Upon hearing the messenger’s news, Sima Teng nearly stumbled to the ground. The Emperor had passed away? How could he have passed away just like that? Weren’t those bandits trying to plunder supplies, launching a surprise attack on the rear camp? What were Qi Hong and the Emperor’s guards doing?
His lips trembled for a while, and then he stammered, “What about Prince Yuzhang?”
Prince Yuzhang, Sima Chi, was the Emperor’s half-brother, previously even titled as the Crown Prince, the heir to the throne in the protocol of succession. If he had managed to escape, there might still be a chance…
“Prince Yuzhang, to protect the Emperor, has also passed away…” The messenger choked on tears. Losing two rulers in one day was a tremendous catastrophe. Was Jin destined to fall?
Sima Teng was utterly speechless. After a deathly silence, he suddenly leaped to his feet. “Prepare the horses! We must return to Luoyang, swiftly!”
“What?” The messenger was bewildered. Wasn’t there a need to seek vengeance for the Emperor? At the very least, they should retrieve the Emperor’s body for a proper funeral. How could they just return to Luoyang like this?
Sima Teng had no time for idle talk, nor did he have time to attend to post-crisis matters. With over a thousand guards, he headed straight for Luoyang. This was an earth-shaking event that had to be conveyed to his elder brother as soon as possible.
※
Watching his adopted son kneeling before him, brimming with excitement, Liu Yuan remained silent for a long while.
The Emperor of Jin had actually passed away! Moreover, he died at the hands of their own general! Even if he had contemplated replacing the Emperor, he had never thought that such a day would come.
Amidst his shock, there was also an indescribable sense of confusion flooding his heart. Liu Yuan had served as a Jin official for the majority of his life and had personally attended to the Emperor countless times. The reserved and gentle sovereign, always seated on the throne like a puppet, appeared as if he were manipulated by someone else. However, that person was still the Emperor, and regardless of his worries, fears, or befuddlement, he symbolized the legitimate line of the dynasty. Every office he held was appointed directly by the Emperor, and every reward he received bore the personal seal of His Majesty. Such a sovereign, a figure of supreme authority, had actually met his end in the wilderness, slain by a single sword. Just the thought of it felt like a dream.
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In the grand hall, there was silence. However, before the atmosphere grew eerie, Liu Yuan spoke up, bursting into laughter, “Truly my son!”
After the initial shock, followed by a sense of bewilderment, what emerged was sheer jubilation. What did this mean? It meant that he, who had turned his back on and abandoned the Jin Dynasty, had finally reached the end of the road. Its monarch would be assassinated in the wild, and its destiny would abruptly come to a close. Just like the mighty Han Dynasty, which had endured for four centuries but would eventually meet its downfall.
Resounding laughter reverberated through the grand hall, shattering the enchantment of silence. The courtiers grew excited and congratulated in unison. This was, without a doubt, the greatest victory since the founding of the Han Dynasty!
“In Pingyang, there is the auspicious purple aura, and it’s the ancient capital of the Taotang. Your Majesty’s relocation here welcomes the celestial signs of Qian above and harmonizes with Kun below. The change in the Purple Palace indicates the decline of the Jin Dynasty, and within three years, Luoyang will surely be conquered.” The Chief Astrologer exclaimed from below the steps. Previously, he had failed to predict a solar eclipse, which had nearly cost him his life. Such a perfect opportunity, how could he not use it to gain favor?
When Liu Yuan heard these words, he couldn’t help but be overjoyed, “Indeed, Pingyang is truly an auspicious land for the rise of the dragon! Yongming has also been a blessing for our Han. This achievement deserves reward!”
Liu Yao, excited, once again kowtowed. Such an accomplishment was enough to erase his earlier failure in Shangdang. However, while this adopted son rejoiced, someone else was secretly anxious. Liu He stepped forward, his expression filled with concern, “Father, while assassinating the Jin Emperor is a great victory, won’t it draw the ire of Jin when they find out? Our country’s strength is not yet great, and it seems challenging to contend with an army of ants devouring an elephant.”
