Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

The funeral rites are usually performed the day after the death.

On this day, the main purpose is to place the elderly person in a coffin and lay the body there for mourning.

From the encoffining to the funeral, it takes anywhere from a month to two or three months.

This period was mainly spent on preparations for the burial.

Choosing an auspicious burial site, constructing the tomb chamber and burial chamber, preparing burial goods and memorial tablets, submitting memorials to apply for posthumous titles, imperial edicts, and the issuance of spirit tablets—all of these processes are extremely time-consuming.

At this moment, a dozen elders have gathered to survey auspicious feng shui sites.

The elderly man, around fifty years old, pondered for a moment, then picked up a vermilion brush and sketched out four names.

Slender West Lake, Ganquan Mountain, West Gate, and Shugang Hill.

"The Slender West Lake is shaped like a jade belt, which is a feng shui pattern of 'jade belt encircling the waist'. Because the water of West Lake flows slowly, it has the power to 'gather wind and accumulate energy', which can bring wealth and good fortune."

"Ganquan Mountain features tombs arranged in a unique 'Big Dipper' pattern. The highest peak, in particular, embodies the 'solitary peak standing out from the crowd' motif, signifying 'standing out from the crowd'."

"Ximen Mountain is shaped like five fingertips, resembling lotus petals. The character 'palm' implies power and wealth. The five palms correspond to the five elements, hence the name 'Five Stars Gathering'."

The elder paused for a moment, then added, "Our ancestor was also buried here."

This refers to Jiang Yuan, the founder of the Jiang clan of Huaizuo.

"Shugang conforms to the meaning of "backed by mountains and facing water". To the northwest is Ganquan Mountain and to the southeast is the ancient canal, forming an embracing shape of "left green dragon and right white tiger". It complements the water system such as Slender West Lake and Baozhang Lake, presenting a "dragon coiled and tiger crouching" feng shui pattern.

The Shugang Spring flowing on this mountain is one of the "Five Great Springs of the World," where water gathers energy, and the mountain stores that energy.

A few words were enough to make more than ten people fall into deep thought.

When an ancestor passes away, the best burial site must be chosen to ensure blessings for future generations.

“Ganquan Mountain is too bad, let’s eliminate it,” Jiang Zhao asserted.

Compared to the "gathering of wind and energy" of Slender West Lake, the "five-fingered lotus" of Ximen Mountain, and the "dragon coiled and tiger crouching" of Shugang, Ganquan Mountain is far inferior.

The so-called "Big Dipper" is merely the tomb of a fallen nobleman from the Han Dynasty. Crucially, it was man-made, not natural.

Previously, our ancestor Jiang Yuan held only a nominal fourth-rank official position. The Jiang clan of Huaizuo had not yet risen to prominence, and they acted cautiously, not daring to choose auspicious feng shui locations.

Even so, they did not choose Ganquan Mountain, but instead buried him at Ximen Mountain.

Now that the Jiang family is thriving, it's impossible for them to return to their former glory.

"Ah."

People kept nodding in agreement, without any objection.

Ganquan Mountain is indeed not a good choice!

Let's rule out Ximenshan too.

Jiang Zhao waved his hand: "Our ancestors have passed away, and their descendants are cautious and timid, so they dare not choose a better burial site. Now, things are very different, and it should be changed."

Jiang Zhong nodded: "Then let's choose between Slender West Lake and Shugang Hill."

Upon hearing this, even the elder who was skilled in feng shui fell into deep thought.

The Slender West Lake is known for its "gathering of wind and energy," and its water is said to nourish people. Shugang Hill is described as "a dragon coiled and a tiger crouching," nestled against the mountains and facing the water.

Both of these are top-notch feng shui configurations.

"Shugang, please."

"Backed by mountains and facing water, with a dragon coiled and a tiger crouching, it has an excellent auspicious meaning."

Jiang Zhao pondered for a moment, then made his decision.

"Row."

Slender West Lake and Shugang Hill are quite similar.

Since Jiang Zhao has chosen Shugang, then we should follow his will.

More than ten elders unanimously agreed.

"The construction of the tomb and the making of the coffin must follow the official rank. My grandfather was granted the title of Second Rank, Grand Master of the Golden Purple Light. According to the regulations, the coffin should be made of cypress wood, in vermilion and dark black, eight feet three inches long, and can be decorated with patterns."

Jiang Zhao looked over and pointed to several elders, saying slowly, "The elders have discussed and come up with a set of rules, which must not be overstepped."

In feudal times, one's official rank determined the type of tomb one would be buried in.

Going too low would be beneath one's dignity, while going too high would be overstepping the bounds; one must remain impartial.

Just like the length of a coffin, eight feet three inches is the length of a second-rank official, while eight feet six inches is the length of a first-rank official. The lengths differ by only three inches, but the significance is very different.

Several clan elders nodded in unison, looking very solemn.

"Let Father take charge of preparing the funeral items and memorial tablet," Jiang Zhao said, looking at his elderly father.

The so-called burial items mainly consisted of documents, ceramics, lacquerware, the Four Treasures of the Study (writing brush, ink stick, inkstone, and paper), figurines, and clothing, with different restrictions on the number of items depending on the official rank.

"Mm." Jiang Zhong nodded.

Jiang Zhong didn't find it strange that his son was instructing his father to do something.

He is not as good as his father, nor as good as his son.

All he has to do is lie down!

"Let's go."

Jiang Zhao said, "I will submit a memorial to the court regarding the posthumous conferment of titles, the official designation of posthumous titles, and the issuance of epitaphs."

The term "posthumous conferment" refers to the conferment of an official title.

