Climbing to the Top: A Reborn Queen's Journey-Chapter 649: Death Notice (Part 1)

The Lu Family arrived at the Nanyang Prince Mansion just in time for Lu Xuan’s funeral.

Chief Historian Feng took charge, setting up the mourning hall in the front yard. The mansion was adorned with white lanterns, and all the maids and house servants were dressed in white.

Aunt Mei’s eyes were swollen from crying, her face full of sorrow, standing there trembling as if she might faint at any moment.

Lu Ruohua was also sobbing uncontrollably, leaning against Aunt Mei.

Lu Ying, too, wore a mournful expression, though compared to Aunt Mei and Lu Ruohua, he was a bit more composed. After all, at eleven years old, he should shoulder the responsibility of a man at such times and greet the Lu Family members.

Among those who came to mourn were a few of Lu Xuan’s cousins and some younger family members. The Lu Family Master had more pressing matters and had already gone to the Capital City to congratulate the Empress on her ascension.

As such, the stance of the Lu Family became very clear. Lu Xuan’s sudden death from illness was indeed regrettable. However, the Lu Family had no intention of probing further into the cause of his death.

With Lu Ying and his siblings present, the Lu Family’s bond with the Nanyang Prince Mansion was unbreakable. Lu Cong, serving as the Inspector of Pingzhou, was the pride of the Lu Family. Since Lu Xuan died from a sudden illness, it could be seen as an unfortunate fate.

One by one, the Lu Family members paid their respects before the coffin and then comforted Lu Ying and his family. Aunt Mei, who had been secretly anxious, secretly let out a breath, a faint smile appearing under the cover of her white robe.

With Lu Xuan’s death, no one would casually abuse her anymore. Her two children could each pursue their studies and a bright future from now on.

Lu Xuan’s funeral was conducted with dignity. Besides the Lu Family attending, the County Magistrates of the Fourteen Counties came, and Governor Xue from Jingzhou, who was in the Capital City, sent family members to offer condolences. Other families friendly with the Nanyang Prince Mansion also sent representatives to mourn.

The weather was hot, and keeping the body for seven days was the limit. After seven days, Lu Xuan’s body was laid to rest.

At this time, the news of mourning also reached the Capital City.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs rushed to make the Empress’s robe and sent it to Zhaohai Palace. Jiang Shaohua tried it on with the assistance of Chen Sheren.

A Dragon Robe requires numerous embroideresses to work for half a year to complete. Jiang Shaohua’s sudden ascension left no time to make a brand new Dragon Robe. The one she tried on was altered from an unused robe of Emperor Taihe.

The fact that Jiang Shaohua was pregnant was an open secret. The waist of this Dragon Robe was obviously unusually loose.

After trying it on, Jiang Shaohua was quite satisfied and said to Chen Jinyu with a smile, "The Ministry of Internal Affairs does work quickly."

Chen Jinyu responded with a low laugh, "With the Grand Empress Dowager and the Empress Dowager fully supporting the Commandery Princess, who would dare cause trouble in the Ministry of Internal Affairs."

This was the benefit of having "taken down" Grand Empress Dowager Zheng. Jiang Shaohua, being relatively new to the Capital City, even if she wanted to gradually replace people with her own, would need a long time. By proceeding smoothly and carefully, she could reduce turmoil. Stability was the priority.

"Does the Commandery Princess really intend to let the Zheng Family go?" Chen Jinyu asked in a low voice.

With Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s many spies, even this Zhaohai Palace had her informants. Therefore, Jiang Shaohua was extra cautious in her words and actions. Even now, with just the two of them in the room, she kept her voice low to prevent being overheard.

Jiang Shaohua’s eyes flickered with deep meaning as she said, "For now, let’s spare the Zheng Family. However, if Zheng Chen refuses to stay hidden and jumps out, then he can’t blame me."

Chen Jinyu was momentarily stunned and then widened his eyes in disbelief, "Did the Commandery Princess foresee this step and deliberately provoke Duke An to let Zheng Chen escape?"

This would make Zheng Chen’s rebellion undeniable proof of treason. The Grand Empress Dowager Zheng would have no choice but to support the Commandery Princess.

Jiang Shaohua curled her lips slightly, "At that time, I had no time to think that far ahead. I was just forcing Duke An to act, to capture Zheng Chen. Ideally, he would kill him on the spot. Zheng Chen managed to escape quickly, and I don’t know where he’s hiding. I’m conveniently using the Zheng family’s safety to make the Grand Empress Dowager back down."

Chen Jinyu raised his brows with a smile, "It seems the Commandery Princess truly has great fortune. Every step was perfectly timed."

Indeed! Looking back, Jiang Shaohua had to admit she did have luck on her side.

Prince Dongping conspired with Jiang Yi to harm Emperor Taihe, then raised troops to force the court. She happened to arrive in time, saving the ministers and the harem’s women.

Prime Minister Wang was seriously injured, and Duke An was also hurt. The two biggest obstacles moved aside on their own.

Prince Huaiyang and Prince Wu’an, originally strong rivals on the road to the throne, were also imprisoned through the Grand Empress Dowager Zheng’s scheming. Without raising a banner of revolt or resorting to violence, but through verbal negotiations, she reached the Dragon Throne. In a few days, she would formally ascend and reach the highest position above all. This series of events undeniably indicated fortune was with her.

Jiang Shaohua’s brows relaxed, "After tomorrow, I can rightfully ascend the throne and take charge of state affairs."

Chen Jinyu solemnly cupped his hands, "I congratulate Your Majesty in advance."

Jiang Shaohua burst into laughter.

Thud thud thud!

Suddenly, the door was knocked heavily, followed by Song Yuan’s slightly urgent voice, "Commandery Princess, there’s bad news. A mourning message just came from the Nanyang Prince Mansion. Lu Junma is gone!"

Jiang Shaohua: "..."

For a moment, Jiang Shaohua’s mind went blank.

Chen Jinyu reacted faster, hurrying to open the door, "Commander Song, come in quickly for details."

Song Yuan strode in, presenting the mourning message, his face serious, "Chief Historian Feng sent the mourning message to the palace, asking the Commandery Princess to restrain her grief."

Jiang Shaohua took the message, opened it, and read it slowly over and over. Through the thin letter paper and the bold ink strokes, she seemed to see her father Lu Xuan’s unresolved brows and eyes in death.

Ten days ago, news came from the Nanyang Prince Mansion that Lu Xuan Lu Junma had suddenly fallen ill. Everyone was shocked and lamented that Lu Xuan had no fate of wealth and glory. He couldn’t even come to the Capital City to witness Jiang Shaohua’s ascension as Empress with his own eyes.

Today’s mourning message came even more suddenly.

Lu Xuan died just like that?

That hypocritical and detestable father, that weak and justifiable man who could boast under the banner of being her father, died just like that?

This mourning message... was incredibly satisfying.

She couldn’t act personally, not even hint at anything. Aunt Mei had astutely seized the moment, striking at the most opportune time to remove this thorn in her side.

Jiang Shaohua’s brows slightly relaxed, though her face showed a hint of sadness, "Father died suddenly, and I cannot return to Nanyang Prince Mansion to mourn him. It truly is unfilial of me."

Chen Jinyu immediately proposed, "Tomorrow is the Emperor’s ascension ceremony, state affairs precede family matters. I ask the Commandery Princess to restrain her grief and take care of her health."

Song Yuan also cupped his hands in consolation, "Chen Sheren’s words are reasonable. Please prioritize state affairs and the greater good."