It wasn’t easy to openly dissent at this moment. However, Liu Yuan valued this eldest son greatly and did not get angry. He smiled and said, “There’s no need to worry about this matter. The sudden death of the Jin Emperor, with no clear heir, is already a sign of their nation’s downfall. Furthermore, King Donghai holds power, and the Prince of Chengdu is still around; these two will surely have another battle. Who has time to worry about us then?”
It was an inevitable course of events. After much effort in winning the war and bringing the Emperor back, only to have him die on the journey, it would be hard for Sima Yue to escape blame. From a legal and customary standpoint, Sima Ying, the Prince of Chengdu, was the biological son of Emperor Wu. Once the throne was vacant, whether Sima Ying himself or those around him, they would all fight to the death. In the time when the one wielding power in Luoyang was Sima Yue, how could they just let it be?
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Who would divert their forces to wage war against Han for revenge on an Emperor who had already passed away?
No one would do that.
“Defend all the cities in Pingyang diligently, and once there is turmoil within the Jin Dynasty, march your troops towards Chang’an!” Liu Yuan stood tall, giving orders in a commanding tone.
Heaven had given him the best opportunity; now it was time to seize this divine favor! Thinking of this, Liu Yuan sighed silently in his heart. Regrettably, with this development, Shangdang would remain stable for some time. Nevertheless, his current goal was the fertile and prosperous Guanzhong region, and such frigid and challenging territories as Bing County were beginning to seem like cast-off leftovers.
※
“The Emperor has passed away, and the Prince of Yuzhang has also perished?” Upon hearing this news, Sima Yue turned pale and then erupted in fury. After spending nearly a year besieging Chang’an, they had finally captured the city, but to lose the Emperor was simply inconceivable!
“Where is General Qi Hong? Have they captured the regicide?”
“General Qi has not been able to save the Emperor. He’s unconscious and spitting blood, still with the army. As for the regicidal rebels… it appears they might be Xiongnu people!” Sima Teng had thought of a strategy on the way. Those who could dispatch three thousand light cavalry to attack the Emperor’s entourage were very likely Xiongnu infiltrators within the Han forces. However, this matter had to be kept separate from Hongnong’s main camp. Otherwise, even the accusation of inadequate protection of the Emperor could jeopardize his position.
Sima Yue, unable to sit still, rose from his seat and began pacing around the table, saying, “This won’t do! We must quickly enthrone a new Emperor!”
Instigating chaos and causing the Emperor to perish in the wilderness were not sins he could bear at the moment. What was even more dangerous was that the Prince of Chengdu, Sima Ying, was still on the run. He was Emperor Wu’s son and a former Crown Prince, which meant there were people who might use this as a reason to push for his succession to the throne. What was once a minor problem had now turned into a major concern. They had to control the legitimate line of succession.
“Could we possibly enthrone the Prince of Qinghe?” Sima Teng also understood the gravity of the situation and suggested in a hushed tone.
The Prince of Qinghe, Sima Tan, was Emperor Wu’s grandson and the eldest legitimate son of Sima Kang. After Emperor Wu’s lineage had no direct heirs, he was declared the Crown Prince. However, in the midst of political turmoil, he had been deposed multiple times. The first person to depose him had been Sima Ying, the Prince of Chengdu. According to the law and protocol, he was the only person who had a more legitimate claim to the throne than Sima Ying.
However, Sima Yue hesitated. The Prince of Qinghe was exceedingly intelligent. When Luoyang was without a ruler and the King of Changsha, Sun Guan, was wreaking havoc, it was the Prince of Qinghe who led a night assault to drive Sun Guan out of the city. Such a talented and resourceful individual, would they be able to control him if he grew a bit older?
After another couple of rounds of pacing, Sima Yue finally gritted his teeth, “Very well, given the urgency of the situation, we must prioritize the interests of the state. Immediately issue an order to summon the Prince of Qinghe!”
