Chapter 1425 - 1334: Mourning Announcement

The news of Zhao Hanzhang’s peaceful birth of a daughter spread throughout the land, and the nation celebrated joyously. Zhang Gui, who was hanging by a thread far away in Xiliang, suddenly opened his eyes, shaking off the effects of his stroke that left his speech slurred, repeatedly asking, "Is Your Majesty well?"

Zhang Mao kneeled in front of him and repeatedly replied, "Your Majesty is well."

After confirming Zhao Hanzhang’s safety, he then asked indistinctly, "Is the Princely Heir well?"

Zhang Mao choked up and said, "The Princely Heir is well."

Only then did Zhang Gui relax, his strength draining away. Leaning against his pillow, he murmured, "All is well, all is well, the nation is at peace."

Zhang Mao began to cry, but Zhang Gui muttered, "You should be happy."

Zhang Mao nodded, holding back sobs, trying his best to smile, "Yes, Xiliang will comply with Your Majesty’s royal decree, continuing to ease corvée and taxes this year, allowing the people to rest in peace."

That evening, Zhang Gui happily ate two bowls of rice and did not wake up again.

Crying filled the Xiliang Royal Mansion, and Wang Rong reminded Zhang Mao, "With Your Majesty’s joy and the court’s joy, such grief is inappropriate."

Zhang Mao could only suppress his sorrow, report his father’s death via telegram, and submit Zhang Gui’s last words.

In fact, Zhang Mao and Wang Rong wanted to delay the report for a month, since the Princely Heir had just been born not long ago, and the emperor was still in confinement.

Reporting a death during national celebration is truly not advisable, but after Zhao Hanzhang ascended the throne, she issued strict orders that if a Prefectural Governor or higher passed away, the court should be notified within three days by the fastest means available;

If a State Governor or higher passed away, the court must be notified within twelve hours by the fastest means available.

This is to prevent losing control over the locality due to the unexpected death of high-ranking officials, which could lead to rebellions and civil unrest.

Currently, the nation appears stable, but people’s hearts have not completely calmed down; many still feel remnants of a chaotic era, hence the need for extra vigilance.

Xiliang is the only Vassal King territory untouched by the Zhao Family Army, and the relationship between both sides has been maintained by mutual support over the years.

But this foundation—sweet during good times—can easily collapse.

Zhang Mao doesn’t know what the emperor thinks, but he and his father have been anxious, seeking more security.

Unfortunately, their family has no daughters of suitable age, otherwise they would have contended for Princess Qin’s position last year.

Without the means to solidify their foundation through marriage, the father’s funeral unfortunately coincides with the Princely Heir’s joyful occasion. If not for strong rationality, Zhang Mao almost couldn’t resist contacting Beigong Chun to ask him to intercede.

Zhang Mao, Wang Rong, and others sat in the telegraph room waiting for a reply from the court.

The telegraph room of the Luoyang Imperial Palace.

The communications officer had just translated all of Xiliang’s telegrams, and his pupils couldn’t help but shrink as he quickly delivered them to the Council Hall.

The death of the King of Xiliang could not be concealed, so Ji Yuan and Zhao Ming, who were on duty, immediately ran to the rear hall to request an audience with Zhao Hanzhang.

Although Zhao Hanzhang was in confinement, she had already begun managing state affairs, although mostly still in the rear hall.

Zhao Hanzhang opened Zhang Mao’s report, which explained in detail his father’s condition, how he was reassured after knowing the emperor had safely given birth, and how Zhang Gui’s last words were recorded faithfully.

"Knowing His Majesty had safely delivered, father passed away happily from his heart, stating clearly that Your Majesty is well, the Princely Heir is well, the nation is at peace..."

Zhao Hanzhang felt great pain, her eyes slightly red, "Didn’t the Imperial Physician report a recovery with newly prescribed medicine earlier?"

Ji Yuan: "Considering he had a stroke and paralysis, his body was not as before. Even though there was some recovery, his vital force soon depleted. Your Majesty, please restrain your grief."

Zhao Ming also advised her, "Your Majesty, at this crucial time, you should control your sorrow and not let it harm your health."

Zhao Hanzhang genuinely admired and respected Zhang Gui. In her most difficult times, he was willing to offer Beigong Chun to her and even made great efforts to send the families of the Xiliang Army over the border to help stabilize the military’s morale.

