April 1, April Fools' Day.
It was the day Zi Shou lay on Daji's lap, counting his foolishness value and barely able to contain himself.
It was the day Ji Chang returned to Xiqi, Civil and Martial bowing before him and the people lining the streets to welcome him.
It was also the day Ji Chang died.
The slogan had rung out loud and clear: return to Xiqi and launch the Conquest of Zhou. Thus, only half a day passed between Ji Chang's homecoming and his burial.
Rain always fell on days of great mourning. Even if it did not, Jiang Ziya would cast a spell to bring it down.
Xiqi's Civil and Martial, along with ten thousand elite armored soldiers, all wore plain white mourning clothes and waited in the rain outside the city.
Fine rain drifted down, pattering against their faces. This way, even those who could not cry would not be exposed, making the atmosphere seem especially sorrowful.
"All of Xiqi is weeping!"
Jiang Ziya sighed, looked up at the drizzling rain, and wiped the water from his aged face.
As for whether it was rainwater or tears...
He had only known Ji Chang for a short time. They were not close friends, nor had he received any favors from him. He had not even pulled his carriage more than a few steps. Of course he could not muster any tears.
Ji Fa rode forward and issued a loud command:
"My royal father passed away today. The elite armored soldiers of all three armies, together with Civil and Martial, shall proceed to Mount Qi to escort him to his burial. This is your honor!"
Ji Chang had actually been a very good ruler. If slaves were not counted among the common people, he had treated his people