In the fifty-fifth year of Yuan Feng, on the twenty-sixth day of the tenth month, the funeral rites for Jiang Wuqi commenced.

The scale of this funeral was unprecedented.

Wen Yanyu, the Court Discussing Doctor, personally oversaw the Ministry of Rites’ chief offerings.

The Son of Heaven issued a decree:

Ninety attendants and guards from Longsheng Palace, along with six hundred officials and protective troops from the Clan Imperial Office, were to observe twenty-seven days of mourning.

All civil and military officials across the court were to remove their crowns and wear plain garments for seven days.

Even the Son of Heaven, in his august position, removed his crown and offered sacrifice for three days.

Within the main hall of Longsheng Palace, a ceremonial carriage was arrayed, and princes and ministers gathered to perform the rites according to established custom.

Outside the hall, a banquet was offered, with fifteen designated seats.

Within Linzi, officials and commoners alike were forbidden from enjoying music or holding weddings for thirteen days. Across the entire realm, officials and commoners were forbidden from enjoying music or holding weddings for three days…

Such funeral specifications far exceeded what was customary for a prince.

For a time, the three-hundred-li expanse of Linzi City was shrouded in an air of solemnity.

Including the four renowned establishments of Linzi, several brothels, wine houses, and gambling dens, every household displayed signs announcing their closure.

The Son of Heaven, seemingly still not content, ordered Yan Tu, commander of the Zhan Yu Army, and Li Youjiu, a third-rank Azure Plaque Catcher, among twenty-three spies from the Pingdeng Kingdom, to be publicly dismembered at the execution grounds, so as to comfort the departed spirit of the Eleventh Prince.

When a true master perishes, heaven and earth mourn. To use this as a sacrifice for the master of Longsheng Palace truly represented the highest possible funeral specifications.

It was said that the crowds gathered to witness the execution stretched for a full five li, completely surrounding the execution grounds.

“Going to watch?” In the Jiang family’s Yaoguang Workshop, Chong Xuan Sheng inquired. “There’s still a little time.”

Clad in mourning attire, Jiang Wang emerged from the inner chambers. “Watch what?” he asked.

Chong Xuan Sheng narrowed his eyes. Unconsciously, the young man before him had truly matured. Though dressed only in rough hemp garments, he wore them with an air of grace and elegance. And his gait, truly possessing an immortal aura… Was immortal technique truly so remarkable?

He glanced down at the mourning clothes on himself, which made him feel utterly uncomfortable… They were too ill-fitting!

Later, he must summon several tailors. And, yes, another sedan chair was necessary. The potted plants in this courtyard were also unsuitable; they needed to be replaced.

His mind instantly filled with numerous concerns, yet his mouth spoke: “Li Youjiu harmed you so greatly; do you not wish to see him cleaved by a thousand knives, ten thousand cuts? It is said this time they will inflict precisely three thousand three hundred and eighteen cuts. Should the number of cuts fall short, he will not be allowed to die.”

Jiang Wang shook his head. “Since the outcome is already certain death, what is there to see?”

“You don’t hate him?” Fourteen, seldom speaking, asked with a touch of curiosity.

“Hate, yes. To be inexplicably trapped and harmed by him, how could I not hate?” Jiang Wang said very seriously. “If Li Youjiu had not been apprehended and remained alive, I would certainly kill him later. This is the extent of my hatred towards him. But it extends no further; I simply require his death and have no need to appreciate the process.”

“Then allow the court to execute him,” Chong Xuan Sheng advised. “Even the commanders of the Nine Graduates have their connections. The power of the Pingdeng Kingdom is far greater than I imagined. You should not put yourself forward.”

Having been targeted by the Pingdeng Kingdom on multiple occasions, Jiang Wang naturally held some opinions regarding them, but he uttered no harsh words. Instead, he subtly changed the subject: “Today is the Eleventh Prince’s funeral. We should hasten to offer incense.”

Chong Xuan Sheng: …

Jiang Wang then suddenly realized: “Oh, I almost forgot!”

He adjusted his collar and said lightly: “Only officials of the third rank and above can enter the main hall of Longsheng Palace to offer incense… *Cough*, then I shall go first.”

With these words, he lifted his robe and, without giving Chong Xuan Pang a chance to retort, departed with a flourish.

Chong Xuan Sheng maintained a composed expression, watching the retreating figure. He merely said to Fourteen: “I asked the wrong question just now.”

Fourteen tilted her head, offering a questioning gaze.

