Chapter 7

Chang Manshou waved his hand and said, "Don't rush, it's just that I came out after drinking water. If we are to talk about chaos, it is truly chaotic! People have already settled into their beds, yet at this hour, the meal is still not prepared. It's as if one has to pry open tightly closed jaws, what a torment for the deceased!"

Chang Manshou smiled and said, "Look at what you are saying, how could I possibly have the audacity to scheme against the current Emperor! If discovered, it would be a capital offense. How many heads and lives do I have?"

In families of officials, the customs surrounding mourning are strictly observed, and the wearing of mourning attire must be justified. Female relatives wear dark blue or azure robes, while those who come to pay their respects must wear different types of coarse and fine white cloth according to the month. Lord Kun, being a scholar, cherished the adherence to ancient rites in every aspect. Before departing, he instructed that the arrangements be made according to the customs of his hometown in the south. The southern customs are well-known; they are not as simple as the northern practice of tying a knot with white cloth on the head. Southerners are more meticulous; the mourning cap must be made by folding a long strip of white cloth, sewing a line on one side to create a style resembling a wind cap. The lower garment, a hemp skirt, must also be tied with a belt. He ordered several maidservants to be summoned to delineate a space under the mourning canopy to begin their work. Those responsible for cutting the fabric and sewing each had their designated tasks. The mourning garments did not require excessive scrutiny, nor did they need to be embellished with edges; within a short time, the household members were all dressed appropriately.

All formalities were observed, and Li Yuguo and Chang Manshou stepped out together. The initial words were only half spoken, and remembering this, they continued, "Is it not prepared for the old master? Could it be for the new master? I know that the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Department of Rites is your brother who exchanges the Geng Ties. If you want to promote someone, their moral standing should not be inferior to Rong Shou's."

Chang Manshou looked around and said, "The first important thing is to prepare the filial garments, which I will leave to you. I will first arrange for the hanging of the mourning drapes and the vigil. Later, you can take care of the offerings of food and tea."

Lady Kun trembled and said, "I can trust those who come from the inner court, unlike the relatives from the clan, who are rather self-serving." She then glanced at Su Yi and added, "There are many trivial matters, and it is particularly burdensome for the young lady."

The custom of stuffing food into the mouth, which has been passed down since ancient times, involves placing items into a person's mouth. The emperor uses pearls, while nobles and lords use jade, as a means to suppress the tongue and seek rebirth. Generally, this is done after bathing, and once the shroud is changed, the corpse is not to be disturbed. As a result, the family of Lord Kun forgot such an important item, leaving one at a loss for words.

Thus, she was so busy that she could not stop, arranging for people to check the candle flames and clean the courtyard. She was an understanding person, ensuring that the cups, plates, and tea utensils were managed in a way that left no room for complaints. Items that could be profited from, such as lamp oil, candles, and paper offerings, were all left to the longevity cuisine. It is not that the older matrons in the household were incapable of managing affairs; it was just that with people sent from the palace, it felt somewhat like stepping back and watching from the shore. Speaking of which, the aunts from the palace were well-informed and experienced, and following their wishes would surely be correct. In truth, it was a disruption to their financial interests that left them dissatisfied, observing with cold eyes. Fortunately, she handled these trivial tasks without a hitch, leaving no opportunity for others to find fault.

The main person has arrived. He hurriedly tugged at Li Yugu, saying, Let's discuss the rest later, quickly go to welcome the carriage!

This time, I truly admire the longevity. Li Yuguo, stuck in Changchun Garden, must have been driven to madness. He hung his hands down and forced a smile, "You are a clever person, and I am not foolish either. If I were to send someone to the master again, wouldn't that be slapping myself in the face! Don't guess anymore, it's really not the case."

The people nearby saw him like that and could not say anything, merely shaking their heads and sighing. Su turned around to count the remaining burlap, estimating that it was insufficient and that more would need to be added. Raising his head, he noticed that Chang had grown old and found a shady spot under the shed to sit down.

As he was speaking, someone at the door announced that the old emperor had sent someone to offer oil and incense to the in-laws. With a loud exclamation of "Long live!", he stood up and hurried a few steps forward to bow deeply, saying, "Chief Steward Li, you have worked hard!"

It is indeed better to have a root pestle than to have such a son, hence there is no need for words. I took the mourning clothes and sent them over, squatting down to offer my condolences, "Young Lord, please take care, change your hat and clothes!"

Li Yuguo glanced over and paused slightly, "What are you thinking about, you rascal?"

