The matter of the Empress's uncle colluding with the enemy and committing treason occupied the Emperor for several days.
By the time he finally had a moment to recall the Second Prince, a delegation from the Second Prince's manor had already entered the palace, tearfully delivering the news of his demise.
The Emperor nearly spat blood from sheer rage on the spot.
When the news reached the inner palace, the Second Prince's birth mother, Consort Xian, directly fainted from shock.
The imperial court and the inner palace were thrown into utter chaos.
The first thing Consort Xian did upon waking was to demand that the Emperor declare the Second Prince's funeral a state affair, mandating that all of Da Sheng wear mourning attire for three months, prohibiting marriages for a year, and suspending the imperial examinations for a year as well.
Whether the Emperor would agree was one thing, but Zhang Yicheng, upon hearing this news, was dumbfounded.
They had planned to get married this year!
If this decree was enacted, their wedding would be postponed by at least a year, causing Zhang Yicheng, who was eager to claim his beauty, to gnash his teeth in frustration.
He turned to his father and said, "A mere Second Prince, not the Grand Emperor or Empress Dowager, not the Emperor or Empress, not the Crown Prince, nor someone with meritorious deeds – by what right should he be afforded a state funeral? Father, His Majesty's actions are utterly foolish!"
The Prime Minister also found it perplexing.
But he was a loyal subject, and since nothing was yet decided, he said, "This is not yet finalized. Do not speak recklessly. His Majesty would not..."
"My Lord."
Following a flurry of urgent footsteps, someone appeared at the doorway, bowing to them. "My Lord, Young Master."
"What causes such haste?"
The person replied, "News just arrived from the palace. His Majesty has agreed to Consort Xian's request. The Second Prince's funeral will be conducted as a state affair, and he has been posthumously enfeoffed as Prince Jingxiao."
The Prime Minister: "..."
Now, he had no way to help the Emperor save face.
Zhang Yicheng's eyes widened in anger. "Truly foolish!"
The Prime Minister could only sigh. "Indeed, foolish."
The ruler was no longer the one he had known in his youth.
He had previously disagreed with the Song family's proposal, but now, it seemed he had no choice but to comply.
Once the news of the Second Prince's death being honored with a state funeral was announced, it was not only the civil and military officials who had something to say, but the common folk in the capital were also greatly displeased.
After all, when the former Emperor passed away, he had specifically left an imperial decree stating that his funeral should not be extravagant and that the imperial examinations should not be suspended.
Now, for a Second Prince with no accomplishments, the Emperor indulged his concubine's unreasonable demands, causing widespread discontent throughout the city, and deep resentment among the populace. From the Su Dan Novel Network.
"What merit did the Second Prince possess to be accorded a state funeral?"
"I heard Consort Xian pleaded for it. His Majesty's reckless actions for a concubine who disregards the greater good are truly foolish."
"He was already a misguided ruler. If the former Emperor had not diligently built the foundation of Da Sheng, how would he have the capacity to act so arbitrarily now?"
"Keep your voice down, walls have ears."
"It's merely speaking the truth."
"Even speaking the truth shouldn't be done so openly. Be careful not to implicate yourself..."
In a private room, a young man in a snow-white cloak sighed, flicking his sleeve. "In ancient times, it was said that 'Officials, scholars, and commoners who can admonish my faults receive the highest reward; those who submit memorials to advise me receive a middling reward; those who can slander and criticize in the marketplace and reach my ears receive the lowest reward.' Nowadays, merely speaking a few words to the ruler is considered discussing state affairs. Truly, the times have changed!"
The young man opposite him, clad in armor and with a long sword on his back, exuded an imposing aura and possessed a somewhat impetuous nature. "If the ruler is incompetent, replace him. There are so many talented individuals in the world; there will surely be those who can heed advice."
The frail young man sighed, "It sounds simple when you say it. This world is no longer the public domain of Yao and Shun; it belongs to the Bai Li family. It cannot simply change hands with a word. Reckless actions would plunge the world into suffering."
The impetuous youth asked, puzzled, "Does the Bai Li family have no wise individuals?"
The young man pondered for a moment and sighed again, "There used to be. But now, I fear there are none."
There was once a man who led his soldiers across battlefields, drove away the Tartars for Da Sheng, and achieved great deeds. He "could govern the realm with his pen and secure the empire on horseback."
Later, he fell victim to imperial power struggles.
It was truly a pity.
"Why are there none? Then what should be done?"
The young man looked out the window at the falling snow, a scene that seemed to herald a bountiful year.
If next year truly brought a good harvest, the realm might remain stable for a while longer. But if not, the empire's collapse would be a matter of moments.
After all, the foundation had long since rotted. No matter how brilliant the facade, the core was decaying, and with a gentle push, who could prevent its disintegration?
"What should be done? It depends on how long this snow falls."