Chapter Nine: The Ultimate Sorrow
the past practices of the Sihai Merchant Alliance. It wasn't that the Sihai Merchant Alliance had always been upright and benevolent. Rather, the former Sihai Merchant Alliance would never have acted...Not a single person who has reached their current position in this treacherous political landscape is foolish.
Feng Gu's current attitude is a continuation of Jiang Wuqi's will in life.
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His kindness towards Jiang Wang wasn't limited to just Jiang Wang's person. He treated Jiang Wang well not only because of his talent, but also because Jiang Wang served Qi, and he wanted such a gifted individual to be closer to the State of Qi. Even if Jiang Wang would actually become an asset to Hua Ying Palace in the future.
What he yearned for most was the entire Qi Empire.
Da Qi, where heroes gather from all over the heavens, is his home country.
including his willingness to die bravely, and even in front of the emperor, he said, “There can be no worries within the army,” thinking only of the great enterprise of Qi.
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Such a mindset and vision are truly moving.
The emperor looked at Feng Gu for a while, as if in this old eunuch, he saw the person who was gradually fading away and would never look back.
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Finally, turning his gaze back to Jiang Wang, he sighed, "Jiang Qing, please forgive a father's heartache and suspicion. It was I who spoke out of turn."
Jiang Wang bowed deeply, without a word, and retreated back to his original position.
The death of Jiang Wukui had a huge impact on the entire struggle for power in Qi.
Of all the palaces, Changsheng Palace poses the greatest threat to the prince.
This is a prince who is nearly flawless, except for a congenital illness.
Even a fatal flaw like being afflicted with frost poison was overshadowed by his talent and vision, to the point where for a long time, people hardly noticed it.
Although it was a seemingly unsolvable problem that anyone would face, many people believed that before Jiang Wuqidi truly died, he would surely prevail.
He is the one who gives people such confidence.
At the very moment Jiang Wuqidi died, the power struggle in Qi state underwent a dramatic shift. As the crown prince, he now had a pressing need to reassert his authority.
But as the compassionate Crown Prince, he should be friendly with his siblings. To see his younger brother so distressed today, how could he possibly argue with others
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The Empress also has blood ties, it's impossible to completely cut them off. But why could she turn a blind eye to He Zhen being imprisoned and punished in the past, yet today she cannot ignore his humiliation
This is precisely the reason.
As the biological mother of the crown prince, she could secure his position without harming his reputation for benevolence.
For an insulted nephew, casually hitting Jiang Wuyou with a few words is nothing out of the ordinary. It's human nature to speak out when wronged. A mother teaching her daughter, what wrong could there be
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If Jiang Wuyou dared to confront him, she would be considered disrespectful and disobedient. If she gave in, she would appear subservient before the Eastern Palace.
But Jiang Wuyou should show respect, yielding the way when necessary. From beginning to end, she didn't lose any of her bearing, yet all her actions were directed at He Zhen, keeping a perfect balance.
Even before Jiang Wuqian's spirit, the empress could not be overbearing, she could only let go lightly and let He Zhen "roll".
In front of the Empress Dowager, He Zhen was driven out of Jiang Wuqidi's memorial hall. Who else could be so domineering
Jiang Wuyou silently sat beside Jiang Wang. As the head of Huaying Palace, sitting on the outermost edge was to show everyone who was truly in charge, whose voice held the most weight. She did speak up and cause He Zhen to be removed, but He Zhen's removal wasn't her sole decision...
And Jiang Wuyong, who was crying and wailing, wouldn't he know that his thoughts were clear to his elder brother and sisters He just wanted the emperor's sympathy.
The Crown Prince, hugging his brother in camaraderie, also shed tears. He did his best as the younger brother.
Jiang Wu Xie arrived among his siblings the latest, so he was treated with great respect and affection.
But courtesy to the current Jiang Wuqi is useless, extravagance when it's over.