Now, his most formidable adversary had reverted to being Sima Ying, the Prince of Chengdu. Everything had to be seen in the context of the bigger picture. As for whether the Prince of Qinghe was intelligent or not, he was only twelve years old and far from assuming actual power. After they eliminated the Prince of Chengdu, they could slowly plan for the future.
Upon hearing this, Sima Teng couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. As long as the newly appointed Emperor in Luoyang remained under their control, everything would work out.
But just as he relaxed, Sima Yue looked in his direction and said, “There’s also the matter of the Xiongnu…”
“Brother!” Seeing the look in his older brother’s eyes, Sima Teng immediately panicked. “I am inadequate, unable to withstand the formidable Xiongnu forces…”
When there’s a wrong, there’s a right, and the matter of killing the Emperor must be addressed. As the Inspector of Bing County, he already had a duty to resist the Xiongnu. But now, after the incident in Hongnong’s main camp, he was finding it difficult to escape blame. However, how could he dare to undertake such a mission now? Return to Bing County and confront the Xiongnu head-on? Those were the kind of foes who could even kill an Emperor!
Seeing Sima Teng in this state of panic, Sima Yue was so furious that he nearly ground his teeth to powder. However, he had always been protective, and this was not the time for internal disputes. Suppressing his anger, he said, “Very well, let’s prioritize internal stability before external conflicts. Now, we also need to send someone to guard Ye City. Once the enthronement ceremony is complete, you can go there.”
Ye City is the old haunt of the Prince of Chengdu, and it was recently turned upside down by Gongshi Fan, making it an unfavorable destination. However, even so, it’s still better than Bing County. Sima Teng nodded repeatedly, “Younger brother will certainly guard Ye city for elder brother!”
What more could Sima Yue say? Letting out a long sigh, he said, “Immediately bring back His Majesty’s body and prepare for the state funeral. As for the rest, we can discuss it in due time.”
Naturally, arrangements had to be made for Bing County. However, the decision on who to send as the governor would have to wait until after the state funeral and the enthronement ceremony. To think that such a favorable situation had come to this state of affairs. Could it be that he had truly been abandoned by the heavens? Shivering at the thought, Sima Yue pushed this idea aside and began arranging the various matters required for the grand mourning ceremony.
※
Even though Sima Yue made efforts to keep things secret, the over a hundred courtiers scattered on the battlefield had no intention of remaining silent. The news of the Emperor’s death spread across the land with the speed of galloping horses. Even Shangdang, which was just a stone’s throw away from Luoyang, received the news.
“The Emperor has passed away!” Upon hearing this news, Liang Feng was also greatly astonished. With so much turmoil and that Emperor, who had been through so many disasters, still managed to endure, how could he have met his end on the way back to Luoyang?
“It’s Xiongnu cavalry! No wonder the attack on Lishi a few days ago was not met with a major counterattack,” Duan Qin sighed lightly. Yes, it must be the Xiongnu shifting the battlefield, concentrating their forces in Si County, which led to this situation. But who could have expected that this change would cost the Emperor’s life!
“In this case, the solar eclipse matter might lead to controversy…” Cui Ji was thinking more deeply. If it weren’t for the capture of Yangyi during the solar eclipse, the Xiongnu might have stayed in Bing County.
However, Duan Qin immediately shook his head, “The Xiongnu won’t admit to that. They might try to blame it on locusts.”
Liu Yuan would be foolish to admit that he was scared away by the solar eclipse. Instead, he could be seen as an unjust ruler. The downfall of the dynasty was driven by a locust plague, which forced him to flee to Si County, which would align better with his own interests.
Speaking of which, it was fortunate that Shangdang had focused on controlling locusts in the past two years, which had somewhat reduced the number of locust eggs. Now, while the Western River State was suffering from a locust plague, Shangdang had relatively few pests. It was as if the heavens had helped.
Seeing the two men turning to discuss state affairs, Liang Feng couldn’t help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. “But the Emperor, after all, has passed away.”
Aren’t you feudal scholars? How can you discuss the Emperor’s death without a hint of sorrow?
