The next day, early in the morning, the sky was just beginning to brighten.
The melodious sound of a bugle horn came from within the imperial palace, followed by the depressing sound of a bell with a hint of sorrow.
The slumbering imperial capital seemed to have been awakened at this moment. The lights in every household were all lit up. Quite a number of citizens wrapped themselves in thick cotton coats walked out of their houses. As they exhaled a breath of cold air, they shrunk their necks and headed in the direction of the Gate of Heavenly Mystery.
Along the way, the citizens did not make a sound as a sorrowful atmosphere lingered around them.
They lamented and felt sorry for the ruthlessness of time. They felt sorry for the withering of life. The heroic ruler of a generation had also fallen with regret. This was a huge loss for the entire Light Wind Empire.
The citizens' respect for Emperor Changfeng came from the bottom of their hearts because it was their fortune to have such a diligent emperor. The emperor created a prosperous era and allowed them to live in peace. They were grateful to him.
Today was the day of Emperor Changfeng's burial. Therefore, the citizens of the imperial city woke up early in the morning to send Emperor Changfeng off. There were even many travel-worn people who rushed over from outside the imperial city just to see the emperor one last time.
The sorrowful sound of the bell created a sorrowful atmosphere. More and more people gathered outside the Gate of Heavenly Mystery. The guards were guarding the entrance to the Gate of Heavenly Mystery, preventing anyone from entering. However, the citizens did not care. They only needed to wait at the entrance for the coffin containing Emperor Changfeng's body to come out.
Inside the Gate of Heavenly Mystery, a wide path had already been cleared out of the accumulated snow with the help of diligent eunuchs. This was so that the team escorting the coffin could proceed smoothly.
The crown prince was dressed in mourning clothes with a sorrowful expression on his face as he gazed at the Main Hall. Behind him were many civil and military officials dressed in solemn attire with white gowns wrapped around them to express their sorrow for Emperor Changfeng's funeral.
King Yu was dressed in mourning clothes like the crown prince with a solemn expression on his face. Behind him were the civil and military officials as well as the experts from the sects disguised as guards. Even the experts from the sects were expressing their respect for Emperor Changfeng because he was indeed an emperor who struck fear into the hearts of the people from the sects.
The two groups stood solemnly on both sides. From the main hall, a group of court musicians dressed in mourning clothes slowly walked out. They played a sorrowful piece of music, and those who heard it felt their hearts sink.
Xiao Meng was dressed in a military uniform and wrapped in a white robe. He was supporting the frail Ji Ru'Er, who was standing beside him.
Ji Ru'Er's expression was incomparably complicated, and tears could be faintly seen in her eyes. After sleeping for three years, when she finally woke up, it was during her Imperial Father's funeral.
However, when Ji Ru'Er looked around, trying to find Ji Chengxue's figure, she realized that Ji Chengxue was actually not around in the vast Gate of Heavenly Mystery Plaza...
"What about becoming a snowman? Why isn't he here yet? "Ji Ru'Er asked Xiao Meng, who was beside her, in a weak voice.
Xiao Meng's heart was also filled with doubts. Ji Chengxue should have successfully escaped from danger yesterday. How could he not appear on such an important day?
As the successor to the throne in the Emperor's posthumous edict, Ji Chengxue should be even more attentive!
Could it be that an accident happened? Xiao Meng's eyes flickered, but a gentle smile hung on his face. He said to Ji Ru'Er, "It's alright. Chengxue might have been delayed by something. He will be here soon. After all … he is the successor to the throne."
Even though Ji Ru'Er was still a little worried, she was infected by Xiao Meng's gentle smile. The corners of her mouth slightly curled up as she nodded her head.
Xiao Yanyu and Xiao Xiaolong, who were standing behind them, felt extremely happy as they watched their parents being so affectionate.
Xiao Yanyu's gaze searched everywhere, but she was unable to find that familiar figure … According to their father, the person who saved their mother was her elder brother, Xiao Yue.
