Chapter 136.1 – Despicable

The next month passed quickly, and time passed by unknowingly amidst the busyness.

The Emperor’s abdication to the Royal Heir progressed smoothly. Although the kings and officials found it a little hard to believe, the Emperor had already reached an understanding with the Prime Minister and the others in advance. If someone raised an objection afterwards, there was no need for the Emperor to say anything, the Prime Minister and the others would help him deal with it.

In three days, the Ministry of Rites hastily prepared the ceremony, and while he was still in the middle of mourning, the Royal Heir was pushed to the throne before he knew it. Many people had not even seen the new monarch’s appearance until today – although he was still young and his talent was still unknown, there was still a faint shadow of the Crown Prince on him, which made many of the officials have high hopes for him.

After the new monarch ascended to the throne, King Chu was indeed reinstated, and was the first to receive a favor from the Young Emperor.

It wasn’t clear if King Chu was feeling grateful towards the Young Emperor, but King Qi and King Wei had been feeling really angry and resentful these days. As princes, how could they not have any ambitions for the throne? They even had a rare opportunity with the Emperor and the Crown Prince being assassinated. But after just a day of ups and downs, when they turned their heads, they had to bow down to their young nephew.

Were they convinced? No way! They didn’t think that the Eldest Grandson had any advantage over them other than being the Crown Prince’s son. And just like them, he was also someone born from a concubine. Speaking of being a legal heir, seniority, and capability, he was no better than them, so how could they be convinced?

The Old Emperor was correct to abdicate early. Otherwise, once he closed his eyes, these unconvinced uncles would immediately cause trouble.

Fortunately, the abdication process went smoothly, and King Qi and the others did not dare to make any fuss at this juncture. After the Old Emperor abdicated, he did not die right away. Holding on to his last breath, he sent his grandson to the throne, and also supported him and took care of him.

Until a month later, when the new monarch’s position gradually stabilized, the old Emperor who had refused to breathe his last breath also finally let go.

Before the flowers of spring bloomed, Liang State had a national funeral.

Everyone was prepared for this, but when the day truly arrived, the number of people who mourned was still uncountable. The weeping and mourning for days might have been exaggerated, but the initial tears and sadness were real.

In the public office, the Old Emperor had gotten along with his numerous officials for many decades. In private, he had always been the pillar of support for the princes and princesses. And as far as the people in the kingdom was concerned, he was the one who created the peaceful and prosperous Liang of today. His passing was a blow to everyone, and as news of the Emperor’s death spread across the country, sounds of sorrow were also heard everywhere.

Qi Yang sent away her brother and father one after the other. Unable to bear the grief anymore, she wept bitterly in front of the Old Emperor’s spirit tablet. She never missed the vigil for several days in a row, and she had not returned to the princess’s mansion even once. She looked haggard and emaciated.

King Lu looked at Qi Yang who was crying sincerely, then at the several princes and princesses who were still performing various tricks in front of the mourning hall. He sighed, and couldn’t bear looking at it. He tried persuading Qi Yang twice, but it didn’t work, so he turned around and started blaming her prince consort. She usually looked smart and was very affectionate with Qi Yang – how come she didn’t know how to persuade her when it came to the critical moment?

Lu Qipei smiled bitterly hearing that, but did not explain herself. She just lowered her head and allowed King Lu to blame her.

What could she say? Right now Qi Yang was feeling uncomfortable, and she probably didn’t want to see her. If she appeared in front of Qi Yang, she would just be a sore in her eyes.

Fortunately, the late Emperor’s funeral was also carried out quickly. Even though the Young Emperor in charge was still lacking, it was still carried out in an orderly manner. When the late Emperor’s coffin entered the mountain tomb, the grueling funeral was also over.

But Lu Qipei waited for two days in the princess’s mansion, and that person still did not return.

Qi Yang stayed in Jingchen Palace for the time being, because another busy schedule was already following – although the Young Emperor had been in the throne for more than a month, he was still under the late Emperor’s care back then. Now that the late Emperor was gone, everything was starting to get overwhelming.

The Prime Minister was very capable, but they must guard against having him control everything. King Lu had great prestige, but he had not been involved in politics for a long time. As for the Nation Protecting Great General, he was a warrior at heart. He could lead troops to a fight, but he really didn’t know about politics. So in the end, it still fell on Qi Yang, who had no name in politics, but was the person who entrusted to by the late Crown Prince.

After Qi Yang finished dealing with the backlog of government affairs that accumulated during the mourning period, she became fully haggard again.

Lu Qipei felt heartbroken and didn’t know what to do, because Qi Yang rejected her on the first day she returned to the mansion, and coldly told her, “I have to mourn my Royal Father.”

In ancient times, the mourning period after a parent passed away was three years, twenty seven months to be exact. During this period, they could not drink alcohol, seek pleasure, get married, join banquets, and married couples were not allowed to share a room. Qi Yang’s reason was irrefutable, and Lu Qipei had no other choice but to agree to sleep separately.

Lu Qipei’s belongings were quickly moved to the study, and the bedroom that originally belonged to the two of them suddenly became much emptier.

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