Chapter 137

As Song Xuan approached, a gloomy aura emanated from him, a stark contrast to his previous humble and gentle demeanor.

If you didn't look at his face, you could easily mistake him for two different people.

Upon seeing this, the ministers were all filled with surprise and doubt. It was rumored that the new emperor had stayed in the Eastern Palace for seven days, during which time his temperament had changed drastically, and now it seemed that the rumors were true.

Song Xuan arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Study. He looked at Shen Zheng, who was at the front, with a gloomy expression, and said in a deep voice, "Prime Minister Shen, what is the purpose of gathering all the ministers here in the Imperial Study?"

Although he spoke in a questioning tone, his eyes were filled with coldness.

Shen Zheng felt that Song Xuan's aura was much stronger than when he was the Crown Prince. His heart pounded, but he still kowtowed and said, "Your Majesty, the Empress passed away seven days ago. According to the rules, the funeral should be held as soon as possible!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the other court officials behind him kowtowed in agreement.

"Your Majesty, the Empress has passed away. This is a momentous event that cannot be kept secret!"

"Your Majesty, please conduct the funeral according to the proper procedures, and after the funeral is completed, move the Empress to the Imperial Mausoleum."

"The rules set by our ancestors cannot be broken! Your Majesty, please abide by the rules set by our ancestors!"

"When the Empress was alive, she and His Majesty were a harmonious couple. Although His Majesty is deeply saddened, he must also consider the Empress's dignity and let her depart in a dignified manner!"

......

The Empress's death was kept secret, which was of great importance. In addition, Song Xuan had not appeared in court for the past few days, which had already caused some resentment among the court officials.

Furthermore, the new emperor has now frozen the entire sleeping quarters of the Eastern Palace, an unprecedented act that is completely unbecoming of a monarch.

Many ministers in the court had lost their wives, and these ministers would begin attending court on the third day after their wives' deaths, since matters of state were what important ministers sought.

While one's wife is important, she can never compare to matters of state.

The new emperor neglected the court immediately after his ascension to the throne, which was truly inappropriate. Naturally, these officials had to speak out about it.

As Song Xuan looked at these ministers, a chill rose in his eyes. His former gentleness was completely gone, replaced by icy coldness.

He gave a cold laugh, his words laced with indifference: "Prime Minister Shen is indeed swift."

Shen Zheng's heart trembled slightly. He gritted his teeth and met Song Xuan's gaze. Although he was somewhat flustered, his face remained resolute.

He cupped his hands and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I am doing this for the sake of Your Majesty and the entire Xuan Kingdom. I beg Your Majesty to hold a funeral for the Empress!"

The courtiers behind him also shouted loudly:

"Your Majesty, please hold a funeral for the Empress!"

"Your Majesty, please hold a funeral for the Empress!"

"Your Majesty, please hold a funeral for the Empress!"

......

These shouts struck Song Xuanxin like a thunderbolt, and he found them utterly ridiculous.

He missed Qing Nian giving birth because of his ascension to the throne, and now, due to national affairs, he is required to hold a funeral for Qing Nian.

Song Xuan's slightly pale lips parted slightly, his voice cold and icy: "Since all the ministers are so concerned about my Empress, they must have already finished dealing with their affairs?"

When Shen Qingnian was still alive, Song Xuan was a gentle and refined gentleman. After her death, Song Xuan's personality changed drastically, and these court officials were clearly still not over it.

Just consider him the same humble and gentle gentleman he always was.

“Your Majesty, the Empress’s death is also a matter of state, and we, as court officials, should urge Your Majesty to hold a funeral,” one of the middle-aged officials replied loudly.

He had a good personal relationship with Shen Zheng and was promoted by Shen Zheng. A few days ago, he was promoted from a sixth-rank official to a fourth-rank censor, in charge of the position of tribute officer for two provinces.

As soon as the minister finished speaking, Shen Zheng echoed, "Lord Liu is absolutely right. The matter of the Empress is also a matter of state affairs. I urge Your Majesty to consider it carefully."

Song Xuan coldly stared at Shen Zheng, then shifted his gaze to Lord Liu. He exuded a heavy aura, and his dark eyes were like sharp swords, piercing through people.