The Empress asked him what he had sent, but Jiang Wu Xie only lightly skipped over it with the words "寄托" ( entrustment ).
Members of the imperial family have always lived a tiring life, and the undercurrents within it are not difficult to see.
Only this happened before Jiang Wuqi's spirit!
The emperor was therefore furious.
In the end, Jiang Wudi upheld his loyalty and righteousness as a ruler. He died in front of him, clean and innocent, as his son.
He came in mourning today, not without a final remembrance, yet he still had to watch these people fight over each other.
How could he not be angry
However, the struggle for the crown intensified, culminating in... what transpired was all under his tacit approval. No storm could reveal a dragon's might without raging winds. No gale could expose the resilience of a pine without fierce gusts.
How could he possibly be angry about this
This love, this feeling, is truly hard to express. The emperor governs the country, every word and deed must be carefully considered. He could only question Jiang Qingyang in the same way he questioned himself about these matters of children.
Though Jiang Qingyang's response was fierce, this young man with sharp edges is precisely what the emperor needs.
He didn't take offense; his silence was more a kind of observation.
Looking at this hall of mourning, everyone has different thoughts in their hearts.
Governing a country of ten thousand chariots requires constant vigilance, never a moment to be relaxed.
Feng Gu's words, though meant to explain things to Jiang Wang, made him miss Jiang Wuqi even more.
This child, whose destiny was decided in the womb, has done how much for this great Qi dynasty, silently
...and the emperor suddenly awoke.
He didn't need to observe Jiang Wuqi anymore.
Just as Jiang Wuqi said —
Now you can trust your son.
The emperor must always be suspicious.
However, this "doubt" character, sometimes, as Jiang Qingyang said... "To what extent is the minister wounded"
The emperor sighed deeply and said to Jiang Qing, "Jiang Qing, I take back what I just said. Please forgive your father's heartache."
Within the mourning hall, silence remained. Yet, hearts surged with turmoil, none able to quell the rising storm.
This emperor, who had achieved great unification and dominance, actually admitted his own mistakes!
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Who is Jiang Wangzhen
The emperor's hatred for a man is being described in the courtroom where Yan Tu, currently being slowly dismembered, stands. This man fought for the state of Qi for decades, achieving countless victories and earning a place in the Hall of Military Achievements. Yet, he was imprisoned overnight and not even granted an audience with the emperor to plead his case.
The emperor’s beloved, heavier than mountains, is right before our eyes.
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It was with the weight of an emperor that I apologized to Jiang Wang. For the sake of the entire world, I would never abandon a single person like Jiang.
The hall was silent, save for the sound of Qitianzi's voice.
“The Jiang clan is renowned for never abandoning their children, my beloved son. Born in the midst of winter, he was cut from his mother's womb. I called upon my beloved concubine, Lady Lei, to not abandon my child, but fate has been cruel!”
Born with a fatal toxin in my blood, I was marked for an early demise. Yet, my will remained unyielding, my spirit unbroken. For seventeen years, I challenged heaven itself, striving to defy fate. With every step, I ascended, purging the rotten flesh of my great Qi state.
"My love for him causes me such pain, this sorrow is unparalleled in my life!"
The emperor stood before the coffin, and with a mere glance downward, he could see Jiang Wuqi's slumbering face.
His gaze swept over Jiang Wuhua, then glanced at Jiang Wuyong, lingering on Jiang Wuyou's face before moving past Jiang Wuxie.
At that moment, Wei was like a mountain and sea: "The death of Wuyi is my great misfortune, but your great fortune!"
The crown princess also knelt down with Jiang Wuhua.
The Empress Dowager of Great Qi lowered her eyes and remained silent.
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Delving into the annals of time, Emperor Daqi's life was marked by countless upheavals and grand narratives. Yet, nothing compared to this profound sorrow he endured throughout his reign.
She, as the person by his side and the first among the concubines, could not speak after all.
The emperor lowered his head to look at Jiang Wuqian, gazing at the beautiful face frosted with frost.
