She answered and carefully packed the things away.
Shaoyao then turned and left.
The palace maids looked at each other, cautiously continuing to pack up the items.
They had met Princess Yijia before but never expected the Empress Dowager to favor her this much. Now that the Empress Dowager had passed away, she left all her cherished possessions to Princess Yijia, showing immense love and affection.
The Emperor sat on the Dragon Throne, listening to the Imperial Astronomical Bureau choose a date.
"Your Majesty, the best date is March 21st. If we miss that, the next suitable day would be June 5th!"
The Emperor rubbed his temples, finally saying after a long silence, "Then March 21st it is!"
In truth, he preferred to conduct the burial immediately.
That old hag, schemed against him even on her deathbed!
No burial goods for her then, not a single item, not even the Zitan Buddha Beads. She will go with nothing.
With this in mind, the Emperor made up his mind.
"Your Majesty, Prince Rui has entered the palace!" Sea Eunuch whispered from the side.
The Emperor frowned at the news, "Where is he?"
"He’s already gone to Cining Palace!"
The Emperor took a deep breath before standing up, "I shall go to Cining Palace as well!"
Chu Yu was offering incense, his expression somber as he looked at the Empress Dowager’s coffin.
"The Emperor has arrived!"
Chu Yu turned to see the Emperor walking slowly towards them, now dressed in mourning clothes. His expression carried sorrow yet his eyes betrayed a certain joy and abandon.
Poisons the object of his admiration, what’s there to be so free and unrestrained about?
Chu Yu could not understand.
"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Chu Yu offered a slight bow.
"No need for formalities among brothers!" The Emperor offered a symbolic gesture of support.
Both men were full of feigned concern.
"Since Your Majesty says so, I will dispense with the formalities!" Chu Yu said and turned back to the Empress Dowager’s coffin, asking quietly, "Your Majesty, it is said that the Empress Dowager gave all her lifelong collected treasures to Princess Yijia before she died?"
"Yes!" The Emperor responded, probing, "Could it be that you have an interest in Princess Yijia?"
"Princess Yijia is a beauty of peerless elegance, kind and gentle. She is also my savior. Naturally, I have some feelings for her. But I don’t know if Your Majesty would consent!"
"You are not young anymore either. It’s rare to find someone you truly like. Of course, I approve. However, has Princess Yijia agreed?"
"I haven’t dared to speak to her yet, Your Majesty. Please don’t let it slip. Girls are thin-skinned, I’m afraid if word gets out, it would tarnish my reputation, and she might refuse!"
The Emperor laughed, "You are aware of your bad reputation. I’ve told you many times to cherish it. Now you see the consequences!"
Chu Yu chuckled awkwardly.
He chose to remain silent.
The Emperor said nothing but was inwardly wary of Chu Yu getting close to Yun Jinnian.
Yun Jinnian’s medical skills were famously precise. A woman who could heal and save lives could bring tremendous advantages, countless wealth, and connections.
Therefore, he must prevent Chu Yu and Yun Jinnian from being together.
Thinking of this, he realized his suitable sons were the Fifth Prince, Sixth Prince, and Seventh Prince. The others were too young, so the Fifth Prince it must be.
Yun Jinnian, a Commandery Princess by his decree, could never be a concubine.
Furthermore, Consort De was sensible and well-behaved, and the Fifth Prince was both scholarly and skillful in martial arts, with a commendable character. In every respect, he matched well with Yun Jinnian.
The Emperor turned to look at Sea Eunuch.
"Your Majesty, Princess Yijia has entered the palace!"
The Emperor frowned, "She has entered the palace?"