Chapter 631 The whole nation mourns
Emperor Hongzhi passed away, and the entire Ming Dynasty was filled with sorrow.

After the Ministry of Rites announced the news of Hongzhi’s death, people across the country cried and mourned for this wise ruler of the Ming Dynasty.

The Ministry of Rites and the Cabinet could not reach a consensus on the posthumous title for Emperor Hongzhi, so they went to ask Zhu Houzhao. However, Zhu Houzhao was very sad and was unable to make a decision for the Ministry of Rites.

As a last resort, the Cabinet and Minister of Rites Ma Wensheng went to Chen Ce’s residence to consult Chen Ce.

Chen Ce finally gave Emperor Hongzhi the posthumous title of “Emperor Xiaozong”, which was already determined by history, and Chen Ce did not think deeply about it.

The Cabinet and the Ministry of Rites then reported Chen Ce’s opinions to Zhu Houzhao, and Zhu Houzhao naturally listened to Chen Ce’s decisions in everything.

Therefore, Emperor Hongzhi gave him the posthumous title of Emperor Xiaozong of Ming.

Outside Zhengyang Gate, Xu Zhenqing and Wen Zhengming set out on their journey westward. Tang Yin did not come to see them off because the emperor had passed away and all officials were not allowed to leave the capital.

Xu Zhenqing sighed and said to Wen Zhengming: “Such a good emperor, yet he is so young…Alas!”

Wen Zhengming nodded, but he was happy in his heart. After all, Zhu Houzhao was young and not as shrewd as Emperor Hongzhi. He would have more opportunities in the future. He believed that Zhu Houzhao would definitely see his talent and make use of him!

……

After seven days of national silence, the coffin of Emperor Hongzhi was also sent to Tai Mausoleum.

Everything in the Ming Dynasty returned to normal. Although Zhu Houzhao was still immersed in sorrow, he had to face the complicated political affairs.

Chen Ce stayed alone beside the Yongding River, staring at the river in a daze.

The death of Emperor Hongzhi was a great blow to Chen Ce. The two were like close friends regardless of age difference. During these seven years, Chen Ce and Emperor Hongzhi had a lot of contact. The two had a certain tacit understanding and worked together to build the Ming Dynasty into its current prosperous era.

Chen Ce originally thought that history might not follow the established course. Although Zhu Houzhao’s fate did change, Emperor Hongzhi’s did not.

Chen Ce was unable to cure Emperor Hongzhi’s illness, and couldn’t even cure his own illness.

At that time, Emperor Hongzhi was still worrying about himself, but who knew that he would go ahead of him.

Liu Jin walked over silently, “Duke, Imperial Physician Liu is here.”

“The prince asked Doctor Liu to come and see you.”

Chen Ce knew that Zhu Houzhao did not want to lose two relatives in a short period of time, so he nodded and asked Liu Wentai to treat him.

Liu Wentai also felt a little sad. When he first treated Chen Ce, he was just a white-clothed doctor. In the blink of an eye, seven years had passed and Chen Ce had become the Duke of Fuguo of the Ming Dynasty.

Chen Ce’s illness was still very serious and he might die at any time. Liu Wentai didn’t say much. He had long been beyond help and it was a miracle that he could hold on until now.

Liu Wentai estimated that Chen Ce would soon leave.

Liu Jin pushed Chen Ce and said, “Mr. Chen, go back. Don’t stay by the river all the time.”

“Are you still afraid that I will be upset?”

Liu Jin smiled bitterly and said, “Mr. Chen is strong in heart, I am not worried, but it is easy to hurt your body if you are too sentimental.”

Chen Ce nodded and asked Liu Jin, “How is the prince?”

Liu Jin sighed and said, “The prince is still very sad. He has not attended court for several days. I am the old servant who has been handling the memorials.”

“Mr. Chen, if you have time, please go to the palace.”

Chen Ce hummed and said, “Okay.”

After Liu Jin sent Chen Ce back, he left alone.

Things have changed, people have changed, everything has come to an end, tears come out before I can speak! Liu Jin looked up, tears welling up in his eyes. The emperor had already left, and it wouldn’t be long before Chen Ce would also leave.

The present situation of this old slave is all due to this consumptive man.

Over the years, they have developed feelings for each other, and Liu Jin is reluctant to part with Chen Ce!

……

Tang Yin came to the mansion, found Chen Ce, and said, “Teacher, I know you are very sad that the emperor is gone, you should also take care of yourself!”

Chen Ce smiled and asked, “Did Wen Zhengming and his team go to the southwest?” “Yes.”

Chen Ce hummed and said, “I’m fine, you can go back.”

“Ok.”

Looking at Tang Yin’s back, Chen Ce thought for a while and decided to transfer Xu Jing back as well.

Just as Chen Ce was lost in thought, a minor official came over and said to him, “Master, there is a young master outside looking for you.”

Chen Ce said, “Let him in.”

Fu Yuan was still wearing a white robe, with a folding fan in his hand. He stood in front of Chen Ce and looked at him with a complicated expression.

He saw the aura of death on Chen Ce’s face. It had only been a short time since they last met, but Chen Ce had changed so much that Fu Yuan could hardly recognize him.

Fu Yuan is still the same as before, so proud and unruly.

“Chen Chunjian, I have done everything you asked me to do.”

“I will be in the capital from now on.”

Chen Ce smiled slightly and said, “Okay…well, you did a great job, I admire you!”

Fu Yuan pursed his lips: “Without you, the Northern Frontier cannot be pacified.”

“Mou Bin is stepping down.”

The Jinyiwei were the emperor’s personal army. After the death of Emperor Hongzhi, the commander of the Jinyiwei would definitely be replaced.

“The inner factory commander Li Zhen will be promoted. The inner factory is currently short of a factory commander. You will be promoted in a few days.”

Fu Yuan widened his eyes and said, “Chen Chunjian, you are not?”

“I have completed all your instructions. Besides, I have no obligation to help you do these things. If it weren’t for our friendship, I would have returned from Liaodong long ago.”

“Now you want me to be the factory manager, I won’t suffer like that!”

Chen Ce said speechlessly: “Everyone is trying their best to get this position, but you just don’t want to.”

“Yang Yiqing wanted to praise you, but you refused.”

“why?”

Fu Yuan said calmly: “Didn’t I learn it from you? I said I want to be better than you!”

Chen Ce said: “I’m dying soon, it’s useless to have these empty names, are you dying soon too?”

Fu Yuan: “…”

“Bullshit! I can live to be a hundred years old!”

Chen Ce shrugged and said, “That’s it. There will always be all kinds of things that happen in the future. Without this identity, everything will be inconvenient.”

Fu Yuan sneered, “You want me to continue to be a dog of the court, so that I can help you take care of the crown prince after you leave… No, it should be Emperor Zhengde!”

Yes, after the death of Emperor Hongzhi, Zhu Houzhao ascended the throne yesterday. The Ministry of Rites decided that the reign title of the new dynasty would be Zhengde, and Zhu Houzhao was called Emperor Zhengde.

Chen Ce smiled and said, “I didn’t expect you could see through me.”

“I can train an outstanding crown prince, what about you?”

Fu Yuan snorted, “I’m definitely better than you!”

“Then give it a try?”

“Haha… Are you trying to provoke me? Do you think I’m mentally retarded? Can you fool me with just a few words?” Fu Yuan said lightly.

“I’m telling you, I’m not staying in the factory because of your provocation. I just want to prove that I can definitely do better than you in the future! Much better!”

(End of this chapter)