“I should have asked him if he wanted to conduct some research on the performance of a golden body and jade marrow beneath the divine pond’s influence. And if he wanted to closely observe the data of a true master’s physical body enduring three thousand three hundred and eighteen knife cuts. Furthermore, the executioner capable of cleaving through a golden body and jade marrow, a true master’s physique, his knife technique is also worth studying.”

Fourteen pondered for a moment and had to admit that Chong Xuan Sheng’s words held considerable logic. Jiang Wang was indeed the type of person who would find interest in such matters.

“Then are you going to see it or not?” she asked.

“Not going.” Chong Xuan Sheng turned back towards his own courtyard. “The death of a true master is not some rare occurrence.”

“Are you not going to the funeral either?” Fourteen followed behind and inquired.

“Delaying it as much as possible is preferable…” Chong Xuan Sheng finally lost his composure. “Seeing that fellow with the surname Jiang now only makes me angry!”

The entire city was draped in frost and snow, and Changle Palace was no exception.

Clad in mourning attire, the Crown Prince of Great Qi, Jiang Wuhua, emerged from the palace gates. “Mother Empress, how is it you have leisure to visit today?”

The Empress of Great Qi clasped his hand and walked into the palace. Though her steps were swift, she did not lose her phoenix-like demeanor. “Today is the funeral of little Eleventh. As your mother, I feared you might grieve excessively, so I came to see you. We will go to Longsheng Palace together later.”

Jiang Wuhua spoke no further.

Mother and son entered the palace chambers and sat down.

The Empress looked left and right. “Where is Ning’er?”

Jiang Wuhua said casually: “She rose late and is still dressing.”

He saw the Empress frown slightly.

He then softly explained: “Simple and plain makeup has its own simplicity. Ning’er understands the boundaries.”

The Empress thus let the matter pass, lightly waving her hand.

Attendants and palace maids nearby all withdrew. In the vast palace chambers, for a time, only mother and son sat side by side.

This was the most noble pair of mother and son in the entire Eastern Domain.

“Eleventh’s funeral is already of the Crown Prince’s specifications, yet the Crown Prince himself is still here! I truly do not know what His Majesty is thinking!” The Empress’s tone was already quite dissatisfied.

Jiang Wuhua, however, showed no sign of jealousy, merely saying softly: “Eleventh’s fate was full of hardships; Father Emperor inevitably pities him more. While he was alive, I did not compete with him. Now that he is gone, there is even less need to compete.”

The Empress sighed and lightly stroked Jiang Wuhua’s forehead hair. “He pities this one and that one every day. When can he pity you more? You are also his own flesh and blood, the Crown Prince of Great Qi. Being born late, not having accompanied him through the most difficult times, is that your fault? Having a mother to look after you, is that your fault? You are already so outstanding, so flawless, why is he so harsh towards you?”

Jiang Wuhua maintained his gentle expression, without a hint of resentment. “Bearing the heavy burden of the state requires bearing the responsibility of the state. Being somewhat harsh towards the heir is proper. If one waits to succeed the great unification and then makes mistakes, it harms the national foundation. Through a thousand hammers and a hundred refinements, a wise ruler for governing is forged.”

The anger and dissatisfaction on the Empress’s face vanished in an instant.

She sat there with such dignity, possessing only nobility and magnanimity. “It is best that you can think this way. Regardless of whether you truly think so or falsely think so, you must always think so.”

Her complaints and dissatisfaction might indeed have stemmed from the heart, but displaying them was entirely a test for the Crown Prince. If the Crown Prince, in the presence of his mother, could remain unaffected by any resentful emotions, that would be true heavenly intent without flaws.

“This son truly thinks so with his whole heart,” Jiang Wuhua said.

The world knew that the former Crown Prince, Jiang Wuliang, was imprisoned by the Son of Heaven in Qing Shi Palace for life due to private words of resentment.

At that time, he had already been deposed for six years. After six years without incident, consistently attempting to be restored, all hope was severed in a single morning.

But how were those “private words of resentment” known to the imperial historian?

The lesson from the preceding carriage serves as a teacher for subsequent events!

The Empress nodded in satisfaction. Whether the sentiment was true or false was not important; even she, as his mother, could not judge and had no need to. This was excellent; to be able to consistently display this appearance was the mark of a truly benevolent Eastern Palace.

She asked again: “When do you plan to achieve Shenlin?”

“After a period of time. The optimal moment has already passed,” Jiang Wuhua said steadily. “Little Eleventh has just departed. For me, as his brother, to choose this time, not too early and not too late, to achieve Shenlin… Should everyone grieve for little Eleventh, or rejoice for me? Father Emperor will also inevitably ask, what does the Crown Prince wish to demonstrate? What does the Crown Prince intend to do?”

