With Ah Jiu and Wufu often visiting, Prince Dong also frequently pays respects to Empress Dowager Mo, who soon regains her spirits and softens her worried expression.
Seeing her recover, Wufu and the others finally breathe a sigh of relief.
In winter, days are long and nights are short; the 22nd year of Yonghe passes in the blink of an eye. Due to the emperor's passing, this New Year is quieter than usual, with hardly any firecrackers sounding as the New Year bells toll softly past.
After lying in state for twenty-seven days, the late emperor is moved to his tomb for burial on the mountain.
The sound of gongs and drums, paper money flying, the High Monk chanting scripture at the front, mourning sons and daughters crying behind the coffin, followed by the emperor's tearful wailing and successive ministers in tow.
With the emperor's passing, the whole nation grieves, offering sacrifices and rituals past gates and bridges amidst mournful cries.
