Lan Ruo Yu was buried with the honors befitting an empress.
The Second Princess was the chief organizer of the funeral. Despite Lan Ruo Yu's many faults, the dead were, after all, dead, and past grievances should be forgotten.
The First Princess had originally planned to stage an uprising under the guise of the empress's authority, but the empress died. She died at such a coincidental time.
"I never expected Her Majesty to depart so soon," the Fourth Princess sighed. She recalled how the empress, in her prime, was so decisive and ruthless. Even they, her adopted daughters, dared not make mistakes easily, lest they face severe punishment.
Yet, such a swift and decisive figure had fallen into the hands of a man!
"Yes, it was so coincidental. Not too early, not too late, she passed away just at this moment," the First Princess chimed in, speaking softly. "Fourth Sister, don't you agree?"
The Fourth Princess glanced at the First Princess, understanding that the First Princess was still unwilling to accept the situation. However, she had come to terms with it now. The throne was not hers, and even if she ascended, she would not be able to hold onto it, only adding to her worries. Why not live a carefree and leisurely life as a wealthy princess?
"Indeed. That is why one must not underestimate men. Losing power is a small matter; one might even lose their life and fortune to a man," the Fourth Princess said meaningfully. "Our empress was just too dismissive of men, which led to her current fate. Even that little Empress Dowager Yun Qi did not escape falling into the hands of a man."
"Men?" The First Princess scoffed. "She didn't underestimate men; she underestimated Xiao Man."
The Fourth Princess subtly distanced herself from the First Princess. Hearing the First Princess's tone, she knew the latter had not given up. If she caused any trouble, anyone close to her would suffer.
The First Princess could see the Fourth Princess's evasiveness and her heart grew more indignant. They were all unreliable. Normally, they were bold and daring, but when it came to Xiao Man, they all became like mice terrified and scattered, their ambitions extinguished. Truly useless!
As the empress was buried, all civil and military officials attended the funeral. Yao Ran and Jing Yu Jun walked at the forefront of the officials, observing the First and Second Princesses carrying the funeral banner. Both had their own thoughts.
"Why is the Young General not present today?" Yao Ran inquired.
Jing Yu Jun replied calmly, "My daughter has caught a slight cold and is feeling unwell, resting at home. Once she recovers, I will personally bring her to pay a visit."
Yao Ran nodded slowly upon hearing this. "I didn't expect someone as strong as the Young General to be taken down by a cold. Resting at home, one must not be careless when ill."
General Jing chimed in, "Indeed. Illness strikes like a mountain and recedes like unwinding silk. She's taken a lot of medicine, but she's still not getting better."
"General, you need not worry too much. I am sure the Young General will recover soon," Yao Ran said unhurriedly. "Emperess Wencheng was also in good health. But ever since that Feng Lang Jun entered the palace, her health declined day by day. After enduring for so long, she ultimately could not hold on."
Jing Yu Jun looked at Yao Ran with a hint of confusion. He felt that Yao Ran's words held hidden meanings, but upon careful consideration, he found nothing amiss. She was not a sensitive person by nature; her current position was achieved through sheer courage.
"Emperess Wencheng was, after all, the Emperor's aunt. Yet, now that the empress is dead, the Emperor has not even shown their face, which seems rather cold-blooded," Jing Yu Jun shifted his gaze, continuing. "Is His Majesty not in Bianjing?"
Yao Ran's lips curved into a knowing smile. Then she remembered this was a funeral, and smiling was inappropriate. She immediately composed herself. "General, it is best to inquire less about His Majesty's affairs. Speculating on imperial will is a grave offense."
Jing Yu Jun frowned. "A sovereign of a nation, not appearing for several consecutive days..."
Before Jing Yu Jun could finish his sentence, the empress's imperial carriage appeared. He could not help but show a look of astonishment. How was this possible? Hadn't they said she wasn't in Bianjing? How had she returned so quickly?
Jing Yu Jun felt a sense of unease and secretly looked towards the First Princess. The First Princess was also surprised when Xiao Man appeared, but she was always composed and acted as if nothing had happened.
The imperial carriage followed at the very end of the funeral procession, escorting Lan Ruo Yu's body to the imperial mausoleum for burial. Everything was arranged in an orderly fashion. The Second Princess, clad in mourning attire, stood before the carriage. "Your Majesty, you may offer incense."
Xiao Man alighted from the carriage and accepted the incense stick handed by an attendant, placing it in the censer. Wisps of smoke slowly curled upwards. Xiao Man stared at the smoke with a solemn expression, as if praying for the deceased.
"Your Majesty," the First Princess approached and bowed respectfully. "Before the empress passed away, she kept mentioning you."
Xiao Man's expression remained unchanged. She merely nodded, acknowledging the information, and then turned to leave. However, the soldiers guarding the imperial mausoleum suddenly surrounded everyone.
"How dare you! What are you doing?" Yao Ran scolded.
"The empress was cruel and unjust, persecuting imperial relatives, and colluding with Yusheng to betray the Blue Moon kingdom. She is unworthy of being the Blue Moon Empress," a person emerged from behind the crowd, clad in armor and wielding a sharp sword. It was Jing Yu Jun's eldest daughter, Jing Shihan. "The throne belongs to the capable."
Xiao Man's gaze fell upon Jing Yu Jun, who stood in the distance, and then she smiled. "May I ask who the capable one you speak of is?"
Jing Shihan spoke righteously, "If we speak of virtue and popularity, it is naturally the First Princess."
Xiao Man looked at the First Princess, who stood tall and proud, walking to Jing Shihan's side. Her original plan was to seize control of the court during the empress's funeral and quietly take over Bianjing. Who knew Xiao Man would return at this very moment? Well, then, they would deal with her as well.
A smile played on Xiao Man's lips. "So, General Jing also supports the First Princess?"
Jing Yu Jun was in a difficult position. If Xiao Man had not returned, she would have unequivocally stood with the First Princess. But now that Xiao Man was back, the situation was unclear. If she rashly stepped forward and the rebellion failed, wouldn't the Jing family face annihilation?
"Mother, why are you hesitating?" Jing Shihan was angered by Jing Yu Jun's silence. "Do you think you can remain unharmed if your daughter rebels? Can she spare our Jing family?"
Jing Yu Jun took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the First Princess is virtuous and the people's choice. Abdicating and yielding is your best option."
Xiao Man listened, not angered. She looked at the other ministers. "Does anyone agree with General Jing's words?"
Several more people stood up from among the officials. However, compared to the entire court, these few were rather weak and could hardly be considered the people's choice.
The First Princess's expression faltered. "Esteemed ministers, the Blue Moon has always revered women. But now Xiao Man intends to allow men to enter officialdom, defying ancestral traditions and seizing your power. Will you still serve Xiao Man as empress?"