For the civil and military officials of the Ming Dynasty, getting up early was not a special privilege; it was something they were used to.
Don't complain about the hardship or fatigue. Those qualified to attend court are all important officials, and countless people would love to endure this hardship but have little chance. It's more important to attend court honestly and do your job well.
As the civil and military officials lined up to enter the Fengtian Hall, they suddenly saw a powerful figure with a majestic stride. Although the man's hair was gray, his overwhelming aura instantly chilled and terrified the officials.
Don't ask where the current emperor is; everyone knows the answer. At this time, it's most important to pretend to be ignorant, otherwise you'll offend two generations of emperors.
Moreover, the emperors have reached a tacit understanding that if they are not careful, the Ministry of Justice's prisons can be filled at any time. Recently, with road construction and water conservancy projects underway, not only are the Ministry of Justice's prisons relatively empty, but the labor camps in the prefectures, counties, and districts below are also short of people, lacking inmates.
Old Zhu was too lazy to say anything more. There was no need to explain to his subordinates; he figured everyone was used to it.
Back when he hadn't abdicated, he would frequently "fall ill," and either the crown prince or his grandson would rule as regent. Now, he's just slightly changed roles, helping his grandson fill in—it's nothing much. Anyway, Old Zhu knows all the important matters of the court, so he's not afraid of any troublesome issues.
There was nothing to worry about in the imperial court, naturally because the emperor of the Ming Dynasty was very 'generous' with the affairs of the court. It was not surprising that the emperor allowed the crown prince and grandson to govern on behalf of the emperor, and it was perfectly normal for the emperor to let the retired emperor know about political affairs.
Now it's the retired emperor, who once held immense power, who is now holding court. Everyone knows what the current emperor is doing; there's no need to dig deeper or ask questions.
At the foot of Zhongshan Mountain, there doesn't seem to be much military presence or martial law, but many people know that at this time, it is absolutely safe here.
Because this is the imperial mausoleum area, not only is Emperor Zhu's Xiaoling Mausoleum located here, but Emperor Xiaokang's Eastern Mausoleum is also here, so naturally there are troops guarding the mausoleums. And these troops are generally the most loyal.
Moreover, at this time, many civil and military officials' families came, and they would inevitably bring along some attendants.
Princess Kaiping has passed away, and she will soon be buried with the Prince of Kaiping.
Feng Cheng was quite envious. Chang Yuchun was able to be buried here, naturally as a funerary offering. To be buried alongside Zhongshan was the glory of a high-ranking official after death. His father, Feng Guoyong, although he had made great contributions, was not qualified to be buried here.
Although Chang Yuchun's tomb appears small, the stone figures of officials, lions, and sheep along the spirit path speak volumes about his status. The imposing and powerful stone carving of a military general, hands on a sword and fully armored, also underscores Chang Yuchun's rank and achievements.
Zhu Yue glanced at her husband who had rushed over and asked softly, "Is everything done over there?"
"Yes, everything's ready." Feng Cheng lowered his voice, then asked softly, "Do we really have to wear mourning clothes?"
Zhu Yue glared at him, looking somewhat angry, "You're a marquis, can't you wear mourning clothes for our maternal grandmother?"
Helpless, Feng Cheng could only explain, "His Majesty has entrusted us with the task of guarding the city, so we cannot go without armor. If we were to wear mourning clothes now, we would inevitably face impeachment from some people, and we might even offend my maternal grandmother!"
Zhu Yue thought for a moment and then said, "Then tie a hemp rope around your waist."
Feng Cheng suddenly sensed something was wrong and asked, "Why are you dressed like this?"
Zhu Yue was dressed in a princess's robes, an attire that was far too heavy and not appropriate for the occasion.
"Qi'er and Lin'er have been taken away by the Empress Dowager." Zhu Yue lowered her voice and whispered, "You have some sense, just like the Emperor Dowager."
While they chatted idly, many people were also secretly observing and gossiping. Those who came to pay their respects included, of course, the nobles of Huaixi; if the head of the household couldn't come, he would certainly send his descendants. Some surviving families of founding heroes also arrived at this time.
Some civil officials also sent their family members at this time.
Everyone knows Zhu Yue's identity. She is the 'Eldest Princess', and like the Eldest Princess Zhu Xi who is far away in Yunnan, she is the younger sister of the current emperor and is greatly favored.
Zhu Yunwen, dressed in his princely robes, stood solemnly by the roadside, with Lady Sang standing beside him. Even though Lady Sang was usually somewhat domineering, she dared not be careless at this moment. Even though she was pregnant, what was meant to happen would happen, and there was no question of any "disobedience."
Since it is a funeral, it is natural to be solemn at this time, even if many people come here just to show their respect or to avoid causing trouble for their families.
After all, she was the emperor's maternal grandmother. Although it seemed like there wasn't a grand funeral, it was said that it was only at the behest of the Princess of Kaiping. It would be a lie to say that the emperor didn't care. The emperor probably had to remember which families didn't come to offer condolences and which people weren't sad enough.
Just as everyone was still standing at attention, a rather unassuming carriage slowly approached, surrounded by some rather 'unassuming' guards.
Wang Chengen, with his fair complexion and clean beard, jogged and lifted the curtain. Zhu Yunying, dressed in the emperor's ceremonial robes, stepped down from the carriage, reached out to help Xu Miaoqing down, and then picked up the crown prince.
"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"
"Your subject, the heir apparent of the Marquis of Wuying, pays his respects to Your Majesty."
"Greetings, Your Highness! May Your Highness live a long life!"
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to Your Majesty the Empress. May Your Majesty live a long and healthy life!"
This family is arguably the most prestigious in the Ming Dynasty at present. When they appear, there is naturally a chorus of kneeling and bowing.
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