Faced with the Prefect’s words, both of them fell silent for a moment. Eventually, Duan Qin spoke up, “After the Emperor’s enthronement, the country has faced many troubles. Perhaps this change in fate is a good thing now.”
Yes, ever since that wise Emperor ascended the throne, how many wars and disasters have befallen the country? With a population of only fifteen or sixteen million in the dynasty, how many still hold any reverence for the person on the throne? On the contrary, everyone is eager to replace him with someone more powerful and capable of governing the court. A true dragon in accordance with rituals and destiny. The late Emperor’s passing may be a relief.
Hearing Duan Qin’s words, Liang Feng couldn’t help but sigh. After a while, he said, “Proper mourning is still necessary, and we must observe it with decorum.”
This is a reasonable point. The Emperor is the father of all officials, and according to ancient customs, a national mourning period should last for three years, during which all forms of entertainment and marriages are prohibited. However, the Emperor is not an ordinary person, and if the entire nation observes a three-year mourning period, it would lead to great chaos. Therefore, since the decree issued by Emperor Wen of Han changed the mourning period from three years to thirty-six days, many national mourning periods have followed this practice. At most, they last for three months.
During this period, the marriage between the Liang family and the Wang family cannot proceed under any circumstances.
Duan Qin did not appear anxious this time; instead, he said, “It should be this way. It seems that Lord Dongyin won’t return to Bing County temporarily. Lord Zixi will have some more leisure time.”
This was only natural. Given Sima Teng’s behavior, could he return to Bing County to manage military affairs after the Xiongnu had killed the Emperor? Avoiding them was the right course of action.
The noose around their necks had loosened somewhat. However, Liang Feng also understood that this was only temporary. They didn’t yet know who the court would send as a replacement. Whether that person would be better than the late Emperor remained unknown.
Letting out a sigh, Liang Feng finally said, “Let’s observe the national mourning first. As for the rest, we’ll consider it later.”
After the mourning period concludes, they can proceed with the wedding, and it won’t be too late. However, it remains unknown who will succeed to the throne as the new Emperor of Luoyang.
Upon hearing the messenger’s news, Sima Teng nearly stumbled to the ground. The Emperor had passed away? How could he have passed away just like that? Weren’t those bandits trying to plunder supplies, launching a surprise attack on the rear camp? What were Qi Hong and the Emperor’s guards doing?
His lips trembled for a while, and then he stammered, “What about Prince Yuzhang?”
Prince Yuzhang, Sima Chi, was the Emperor’s half-brother, previously even titled as the Crown Prince, the heir to the throne in the protocol of succession. If he had managed to escape, there might still be a chance…
“Prince Yuzhang, to protect the Emperor, has also passed away…” The messenger choked on tears. Losing two rulers in one day was a tremendous catastrophe. Was Jin destined to fall?
Sima Teng was utterly speechless. After a deathly silence, he suddenly leaped to his feet. “Prepare the horses! We must return to Luoyang, swiftly!”
“What?” The messenger was bewildered. Wasn’t there a need to seek vengeance for the Emperor? At the very least, they should retrieve the Emperor’s body for a proper funeral. How could they just return to Luoyang like this?
Sima Teng had no time for idle talk, nor did he have time to attend to post-crisis matters. With over a thousand guards, he headed straight for Luoyang. This was an earth-shaking event that had to be conveyed to his elder brother as soon as possible.
※
Watching his adopted son kneeling before him, brimming with excitement, Liu Yuan remained silent for a long while.
The Emperor of Jin had actually passed away! Moreover, he died at the hands of their own general! Even if he had contemplated replacing the Emperor, he had never thought that such a day would come.
Amidst his shock, there was also an indescribable sense of confusion flooding his heart. Liu Yuan had served as a Jin official for the majority of his life and had personally attended to the Emperor countless times. The reserved and gentle sovereign, always seated on the throne like a puppet, appeared as if he were manipulated by someone else. However, that person was still the Emperor, and regardless of his worries, fears, or befuddlement, he symbolized the legitimate line of the dynasty. Every office he held was appointed directly by the Emperor, and every reward he received bore the personal seal of His Majesty. Such a sovereign, a figure of supreme authority, had actually met his end in the wilderness, slain by a single sword. Just the thought of it felt like a dream.
