Those who could take the lead, besides General Lan Yu, were some of Zhu Yunying's favored relatives. These were the relatives whom Zhu Yunying truly valued and were the key figures he wanted to cultivate.
The emperor held the hemp rope, and princes, dukes, and marquises followed suit. This was a very high-level ceremony, the kind of grandeur afforded to the Changlan family. Even if it wasn't a 'traditional grand funeral,' this scale far exceeded the limits of what many could imagine.
Sitting on horseback, Lan Yu's eyes were bloodshot as he roared, "Qi Ling!"
Actually, there was a carriage, and Zhu Yunying and the others who were pulling on the ropes were mostly just putting on a show; they didn't necessarily need to exert much effort.
“Grandmother, I’ve wronged you the most all these years. I’ve rarely been able to visit you, and you even went to Beiping for our sake. I’ve done a bad job, it’s all my fault. When you get there, tell Mother and let her come and scold us.”
“You don’t need to worry about your uncles. They are all successful and capable. Their grandson is even the emperor, so they can definitely manage things well. When you get there, talk to your maternal grandfather. Don’t worry about your mother too much. Your father is there, and your maternal grandmother is here too. Just take care of yourself and don’t worry about others your whole life.”
Zhu Yunying, holding the hemp rope, kept his head down and pulled on the coffin, muttering to himself the whole way, seemingly talking to Chang Lanshi.
Zhu Yunying looked up suddenly and saw Xu Miaoqing holding Zhu Ruyi in front of him. Several of Zhu Yunying's aunts were also supporting Sang Shi or leading other children, since some of the children were too young.
Zhu Yunying sensed something was wrong and said loudly, "Don't let the children cry, and none of you should cry either. Let's have a lively celebration, we won't cry. Grandmother doesn't want to see us suffer, doesn't want to see us wailing."
Compared to the generally somber atmosphere of some funerals, Changlan's funeral seemed somewhat more relaxed. Perhaps many people would envy this, probably because the current emperor himself attended the funeral.
When Zhu Yunying saw Chang Lanshi's coffin being slowly carried into the tomb, he, who had thought he could hold back his emotions, suddenly broke down. Not only him, but Chang Mao and the others also couldn't help but cry. At this moment, Lan Yu was no longer a great general; he was just an ordinary person who had lost a loved one.
Chang Lan's three daughters-in-law may not actually be that heartbroken, but at this time, they need to appear heartbroken.
Zhu Yunying looked at the tombstone, his heart heavy. Funerals were nothing new to him. He had seen off one loved one after another, and he didn't have much time to grieve; he had to pull himself together quickly.
For Zhu Yunying, the affairs of the Ming Dynasty were of utmost importance; these were all matters he needed to handle well. As an emperor, he had to quickly adjust his emotions and throw himself back into his work; there were still many things to attend to.
This is not an exaggeration, it is the truth. After all, Zhu Yunying is the emperor now. The high degree of centralization of imperial power also means that he needs to make decisions on many things, and there can be no ambiguity.
Looking at the tombstone, Zhu Yunying knelt down respectfully, "Grandfather and Grandmother, may you rest in peace. Your grandson still has to attend to state affairs. Your grandson will definitely be a good emperor, governing the country well, ensuring the people live in peace and prosperity, and providing them with food and clothing! Our Great Ming Dynasty will surely be prosperous, strong, and peaceful!"
He picked up the sleeping little Zhu, and without looking back, Zhu Yunying strode away.
He was the emperor; he had to control his emotions. Governing the empire well was his duty. Perhaps his family and relatives also longed to see a wise and powerful emperor, and a prosperous and glorious land.
Having done what he was supposed to do, Zhu Yunying felt much more at ease. Now he could readjust his emotions and continue to devote himself to governing the country.
As emperor, Zhu Yunying should focus on doing what he is supposed to do. This was more important to him, as it was also his pursuit and ambition. He still had many things to take care of.
After returning to the palace, Emperor Ying Shi, having dealt with his personal matters, was now ready to once again take up his post in the capital and govern this magnificent land!
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