A Foodie Transmigrated into the Palace-Chapter 924: Funerary Rites

An empress of the nation, a mother to all.

Suddenly, she passes away, causing the entire court to mourn.

According to tradition, when an empress dies, the emperor is to cease court activities for three days to show grief.

However, it is currently the New Year.

Zhao Junyao has yet to begin court sessions, so the concept of ceasing court doesn’t apply.

On the sixth day.

Two imperial edicts were issued from Zhaochen Palace.

One ordered the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Ministry of Rites to meticulously arrange the funeral, honoring the empress with the burial rites of a national queen.

The other provided a narrative of the empress’s lifetime achievements.

Particularly emphasizing her deeds of praying for the people outside the palace in the past two years.

It then expressed how deeply pained he was by the empress’s death.

Finally, a string of posthumous titles was added for the empress to express mourning.

With the issuance of these two edicts.

The civil and military officials unanimously praised the emperor’s deep affection and fidelity towards his late wife.

Zhao Junyao neither affirmed nor denied.

Seeing this, the officials became even more convinced that the emperor simply wanted to make the proceedings look presentable.

He wished to appear as an affectionate and righteous emperor.

Thus, they committed themselves to singing praises and acting as virtuous ministers. 𝒻𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘸ℯ𝒷𝘯𝘰𝑣ℯ𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝘮

Then the officials turned back to instruct their own wives.

When mourning before the empress’s coffin, they must act genuinely.

If tears cannot come easily, they must use pepper water on their handkerchiefs; above all, it must appear heartfelt and genuine!

The Ladies of Enjoin in the capital are shrewd.

There is no storm they haven’t weathered.

The inability to cry? Impossible.

If placed in today’s context, their acting would undoubtedly be of an award-winning level.

From that day onwards.

The ladies kneeling before the empress’s coffin each wept as if they had lost a close relative.

In the palace.

The concubines and even the princes and princesses had to observe mourning.

With the main wife deceased, the concubines and children must wear mourning attire, as dictated by tradition.

Xia Ruqing found herself burdened with the task just after the New Year.

Every day, she must lead her three sons and others from the harem, kneeling here to observe mourning.

Feeling utterly dejected inside.

Oh heavens.

Although the empress died, she did not feel like celebrating with drums and gongs.

Yet she absolutely couldn’t shed a tear!

Watching the ladies wail so fiercely, she was full of admiration!

’Such remarkable skill!’

By not crying herself, she appeared less affectionate and less abiding by tradition.

Thus, the next day, Xia Ruqing embarked on the ’pepper water on the handkerchief’ path of no return!

’It’s just crying, who fears whom?!’

She always cherished her reputation, never allowing anyone to grasp any leverage!

Especially for the empress’s affairs after her passing!

In fact, there was another reason.

With the empress deceased, she became the highest-ranked concubine in the harem!

Moreover, she had given birth to three princes!

In all perspectives, she was an ideal candidate for the next empress!

So, jealousy was inevitable!

If she dared show any sign of happiness, she would immediately be criticized.

Some might even spread rumors.

Claiming she had tampered with the empress’s death, and so on!

Clearing the obstacles in her path to rise in position with all motives found!

Therefore...

To prevent anyone from slandering.

She could only display a deeply grieving demeanor to avoid being soiled!

Hence, during the mourning, Xia Ruqing was ’deeply grieving’ too!

With the Noble Consort acting this way, naturally, the others followed suit.

Afraid they wouldn’t appear sad enough and be mocked by others.

In this manner.

Before the empress’s coffin, every day turned into a major display of crying performances.

Some were heart-wrenching.

Some were tearful.

Some were choked with emotion.

And some silently shed tears.

All kinds were present!

But most shared one characteristic.

Red and swollen eyes!

Oh, what a struggle.

Xia Ruqing glanced furtively, sighing inwardly.

As she thought, she hurriedly dabbed pepper water around her eyes.

Meanwhile.

Yet another image of a virtuous, grief-stricken, dutiful, deeply mournful Imperial ideal wife emerged!

Seeing this, everyone couldn’t help but praise her.

Inside Zhaochen Palace.

Zhao Junyao was shocked to hear about this.

"Is she truly crying or pretending?"

Li Shengan was trembling.

"Your Majesty, from my view, she seems genuinely crying!"

Zhao Junyao listened and felt both heartache and anger.

"Why cry!"

Worrying about what half a month and more of crying would do to one’s health; couldn’t she slack a little?!

But then he thought again.

Despite the past conflicts with the empress, Qingqing was honestly observing mourning.

Whatever her true feelings, at least she was doing it.

Proving her silliness and sincerity.

Zhao Junyao felt increasingly pained!

Thus, he instructed Li Shengan.

"Deliver her some supplements tonight, remind her to take care of herself and her children!"

"I will visit her soon!"

This moment was inappropriate for entering the harem.

Having just lost the main wife, rushing to the concubine would spark widespread criticism.

He didn’t mind, but mainly he worried about her.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I shall attend to it!"

Li Shengan turned to leave.

Yet Zhao Junyao called him back.

"Wait!"

"Your Majesty? Any further commands?" Li Shengan asked.

Zhao Junyao paused, coughed lightly, and lowered his voice.

"No one should hear of this, if any rumor spreads, I will hold you accountable!"

"Yes!" Li Shengan felt a chill down his back.

"Go now!"

"Your servant takes leave!"

Li Shengan bowed and retreated.

Zhao Junyao watched his receding figure.

He felt slightly relieved.

Unable to visit her, at least sending something would suffice!

With such thoughts, he picked up the book beside him and resumed reading calmly.

No sadness, no excitement, his heart was as calm as still water, undisturbed.

...

The empress’s sudden demise.

He had thoroughly investigated the matter.

It was confirmed she died of illness, with no interference by anyone.

According to intelligence reports.

Since entering the mountains, she never found peace.

Without nurturing herself, constantly pondering mischievous ideas.

Initially, pretending piety while secretly plotting messages, trying all ways to return to the harem.

But, how could this be possible?

Keeping her alive was already exceptional, wasn’t it?

After fussing for days with no progress, she became despondent.

Eternally melancholy, her health gradually declined.

Eventually, alas, her life ended abruptly.

From start to finish, she never realized her faults.

Thus... he felt no guilt towards her.

Committing numerous wicked acts.

Yet granting her such a respectful burial and posthumous national empress title.

Already sufficiently generous, wasn’t it?! This was his limit of tolerance.

He wouldn’t, and couldn’t, grant more!

He felt no guilt whatsoever!

In the evening, inside Duanning Palace.

Xia Ruqing was applying ice to her eyes.

The pepper water was intense, leaving her eyes red and swollen.

Xiao Xizi reported that Eunuch Li had arrived.

Xia Ruqing paused, swiftly ordering him inside.

"Greetings to Noble Consort!"

Upon entering, Li Shengan respectfully saluted.

Uncertain, this woman might soon be the empress.

She mustn’t be treated casually as before.

Xia Ruqing removed the ice and smiled.

"Eunuch Li, no need for such formality, please rise!"