Advertisement
In the grand hall, there was silence. However, before the atmosphere grew eerie, Liu Yuan spoke up, bursting into laughter, “Truly my son!”
After the initial shock, followed by a sense of bewilderment, what emerged was sheer jubilation. What did this mean? It meant that he, who had turned his back on and abandoned the Jin Dynasty, had finally reached the end of the road. Its monarch would be assassinated in the wild, and its destiny would abruptly come to a close. Just like the mighty Han Dynasty, which had endured for four centuries but would eventually meet its downfall.
Resounding laughter reverberated through the grand hall, shattering the enchantment of silence. The courtiers grew excited and congratulated in unison. This was, without a doubt, the greatest victory since the founding of the Han Dynasty!
“In Pingyang, there is the auspicious purple aura, and it’s the ancient capital of the Taotang. Your Majesty’s relocation here welcomes the celestial signs of Qian above and harmonizes with Kun below. The change in the Purple Palace indicates the decline of the Jin Dynasty, and within three years, Luoyang will surely be conquered.” The Chief Astrologer exclaimed from below the steps. Previously, he had failed to predict a solar eclipse, which had nearly cost him his life. Such a perfect opportunity, how could he not use it to gain favor?
When Liu Yuan heard these words, he couldn’t help but be overjoyed, “Indeed, Pingyang is truly an auspicious land for the rise of the dragon! Yongming has also been a blessing for our Han. This achievement deserves reward!”
Liu Yao, excited, once again kowtowed. Such an accomplishment was enough to erase his earlier failure in Shangdang. However, while this adopted son rejoiced, someone else was secretly anxious. Liu He stepped forward, his expression filled with concern, “Father, while assassinating the Jin Emperor is a great victory, won’t it draw the ire of Jin when they find out? Our country’s strength is not yet great, and it seems challenging to contend with an army of ants devouring an elephant.”
It wasn’t easy to openly dissent at this moment. However, Liu Yuan valued this eldest son greatly and did not get angry. He smiled and said, “There’s no need to worry about this matter. The sudden death of the Jin Emperor, with no clear heir, is already a sign of their nation’s downfall. Furthermore, King Donghai holds power, and the Prince of Chengdu is still around; these two will surely have another battle. Who has time to worry about us then?”
It was an inevitable course of events. After much effort in winning the war and bringing the Emperor back, only to have him die on the journey, it would be hard for Sima Yue to escape blame. From a legal and customary standpoint, Sima Ying, the Prince of Chengdu, was the biological son of Emperor Wu. Once the throne was vacant, whether Sima Ying himself or those around him, they would all fight to the death. In the time when the one wielding power in Luoyang was Sima Yue, how could they just let it be?
Advertisement
Who would divert their forces to wage war against Han for revenge on an Emperor who had already passed away?
No one would do that.
“Defend all the cities in Pingyang diligently, and once there is turmoil within the Jin Dynasty, march your troops towards Chang’an!” Liu Yuan stood tall, giving orders in a commanding tone.
Heaven had given him the best opportunity; now it was time to seize this divine favor! Thinking of this, Liu Yuan sighed silently in his heart. Regrettably, with this development, Shangdang would remain stable for some time. Nevertheless, his current goal was the fertile and prosperous Guanzhong region, and such frigid and challenging territories as Bing County were beginning to seem like cast-off leftovers.
※
“The Emperor has passed away, and the Prince of Yuzhang has also perished?” Upon hearing this news, Sima Yue turned pale and then erupted in fury. After spending nearly a year besieging Chang’an, they had finally captured the city, but to lose the Emperor was simply inconceivable!
“Where is General Qi Hong? Have they captured the regicide?”
“General Qi has not been able to save the Emperor. He’s unconscious and spitting blood, still with the army. As for the regicidal rebels… it appears they might be Xiongnu people!” Sima Teng had thought of a strategy on the way. Those who could dispatch three thousand light cavalry to attack the Emperor’s entourage were very likely Xiongnu infiltrators within the Han forces. However, this matter had to be kept separate from Hongnong’s main camp. Otherwise, even the accusation of inadequate protection of the Emperor could jeopardize his position.
