The imperial palace.
His mother, who had always forcefully arranged everything for him, had suddenly died. Liu Ying was at a loss, and could only turn his gaze toward Luo Xin, whom he had always served as a father, and ask, "Chancellor, what should I do now?"
Luo Xin gathered himself. Looking at Liu Ying's somewhat frail figure, he said gravely, "The Empress Dowager's coffin should lie in state in Weiyang Palace first. Then summon the ministers to announce this. There will be many more matters to handle afterward. Everything must be done quickly."
Liu Ying assented. Luo Xin looked up at the bright moon in the sky and said softly, "Your Majesty, return to Changle Palace and rest first. You must meet the ministers tomorrow, so you need to keep yourself well. I will keep vigil for the Empress Dowager in Weiyang Palace tonight."
Liu Ying was about to speak again when Luo Xin stepped closer and gently smoothed the creases in the robe over his shoulder. He said softly, "Your Majesty, I know you are grieving, but listen to me.
"You are the emperor of Great Han. Your health is the most important thing.
"There will be much to do tomorrow, and your health has never been good. Though I am old, I am still a warrior who can take the battlefield. I can hold out."
Listening to Luo Xin's gentle words, Liu Ying's eyes reddened again. He clasped Luo Xin's hand and said, "Chancellor, I..."
Liu Ying returned to Changle Palace, and Luo Xin turned and entered Weiyang Palace. Lü Zhi's inner and outer coffins rested inside. A light breeze gently stirred the curtains. There were virtually no oil lamps in this great hall; only in the innermost chamber were any lit.
Luo Xin had barely leaned