The prince is more stable

Chapter 785 Palace Funeral Rites
Zhao Xu has passed away, and while the funeral is still being held, many changes have already occurred in the court.

The biggest change is in Zhao Xiaoqian.

The court officials were surprised to discover that Zhao Xiaoqian was one of the officials in charge of the funeral arrangements, while there were only three people in charge of the funeral: Zhang Dun, Zhang Yi, the Minister of Rites, and Zhao Xiaoqian.

Even the Privy Councilor Zeng Bu wasn't included, yet Zhao Xiaoqian, a young man in his twenties, became one of the officials in charge of the funeral arrangements.

The Minister of Rites can be disregarded, because Zhang Yi was the one who actually did the work; he was the only one who understood all the funeral procedures and rituals. Zhang Dun and Zhao Xiaoqian were merely figureheads.

But the two people who are listed as nominal members actually carry the most weight.

Holding a funeral for the late emperor may seem like a small matter, but its symbolism and implications are far too strong.

Throughout history, ministers who held funerals for the late emperors have generally been important advisors to the new dynasty, serving as regents. They are destined to wield immense power and command the respect of even the emperor.

Because of Zhao Xu's appointment before his death, Zhao Xiaoqian's influence in the court increased.

Therefore, he can now kneel side by side with Zhang Dun and Zeng Bu as a matter of course, and he can also issue orders to his ministers in the name of funeral rites in a reasonable and legal manner.

Moreover, Zhao Xiaoqian was also a member of the imperial family, representing all members of the Zhao imperial clan, and the court officials dared not disrespect him.

The funeral rites were tedious and complicated. Zhao Xiaoqian was like a puppet on a string, following the orders of Zhang Yi, the Minister of Rites, to kneel when told to kneel, to stand when told to stand, and to cry when told to cry.

By this time, Zhao Xiaoqian was somewhat numb. He had already shed all the tears he should have shed when he said goodbye to Zhao Xu for the last time. Now, he was just putting on a show of crying.

In the afternoon, under Zhang Yi's arrangement, all the court officials withdrew from the palace, and the Zhao clan members entered the palace to pay their respects.

Led by Zhao Zongsheng, the former head of the Imperial Clan Court, a group of elderly Zhao clan princes, dukes, marquises, and other nobles entered the hall. Hundreds of people, young and old, knelt inside and outside the Funing Hall, facing Zhao Xu's coffin and wailing loudly.

Zhao Zongsheng was so heartbroken that he cried until he almost fainted. Empress Dowager Xiang was terrified, fearing that something might happen to this highly respected elder in the palace and that another murder case might be added to the list. She hurriedly ordered the palace servants to help Zhao Zongsheng to a side hall to lie down and summoned the imperial physician to the palace for treatment.

Taking advantage of the chaos inside the hall, Zhao Xiaoqian sneaked out and stood under the corridor outside the hall to breathe in the fresh air.

I'm a bit annoyed and under a lot of pressure. A cigarette would be so refreshing right now. If I ever get the throne, I'll definitely build a fleet of ships and land on the American continent. Before anything else, I'll get my hands on some tobacco.

Footsteps approached quietly behind him. Zhao Xiaoqian turned his head and saw an unfamiliar official. He was wearing a green official robe under a white mourning dress, and his rank was not high, at most a seventh-rank official.

"Your humble servant Shen Han greets Your Highness Prince Cheng." The official bowed deeply in greeting.

“You are…” Zhao Xiaoqian asked, frowning.

"I am the chief secretary of Prince Jian's residence, and can be considered a staff member of Prince Jian. I apologize for disturbing Your Highness's private enjoyment."

Upon hearing that they were from the Prince Jian's residence, Zhao Xiaoqian's attitude became even colder, and he gave a curt "Hmm?"

Shen Han took out an exquisite invitation from his pocket and respectfully handed it over with both hands.

"By order of His Highness Prince Jian, I respectfully invite His Highness Prince Cheng to grace Prince Jian's residence with his presence today at Shenshi (3-5 PM). A banquet will be prepared to entertain His Highness Prince Cheng."

