01. National Mourning
For them, being unaware or aware of certain matters does not make a significant difference
The attendants of the Changyi State, left behind in the official residence, were both surprised and delighted, not daring to be negligent. As soon as the night watch had not yet fully passed, they quickly lit a fire and sent a letter to the Changyi State. Meanwhile, in the capital region, Huo Guang swiftly promoted Zhang Anshi to the position of General of Chariots and Cavalry.
In terms of the candidates for the journey, it was only appropriate for the Grand Minister of Ceremonies and the Minister of Rites to go. After careful consideration, Huo Guang ultimately appointed Shaofu Shi Lecheng to temporarily take on the role of Grand Minister of Ceremonies. He also reinstated Liu De, who had been demoted to commoner status, as the Minister of Rites, and selected his trusted confidant, the Chief Clerk of the General's Office, Ping Ji, to be promoted to the position of Minister of Rites. Along with the General of the Middle Guard, Li Han, these four formed a delegation to issue an edict welcoming the Emperor, traveling in seven official carriages in grand procession to the Changyi residence in the city of Chang'an.
Huo Guang pressed his aching forehead and asked each of his colleagues in a hushed voice: "Let us discuss it again, everyone, let us discuss it again..."
The warm breeze of April sweeps through the hall, stirring the bed curtains to dance in the air. Last night, a thunderstorm had just passed, and the first batch of cicadas of early summer quietly emerges from the earth in the night, shedding their skins and transforming.
Haha, Sister Pingjun is still so simple and kind-hearted
Further discussions yield no better ideas. The great emperor Liu Fu has no heirs to ascend the throne, so he can only select a candidate for the imperial position from among his brothers. Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, had a total of six sons, and currently, only Prince Liu Xu of Guangling remains alive.
Unexpectedly, the mocking smile at the corner of Liu Fu's mouth resurfaced in my mind, sending a chill down Huo Guang's spine and forcing him to break out in a cold sweat
In the summer of the first year of the Yuanping era, on the seventeenth day of the fourth month, Emperor Liu Fu, the sixth emperor of the Han dynasty, passed away at the Weiyang Palace, and the entire nation mourned his death
Is this the real endgame you wish to leave behind
The imperial physicians kneeling on the ground held their breath, trembling. Huo Guang staggered to his feet from his seat, his bulging eyes filled with bloodshot veins, and the beard beneath his chin quivered as well. He approached step by step, his legs weak and nearly collapsing, but fortunately, Yang Chang beside him timely supported him.
After Zhang Pengzu got off the vehicle, his pair of eyes circled around Xiao Liu Shen, resembling a malicious wolf that had suddenly spotted a little lamb
The sound of bamboo slips being turned grew louder; this time it was not Huo Guang who was flipping through them, but rather he was so enraged that his fingers trembled with the librarian.
Because he understood Huo Guang very well, he was even more aware of the significance of this memorial transmitted by Huo Guang. Yang Chang hurriedly read through it and had already formed his considerations. This memorial was passed down one by one from Yang Chang's hands, and everyone ultimately reached a definite and unanimous conclusion: Prince Guangling, Liu Xu, was older than the late Emperor Liu Fu. The fact that Emperor Xiaowu, Liu Che, did not choose Liu Xu to ascend the throne after designating the crown prince already indicated that Liu Xu was unsuitable to be emperor. Since Emperor Xiaowu did not choose Liu Xu back then, they, as ministers, dared not choose Liu Xu now. The fact that Emperor Xiaowu, Liu Che, did not choose Liu Xu to ascend the throne after designating the crown prince already indicated that Liu Xu was unsuitable to be emperor. Since Emperor Xiaowu did not choose Liu Xu back then, they, as ministers, dared not choose Liu Xu now
In comparison, we are indeed much slower. He shook his head and expressed a sigh.
Here... there is a memorial." Huo Guang raised his head, pulled out a scroll wrapped in silk from a pile of books beside him, and then handed it to the nearest Chancellor, Yang Chang, saying, "Everyone might as well take a look.
