In the front courtyard of the Song Mansion, the guests were still exchanging toasts.
Yun Huai also attended Song Yuanbao's wedding and shared a table with Song Wei.
As the funeral bell tolled, the two were engaged in conversation.
Upon discerning the direction from which the bell sounded, Song Wei gradually fell silent, his expression becoming solemn.
Yun Huai realized it too. After finishing the last half glass of wine in his hand, he said, "It's the funeral bell, presumably…"
What could be presumed, he didn't need to finish. Everyone could guess; surely, the Emperor had passed away.
Song Wei stood up and addressed the guests, "My apologies, everyone. A new mourning in the palace means it is inappropriate for us ministers to hold a grand banquet. I must ask you all to leave the mansion promptly."
This was a national mourning. Who would dare utter a word of complaint? Moreover, Song Wei hadn't said anything excessive, so everyone expressed understanding.