Furthermore, their mother had already told everything that had happened yesterday to Xiao Yanyu and Xiao Xiaolong. The resentment in their hearts toward Xiao Meng had long disappeared and was replaced by a sense of guilt.
The court musicians, who were dressed in mourning clothes, walked out of the main hall. Behind them, a haggard Lian Fu, whose hair was disheveled and was dressed in white mourning clothes, slowly walked out as well.
Lian Fu looked extremely exhausted. His eyes were bloodshot and droopy, and the aura around his body was fluctuating unsteadily.
However, no one paid any attention to him. Perhaps he was just overwhelmed with grief.
After all, Lian Fu had a good relationship with Emperor Changfeng.
"Where is the third prince?" Lian Fu said with a sharp voice as he lightly flicked his horsetail whisk.
However, no one responded. The crown prince and King Yu stepped forward at the same time and cupped their hands toward Lian Fu.
Lian Fu gave the two of them a meaningful glance and then began to carry out some pre-burial rituals. These strict yet solemn rituals were passed down from the imperial family of the Light Wind Empire and every prince had to abide by them.
"Next, the heir to the throne, please welcome the coffin," Lian Fu said as he flicked his horsetail whisk again.
However, once these words came out, it caused the civil and military officials below to whisper and discuss among themselves.
The corners of Zhao Musheng's mouth curled up as he calmly stood there.
King Yu and the crown prince once again stepped forward. King Yu opened his mouth and said, "I don't know why third brother hasn't appeared yet. Chief Eunuch Lian, the time cannot be delayed. Let I welcome the coffin."
"Since when was it your turn to welcome the coffin? If … I should be the one to welcome the coffin, "the crown prince said as he coldly glanced at King Yu.
The two of them once again confronted each other with equal harshness.
Lian Fu lightly sighed. The attitudes of the two princes were too obvious. Since the third prince was not present, it seemed like he had most likely met with some mishap. Otherwise, King Yu and the crown prince would not have so confidently stepped forward to fight for the opportunity to welcome the coffin.
However, under these circumstances, there had to be someone to welcome the coffin. Lian Fu was also in a difficult position.
"Chief Eunuch Lian, you decide … Father trusted you the most when he was alive," King Yu said as his gaze shifted toward Lian Fu.
"Princes, please conduct yourself with dignity. How can such an important matter like welcoming the coffin be decided carelessly? Let's wait for a while longer. If the third prince really isn't here, then the two princes will welcome the coffin together," Lian Fu said.
King Yu was startled for a moment and then chuckled. Ji Chengxue definitely wouldn't be able to come. There was no point in waiting and it would only be a waste of time. Even though that was what he thought, King Yu still had to put on a show.
The crown prince was the same. The two of them looked at each other before shifting their gazes away.
As time passed, the civil and military officials below were quickly becoming impatient. Whispers could be heard from time to time.
Lian Fu glanced at them and then retracted his gaze. However, he was sighing in his heart.
"Chief Eunuch Lian, the fact that third brother hasn't arrived is already a great disrespect to father. How can such a person inherit the throne? Leave the heavy responsibility of welcoming the coffin to me, "the crown prince said once again.
King Yu was not to be outdone and argued as well.
However, while they were arguing, the corners of Lian Fu's mouth suddenly curled up as he looked into the distance. At the entrance of the Gate of Heavenly Mystery, there were two figures slowly approaching.
"My dear brothers, I've truly made you worry. Leave the heavy responsibility of welcoming the coffin to me. After all … I'm the heir to the throne."
A cold voice rang out from afar and suddenly resounded in the ears of the crown prince and King Yu. It was like a thunderclap, causing them to feel extremely incredulous.
Zhao Musheng's pupils constricted as he stared at Ji Chengxue in confusion.
Beside Ji Chengxue was Xiao Yue, who had a solemn expression on his face. They were all wearing mourning clothes as they slowly walked toward the Main Hall.
Soon after, Ji Chengxue arrived in front of Lian Fu. He gently nodded at Lian Fu before looking at the crown prince and King Yu.
"I'm not dead … Big Brother and Second Brother, are you surprised?"
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