“That is also good; you are a calculating one.” The Empress of Great Qi had completely set her heart at ease. She stood up. “Let us go to Longsheng Palace now. Delaying will displease Father Emperor.”

“Very well,” Jiang Wuhua responded warmly. “I will go and summon Ning’er.”

Longsheng Palace today was draped in frost and snow, entirely in white.

Somehow, it gave Jiang Wang the feeling that Jiang Wuqi was standing right in front of him, wearing white fox fur.

Everyone he saw wore mourning attire, their expressions solemn. Yet, who knew how many were truly heartbroken?

Court Discussing Doctor Wen Yanyu, leading officials from the Ministry of Rites, had already taken charge of the entire outer palace area of Longsheng Palace, arranging all the rituals.

Two Vice Ministers from the Ministry of Rites stood guard at the gates of Longsheng Palace, responsible for welcoming and seeing off guests.

Even Wen Yanyu himself stood nearby.

Of course, even those who could come to Longsheng Palace at this time to pay their respects, all of whom were rich or noble, not many had the qualification to converse with Wen Yanyu.

He was hosting the entire funeral this time.

Those who could merit his welcome at the palace gates, in his honorable capacity as Court Discussing Doctor, were naturally only the current Son of Heaven, the Empress, and a select few others.

As soon as Jiang Wang appeared, a Vice Minister from the Ministry of Rites immediately stepped forward, addressing him as Lord Jiang.

What surprised the onlookers was that Wen Yanyu, who had been silent at the palace gates for a long time, actually took the initiative to nod to Jiang Wang, his attitude cordial. “You have come?”

Jiang Wang had originally intended to brazenly greet Wen Yanyu first, regardless of whether the other would respond.

Earlier, when the Qi country sent people to the Wumeng Mountain Range to find him, Wen Yanyu was among them. Although it was by the command of the Son of Heaven of Qi, he still had to accept this favor.

He had not expected Wen Yanyu to speak first.

He quickly approached, performing the rites of a junior. “I should have visited the True Master’s residence earlier. Unfortunately, various matters entangled me. I am fortunate to meet you here today and hope for your understanding.”

“It matters not,” Wen Yanyu said slowly. “Later, when you have time, you can come to my Lanxin Garden for a visit. It will also allow this old man to connect with you young people and understand your thoughts.”

“Certainly.” This was not the place for small talk. Jiang Wang performed another proper rite, then sensibly said: “You are busy; this junior will go in first.”

Wen Tinglan had once invited him to visit Wen Yanyu’s private tea and gathering place, Lanxin Garden, and he had indeed not been there. Wen Yanyu’s personal invitation this time could be said to have shown him great face.

But Jiang Wang was very clear in his heart that although he could now be considered to have some standing, before a figure like Wen Yanyu, he still amounted to little.

Wen Yanyu’s display of goodwill was more for the sake of Yan Fu.

Giving face to Yan Fu’s close friend was helping Yan Fu maintain his standing.

That rich old father-in-law of the dog is truly not bad!

Having bid farewell to Wen Yanyu, he walked directly towards the interior of the palace.

The route he took this time was different from the previous two occasions. The back hall of Longsheng Palace was not open for this funeral.

Palace guards guided the way the entire time. He quickly绕 around a screen wall and then saw a spacious area.

The offering seats were set up precisely here.

There were a total of fifteen seats, and only nobles were permitted to sit.

And Jiang Wang continued to walk forward.

At this time, many people were already seated, and upon seeing Jiang Wang, some inevitably felt mixed emotions.

The most dazzling heavenly talent in Qi country now, the golden melon warrior who had already ascended to a high position in Qi country’s officialdom, if one carefully traced back, he had not even been in Qi for a full two years.

In these two years, how many earth-shattering events he had experienced, how many thrilling stories he had left behind, now already surpassing these people.

Court Discussing Doctor Chen Fu once said—”So-called absolute world heavenly talent is the kind of person who will cause your heart to give birth to feelings of discouragement.”

Now, was Jiang Wang not also bringing this feeling to many people?

The Eleventh Prince’s funeral was, after all, not a suitable occasion for small talk, so no one rashly came forward to disturb him.

Jiang Wang moved forward silently.

Walking past the offering seats, one reached the main hall of Longsheng Palace.

