At about six o’clock in the morning, it was the busiest time in front of the south gate of Pingcheng. There were various small stalls, and the stall owners were shouting.
At that time, the government had issued an official document stating that the late Emperor passed away, requiring officials and people to observe a three-month national mourning, during which no banquets, marriages, or music were allowed.
At the same time, there were also measures to benefit the people when the new Emperor ascended the throne to amnesty the world and reduce taxes.
For the common people, as long as these measures didn’t significantly impact their lives, the identity of the Emperor in the capital was of little concern. Conversations took place in hushed tones, with individuals discussing the news. Those with relatives or friends who had committed crimes were pleased, as they no longer had to face imprisonment. Naturally, those who had suffered at their hands were dissatisfied.
Despite their grievances, the presence of guards nearby deterred any open expressions of discontent, and people limited their discussions to whispers.
Suddenly, a sound of horseshoes came from a distance, and the people lining up outside the city looked back, and someone exclaimed, “It’s His Royal Highness Yan!” With the voice, everyone stared closely at the approaching cavalry.
As they approached the city gate, the horses slowed down. King Yan, being the lord of the city, had no need to come to a stop. Leading the procession slowly into the city, the people caught sight of King Yan’s current state���a weary countenance with swollen eyelids from crying, and a pair of bloodshot eyes. His crumpled robe, adorned with a layer of white filial piety, was stained with both blood and dust.
The onlookers exchanged bewildered glances.
The Emperor had passed away, and tradition dictated that his sons should attend the funeral, much like the sons of common people. Even in the face of significant events, a son was expected to return promptly after the death of their father. Why, then, had he returned?
King Yan looked blank, seemingly oblivious to the doubts of the people.
However, not long after his steed crossed the city gate, those observing him closely saw his figure waver, and the next moment, he fell off the horse.
“My lord!”
“Father!”
Exclamations echoed one after another. Fortunately, a quick-witted farmer in the line had sharp eyes and agile hands, managing to catch King Yan’s falling body in the nick of time.
The three brothers and the guards rushed over immediately, but no matter how they yelled, King Yan had his eyes shut and had passed out.
Wei Luo made a swift decision and secured a carriage from a departing family. The three brothers carefully placed King Yan into the carriage and promptly set off for the palace.
In the afternoon, two pieces of news circulated in Pingcheng.
“The first Emperor left a will, forbidding the vassals from attending the funeral, and King Yan was compelled to turn back midway through the arduous journey day and night.”
“He was brought back to the palace.”
These two pieces of news were accurate, but as they spread, they were exaggerated by the people. The accounts became so exaggerated that some even speculated that King Yan might die from grief. What a filial son!
—–
When King Yan was carried back to the palace, Yin Hui and others continued to kneel in the mourning hall built by the palace for the late Emperor.
Even though the first Emperor was in the capital, the descendants of Yan Palace were obligated to guard the spirit, and the mourning hall was considered essential.
Upon learning that King Yan was in a coma, Princess Xu hastily left with the extended family. Upon reaching Qinzheng Hall, Princess Xu instructed Concubine Li and the younger concubines to wait outside while she and Wei Yang hurried into the inner hall.
Wei Yan, Wei Luo, and Wei Xuan also stood in front of the couch.
King Yan still had his eyes closed, and He Jing, the palace doctor, was checking his pulse.
“How did your father fall ill?” Princess Xu inquired anxiously, directing her concern toward Wei Yan.
Wei Yani sighed and provided a brief explanation.
Wei Yang, displaying anger, couldn’t blame the Emperor. Instead, he vented his frustration at his three younger brothers, “How have you been taking care of your father? If you had served him with all your heart, he might not be in such a critical condition!”
Wei Yan lowered his eyes, and Wei Xuan looked over, just as Wei Yan was about to explain, Princess Xu looked over with a frown and said to her son, “No one would do this intentionally, so there is no need to explain.”
Wei Yang snorted, walked up to He Jing, and put on a concerned expression.
King Yan woke up leisurely.
Wei Yang exclaimed excitedly, “Father, you are awake?! How do you feel now? Are you uncomfortable?”
King Yan twitched the corners of his eyes slightly and glanced at the people around him. He sighed, closed his eyes, and waved his hands, “Except for the doctor, everyone, go out.”
Wei Yang hesitated to speak, glancing at his mother.
Princess Xu understood King Yan’s temperament well. Having also experienced the pain of losing her father, she knew that in moments of sorrow, comforting words could be futile, potentially irritating rather than providing solace. When King Yan offered comfort, it had to be gratefully accepted. However, if King Yan did not appreciate such consolation, it was best for everyone to remain silent.
“Let’s all step back,” Princess Xu suggested, signaling for everyone to leave.
Princess Xu made the decision, and the four brothers left.
About two quarters of an hour later, doctor He Jing came out. King Yan was too sad and hurt his vitality, so he could only prescribe medications to help his recuperate, and the rest was left to him to get out of the grief.
Princess Xu understood. Seeing that the three brothers appeared tired and they all looked like they hadn’t rested well. She said, “Go back and rest first, King Yan is safe here.”
A group of people stood guard around the head of the family. At dusk, King Yan regained his spirits and invited his wife, concubines, and grandchildren to join him. He requested that they earnestly pray for the spirit of the late Emperor.
With no need for a night vigil, everyone, except for Princess Xu and Wei Yang who remained in the Hall of Qinzheng, departed.
In Chengxin Hall, Wei Luo, who hadn’t had a bath during the days of their journey and refrained from calling for water in the midst of his father’s grief, now had the opportunity. Following the usual routine, he had someone prepare water, and then Wei Luo followed Yin Hui into the hall.
Xiao Xun had been taken away by the wet nurse. Although Xiao Heng wanted to be close to his father, Yin Hui subtly signaled for him to return to the room.
Sensibly, Xiao Heng complied and left obediently.