anything to worry about. You have to take more care of her these days.
"Luo Yun also feels sorry for his daughter, but in this position, he has to bear some responsibilities.
Luo Junyao nodded and said, "Don't worry, dad, I know."
Luo Yun sighed, he was also a little sad after the death of the Empress Dowager.
Mrs. Su took Luo Junyao's hand and whispered: "I'm afraid you will all be living in the palace these days. I just saw that the eldest princess looked wrong, so you should pay more attention. Your Majesty is still young, so at night
You should also be careful when kneeling, and let Your Majesty rest early. The Empress Dowager and the Queen Mother are still in heaven, and they will not want to see Your Majesty hurt his body."
Luo Jun shook his head and agreed.
Luo Yun and Su couldn't stay for long. Now that the regent had to attend to the funeral of the Empress Dowager and also watch over the Empress Dowager's body, Luo Yun could only watch over the affairs of the court.
The memorial ceremony lasted for seven days in the palace. Officials of the fourth rank and above in the court were required to enter the palace every day to pay homage to the Empress Dowager and kneel in her spirit.
The members of the royal family must take turns to keep vigil every day. Now that there are not many people in the royal family, it is naturally even more difficult.
As soon as Luo Yun and Su Shi were sent away, someone from the palace came to the main hall to tell them that Princess An Cheng had fainted.
There was another rush and people sent Princess Ancheng to the side hall to rest.
Princess Ancheng's face was covered with makeup, and her original expression could hardly be seen, but looking at her weak appearance lying on the couch, she knew that she was really working hard.
"Princess." Seeing Luo Jun come in, Prince Ancheng and Xie Xiao quickly stood up to greet her.
Luo Jun waved his hand to signal the two of them to excuse themselves, and asked in a low voice: "How is the princess?"
Prince Ancheng looked a little sad and said: "I'm sorry that Princess Lao is concerned, but it's just a matter of emotional excitement."
Princess Ancheng was born with deficiencies and was sickly. After marrying Prince Ancheng, she only had one son, Xie Xiao. It would have been fine if she had married into an ordinary family, but she still married a person like Prince Ancheng.
Prince Cheng was still deeply devoted to her. Therefore, Princess An Cheng's life in the royal family was not easy in the early years. It was all thanks to the Queen Mother who always stood by her and took good care of her.
When Princess Ancheng was not in such bad health and the Empress Dowager was still healthy, she would often go into the palace to talk to the Empress Dowager. Their relationship was not inferior to that of their own daughter-in-law.
Now that the Empress Dowager has passed away, Princess An Cheng is naturally very sad, but the most important thing about her illness is that she cannot be happy or sad.
Even Prince Ancheng and his son did not dare to tell Xie Xiao that she fell in love with Cui Zheyu. Now the death of the Queen Mother is nothing less than a heavy blow to Princess Ancheng.
Luo Junyao said: "Your health is more important. We are guarding you before your death. The Empress Dowager is kind and will not blame you."
Prince Ancheng nodded, but looked at his sleeping wife with some worry. Although the princess was weak by birth, she was soft on the outside but strong on the inside. If she wanted to guard the funeral...
Luo Junyao said: "The prince told the princess that if she feels guilty, she should ask Xie Xiao to kneel a little longer for her."
Xie Xiao glanced at Luo Junyao gratefully and said quickly: "What the princess said is, father, the child will go back and kneel in mourning right now."
Prince Ancheng looked at his son's back as he hurried out, waved his hands to Jun Luo and said, "Thank you, Princess."
Luo Jun shook his head and said, "There are no concubines or concubines in the palace now. When the prince comes back, he will choose a place to live near the Jade Kun Palace, so as to save the princess from the fatigue on the way in and out every day."
"This... I'm afraid it's not in line with etiquette."
Luo Jun waved his hand, "After all, people are the most important thing. We can talk about the etiquette later."
"yes."
"Young Master." Cao Mao walked into the small courtyard and saw Cao Jie standing under the eaves, looking up at the sky and wondering what he was thinking.
