Su Zhen found Quan Feitong’s reaction somewhat strange, but upon further thought, she should understand what Quan Feitong was worried about. If it truly wasn’t Dowager Consort Ai’s doing, Quan Feitong would lose one pretext for turning Lian Jie against the court.
But did Quan Feitong know whether Dowager Consort Ai was the murderer or not?
As she pondered this, she made eye contact with Quan Feitong, intending to probe. Quan Feitong raised his eyebrows and silently mouthed: “Find me privately to talk.”
Su Zhen firmly shook her head. Quan Feitong sneered coldly and ignored her thereafter.
This person had always been “friendly,” but now this made Su Zhen both angry and amused.
Some officials whispered and discussed this matter, while others observed her and Quan Feitong’s behavior and private exchanges. Su Zhen deliberately looked at Wei Chenghui. Grand Tutor Wei was clustered with several veteran officials, discussing something.
He was very perceptive and immediately sensed her gaze, squinting as he looked toward her. Though his eyes seemed to contain a smile, Su Zhen felt an inexplicable disgust. Every time she looked at this man, she felt very uncomfortable! Especially after Wuyan’s incident. At this moment, a palace attendant announced the arrival of Marquis Xiao Yao and Princess Imperial, followed immediately by another announcement of the arrival of His Majesty, Concubine Ji, Concubine Wei, the Seventh Prince, Ninth Prince, and Princess.
When Lian Yu arrived, he stood in the center with imperial family members arranged in order beside him. All officials paid their respects. He glanced faintly in her direction, then looked toward Minister of Rites Zhu Bingyuan.
In an instant, all sound ceased. Around the Imperial Mausoleum, only the ghostly sound of wind remained.
This underground tomb was specially built by Lian Yu for his mother. Years ago, before Lian Yu had risen to power, according to palace rules, when palace maids died, the palace would notify their families to retrieve the bodies for burial. But Little Yu’s background was unknown – she had been sold into the palace since childhood and had no known relatives, so she was hastily buried in the palace maids’ cemetery outside the palace.
As long as the former emperor lived, Lian Yu could not move the remains. Only after Lian Yu ascended the throne and wielded great power did he move his mother from that chaotic burial ground into the Great Zhou imperial cemetery. But because of his mother’s lowly status, though Lian Yu was honored as the Son of Heaven, he could not arrange for his mother to be buried together with the former emperor. Lian Yu was also unwilling to do so, so he built a separate mausoleum and buried his mother here. He granted her the posthumous title of Imperial Concubine, finally fulfilling his filial duty.
At this time, before the underground tomb, on the grand altar table, all three sacrificial animals were prepared, with abundant fruits and vegetables, totaling over a hundred varieties. On both sides were dozens of ritual musical instruments including chimes, stone chimes, and large drums, all of enormous size and solemn appearance. Personnel from the Ministry of Rites were responsible for playing music, with kneeling cushions set below the altar.
Zhu Bingyuan respectfully nodded. He waited briefly, observed that the auspicious time had arrived, and nodded toward the music section. The sound of bells rang in harmony, followed by endless chimes and drums.
Lian Yu turned around, leading the imperial family and all officials to face heaven and earth in ceremony, reciting the sacrificial text.
After a series of elaborate rituals, Su Zhen was dizzy, but since this was Lian Yu’s mother’s resting place, she naturally didn’t dare be negligent, prostrating and kowtowing with utmost respect, more seriously than anyone else.
Finally, Minister Zhu announced the completion of the ceremony.
At this point, relevant personnel from the Bureau of Construction opened the entrance to the Imperial Mausoleum. They then waited for the foul air inside to dissipate. The Imperial Guards lit torches and entered to confirm air circulation with no poisonous harm, lighting eternal lamps in the tomb chamber. Several hours had passed by then, when the noon sun was at its fiercest.
Because they needed to exhume the body, to appease the departed soul, Lian Yu personally led imperial family members inside to perform a coffin-raising ceremony. Additionally, Su Zhen, as the Judicial Commissioner, was summoned by Lian Yu.
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, Su Zhen respectfully walked forward and stood at the lowest position.
Lian Xin, whom she hadn’t seen for many days, winked at her, whispering quietly: “After the matter of choosing you as consort, I was confined again by Mother Empress and couldn’t visit you. I’ve missed you all so much… How is Wuqing lately? Tell him I’ll ask Sixth Brother to bring me out to find you all in a few days.”
Su Zhen thought to herself that she and the Court of Judicial Review people didn’t miss you at all, and that Wuqing and Little Zhou were doing fine – please don’t come cause trouble, little ancestor. But seeing her smiling eyes and apparently sincere, careful manner, she couldn’t help but sigh inwardly. This girl wasn’t that annoying after all, and she had helped her before!
After thinking, she also said carefully: “We’re waiting for you to come play, but you know, forced melons aren’t sweet.”
“Oh, I understand. But I’ll become very good.” Lian Xin said quietly, lowering her head, seemingly lost in thought.
Su Zhen’s attention wasn’t on this girl at the moment. She was secretly observing Huo Chang’an and Lian Yue.
Wuyan and Murong Ji stood on the left and right beside Lian Yu. Given this occasion, Lian Yue naturally couldn’t say or do anything inappropriate. Moreover, it seemed Lian Yue no longer regarded Wuyan, her former formidable rival, as a threat. She frowned slightly, looking at her brother Lian Jie with some surprise and uncertainty.
Speaking of Lian Jie, Su Zhen couldn’t help but praise him inwardly. Whether it was genuine or an act, he kept stealing glances at Wuyan, appearing very concerned.