After a long silence, he reached out and gently parted his lips, taking out a piece of white jade from his sleeve and placing it in his mouth.
“Your jade, Your Majesty, has returned to you.”
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With treasure in mouth, funeral rites.
The emperor of Daqi personally completed this step.
This also declared that Jiang Wuki, as a person, had truly died in the eyes of the law.
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Of course, when he left, he was as pure and flawless as jade.
This purity is proven by the emperor himself.
Feng Gu's forehead pressed against the ground, weeping uncontrollably, tears streaming down his face.
Before, in Jiang Wuqi's study, Jiang Wang said he hoped that when Jiang Wuqi left, he got what he wanted.
Feng Gu understood that Jiang Wuqi had already obtained...
Returning the jade of atonement to Jiang Wuqi, this simple act seemed to have restored Qi Tianzi's composure.
The immense pressure felt by everyone in the mourning hall dissipated instantly.
“Return to the palace,” the emperor said, no longer looking at Jiang Wuqi or even this spirit hall. He simply walked out.
Han Ling remained silent, following behind.
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The emperor walked from where the empress had been standing, with the coffin on his right and the kneeling crown princess and Jiang Wuye on his left.
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He walked past.
Having walked past the kneeling Xiu Yuan, the kneeling Jiang Wuyou, and the standing Jiang Wang, Feng Gu finally stood up from where he knelt on the ground. They left the Lingtang, which had been set up in the main hall of Changsheng Palace.
That's it, he left without looking back.
According to etiquette, the entire funeral has not yet ended and everyone has not arrived. The final condolence needs to be presided over by Wen Yan Yu.
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But the emperor has already left.
At that moment, Jiang Wuhua, Jiang Wuyou, Jiang Wuyu, and Jiang Wuxie were all speechless.
Jiang Wang remained silent, for the first time he felt the emotions of Qitianzi.
Under the depths of the ocean, there can also be raging waves.
The Empress Dowager looked at these princes and princesses, and said in a soft voice, “All of you, get up. What are you kneeling for”
Several princes and princesses rose to their feet.
The Empress seemed tired, turning to sit on the first chair. Facing the coffin, she lightly raised her left hand and brushed outward: "Let those who need to leave go. This palace will stay here to accompany Wúqì on his final journey."
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Her hand fluttered in the air, conveying a sense of helplessness.
Although the empress said so, it was impossible for the princes and princesses to leave now.
The emperor then asked, "Why are you here so early Are you trying to impress someone" If the emperor leaves first and they leave soon after, that's when things truly get dangerous.
The queen's words had fallen silent.
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Cao Jie stood up and said, "Your Majesty, I still have military affairs to attend to. I will take my leave first."
Then, Chen Fu and Xiu Yuan also got up and left.
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Imperial officials of such high standing, listed in both the Hall of Military Merit and the Hall of Civil Merit, rarely had anything threaten their positions unless they committed treason or other major offenses. They didn't need to put on much of a show.
"And being in this position, indeed one is surrounded by many things. To be able to come and offer incense today is already a considerable respect shown to Jiang Wuqidi."
The incense has been offered, and since the Son of Heaven has departed, there is nothing more for them to linger here.
With all three major figures gone, Jiang Wang naturally wouldn't stay either. Although he had intended to participate in the entire funeral of Jiang Wuqi today, it wasn't really to show off in front of Chong Xuan Sheng. He did it out of friendship and respect for Jiang Wuqi, truly cherishing a hero.
But when the emperor asked him like this today, if he stayed here any longer, there would inevitably be a tinge of performance to it. Moreover, he didn't want to continue feeling the pressure within the imperial court.
Therefore, after exchanging a glance with Jiang Wuxiu, they bowed to the Empress and took their leave.
As Feng Gu stepped out of the palace gate, he rose and said to her, "This old servant will escort Your Highness."