Hearing his voice, Cao Jie just retracted his gaze, looked sideways at him and said, "What's wrong?"
Cao Maodao: "I just received the news that the Empress Dowager passed away. The regent ordered a court stay for seven days and ordered the princes and nobles from all over the country to return to Beijing to mourn for the Empress Dowager."
Hearing this, Cao Jie's sword-shaped eyebrows slightly furrowed, "Your honor? Not an official from various places?"
Cao Mao hesitated for a moment, "It's the vassal prince and nobles. The regent must be worried about what kind of trouble will happen if the officials in charge leave."
Cao Jie snorted coldly and said: "How many vassals are left in Dasheng now? Isn't it obvious who the regent's edict is aimed at?"
Cao Maodao: "The eldest son is saying...no way? There is currently no rumor in the court that the regent wants to target his uncle." There are not many local officials with titles and important positions, and the governor of Qingzhou, Wen Dinghou Cao Mian,
It happens to be one of them.
Cao Jie also knew that his suspicion was unreasonable. This edict most likely referred to those nobles of the clan. After all, there were very few local officials with titles.
But ever since the so-called Young Master Dongfang appeared out of thin air and let Chen Xun out of control, he had a vague feeling of uneasiness.
It stands to reason that the Regent is currently facing foreign aggression and instability in southern Xinjiang, so he should not have the time to deal with Emperor Gaozu's former heroes. But from what happened with Ruan Ting and Prince Ning, we can know that His Highness the Regent was born in the military after all.
, you don’t always have to look at the situation when doing things.
Cao Jie thought for a moment and said in a deep voice: "The imperial court's messenger must have already set off, but it doesn't matter that we still have time."
"What does the eldest son want to do?" Cao Mao asked worriedly.
Cao Jie said: "I will go to Feng's house later."
Cao Mao was surprised, "Young master, you want to see Mr. Feng?" Nowadays, the Cao family's old friends in the capital don't know that Cao Jie is in the capital. Although Cao Jie has no official position and does not have the crime of sending an official back to the capital privately, it is inevitable that the news will spread.
It makes people think too much.
Cao Jie said: "I have to find out whether the regent's edict was unintentional or deliberate." Even if Xie Yan just forgot his father's title and had no intention of recalling him, his father could not help him once the edict came out.
No return.
"Yes." Cao Jie was determined, and Cao Mao could only nod in agreement.
"The death of the Empress Dowager is too sudden." Cao Jie didn't know what he thought of, and suddenly murmured: "However, this matter is not a bad thing for us."
Cao Mao remained silent, while Cao Jie waved his sleeves and said in a deep voice: "Take advantage of this opportunity to transfer some people to Shangyong Lai."
Cao Mao hesitated and said: "My eldest son, my uncle told us to do things in Shangyong..."
Cao Jie snorted coldly and said: "Be cautious! Father is too cautious! If not, why would we let a boy of unknown origin run wild on us? The hidden stakes installed in the home cannot be easily moved, and they cannot be moved from the outside.
If you send someone here, are you just going to watch that kid being rampant?"
Cao Mao knew that he could not persuade Cao Jie. His cousin had always been proud, but this time he was slapped in the face by a teenager of unknown origin.
If I don't say this, I'm afraid I won't be able to be kind.
Anyway, if there is no problem with the imperial edict, it won't be long before my uncle arrives at Shangyong, and everything will be decided in a comfortable way by then.
However, Cao Mao couldn't help but remind him, "Eldest Master, I'm afraid that the Fang family will also go to Shangyong soon."
The person sent by the Fang family to investigate Fang Shuo's death died unexplainedly in Shangyong, Yang Xin's hidden stake, and the young man of unknown origin. If he really continues to attack the Fang family's industry and the hidden stake, these things are all
After they came to Shangyong, it was inevitable that the Fang family would ask the eldest son for an explanation.
Cao Jie said coldly: "This is that boy's business. Can the Fang family still rely on us?"
"Young Master is right." Cao Mao lowered his head and said.