It is simply unacceptable not to establish Liu Xu as the heir, as he is the only surviving offspring of Emperor Xiaowu.
He couldn't help but smile faintly, casting aside those chaotic thoughts, and decided to ignore them
Where has he gone? The illness had tightened its grip on the reins, and he jumped down from the carriage, inquiring while not forgetting to peek at his plump son being cradled in the swaddling.
Ruyi began to convulse, her face resting silently on his pillow, convulsing without a sound
The queen is weeping, her cries so suppressed that they pierce the heart with pain. Huo Guang feels a wave of dizziness; amidst this tumultuous disorientation, a sharp voice echoes throughout the Weiyang Palace, now distant, now near.
Xu Pingjun returned from the interior with Liu Shen in her arms. Just as they arrived at the door, Liu Bing had also arrived at the entrance of his home in his carriage, with Zhang Pengzu, whom they had not seen for many days, seated in the carriage.
Although he was ill, he did not jest with his wife in the same carefree manner as Zhang Pengzu. He blinked, recalling his previous discovery. Perhaps the deceased emperor, who had passed away, was not the so-called stranger they had all believed him to be, but rather...
Edict to the King of Changyi: Appointing the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, Shaofu Lecheng, the Minister of Religion De, the Grand Master of the Palace JI, and the General of the Middle Guard Li Han to travel by seven carriages to the residence in Chang'an
The passing of Liu Fu has once again tightened the strings of the previously eased political tensions.
Yang Chang took out the bamboo slip and saw the following written on it: "King Zhou Tai abolished Taibo and established Wang Ji, King Wen abandoned Bo and Yi Kao to establish King Wu, it is only what is appropriate, even if the elder is abolished and the younger is established, it is acceptable. Prince Guangling cannot inherit the lineage."
The Emperor has passed away
Although Liu Fu had been intermittently ill for several years, bedridden and undergoing prolonged medical treatment, the impression left on the world was that the emperor was young and merely suffered from minor ailments. Liu Fu's sudden passing left the entire nation in shock and dealt a significant blow to the officials and dignitaries, catching them completely off guard
"It is not our concern who will succeed. " The weather was sultry, and Peng Zu took a feather fan to cool himself, but found the breeze insufficient. He could not help but exert some force, causing the fan to make a whooshing sound. "My father hasn't returned home for several days; the old men are probably brainstorming about the new emperor's ascension. " Despite the whooshing of the fan, the heat remained unbearable
This candidate is evidently the only one, namely Liu He, the current Prince of Changyi, who is the grandson of Empress Xiao Wu, renowned for her unparalleled beauty.
He looked at Pingjun's candid and innocent profile as she was tirelessly bantering with Pengzu
Liu Fu's face was devoid of color, and his eyes were tightly closed. Huo Guang knelt at the head of the bed, hesitating to reach out and touch him. A faint, almost imperceptible smile lingered at the corner of Liu Fu's mouth; if those tightly shut eyelids could open, this eternal smile would be a tremendous irony.
Thus, he hesitated. Although many people said that Liu Xu was the most suitable candidate, he still remained indecisive and did not make a final statement. He merely kept repeating to everyone: "Everyone, let's discuss it again..."
Liu Xu is the biological brother of the late King of Yan, Liu Dan. How Liu Dan died is surely well known to everyone. Huo Guang did not favor Liu Xu, because if Liu Xu were to become emperor, he, as the Chancellor and Grand General, would undoubtedly face a rather uncomfortable situation. Moreover, Liu Xu is older and has been ruling in Guangling for many years, possessing considerable governance skills and political influence. Just based on this, it can be assured that he is definitely not an easy-going and benevolent ruler.
