A side hall of the Eastern Palace.
The atmosphere was mournful. After a long, drawn-out silence.
Chief Grand Secretary Yang finally asked hoarsely:
"Your Majesty, the Retired Emperor was assassinated, but what exactly happened?"
The senior ministers raised their heads. Though they did not look directly at the emperor, confusion filled the depths of their eyes.
Emperor Jingde wiped away his tears and said bitterly:
"Imperial Noble Dowager Consort Zhong was deeply entangled with the White Lotus Cult. While Father was speaking with her, that venomous, snake-hearted woman suddenly attacked him. Caught off guard, Father was struck in the waist, and icy demonic energy invaded his organs. Imperial Physician Xuanyuan said even an immortal could not save him."
When he finished, his personal eunuch handed the ministers sheets of Xuan Paper and a series of incriminating evidence.
Emperor Jingde said in anguish:
"A secret cultivation chamber was discovered in Qixiang Palace, along with secret letters Jiang Wuji had written to that venomous woman Zhong."
After the ministers had read them in turn, Chief Grand Secretary Yang asked:
"Your Majesty, where is Imperial Physician Xuanyuan?"
Emperor Jingde's heart sank, but he sighed aloud:
"Imperial Physician Xuanyuan had accompanied Father for fifty years. Overcome with grief, he fainted. Tomorrow, he will be sent to the Grand Secretariat Office."
Chief Grand Secretary Yang harbored some doubts, but after a long silence, he asked no further questions.
Emperor Jingde's lips moved as he said weakly:
"Father's funeral shall be kept simple in every respect, to honor his commitment to governing frugally. All of Great Qian shall mourn for three days."
The ministers voiced their agreement.
Finally, an elder of the Imperial Family from the Imperial Clan Court asked with utmost reverence:
"Your Majesty, what shall his temple name be?"
Emperor Jingde remained silent. It