Zhao Xiaoqian's expression grew even colder. He didn't even glance at the invitation, and simply said, "There's no need for the banquet. Go back and tell Prince Jian that during the period of national mourning, the entire Song Dynasty prohibits banquets, singing and dancing, and weddings. As the late emperor's own brother, surely he doesn't even know this rule?"

“Knowing the law and breaking it, Prince Jian is not afraid of being impeached by court officials and censors, but I am.”

Shen Han's face instantly turned ugly. He had already seen the answer from Zhao Xiaoqian's indifferent expression, and his heart sank.

Prince Jian, Zhao Si, would not have invited Zhao Xiaoqian to a banquet without a reason. During the mourning period for the late emperor, a new emperor had not yet been established. It was said that Zhao Xu had left a will before his death, ordering the Empress Dowager, Zhang Dun, and Zhao Xiaoqian to convene the court officials to discuss and determine the candidate for the new emperor.

Therefore, Zhao Xiaoqian is a very important figure. King Jian invited him to a banquet today, naturally to sound out his opinions and seek his support.

Unexpectedly, Zhao Xiaoqian not only showed no respect, but also reprimanded King Jian from afar under the pretext of national mourning.

The rule of prohibiting drinking and banquets during national mourning is correct, but during the three-year period of national mourning, can anyone really refrain from gathering, drinking, and listening to beautiful courtesans sing songs for three years?
Rules are rules, but those below always have ways to deal with them. They can close the door, have a quiet drink, sing a little song, and everyone understands without saying a word. If someone exposes it, then the problem is definitely not on the surface.

Now, Zhao Xiaoqian reprimanded Shen Han in front of him without any politeness. Seeing his cold attitude and the lack of any way to save face, Shen Han immediately realized that Zhao Xiaoqian probably had never considered making King Jian the new ruler.

Despite his anger and resentment, Shen Han forced a smile and bowed repeatedly.

There was nothing he could do; he truly couldn't afford to offend this prince. The difference in their status was too great, and he didn't even have the courage to utter a single word in his defense.

Having made a fool of himself, Shen Han awkwardly put away the invitation and took his leave.

Zhao Xiaoqian remained expressionless, standing under the railing of the outer corridor of Funing Palace, gazing into the distance.

If Zhao Xiaoqian could muster the energy to feign politeness towards Prince Duan (Zhao Ji), he had no interest in even trying to appease Prince Jian. He simply went straight to the point. Zhao Xiaoqian truly despised this guy, treating him like a pile of dung on the street, something he would avoid at all costs.

Only a dog would be interested in licking it.

The thought that Zhang Dun had to turn around and support Prince Jian in order to oppose Prince Duan's ascension to the throne made Zhao Xiaoqian feel that Zhang Dun had fallen from grace and was ruining his reputation in his later years.

After all that searching, why did you choose this?

Hey Zhang, pick me!
Wise and powerful, intelligent and composed, decisive and ruthless, outstanding and extraordinary... I possess all the virtues an emperor should have.

Inside the Funing Hall, the weeping of the Zhao clan members subsided somewhat. Zhang Yi, the Minister of Rites, ordered the clan members to withdraw, and the envoys from various foreign countries stationed in Bianjing entered the hall to pay their respects.

Before long, hundreds of relatives came out. Zhao Xiaoqian turned his head and saw Prince Jian, Zhao Si, looking furious. His fiery eyes stared at him venomously from a distance. Beside Zhao Si was Shen Han, who looked helpless. Obviously, Shen Han had just relayed Zhao Xiaoqian's words to Zhao Si.

Having failed to gain support, Zhao Si, with his violent nature, naturally regarded Zhao Xiaoqian as an enemy at this moment.

After staring at her venomously for a long time, Zhao Si's face turned ashen, and she angrily turned and left.

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled faintly. He was just a clown. No, he wasn't even worthy of being called a clown; he was nothing more than an ant.

Next to emerge from the Funing Palace was Prince Duan, Zhao Ji.

Zhao Ji's gaze met Zhao Xiaoqian's across the distance. After hesitating for a moment, Zhao Ji walked over, his expression showing a hint of tension and uncertainty.