Sima Yue, unable to sit still, rose from his seat and began pacing around the table, saying, “This won’t do! We must quickly enthrone a new Emperor!”
Instigating chaos and causing the Emperor to perish in the wilderness were not sins he could bear at the moment. What was even more dangerous was that the Prince of Chengdu, Sima Ying, was still on the run. He was Emperor Wu’s son and a former Crown Prince, which meant there were people who might use this as a reason to push for his succession to the throne. What was once a minor problem had now turned into a major concern. They had to control the legitimate line of succession.
“Could we possibly enthrone the Prince of Qinghe?” Sima Teng also understood the gravity of the situation and suggested in a hushed tone.
The Prince of Qinghe, Sima Tan, was Emperor Wu’s grandson and the eldest legitimate son of Sima Kang. After Emperor Wu’s lineage had no direct heirs, he was declared the Crown Prince. However, in the midst of political turmoil, he had been deposed multiple times. The first person to depose him had been Sima Ying, the Prince of Chengdu. According to the law and protocol, he was the only person who had a more legitimate claim to the throne than Sima Ying.
However, Sima Yue hesitated. The Prince of Qinghe was exceedingly intelligent. When Luoyang was without a ruler and the King of Changsha, Sun Guan, was wreaking havoc, it was the Prince of Qinghe who led a night assault to drive Sun Guan out of the city. Such a talented and resourceful individual, would they be able to control him if he grew a bit older?
After another couple of rounds of pacing, Sima Yue finally gritted his teeth, “Very well, given the urgency of the situation, we must prioritize the interests of the state. Immediately issue an order to summon the Prince of Qinghe!”
Now, his most formidable adversary had reverted to being Sima Ying, the Prince of Chengdu. Everything had to be seen in the context of the bigger picture. As for whether the Prince of Qinghe was intelligent or not, he was only twelve years old and far from assuming actual power. After they eliminated the Prince of Chengdu, they could slowly plan for the future.
Upon hearing this, Sima Teng couldn’t help but breathe a sigh of relief. As long as the newly appointed Emperor in Luoyang remained under their control, everything would work out.
But just as he relaxed, Sima Yue looked in his direction and said, “There’s also the matter of the Xiongnu…”
“Brother!” Seeing the look in his older brother’s eyes, Sima Teng immediately panicked. “I am inadequate, unable to withstand the formidable Xiongnu forces…”
When there’s a wrong, there’s a right, and the matter of killing the Emperor must be addressed. As the Inspector of Bing County, he already had a duty to resist the Xiongnu. But now, after the incident in Hongnong’s main camp, he was finding it difficult to escape blame. However, how could he dare to undertake such a mission now? Return to Bing County and confront the Xiongnu head-on? Those were the kind of foes who could even kill an Emperor!
Seeing Sima Teng in this state of panic, Sima Yue was so furious that he nearly ground his teeth to powder. However, he had always been protective, and this was not the time for internal disputes. Suppressing his anger, he said, “Very well, let’s prioritize internal stability before external conflicts. Now, we also need to send someone to guard Ye City. Once the enthronement ceremony is complete, you can go there.”
Ye City is the old haunt of the Prince of Chengdu, and it was recently turned upside down by Gongshi Fan, making it an unfavorable destination. However, even so, it’s still better than Bing County. Sima Teng nodded repeatedly, “Younger brother will certainly guard Ye city for elder brother!”
What more could Sima Yue say? Letting out a long sigh, he said, “Immediately bring back His Majesty’s body and prepare for the state funeral. As for the rest, we can discuss it in due time.”
Naturally, arrangements had to be made for Bing County. However, the decision on who to send as the governor would have to wait until after the state funeral and the enthronement ceremony. To think that such a favorable situation had come to this state of affairs. Could it be that he had truly been abandoned by the heavens? Shivering at the thought, Sima Yue pushed this idea aside and began arranging the various matters required for the grand mourning ceremony.
