The Phoenix

It rained for a week after the Emperor died. The rain would not stop as stormy grey clouds cast over Hanjian for the entire week. It was as if the entire Heavens were mourning over his death.

White banners were hung everywhere as funeral preparations took place. For the entire mourning period of a week, no one was allowed to wear bright colors. Everything was muted and monochrome. 

Everything happened in a blur to Yu Zhen who could not recount the days of mourning nor the funeral. It happened slowly and surely as everything was set in stone. He did not cry with everyone else. Rather, the rain cried in his stead. It dribbled down his cheeks in place of what should be his tears. 

During the actual burial, no one dared to carry umbrellas as rain poured down on them. Everyone bore with it, even the Imperial Family.