He had previously formed an alliance with Zhao Xiaoqian, and the terms and benefits of both sides had been agreed upon. However, Zhao Xu had been dead for more than ten hours, and the selection of a new emperor had not yet been decided. Zhao Ji, who was anxious about the outcome, was somewhat uneasy.

Walking up to Zhao Xiaoqian, Zhao Ji stared intently at him and suddenly asked, "What is our relationship now?"

When Zhao Ji said this, his expression was somewhat humble, with a hint of probing, and his lines were very familiar, like a lovestruck woman looking longingly at a scumbag who had just pulled up his pants, trying to seek a little sense of security.

Zhao Xiaoqian paused for a moment, then said earnestly, "Until the mountains have no peaks, until heaven and earth unite..."

Zhao Ji smiled wryly, then said seriously, "Brother Zi'an, as we agreed, if you do not betray me, I will certainly not betray you."

"Tomorrow the Empress Dowager will convene a court meeting to discuss the selection of a new emperor with the ministers. I would appreciate your strong support, Brother Zian."

Zhao Xiaoqian nodded: "Don't worry, I won't go back on my word. Of course, I also hope that you will keep your word after you ascend the throne, otherwise we will both be in big trouble."

Zhao Ji understood his meaning. What Zhao Xiaoqian wanted was military power in Yan and Yun. If Zhao Ji went back on his word, then Zhao Xiaoqian would surely rise up and shout, and Yan and Yun would surely rebel.

They exchanged a knowing smile, and Zhao Ji silently took his leave.

…………

The backyard of Prince Jian's Mansion.

Prince Jian, Zhao Si, who had just returned to his residence from Yanfu Palace, smashed a piece of porcelain. His feet sank on the broken pieces, and he felt a slight pain, but he was completely unaware of it.

At this moment, he was like an enraged lion, his bloodshot eyes scanning his surroundings as if he were about to devour someone.

“I am the Emperor’s own brother, the only one of my own brothers from the same father and mother! Why shouldn’t the throne be mine? The Empress Dowager, Zhang Dun, and Zhao Xiaoqian all deserve to die!” Zhao Si said angrily.

Shen Han, who was standing next to him, twitched his eyelids and turned pale with fright. He hurriedly stopped him, saying, "Walls have ears, Your Highness, please be careful what you say!"

Zhao Si, however, was not buying it at all and angrily said, "What do you mean by 'be careful what you say'? Haven't you noticed yet? The Empress Dowager is definitely on Zhao Ji's side, that old fox Zhang Dun is refusing to express his opinion no matter what, and that scoundrel Zhao Xiaoqian, relying on his little merit, is so arrogant and domineering that he actually dares to lecture me!"

"With these three secretly conspiring, the throne has long been out of my reach!"

Shen Han said in a deep voice, "Your Highness, as long as the ministers have not yet decided on a new emperor, Your Highness still has a chance. We still have time!"

Zhao Si spat fiercely and said, "In time? Tell me, who is still on my side today? His Majesty passed away last night, and not a single court official has come to visit me at my Prince Jian's residence since then. Isn't that enough to prove the point?"

"There's no hope! Shen Han, there's no hope at all. That brat Zhao Ji has gotten a huge advantage. The Empress Dowager, Zhang Dun, and Zhao Xiaoqian have probably already decided to establish a new emperor based on seniority!"

Shen Han said urgently, "Leaving aside the Empress Dowager, Zhao Ji has won her heart by currying favor with her in recent years. However, the attitudes of Zhang Dun and Zhao Xiaoqian are still ambiguous, especially Zhang Dun, who once openly opposed Zhao Ji's ascension to the throne. I believe that Your Highness should visit Zhang Dun as soon as possible to seek his support."

Zhao Si coldly replied, "That old fox Zhang Dun wouldn't easily express his opinion. He opposes Zhao Ji, but he might not necessarily support me."

"We can't count on that scoundrel Zhao Xiaoqian either. Just now in the palace, he showed me no respect whatsoever, leaving me no room for maneuver. This shows that he has already sided with Zhao Ji!"

(End of this chapter)