Ning Chen turned his head to the clamoring censors, his eyes as keen as a blade.

His hand went to the hilt of his saber before he meant it to.

Old General Chen started and caught Ning Chen's wrist quickly, shaking his head. "Don't do anything rash!"

Whatever these men were after, remonstrating at the risk of death was a censor's office. To kill a censor at a time like this would fasten an evil name on Ning Chen for good, and put a handle in other men's hands besides.

Ning Chen slowly let go, and said harshly, "The Ning'an Army, take your orders. Take every one of the workmen in hand for me."

If they went inside to examine the body and these workmen dropped the sealing stone, he would never come out again as long as he lived.

The Fifth Prince's eyes were red with weeping. He looked at Ning Chen and said, "I know you are grieving, but disturbing Father's rest is not the act of a subject."

"Ning Chen, the hour has already been delayed. Let Father rest?"

Ning Chen looked at him and said flatly, "By feeling and by rule alike, you ought to keep twenty-seven days of mourning. Counted out to the full it is only twenty-five."

"And another thing. His Majesty has left the world, so why is there not one prince of the blood here?"

The Fifth Prince's face stiffened, and he explained, "Father's death was sudden. It came on us all at once and there was no chance to send word to my imperial uncles... This emperor was overcome with grief, and by the time it came to mind it was too late."

Ning Chen's eyes narrowed slightly. "That this emperor comes out very naturally. Anyone who didn't know might think you had practiced it in private countless times."

The Right Chancellor said angrily, "Ning Chen, what kind of attitude is this? His Majesty has not held the enthronement ceremony formally yet, but he has taken the throne before the coffin. What is wrong with his saying this emperor?"

Ning Chen…