Ping Jun nodded, freeing one hand to take it. After giving birth, her figure was more voluptuous than before. Although she was dressed in coarse linen, she still exuded a sense of mature beauty characteristic of a young mother
Bing and Pingjun exchanged a glance, both guessing that he had recalled Wang Yi due to a remark about urging marriage. The couple smiled at each other, pretending to be unaware and maintaining their silence
The patient let out a sound of "oh," and took out a money pouch, handing it to his wife: "This is our family custom; I just received it from the Zongzheng."
As the former chief historian of General Huo's residence, Yang Chang understood Huo Guang's character and preferences very well. Although Huo Guang was not well-versed in poetry and literature, he particularly enjoyed allusions to classical texts. The author of the memorial clearly grasped his preferences, citing examples from the Zhou Dynasty, stating that King Tai of Zhou, Ji Danfu, deposed his eldest son, Ji Taibo, and established his third son, Ji Jili, while King Wen of Zhou, Ji Chang, even abandoned his eldest son, Bo Yikao, to appoint Ji Fa as king. In just a few lines of the memorial, the feasibility of deposing the eldest in favor of the younger was clearly articulated based on the Zhou system.
A memorial had circulated and, upon returning to Huo Guang, the conclusion of the assembly had already been reached: Liu Xu was excluded from the list of successors. Since none among the brothers of the late Emperor could inherit the throne, the next step would be to continue the selection among the sons and nephews.
Inside the Chengming Hall, there was a profound silence, occasionally interrupted by a few faint coughs. The officials and nobles who had followed Huo Guang for many years, thriving along the way, were all more astute than foxes; they had already discerned Huo Guang's true intentions without him needing to articulate them fully.
In the Chengming Hall, the only sound that could be heard was the rustling of bamboo slips, while Tian Yannian was drenched in sweat. Opposite him sat Huo Guang, looking haggard, with dim eyes and fine beads of sweat covering his gray and white hair.
Thus, the final decision of the discussion was to have Liu He of Changyi ascend the throne. Huo Guang issued an edict in the name of Empress Shangguan, preparing to send someone to the official residence in Changyi to read the imperial decree, in accordance with the ceremonial practices used when welcoming Emperor Xiaowen.
As Peng Zu stated, who is the emperor and who will succeed to the throne are complex national affairs that do not require the concern of common people like them, so why should the ordinary trouble themselves
The sound of cicadas outside the window is sparse; although it is not particularly crisp, it represents the final outpouring after lying dormant for several years, even over a decade.
Liu Fu'an lay quietly on the bed, while Shangguan Ruyi knelt beside him, leaning forward to gaze intently at him
Zhang Pengzu, seeing the harmonious appearance of their family of three, could not help but exclaim: "What a sight to envy."
One can only imagine the emotions of this young emperor, who was almost single-handedly raised by him, as he left behind such an ironic smile at the moment of his life's end
"Hehe, how many months has it been? How did you suddenly become so fat?"
Ping Jun smiled and said, "Then you should hurry up and start a family."
He can imagine
This line of people departed from the Weiyang Palace to the official residence of the commandery, naturally attracting countless citizens who vied to watch. Upon arriving at the Changyi official residence, the imperial edict from the Empress was read aloud
During the period of national mourning, singing, dancing, and hunting are prohibited. As a result, these officials' children, having too much free time, have become like Zhang Pengzu in his current state
The discussion among the crowd was relatively simpler this time. Liu He was of a similar age to the late Emperor, and he was also the grandson of Empress Li. In all aspects, his qualifications were not much different from those of the late Emperor. Huo Guang was quite satisfied; at least for the time being, there seemed to be no more suitable candidates other than Liu He.
The Grand Minister of Agriculture, Tian Yannian, presented a memorial, which was received by Huo Guang, who then unfolded the document
Upon hearing this, the patient straightened up and could not help but show an envious expression: "They truly are people who know how to do business"
Ping Jun took out a bag of money, which was quite heavy: "Go to Likuina to collect the cash, saying that each household is subsidized with money for six zhang of coarse cloth."