※
Even though Sima Yue made efforts to keep things secret, the over a hundred courtiers scattered on the battlefield had no intention of remaining silent. The news of the Emperor’s death spread across the land with the speed of galloping horses. Even Shangdang, which was just a stone’s throw away from Luoyang, received the news.
“The Emperor has passed away!” Upon hearing this news, Liang Feng was also greatly astonished. With so much turmoil and that Emperor, who had been through so many disasters, still managed to endure, how could he have met his end on the way back to Luoyang?
“It’s Xiongnu cavalry! No wonder the attack on Lishi a few days ago was not met with a major counterattack,” Duan Qin sighed lightly. Yes, it must be the Xiongnu shifting the battlefield, concentrating their forces in Si County, which led to this situation. But who could have expected that this change would cost the Emperor’s life!
“In this case, the solar eclipse matter might lead to controversy…” Cui Ji was thinking more deeply. If it weren’t for the capture of Yangyi during the solar eclipse, the Xiongnu might have stayed in Bing County.
However, Duan Qin immediately shook his head, “The Xiongnu won’t admit to that. They might try to blame it on locusts.”
Liu Yuan would be foolish to admit that he was scared away by the solar eclipse. Instead, he could be seen as an unjust ruler. The downfall of the dynasty was driven by a locust plague, which forced him to flee to Si County, which would align better with his own interests.
Speaking of which, it was fortunate that Shangdang had focused on controlling locusts in the past two years, which had somewhat reduced the number of locust eggs. Now, while the Western River State was suffering from a locust plague, Shangdang had relatively few pests. It was as if the heavens had helped.
Seeing the two men turning to discuss state affairs, Liang Feng couldn’t help but feel a mix of amusement and exasperation. “But the Emperor, after all, has passed away.”
Aren’t you feudal scholars? How can you discuss the Emperor’s death without a hint of sorrow?
Faced with the Prefect’s words, both of them fell silent for a moment. Eventually, Duan Qin spoke up, “After the Emperor’s enthronement, the country has faced many troubles. Perhaps this change in fate is a good thing now.”
Yes, ever since that wise Emperor ascended the throne, how many wars and disasters have befallen the country? With a population of only fifteen or sixteen million in the dynasty, how many still hold any reverence for the person on the throne? On the contrary, everyone is eager to replace him with someone more powerful and capable of governing the court. A true dragon in accordance with rituals and destiny. The late Emperor’s passing may be a relief.
Hearing Duan Qin’s words, Liang Feng couldn’t help but sigh. After a while, he said, “Proper mourning is still necessary, and we must observe it with decorum.”
This is a reasonable point. The Emperor is the father of all officials, and according to ancient customs, a national mourning period should last for three years, during which all forms of entertainment and marriages are prohibited. However, the Emperor is not an ordinary person, and if the entire nation observes a three-year mourning period, it would lead to great chaos. Therefore, since the decree issued by Emperor Wen of Han changed the mourning period from three years to thirty-six days, many national mourning periods have followed this practice. At most, they last for three months.
During this period, the marriage between the Liang family and the Wang family cannot proceed under any circumstances.
Duan Qin did not appear anxious this time; instead, he said, “It should be this way. It seems that Lord Dongyin won’t return to Bing County temporarily. Lord Zixi will have some more leisure time.”
This was only natural. Given Sima Teng’s behavior, could he return to Bing County to manage military affairs after the Xiongnu had killed the Emperor? Avoiding them was the right course of action.
The noose around their necks had loosened somewhat. However, Liang Feng also understood that this was only temporary. They didn’t yet know who the court would send as a replacement. Whether that person would be better than the late Emperor remained unknown.
Letting out a sigh, Liang Feng finally said, “Let’s observe the national mourning first. As for the rest, we’ll consider it later.”
After the mourning period concludes, they can proceed with the wedding, and it won’t be too late. However, it remains unknown who will succeed to the throne as the new Emperor of Luoyang.
