In just half a day, the Minister of Rites of the Empire had arranged all the items needed for Princess Zhao Li's funeral, and those who needed to be notified had already been notified through the communicator.
The officers in the Imperial Northern Camp who had once been cared for by Zhao Li ultimately did not come to the capital to attend the princess's funeral, merely citing the tense war situation as an excuse. Perhaps they were afraid that their beliefs would crumble.
Meanwhile, Marshal Maurice did not attend his sister's funeral. Unlike the officers at the Northern Camp, he was simply trying to escape the grief of his sister's death and could only numb himself with a heavy workload.
Just as the funeral was beginning, the emperor unexpectedly arrived at the funeral hall. However, he only glanced at the dark gold coffin containing the princess's mangled limbs before leaving without looking back.
As for the eldest prince? How could he possibly attend such a thing? He would simply stay in his luxurious palace and had no intention of attending the funeral of Princess Zhao Li, who had no connection to him whatsoever.
However, the other officials were not entitled to not attend the Queen's funeral. Although no members of the royal family or Marshal Maurice came, under the supervision of the Minister of Rites, they had to wait until the prayers were finished before they could leave, even without the Emperor present.
In the center of the main hall, in front of a dark gold coffin surrounded by flowerbeds, the Minister of Rites of the Empire held a prayer document, while hundreds of imperial officials qualified to attend the funeral stood before him.
The task of praying was originally supposed to be performed by Marshal Maurice, but unfortunately he did not come, so the task of praying fell to the Minister of Rites.
At this moment, the Minister of Rites of the Empire was dressed in black mourning clothes. He no longer used any tricks, but deliberately made his eyes, which were not originally filled with sadness, reveal a trace of bloodshot veins and red circles.
He looked at the numerous imperial officials standing before him, and with a hint of sorrow, he read aloud the prayer in his hands:
"Distinguished officials from all corners of the Empire, Your Majesty's Princess Zhao Li has passed away on the 50th anniversary of the Empire's founding. The entire nation mourns. His Majesty is currently overwhelmed with grief and unable to attend the funeral at this time. Therefore, the Minister of Rites of our Empire will preside over the funeral on behalf of His Majesty. Does anyone have any objections?"
After reading the opening, the Minister of Rites looked at the many officials before him who were only bowing their heads, waited a moment, and seeing that no one objected, continued reading:
"After the death of Princess Zhao Li of the Empire, she was buried in the Imperial Mausoleum after a three-day memorial service in the Imperial Hall. Since the princess had no living relatives, all the money from her funeral was deposited into the Imperial Treasury."
Upon reading this, the Minister of Rites feigned sadness, wiping his reddened eyes and putting on a sorrowful expression before continuing:
"Now that Princess Zhao Li has passed away, her son, the Second Prince, should have been in charge of guarding the coffin for three days. However, since the Second Prince has already passed away, the Minister of Rites of the Empire will be in charge of guarding the coffin for three days."
Finally, effective immediately, the Empire grants a three-day amnesty. During this period, all factories must remain closed for three days. Anyone who resumes operations without authorization will be punished for treason!
...
While the Minister of Rites was reading the prayer in the funeral hall, a different scene was unfolding in the eerie research institute a thousand meters below the palace.
These researchers, dressed in white coats, also received news of Princess Zhao Li's death. However, they did not care who the princess was or why she died. They only knew that the deceased princess was named Zhao Li. As usual, they focused on studying the strange objects or research materials in their hands.
Unlike the researchers who seemed unaffected, Marshal Maurice was rather numb.
At this moment, on Marshal Maurice's desk, which was originally piled high with documents and reports, all the important intelligence was scattered all over the floor, and the table where the intelligence was originally placed was also covered with all kinds of wine bottles.
"Marshal Maurice, please stop drinking. You've had too much; your body won't be able to handle it!"
Meanwhile, Marshal Maurice's mature secretary was standing next to him, who was slumped over the table, drinking half a bottle of liquor. She kept advising him.
However, Marshal Maurice was already in a semi-dazed state at the moment, not even caring about the Empire's important intelligence, so how could he possibly listen to her advice?
He simply continued pouring highly concentrated liquor from the bottle into his mouth. Hearing his secretary's admonition, he merely waved his arm holding the bottle casually and mumbled something indistinctly.
"You...don't...don't say anymore, you're busy...you're busy with what you need to do, let me be alone...let me be alone for a while..."
Seeing Marshal Maurice's state, the mature secretary sighed inwardly, but outwardly did not offer any more useless advice. She simply bid him farewell to the numb man and left the office.
"Understood, Marshal Maurice. I'll take my leave now. If... if you need anything, please contact me by telephone, and I will come immediately."
...
...
...
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