After he steadied himself, he shook off Yang Chang's support and dragged his feet to kneel by the bed
Peng Zu felt restless in his heart, yet he continued to ramble without restraint: "However, I believe that the issue of the mausoleum is currently more troubling than the matter of the heir. " The corners of his mouth turned down, and his tone was teasing; it was hard to take his words seriously. "You and I simply lack the acumen for making money. It is said that there are two wealthy families in Maoling, one surnamed Jiao and the other surnamed Jia, who, when the late emperor was gravely ill and summoned renowned doctors from across the land, had already caught wind of the situation. They spent tens of millions to hoard and store various burial items such as charcoal and reeds. Now that the late emperor has passed away, the funeral arrangements are rushed, and constructing the mausoleum is of utmost importance, yet the market is surprisingly short of burial items..." You and I simply lack the acumen for making money. It is said that there are two wealthy families in Maoling, one surnamed Jiao and the other surnamed Jia, who, when the late emperor was gravely ill and summoned renowned doctors from across the land, had already caught wind of the situation. They spent tens of millions to hoard and store various burial items such as charcoal and reeds. Now that the late emperor has passed away, the funeral arrangements are rushed, and constructing the mausoleum is of utmost importance, yet the market is surprisingly short of burial items...
Ping Jun spat: "Only those with sinister intentions would think of profiting from the dead, especially when it tarnishes the virtue of the great Emperor's funeral. Such individuals are bound to meet a bad end"
To address the urgent need, confiscating those artifacts and illustrations with an official demeanor is currently the most effective approach that comes to mind.
However, Ping Jun was not as heartless as Zhang Pengzu; as a new mother, she felt a deeper sense of compassion: "The Great Emperor is only twenty-one years old, and I heard from my father that he has not yet had any offspring. With this sudden demise, who will succeed the state?"
He has died—the child who was brought to the throne by Huo Guang at the age of eight is no longer here
Liu Fu's death was too sudden, resulting in a hasty funeral that left many matters unprepared. Tian Yannian, as the Grand Minister of Agriculture, managed the treasury and the allocation of the national economy and finances. His words struck a chord and resonated deeply with Huo Guang.
Tian Yanniang, observing the expressions and moods of those around him, seized the opportunity to offer counsel: "Merchants are pre-selling these ominous funeral items, hoping to sell them at high prices and reap exorbitant profits. Such behavior is truly unbecoming of loyal subjects. I believe these items should be confiscated by the state."
Huo Guang nodded and said, "Let it be done as such." Looking around, the officials, weary from several days of toil, could hardly conceal their fatigue and sorrow. He could not help but recall the time of the small funeral, when the Empress fainted before the body of the late Emperor, who was adorned in a golden silk and jade coffin. Since then, she had kept vigil in the front hall, refusing to return to the inner palace.
After all, how many emperors in the world can be as easily controlled as Liu Fu?
No offspring! No hope! Such a sudden occurrence, so unexpected, completely disrupted all the efforts of Huo Guang and others to maintain harmony.
Ping Jun opened his claws, and Liu Bingyi cheerfully embraced Liu Shi. The two-month-old infant was noticeably chubbier than before. Under the careful care of his mother, Xu Pingjun's milk supply gradually increased, and little Liu Shi was also growing increasingly delightful.
Having lived for twenty-one years, he left no descendants, nor did he leave anything of worth for the old minister who had assisted him throughout his life but was reluctant to return to governance. It seemed he had lost his entire life, yet in the end, he delivered the most painful blow to his nobles.
As the three chatted and laughed, they entered the courtyard. Zhang Pengzu, familiar with the surroundings, went to the main hall and found a mat to sit down on, looking around: "The great Emperor has passed away, leaving us with nothing to do."
The Son of Heaven has passed away, and the entire nation is in mourning. The illness has caused the crown to be removed, and a white scarf is worn atop the hair, just like Zhang Pengzu, all dressed in white hemp garments.