The Forbidden City quickly turned into a sea of mourning. Mourning clothes had been prepared, and all close relatives wore coarse linen, kneeling before the spirit, wailing. Ruan Ning knelt at the front, crying and feeling panicked about what to do next. Gu Lianchang approached on his knees and whispered, “Later, when the Crown Prince and Prince Jin start arguing, just pretend to faint.”
The two argued fiercely about the poisoning, but the Emperor’s death interrupted them. One was on the left, the other on the right, both wailing, though the sincerity was questionable. Ruan Ning glanced at Gu Lianchang, who kept his head down, expressionless, seeming to have everything under control. She felt reassured and lowered her head, squeezing out tears.
After burning a piece of paper, Wei Shu said, “Father Emperor, you died in obscurity. Your son must uncover the mastermind and let you rest in peace!”
Prince Jin cried out, “Father Emperor, please open your eyes! You’ve just left, and someone is trying to harm your most beloved son!”
Father Emperor, your words about making me heir are now being disregarded by these heartless people!”
Consort De wanted to throw herself on the coffin, screaming, “Your Majesty, you’ve just left, and they can’t even protect your beloved son. What am I living for? I’ll go with you!”
“The criminal who harmed Father Emperor shall atone with your death!” Wei Shu declared grimly.
With the Emperor dead, Prince Jin faced accusations of patricide. Wei Shu was the rightful heir, and during the mourning period, the three dukes would support his claim. The inner court and the entire realm would soon fall under his control.
He glanced at Gu Lianchang, thinking how the arrogant eunuch would soon be powerless. Then he looked at Ruan Ning, kneeling with half her profile visible in mourning attire, making her appear even more beautiful. A powerless empress would be unable to escape his grasp once Gu fell.
Suddenly, Ruan Ning straightened and turned to the quarreling crowd: “The Emperor has just died, and you’re causing a scene in front of him. How improper!”
Wei Shu admired her beauty but then saw her clutch her chest and fall. He jumped up to support her, but Gu Lianchang was quicker, already holding Ruan Ning.