Madam Kun's gaze also became vacant, and after exchanging a few pleasantries, she finally staggered into the room

After finishing her work in the office, she looked for the manager to register. She said, "I will have someone bring tea, let An Da take a break for a while"

"Is the queen going out of the palace to pay her respects?" asked Su. "This is the funeral of her biological father; she is almost certain to attend in person."

What does "the chief steward is pretending to be foolish" mean?

Chang Man Shou had a displeased expression on his face, just about to retort, when he saw someone enter through the door. The person wore a red velvet hat adorned with the character for longevity and a blue satin gown with eight treasures. He was not accompanied by many people, just two tall attendants and a close servant. Without mentioning others, he recognized the sharp-featured face leading the group; it was undoubtedly Chief Steward Rong.

With a full head of longevity, she lowered her horse's hoof and fanned herself, glancing around to see no one was present. She chuckled and said, "There isn't a decent person at home to take charge, and those servants are not attentive. Everyone is just watching the show, and it's fortunate that it's still the queen's family. When it comes to dividing family wealth, having a large population is a disadvantage, but when there are matters to attend to, it has its benefits. There are many people willing to lend a hand, unlike now."

Although I have never handled a funeral, I am still aware of the customary practices. As a matter of urgency, I began to prepare the mourning attire.

Li Yugui entered the mourning hall and found it difficult to speak. The attendant on duty offered three sticks of incense, which he respectfully accepted and placed into the incense burner after bowing three times. The bereaved family returned the courtesy, and he approached the lord and lady, as well as the young lord, to express the late emperor's message in a gentle manner. 'The late emperor wept upon hearing the news of Lord Kun's passing, fearing that it would bring sorrow. He sent me to offer condolences to the family. The late emperor remarked that Lord Kun dedicated his life to the state, and even in death, he shall receive honors. He has graciously bestowed the Sutra of the Great Perfection, which Lord Kun is to take with him.' The late emperor wept upon hearing the news of Lord Kun's passing, fearing that it would bring sorrow. He sent me to offer condolences to the family. The late emperor remarked that Lord Kun dedicated his life to the state, and even in death, he shall receive honors. He has graciously bestowed the Sutra of the Great Perfection, which Lord Kun is to take with him. Furthermore, he inquired whether the lady's family was facing any difficulties, encouraging her to speak up if there were any hardships. As for the young lord, there was no need to worry about the inheritance; the emperor would surely issue a decree in due course.

At that moment, a person rushed in through the main door, their face pale and expression dazed. Their eyes were fixed intently on the direction of the mourning hall, with their mouth half-open, as if on the verge of crying. Su asked the maid below, "Isn't this your young master?"

En Youmu turned his face to look at her and suddenly let out a long howl, "My dear father!" which startled her greatly. It was too late to cry now; he stood there wiping his tears but did not put on the mourning robe. With no other choice, she had to call the maid to attend to him. In a moment, he took off his colorful attire and put on white cloth shoes, stumbling as he rushed towards the mourning hall.

Did you forget the promise you made in the past? If it weren't for your connection with the Empress Dowager, I fear there would be nothing left of you by now Li Yuguo gestured towards that direction and said, I know what you are thinking right now, are you as happy as if you found a gold coin? This trick won't work a second or third time, the retired Emperor cannot tolerate anyone else, so you might as well give up on that hope!

Thus, I have taken a moment to express my gratitude, "I will do my utmost, please rest assured, my lady."

Upon exiting the palace gates, the bereaved family had already sent two men to carry the coffin. They smoothly boarded the small sedan chair and headed north, towards the Cheng'en Gongfu located along the southern bank of the Hai River, in Yindingqiao Hutong. Since the deceased had just passed away, the mourning rites had not yet been arranged. Upon reaching the entrance of the hutong, they saw the usual flow of people and carriages; the mourning banners had not been raised, and those waiting outside were still dressed in their everyday attire, without even having changed into mourning clothes.

All sorts of tasks have been settled. Since she is the female attendant, the distribution of mourning garments must be handled by her, to demonstrate the royal family's honor and favor towards Lord Kun. As the time approaches the si hour, the late lord's former colleagues from the court come to pay their respects. She respectfully presents the prepared mourning garments one by one, and throughout the day, she bows and greets them hundreds of times, truly more exhausting than practicing the court etiquette.

The person who came in was Li Yugu, the chief steward beside the retired emperor. He had bushy eyebrows and a long face, entering with a swaying gait. Upon seeing Shou, he looked him up and down and said, "What’s the matter? Have you been summoned to attend to the funeral?"

A wife of a noble family has both advantages and disadvantages. This imperial matriarch has limited social skills, unlike other families with refined manners and charm. She is from an old-fashioned family of poetry and propriety, a typical example of someone who rarely steps outside her home. With little contact with the outside world, she finds herself at a loss when it comes to social gatherings.