Lian Yue’s frown deepened. Huo Chang’an occasionally glanced over lightly. Su Zhen was very pleased to see Lian Yue’s reaction, but she couldn’t quite figure out Huo Chang’an. His gaze was unusually deep – she couldn’t tell what he was thinking.
Wuyan was quite calm. Except for a moment of surprise upon first seeing them, apparently not expecting Lian Yue to make the arduous journey despite being pregnant.
At this time, Xuanwu and Qinglong emerged from the tomb chamber. Xuanwu said: “Your Majesty, the auspicious time has arrived, and the air in the tomb has been cleared. We may enter.”
Lian Yu nodded, then looked toward Lian Yue and Huo Chang’an with quite an affectionate manner: “Imperial Sister’s condition is special – caution is paramount. You need not enter. Marquis Xiao Yao should accompany me on this journey.”
“As it should be.” Huo Chang’an smiled faintly, squeezing Lian Yue’s hand: “You stay here and wait for me. In your condition, you shouldn’t go in.”
Lian Yue smiled slightly: “Husband, according to protocol, I should address Imperial Concubine Yu as aunt, as she is a close elder to the child. What is there that cannot be seen? Moreover, this is only raising the coffin, not opening it. I’ll stand at a distance, fulfilling the proper respects on behalf of my mother.”
Su Zhen had to admire this Princess Imperial’s powerful psychological fortitude. This move not only demonstrated solidarity with Huo Chang’an but also showed support for Dowager Consort Ai, who was deeply “suspected.” Her entering the tomb was equivalent to publicly declaring to all officials that Dowager Consort Ai had not poisoned the emperor’s mother.
If not for her overly vicious nature in stealing another’s love, based on courage and boldness alone, she would indeed be worthy of Huo Chang’an.
Huo Chang’an apparently understood his wife’s intentions and didn’t dissuade her further. Lian Yu was a straightforward person and said “Good.” At this time, Murong Ji’s body trembled slightly. He turned to pat Murong Ji’s hand, his voice gentle: “Ji’er, stay behind. You’ve been afraid of these things since childhood.”
Murong Ji was very taboo about such matters. She quickly nodded, then hesitated: “Will Your Majesty blame this consort?”
Lian Yu smiled reassuringly: “Of course not.”
Su Zhen had been watching Lian Yue’s actions, but seeing this scene, she felt quite uncomfortable. Lian Yu often left the palace to see her and made thorough arrangements, but in places she couldn’t see, Lian Yu got along well with Murong Ji and his other concubines.
Though there had been no explicit promise, she had always assumed that Lian Yu’s love and favor for her was unique. With this understanding, having personally witnessed how much he had done for her and his rejection of Miao Yin and Shuangcheng, she had found the courage to consummate their relationship regardless of everything. When he wanted it, she gave it.
She wouldn’t be so selfish as to demand Lian Yu abandon his existing three palaces and six courtyards. As emperor, Lian Yu had his responsibilities. At least, it wasn’t realistic currently. But she wanted his exclusive love. Murong Ji grasped Lian Yu’s arm and secretly glanced at her.
Su Zhen lowered her head, pretending not to see.
Lian Yu paid no attention either, speaking flatly: “Everyone, let’s go in.”
Lian Xin gently nudged her arm in a friendly gesture.
Inside the underground tomb was another world entirely. The entrance was a long, narrow, winding, and very dimly lit corridor, about ten feet high but wide enough for only two or three people to pass through. The lamplight from inside the tomb chamber could barely penetrate, allowing visibility of only a few steps ahead. Xuanwu and others led the way with lamps. Walking along, strange and profound earthy scents assaulted their nostrils.
At the tomb entrance, Lian Yu gentlemanly extended his hand toward Wuyan. Su Zhen whispered a few words to Lian Xin beside her. Though Lian Xin didn’t understand her intention, she expressed willingness to help and immediately squeezed forward, grabbing Lian Yu’s hand: “Sixth Brother, I’m scared. Hold Xin’er’s hand.”
Lian Qin was also confused but could only follow suit, calling out “Sixth Brother, I’m scared too” and grabbing Lian Yu’s other hand.
Since they were inside the tomb chamber with officials outside, their positioning didn’t need to be overly rigid.
Though he hadn’t seen Su Zhen’s interference, Lian Yu still shot a fierce look in Su Zhen’s direction. Wuyan didn’t mind and smiled slightly.
Lian Jie had been standing in a rear position. Seeing this, he moved aside, walked around the Huo couple, and voluntarily stepped forward to stand beside Wuyan, saying quietly: “Please.”
This arrangement put Lian Yu’s group of three in front, followed closely by Wuyan and Lian Jie, with Huo Chang’an and Lian Yue in the third row, while Su Zhen very dominantly occupied an entire row by herself at the rear. Huo Chang’an’s gaze fell lightly on the front.
Su Zhen was also most afraid of such places. She was actually very scared and wanted to go forward and hold Lian Yu’s hand too.
After walking for a while, the lamplight ahead grew brighter. She secretly worried: That boy Lian Qin isn’t getting the job done…
Just then, a soft cry came from Wuyan’s direction. She seemed to have stumbled on something, bending down slightly. Lian Jie was startled. His hands had been properly placed at his sides, not daring to overstep, but hearing this, he immediately reached out to support her, his voice becoming anxious: “Are you hurt anywhere? Don’t move, let me take a look.”
As he spoke, he even quickly bent down to examine her feet.