In his early years, influenced by the opening of the Xihe border, Jiang Zhi was granted an additional title, becoming Minister of Rites and Grand Master of the Golden Purple Light.

However, bestowing a title is not the same as posthumously bestowing one, and the two are not contradictory.

Generally speaking, a title is bestowed upon a living person, while a posthumous title is bestowed upon a deceased person.

Of course, even if it is a posthumous conferment, the possibility of Jiang Zhi being promoted to the first rank is not high; it is estimated that he will be granted a noble title.

After all, apart from the Grand Chancellor, the only other first-rank officials are the Grand Tutor, Grand Preceptor, and Grand Protector.

To be posthumously granted the title of one of the Three Dukes, Jiang Zhao would at least have to become the Grand Chancellor.

Grand Master Han Zhang posthumously conferred the title of "Grand Tutor" upon his grandfather, father, and both his mother and wife were among the highest-ranking officials in the imperial decree system.

The posthumous title was used to define the status of officials. Officials of the third rank and above were eligible to submit a memorial to apply for an imperial posthumous title.

The spirit path stele mainly records the name, birth and death dates, place of origin, official position, achievements, and contributions of the tomb owner.

This item was officially issued, similar to an "epitaph".

Depending on the official rank, there were different specifications.

In theory, one can apply if they are a fifth-rank official, but approval is not guaranteed.

After the clan elders left, Jiang Zhao walked towards the study with his hands behind his back.

He's really busy!

Besides submitting a memorial to the throne to seek honor for my grandfather, I also had to inform some friends of his death by sending them letters.

A rough estimate suggests at least ten letters were required.

That's difficult!

Chapter 161. Rest in Peace!

Bianjing, the Imperial Study.

In the main seat, a young man of about twenty-six or twenty-seven years old held a vermilion brush and read the memorials.

This person was Zhao Ceying, who had entered the palace to attend to the ailing patient.

Recently, the Emperor's health has been deteriorating, and most of the memorials submitted to the palace are now being reviewed by him.

After about an incense stick's time, Zhao Ceying frowned and put down the memorial.

Since the Emperor fell seriously ill, it was announced that memorials to the throne would be discussed by the Cabinet and the regular court, and if there were no objections, they could be issued and implemented.

Therefore, the vast majority of memorials did not need to be presented to the palace.

Conversely, once a memorial is submitted to the palace, it is highly likely to be met with considerable controversy.

Approving memorials is a truly excellent thing.

The problem is, he's a little unsure.

All the memorials submitted were presented with conflicting arguments, each side claiming to have its own reasons, as if any choice was acceptable.

Conversely, it seems that no matter which option you choose, it won't work.

"Ugh!"

With a long sigh, Zhao Ceying shook his head.

Being an emperor isn't easy!

Unable to make a decision on one of the memorials, Zhao Ceying simply put it aside and took out the next one.

Ok?

Zhao Ceying glanced at the name and was slightly surprised.

Jiang Zhao!

[Your humble servants, Jiang Zhao, the eldest grandson of Jiang Zhi of Huaizuo, respectfully submit this memorial:]

In order to earnestly request the Emperor's grace to posthumously grant my grandfather an official title and a posthumous name, the Emperor granted permission for the inscription on his spirit tablet.

Your servant has heard that the greatest duty of a son is to be filial; and the most important principle of state is to honor and reward.

My grandfather, Jiang Zhi, unfortunately passed away peacefully on the seventh day of the third month of the third year of the Zhiping era, at the age of seventy-five. With the passing of my grandfather, the whole family is deeply saddened, and the entire clan mourns.

I humbly recall that my ancestor Jiang Zhi was a man of integrity and uprightness throughout his life, a true paragon of virtue.

First, his voice is that of a pillar of strength; second, his reputation as an official is outstanding; third, his virtuous example is renowned.

My grandfather was upright and kind-hearted.

In this time of sorrow for the passing of a star, I humbly beseech Your Majesty to show compassion for my grief over the passing of this venerable elder.

May my grandfather rest in peace with a smile; may all my descendants forever be grateful for the Emperor's grace!

Your humble servant, filled with filial piety and deep remorse, kowtows with utmost sincerity, overwhelmed with trembling and overwhelming emotion.

I would like to read this memorial and wait for the edict! 】

A memorial to the throne, approximately a thousand words long.

Zhao Ceying suddenly realized.

This memorial was mainly to request the court to posthumously confer titles and posthumous honors, as well as to grant permission to repair the stele.

This memorial was presented to the palace not because there was any controversy.

In fact, civil officials have always been more lenient when it comes to posthumous honors for the deceased.

If the deceased was of the third rank or above, there would be almost no questioning if their descendants petitioned for posthumous conferment of titles.

Moreover, since both the grandfather and grandson of the Jiang family of Huaizuo were wearing purple robes, there is even less reason to question it.

The memorial was submitted to the palace, mainly concerning the issue of noble titles.

[He may be posthumously granted the title of Grand Tutor, or posthumously granted the title of Duke. Respectfully submitted by Grand Secretary Han Zhang and others!]

Even the posthumous conferment of titles, including honorary titles, required the emperor's personal approval.

Emperor Zhao Zhen granted the cabinet the power to approve and issue memorials, but the conferment of noble titles was clearly not included in this power.

Otherwise, if all civil officials were granted the titles of marquis or duke, it would probably infuriate the military generals.

Grand Tutor?

Duke?

Zhao Ceying pondered for a moment.

Grand Tutor is not a viable option!

Generally speaking, those posthumously granted the title of Grand Tutor are Grand Secretaries of the Inner Cabinet.