Jiang Wang instinctively prepared to decline, but after a moment's thought, he softly said, "Thank you, father-in-law."
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The onlookers didn't think much of it, after all, Feng Gu had already spoken up for Jiang Wuqi and Jiang Wang in front of the emperor, showing their close relationship.
It's only natural to send gifts.
Probably only Jiang Wang knew that he and Jiang Wuqi rarely interacted, and their friendship hadn't reached the point of entrusting each other with their names.
Feng Gu probably had something to tell him...
He kept waiting for Feng Gu to speak on the road.
But probably because there were too many people in Changsheng Palace at the time, Feng Gu remained silent.
It wasn't until they reached the screen that he suddenly said, "My lord, do you believe in Eleventh Prince"
Jiang Wang thought for a moment, and said: "I think, what kind of person he is, his life has already proven it. I have no reason to doubt him."
"It is truly a regret that I did not have the opportunity to meet with the Lord earlier." Feng Gu suddenly bowed. "I thank you on His Lordship's behalf."
Jiang Wang hurriedly helped him up: "Father-in-law, what are you doing"
Feng Gu took out a handkerchief and wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes, then said, "Your Highness has already gotten what he wanted, but this old dog of mine hasn't achieved what he desires."
Jiang Wang looked at him in surprise.
What does this mean
But Feng Gu had already stopped his steps: "This old servant has delivered him here...May the young master ascend to great heights from now on, soaring for ten thousand miles."
When there were many people around, Jiang Wang found it inconvenient to inquire further. He could only leave with a head full of questions after going around the screen.
Thinking about waiting until after the funeral to find an opportunity to ask about the situation.
As I was leaving the palace gates, I happened to see Wen Yan Yu, with a serene expression on his face, instructing the officials from the Ministry of Rites on every detail of the funeral arrangements.
These bigwigs, let's not talk about anything else, their qi cultivation skills are truly top-notch.
To have Wen Yanyue, a scholar of the imperial court, in charge of the funeral arrangements for the eleventh prince is naturally a display of formality.
But the imperial son left early, and people's hearts immediately dispersed by half. Even those with enough weight, like Cao Jie and Chen Fu, just paid their respects with incense and left.
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It's already a thankless task.
Though the emperor might leave the ceremony, his work was far from over. A figure of his stature conducting a funeral had to see it through to the very end.
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It's a waste of talent to be underutilized like this. To have such meticulous and intricate work simply glossed over is frustrating, needless to say.
But Wen Yan'yu's face showed no displeasure, not even a hint of impatience. He seemed to not think that doing such work was a waste at all.
This time, Jiang Wang took the initiative to step forward, bid farewell to him, and then left Changsheng Palace.
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Today, he went out showing off in front of Chongxuan Sheng. As a result, before Chongxuan Sheng even arrived, he had already finished his condolences and left. The affairs of the world are truly hard to describe.
Master Jiang wasn't walking this time. Xie Ping, the steward of the Jiang family, had arranged for everything and sent a carriage with a driver and horses.
It was only as he reached his carriage that he saw, to his surprise, someone unexpected.
The commander of the Zan Yu Army, Xiu Yuan.
This person sat in a tall carriage and beckoned him, “Come in.”
The carriages of Lord Jiang's mansion, compared to the ones led by the commander of the Nine Guards, were like toys belonging to a child, quite pathetic.
The housekeeper, Xie Ping, and the new coachman hired by Jiang's family all stood there honestly, not daring to speak.
At that time, the street ahead was deserted, and the palace gate behind was imposingly deep.
The autumn wind is very cold.
The entire bustling city of Linzi, with all its grandeur and noise, was silent in tribute to Jiang Wuqidi.
"You guys go back first."
Jiang Wang gave an order and then dove into Xiu Yuan's carriage..But transforming the bloodthirsty Unzhou Wind into a defensive posture, merely to endure for three breaths' time, was hardly a difficult feat.Zuo Guangxu, armored and driving a carriage, unleashed ov...