Lord Kun did not take concubines, and had only one pair of children throughout his life. The elder entered the palace and became the Empress, while the younger married a low-ranking official and worked in the Imperial Guard. It must be said that this young master is indeed quite "scattered," relying entirely on the Empress and his ancestral heritage to achieve the rank of a second-class official. A tiger father raises a dog son; he did not inherit his father's vast knowledge but instead learned all sorts of irrelevant things from the outside world. He knows how to stew ginseng, train eagles, wander through the eight alleys, enjoy ticket shows, and father children; he is proficient in all these. If he were to be entrusted with any responsibilities, one would not even be able to find a trace of him. When Lord Kun passed away, the Empress Dowager wept until her eyes turned dark. At that moment, there was no one with any initiative; when asked where the young master had gone, no one knew. Even when the body was laid on the bed, the young master had not returned.

Only now has there been a semblance of a funeral. The Tianjian Bureau has chosen an appropriate day for the wake, and the monk invited by the steward from the temple has also set up the altar. In an instant, the sounds of drums, music, and the melodies of bamboo flutes accompanied the chanting of the sutras, while the family members in the residence began to wail loudly in grief

With a nod and a bow, he said, "The Ministry of Internal Affairs has sent someone here, and it won't do for just me alone."

Madam Kun knelt down with her son, murmuring her gratitude for the grace of the old master. Li Yuguo hurriedly reached out to assist her, instructing the eunuchs below to present the quilt. With tears in her eyes, Madam Kun held it in her hands and personally covered Lord Kun with it at the side of the bed.

"The lord has been ill for some time, why was there no preparation in advance?" While saying this, he was sorting out the tea leaves requested by the subordinates, issuing cards for them to go to the warehouse to collect.

Once a woman leaves her parental home, she belongs to her husband's family. Moreover, now that she holds a unique honor, she has become a sovereign to her family, unlike common folk who emphasize the bonds of kinship. What high rank does the lady of the palace hold? As the mother of the nation, she cannot show her face in public; it is only fitting for those favored by her to offer incense and bow on her behalf, which suffices for the formalities. After saying this, Chang Manshou smiled and added, 'The empress cannot leave the palace, but the emperor will certainly come to express his condolences. After all, he is her son-in-law, and besides, Lord Kun is a trusted minister; the son-in-law must also comfort his mother-in-law's heart, mustn't he?'

You should know that this master is unlike others; even the retired emperor has remarked on his depth of character. Li Yuguai said with his arms crossed, 'When the Empress Huixian passed away, he was only thirteen or fourteen years old. The first thing he did was not to cry, but to discuss and propose a posthumous title, striving earnestly for the Empress to be buried alongside. How many princes can exhibit such composure? If you wish to learn from Cui, be careful not to miscalculate.'

With a look of bewilderment, Chang Man Shou said, "You must be mistaken! How can you call me a substitute? I haven't done anything at all!"

Li Yugui suddenly smiled and said while walking, "You are not Cui, nor do you have Cui's good fortune. I advise you to calm down; even if you catch a wild chicken and stick three eye feathers on its tail, it won't turn into a peacock. The Empress Dowager is enjoying her time in Changchun Garden, and you are here trying to create a substitute. I must ask you, what do you mean by this?"

The Empress Dowager expresses her profound gratitude, and it is fortunate that the palace has dispatched someone to take charge; otherwise, it would be impossible to manage such a large affair. Therefore, following the lead of Chang Manshou in returning the courtesy, I listened to Chang Manshou speaking in formal language, "This is what the servants ought to do. Following the orders of the Emperor and Empress, it is a blessing for us servants to be able to serve at the Lord's residence."

This Lord Cheng'en has a name that is quite renowned. He was the Grand Secretary of the Hongwen Academy, a right-hand man to the old emperor during his reign. He is very straightforward, both upright and virtuous. Not to mention anything else, just from the fact that he, holding a high position and great power, has only one wife, one can already perceive that he is a good person of integrity.

The girl leaned forward to take a look, her lips curling in disdain, and replied, "Indeed! The lady sent someone to search for three hours without success, and only just returned now"

Madam Kun nodded slightly, her face showing signs of exhaustion. A wave of crying rose in the mourning hall, and she blinked a couple of times, feeling somewhat disoriented. She hurriedly summoned a young maid to assist her, offering comfort, "Madam, please take care of yourself and do not grieve too much. Leave the matters outside to the servants; if they cannot make decisions, they will come to seek your guidance."