If he wanted to control her, Beigong Chun would be an excellent channel, with the families of the Xiliang Army in his hands; she and Beigong Chun’s Xiliang Army would have to be wary.

Yet he unhesitatingly sent the families to her, and later aided her multiple times with Xiliang horses. When she dispatched troops to counterattack the Xiongnu, he was the one to contain the Qiang Clan and the Xianbei in the north, preventing them from joining the melee.

If her relationship with Beigong Chun and Shi Le was conquest, with Zhang Gui, it was a tacit understanding and collaboration.

Zhao Hanzhang understood his pain and considerations in appointing his younger son as Princely Heir, abandoning the eldest, and also understood his anxiety in holding on with a frail body until today’s outcome.

Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes turned red, suppressing the almost overwhelming tears, and she choked up, "Notify the nation, carry out a national mourning, order Zhang Mao to immediately arrange for the burial of the King of Xiliang, and dispatch the Ministry of Rites with fast horses to Xiliang to assist with the funeral arrangements."

Ji Yuan opened his mouth, quickly looking at Zhao Ming.

Zhao Ming supported the Ministry of Rites going to handle the funeral, willing to personally draft a eulogy to announce to the nation, but thought a national mourning was inappropriate. He whispered, "Your Majesty, this month is Princely Heir’s joyous month."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "The elder is more important, Zhang Shiyuan made great contributions to the country and the people. Mingming is still young; the days belonging to her are still many in the future. This matter is decided."

Zhang Gui was styled Shiyuan.

But as the eldest daughter, seeing Zhao Hanzhang’s intention, it was very likely she would appoint her as Crown Princess, letting a Crown Princess make way for the King of Xiliang...

Yet Zhao Hanzhang had already decided.

After Zhao Ming withdrew, Ji Yuan sighed, "Such excessive grace could spawn trouble."

Zhao Hanzhang said, "If the next King of Xiliang were Zhang Shi, even if I loved Zhang Shiyuan more, I would restrain myself. But Zhang Mao is cautious, clear-sighted, placid and calm; this honor rightfully belongs to Zhang Shiyuan and can stabilize the military and public of Xiliang."

Ji Yuan was shocked, "Your Majesty has never met Zhang Mao, how can you be sure of his character? Last time when we saw Zhang Shi, although he has some frivolity and stubbornness, he is quite kind."

Zhao Hanzhang: "Kind yet frivolous and stubborn, isn’t that a major problem? As a State Governor, a regional Vassal King, being kind yet stubborn would make him dismiss the correct advice of the hawks. Frivolous and stubborn would make him self-serving and ignore the people’s voice."

Historically, wasn’t he just like this?

Ultimately, he died amidst rebellion, when he could have avoided it.

"By observing one’s words and actions, you can understand one’s character," Zhao Hanzhang said, "Zhang Shi is carefree, often not by Zhang Shiyuan’s side, it’s Zhang Mao who is accompanying him. When Zhang Shiyuan had a stroke, he promptly appointed him General, waiting for Zhang Shi to return."

"As soon as Zhang Shi returned to Xiliang, he was quickly supported by many, capable of managing Xiliang affairs, quelling rebellion, and soothing the people’s hearts. Does sir believe Zhang Shi has such talent?"

Ji Yuan: "Beside the King of Xiliang, Wang Rong has the talent to pacify the people, Meng Chang has the talent to charge as a General."

"No infighting emerged among Zhang Shiyuan’s associates; Zhang Mao shares a great credit for this," Zhao Hanzhang said, "Zhang Shi should be grateful to Zhang Mao."

Ji Yuan instantly realized, had Zhang Mao not been without ambition for power, and sincerely helped Zhang Shi, Zhang Shi wouldn’t have secured his position, let alone succeeded his father in quelling rebellion.

Zhao Hanzhang continued, "And Prince Nanyang summoned him several times, but he didn’t accede; this shows his wisdom, restraint, and filial piety."

"How could I let such talent fall into fear and anxiety?" Zhao Hanzhang said softly, "Even for Zhang Shiyuan’s sake, his heart should be comforted."

Ji Yuan was stirred, bowing deeply, "I shall go write the announcement now."

Zhao Hanzhang nodded.