The Emperor's Passes Away, a Legacy of Benevolent Governance
The emperor's condition did not improve as people had hoped; instead, it worsened day by day. The medical records from the Imperial Hospital became increasingly obscure, and the medications became increasingly potent. However, the emperor who had once worked diligently to govern the country was visibly declining, becoming less and less lucid. Even when he was awake, he was often listless and could barely utter a few words.
The affairs of state were in turmoil, and Crown Prince Zhao Jingchen struggled to keep things afloat. However, the shadow of the emperor's serious illness loomed over the entire court like a huge haze, causing widespread unrest. Under these circumstances, many ceremonies that originally required grand celebrations had to be simplified.
Princess Zhao Yilan, the second princess, and Princess Zhao Yifang, the third princess, both reached the age of coming-of-age. In a peaceful and prosperous era, this would have been two extremely grand celebrations in the royal family. However, at this moment, the emperor was bedridden and had neither the strength nor the will to organize such events. In the end, the Ministry of Rites could only follow the Crown Prince's order and choose titles for the two princesses according to custom: the second princess was named "Princess Anning," and the third princess was named "Princess Kangle," thus fulfilling the proper etiquette, without holding a formal coming-of-age ceremony. The two princesses were well aware of the difficult situation and silently accepted the arrangement, though they inevitably felt some disappointment and uncertainty about the future.
On his deathbed, the emperor displayed the magnanimity of a benevolent ruler.
On this day, he suddenly experienced a brief resurgence of lucidity, his spirits improved considerably, and he immediately summoned the Crown Prince, senior cabinet ministers, and several princes of the imperial clan to his bedside. He knew that it was time to arrange his affairs after his death.
Crown Prince Zhao Jingchen knelt before the bed, tightly holding his father's withered hand, tears streaming down his face. Several princes also knelt beside him, their eyes red.
The emperor's gaze slowly swept over the crowd. His breath was weak, but his tone was exceptionally clear and firm: "I... know my time is up. After my death, you should all wholeheartedly assist the Crown Prince and secure the Liang Dynasty..."
He paused, his breathing quickening, and continued, "There is one more thing... I... want to abolish that old system..."
The ministers held their breath in concentration.
"From my time onward...the practice of funerary sacrifice is abolished!" The emperor said with all his might, word by word, "The concubines in the harem...those who have not borne children may move to the Western Garden to live out their days in comfort after my mausoleum is completed, or...may return home and marry as they please. They shall not be forced to be buried alive with me!"
These words shocked the entire hall! The practice of burying concubines alive with the emperor has existed since ancient times, and was seen as a sign of a concubine's loyalty to the monarch. Abolishing this practice would undoubtedly be a huge challenge to ancestral traditions!
Looking at the astonished expressions of the crowd, the emperor gasped as he explained, a hint of pity in his eyes: "This system... is against the natural order... In the afterlife, I have the late Empress (referring to the Empress Dowager) and all the concubines who have borne children, that is enough... Why... further burden innocent young women? Let those newly entered into the palace... also have something to look forward to..." He thought of his young, childless concubines, and how he could not bear to see them wither away because of his death.
Crown Prince Zhao Jingchen was the first to kowtow, choking back tears as he said, "Your subject... will humbly obey Your Majesty's last edict! I will surely use this benevolent rule to benefit future generations!"
The high-ranking officials and imperial relatives also kowtowed to accept the order, their hearts filled with even deeper respect for this emperor who was nearing his death. This was a will filled with the brilliance of humanity.
Having given his final words, the emperor seemed to have a weight lifted from his shoulders and peacefully closed his eyes.
That night, the palace bells tolled, announcing the end of an emperor of the Great Liang Dynasty.
Emperor Zhao Huan has passed away.
The whole nation mourns; the mountains and rivers grieve.
According to the imperial edict, concubines without children were spared from being forced to commit suicide by being buried alive with the emperor. They were either relocated or allowed to return home. Although their future was uncertain, they at least had a glimmer of hope. While grateful for the late emperor's benevolence, they were also filled with confusion and fear about their new lives.
The national mourning began, and the whole country wore white mourning clothes.
The new emperor, Zhao Jingchen (who was required to observe mourning, but a country cannot be without a ruler for a day, so he usually ascended the throne quickly, and the mourning period was observed in days instead of years), ascended the throne and set the year as the new era name. However, according to the rites, he was still required to observe mourning for three years (actually calculated as twenty-seven months), during which time marriage and banquets were prohibited.
The Prince Yi's residence was also decorated entirely in white.
Dressed in heavy mourning clothes, Zhao Jingyi knelt before the coffin, gazing at his elder brother's coffin. Remembering his father's past protection and affection, this usually carefree prince wept like a child. Qin Yuti, also dressed in white mourning clothes, stood beside him, tears streaming down her face. The late emperor had been kind to her, his daughter-in-law, and his sudden passing was deeply saddening. The entire palace was immersed in profound grief.
The days of mourning were long and silent.
The capital city had lost its former prosperity, and all entertainment activities had ceased. Inside Prince Yi's residence, Zhao Jingyi had also become much quieter, spending his days, apart from necessary formalities, at home with Qin Yuti and their two children. Yuanbao and Nuannuan seemed to sense the oppressive atmosphere as well, unlike their usual lively selves.
The late emperor's death marked the end of an era.
The ascension of the new emperor heralded the beginning of a new era.
The three years of mourning will be a crucial period for the new emperor to consolidate his power and accumulate strength, as well as a period of undercurrents and a reshuffling of power among various factions.
Prince Yi and his wife, as core members of the royal family, will inevitably be drawn into this new historical tide.
Their future became even more closely intertwined with the fate of the entire Liang Dynasty.
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