Jiang Wuqi was said to have died in front of the Qi Emperor. His coffin was once placed in Donghua Pavilion, fully demonstrating the Son of Heaven’s grief… It had now been moved back to Longsheng Palace and was placed in the main hall.

Feng Gu, the chief eunuch of Longsheng Palace, knelt outside the main hall, bowing to every person entering the main hall to pay their respects.

Upon seeing Jiang Wang, he still pulled up the corner of his mouth, managing a strained smile. “Lord Jiang has come to pay his respects. Your Highness, if he knew under the spring, would be pleased.”

Jiang Wang half-squatted down and patted his wrinkled hand. Not knowing what to say, he simply said: “You have worked hard.”

He then stood up and walked into the hall.

The hall here was completely arranged as a spirit hall, with the coffin placed in the center of the hall.

Beside the solemn, carved coffin, a familiar figure stood.

Even the rough material of the mourning clothes could not conceal her tall and sturdy physique, could not hide her heroic spirit.

The Master of Hua Ying Palace, Jiang Wuyou, stood with her head lowered, looking at the person in the coffin. Her expression showed no sadness or joy, and it was unclear what she was thinking.

Jiang Wang walked forward.

Lying in the coffin was that youth, wearing a set of purple prince python robes, his eyes slightly closed, his face pale and handsome.

At this time, he clearly would no longer fear the cold…

Of course, he would also no longer cough suddenly.

After standing in accompaniment for a while, Jiang Wuyou suddenly said: “My temper used to be terrible. I bullied many people in the palace, beating this one, then that one… Only I never bullied him. Because I always felt he was like a porcelain doll, and I feared he would shatter if I touched him.”

Jiang Wang did not know what to say, only sighed. He then walked near the offering table in front of the coffin, performed the rites seriously, and offered Jiang Wuqi three sticks of incense.

At this moment, he heard a faint sobbing sound. He turned back to look and only then discovered, kneeling on the other side of the coffin, another familiar person—the Fourteenth Prince, Jiang Wuyong.

His eyes were red, his expression sorrowful, crying very suppressed.

It was just that Jiang Wuyou’s aura was too strong, and he had not noticed this prince at first glance.

However, there was no significant friendship between them, so Jiang Wang merely glanced over, then looked at Jiang Wuyou with some concern, but said nothing.

He found one of the chairs arranged on either side of the spirit hall and sat in the outermost position.

Only officials of the third rank and above could enter the main hall of Longsheng Palace to offer incense. At this level, he was indeed in the outermost position.

Just at this moment.

A man in his thirties, with a powdered face and mourning clothes not very properly worn, walked into the spirit hall.

Seeing Jiang Wuyou, he first performed a rite: “This Zhen has seen Third Highness!”

Jiang Wuyou was still looking at the person in the coffin and paid him no heed.

He also didn’t mind. He walked directly around the coffin, went to the offering table, took three sticks of incense, bowed three times, inserted them into the incense burner, then turned to find a seat.

His gaze swept over the Fourteenth Prince kneeling on the other side of the coffin, passing over him lightly. He looked around and then saw Jiang Wang sitting at the outermost edge.

His eyes brightened, and he walked directly over, sitting next to Jiang Wang.

“This must be Qing Yang Zi, right? I am What Zhen! Shall we get acquainted?”

He didn’t know if he truly appreciated Jiang Wang very much, but his voice was indeed a bit too loud, thus a bit harsh.

Jiang Wang thought for a moment, about to subtly decline the other’s overture, when he heard a cold reprimand.

“What do you take this place for?”

Jiang Wuyou, standing by the coffin, slightly turned her face, showing only a frosty profile. Her heroic eyes suddenly filled with a cold light, instantly resembling the rolling thunder of iron horses and golden drums. “Get out of my sight!”

Country uncle What Fu’s only son, the nephew of the Empress of Great Qi, What Zhen, the great young master, was stunned for a moment.

He subconsciously lifted his buttocks halfway, wanting to remain seated but not daring to, wanting to leave but feeling too much a loss of face.

He even felt that perhaps he had misheard, that the Master of Hua Ying Palace was telling Jiang Wang to leave. After all, he was also considered a “relative”.

But upon meeting Jiang Wuyou’s cold eyes, he suddenly had no more reservations.

It was clearly still autumn, yet it felt as though he was in ice and snow.

It was clearly a spirit hall, yet it felt as though he had fallen into a battlefield of killing.

His body stiffened, his soul trembling.

He no longer cared about making friends, and almost in a panic, he fled towards the outside of the spirit hall.

One second to remember: m.173kxsw