tallest building

On October 20th, the weather was unbelievably clear.

The snow on the ground has all melted, and in some places, the trees have even suddenly sprouted new buds.

People say this is a mini-spring, a sign that the harvest will be plentiful next year.

The capital was filled with joy and laughter.

"That's great! We've gotten rid of that huge cancer in the Dong family!"

"Yes! Yes! The few acres of land that were seized from our family have been returned to us. The government even gave us compensation! They said it was to calculate the interest over the years!"

"The Crown Prince has been found and brought back, and the Emperor has granted a general amnesty, exempting us from taxes for three years! This is such a wonderful thing, I could laugh in my sleep!"

People were spreading the news in the streets, even happier than during the Lunar New Year.

The palace has also been completely renovated.

After being given poisoned wine, Dong died. Her body was wrapped in hemp cloth, placed in a coffin, and given a simple burial.

Subsequently, the Emperor issued an edict to exonerate Consort Shen and Bu Yuegui, posthumously conferring upon Consort Shen the title of Empress Xiaochunxian, and erecting a cenotaph for her in the ancestral temple.

Bu Yue was posthumously granted the title of Loyal and Brave Grand Protector and was entitled to be enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

A month later, the cenotaphs for the two were completed, and the emperor was to lead his concubines and officials to offer incense.

That morning, Wei Fu walked in with a smile. He had resumed his eunuch attire and was now the Grand Eunuch of the Eastern Palace.

"Your Highness," Wei Fu greeted Wen Mingqian as he entered, "This old servant greets you."

Wen Mingqian was granted the title of Imperial Concubine and lived in the palace where Imperial Concubine Shen had previously resided.

"Steward Wei, you're too kind," Wen Mingqian said with a smile. "Is there something important you need me for?"

"It's nothing important, but we're leaving the palace soon, so I came to ask Your Highness if you're all ready."

Just then, the Crown Prince, dressed in a bright yellow python robe and wearing a jade crown, strode in from outside. He had now reverted to his original name, Yingquan, and the Emperor had issued an edict to announce to the world that he had been made Crown Prince.

Ying Quan snuggled into Wen Mingqian's arms and said coquettishly, "Mother, I just went to the Imperial Wardrobe and they're rushing to make the Empress's wedding robes!"

Wen Mingqian was only temporarily granted the title of Imperial Concubine; the Emperor planned to officially make her Empress after the New Year.

Despite her repeated refusals, she was unable to persuade the emperor to retract his order.

"It's cold outside, why aren't you wearing a cloak?" Wen Mingqian touched him. "This is unacceptable."

"Yes, this old servant was only gone for a short while, why is Your Highness being naughty again?" Wei Fu said helplessly.

"This robe is made of silk and cotton, how could it be cold? Besides, there's no wind today," the Crown Prince said with a smile. "I can put it on again when I leave the palace later."

“Then you all get ready. I’ll go check on Princess Duanmin. She’s already said she’ll definitely go to pay her respects today,” Wen Mingqian said, standing up.

Although it was already winter and Princess Duanmin had only given birth two months prior, she still insisted on going to pay respects to Empress Shen and General Bu.

Wen Mingqian could understand her perfectly well. If it weren't for Dong's framing, the princess would have already married General Bu.

Over the years, she has never forgotten General Bu, even though he has passed away and time has flown by.

When she arrived at Mingcui Palace, Princess Duanmin had already finished getting ready.

"Your Highness has arrived, please have a seat." She smiled at Wen Mingqian, "Knowing you've been busy these days, I haven't bothered you. Did you like the congratulatory gift I sent? Indeed, clothes make the man, and you look even more dignified and beautiful in your Highness's attire."

“Princess, please stop teasing me,” Wen Mingqian said, his face slightly flushed. “I’m really embarrassed.”

“What are you embarrassed about? You have rendered tremendous service; you deserve to be a Noble Consort and then an Empress. No one can take your place.” Princess Duanmin took her hand and said, “Every time I see you, I can’t help but thank you. If it weren’t for the fact that your only son was also poisoned by that wicked woman…”

“It’s not just my achievement; Your Highness also contributed a great deal,” Wen Mingqian said. “Fortunately, the clouds have finally parted and the sun is shining, and the ending can be considered satisfactory.” “That’s right. After so many years, we’ve finally seen the light at the end of the tunnel,” Princess Duanmin sighed. “Let’s head out now! It’s a great wish that has been fulfilled.”

Over the years, they dared not publicly pay homage to Empress Shen and General Bu. Now that their names have been cleared, they can receive offerings and incense with dignity.

"What a beautiful sunny day!" Princess Duanmin looked up at the sky after going outside and couldn't help but sigh, "It's clear that even the heavens are aware of our weather."

The procession set off from the Forbidden City in a grand procession, stretching for more than ten miles.

The people stopped to watch and discussed this old case.

"That Lady Dong is so vicious! Empress Shen is truly pitiful!"

"Empress Shen was the most popular person in the palace back then, and Lady Dong was extremely jealous, so how could she tolerate her?"

"Speaking of which, Consort Wen is truly a woman of great righteousness. If it weren't for her, how could this bloodline have been preserved?"

"Consort Wen is indeed very rare. I heard that she will be made empress next year."

"She is no different from other empresses; she will be remembered in history."

Amidst the murmuring crowd, one person stood with their head down.

He glanced hastily at the Crown Prince on horseback, then vaguely saw Consort Wen's entourage.

Those were originally his wife and children, but they no longer belong to him.

Gong Xu turned around with difficulty, supported himself with his cane, and slowly walked out of the crowd.

The Emperor also issued a special decree to honor the Gong family, and that glorious plaque was hung above the Gong family's door, which was the envy of countless people.

However, Gong Xu resigned from his official post on the grounds of being ill. His last remaining spirit was also worn away, and he could no longer muster the energy to do anything.

Now he feels that everything is an illusion, and that clinging to it will only cause him pain.

Although he did not become a monk, he was already practicing at home.

Of course, his retirement did not have a major impact on the Gong family; his brother Gong Rang had already been promoted to Prefect of Pingyang.

His two sons, Gong Jing'an and Gong Yu'an, also had smooth careers and promising futures.

The procession traveled for nearly a hundred miles before finally arriving at the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Wen Mingqian was helped down from the sedan chair by Xiaoyue and Zhao Changming, and he could see the two newly erected cenotaphs in the distance.

Her eyes welled up with tears.

Further on, we discovered a smaller one next to the two large cenotaphs.

That was specially ordered by the Emperor to be established for Wen Mingqian's deceased biological son. This child died less than three days after birth, but he exchanged his own life for the safety of the Crown Prince.

Therefore, the emperor decreed that a cenotaph be erected for him in the ancestral temple so that he may be worshipped forever.

The offerings had already been arranged neatly, and the incense and candles had been placed.

The Emperor led the way in the memorial service, his voice choked with grief: "Empress Shen, I have failed you. For so many years you have been unjustly imprisoned. If you have a spirit, please accept my bow!"

General Bu, your loyalty was unwavering, your spirit indomitable; your heroic soul will surely become a god. I decree that future generations shall forever remember your great virtue and never forget you!

Wei Fu knelt behind him, unable to contain his emotions, and burst into tears.

Wen Mingqian, Princess Duanmin, the Crown Prince, Prince Changliu, and others couldn't help but shed tears.

The paper money burned in front of the tomb stirred up two whirlwinds, which swirled for a long time before dissipating. (End of Chapter)