New Emperor

April 2, 241 Jingchang

The imperial palace underwent a brutal purge, and the once solemn and dignified palace was filled with a strong smell of blood.

The blood of the palace maids dyed the white marble steps and the bluestone-paved palace roads red, gathered into a stream, and flowed into the pond in the imperial garden, dyeing the pool of spring water a shocking crimson that lasted for a long time.

The former saint abdicated and lived in seclusion in Xianding Palace.

April 5, 241 Jingchang

The new emperor ascends the throne and everything starts anew.

The bloody smell has not yet been washed away by the spring breeze, and a dark red color that is difficult to wash away still remains in the cracks of the bluestone road. But today, all the solemnity and chaos have been forcibly suppressed, concealed under the grand and hastily prepared ceremony.

The bells and drums rang out in unison, solemn and dignified.

In front of the majestic Taiji Hall, on the white marble square, civil and military officials stood in accordance with their ranks, wearing court robes and holding tablets, in perfect silence.

The air was filled with the aroma of burning spices, trying to dilute the faint smell of rust.

Xie Zhiyun, the King of Dingwu, is now the new emperor who has officially ascended the throne. He issued an edict to the world, granting amnesty to farmers and merchants, and changing the country's name from Haode to Yongsheng without changing the reign title.

Xie Zhiyun, wearing a robe with twelve chapter patterns and a crown with twelve tassels on her head, slowly stepped onto the towering steps to accept the worship of all officials. Her eyes swept over the dark crowd below. The concubine Qi was canonized as the queen, wearing a phoenix crown and a red robe, standing beside her, the mother of the country.

"Long live the emperor! Long live the empress!" The thunderous cheers of congratulations shook the sky, symbolizing the end of the old dynasty and the beginning of the new one.

The coronation ceremony was grand and solemn.

All the civil and military officials who had stood on the right side and made contributions in this palace coup stood solemnly in the hall and under the steps according to their rank, waiting for the first audience with the new emperor.

Shen Qianyue was wearing the formal court dress that the palace maid had delivered yesterday. The dark color and rigorous patterns slightly subdued the sharp aura around her, but it could not conceal the coldness between her eyebrows and the key role she played in this power transition.

She stood in the ranks of heroes, at the very front, demonstrating her indispensable role in this great change. Listening to the chants of "Long live the hero" ringing in her ears, her face remained calm.

His eyes inadvertently swept across the civil and military officials gathered in the hall. Some of these faces were familiar, some were unfamiliar, and now they were all bathed in the glory of the new dynasty with awe and excitement.

At this moment, he met a gaze that was also directed at him, with complicated emotions.

The man stood in the front center of the queue, wearing a very formal dark purple and crimson official robe.

It's Pei Miaoyin...

Shen Qianyue's mood fluctuated almost imperceptibly.

I have thought about countless reunions, but never thought it would be in this way, so unexpectedly at this ceremony that symbolizes the change of power and requires everyone to re-position themselves.

Pei Miaoyin's eyes were still sharp. She saw Shen Qianyue, her position, and her slightly pale face.

Their eyes met.

The air seemed to stagnate for a moment.

No words, no smile, not even any extra expression.

Amidst the crowd of officials and the thick air of incense, the two of them simply nodded to each other briefly and almost tacitly.

This was considered a greeting, just like treating any colleague he had a slight impression of, politely and distantly, with all past grudges and complex emotions suppressed under this seemingly indifferent nod.

The grand ceremony continued, with bells and drums ringing and people shouting "Long live the emperor!"

After Emperor Yongsheng Xie Zhiyun entered the main hall, he sat on the dragon throne and nodded slightly.

The eunuch standing by immediately stepped forward and unfolded the bright yellow imperial edict in his hand. His sharp and clear voice spread throughout the entire hall, and every word struck heavily on the hearts of the remaining ministers of the old dynasty.

"Haotian has given the order, the emperor has accepted it, I hereby declare the order of heaven:"

Upon hearing the sound, the former officials trembled violently as if they were whipped by an invisible whip. They knelt deeply with pale faces, their foreheads pressed against the cold floor tiles, holding their breath, fearing that the next name would be their own or that of their relatives who were to be liquidated.

"Shen Qianyue is a woman of quick wit and intelligence, well versed in the art of war. She has offered her counsel and assistance in times of national crisis, making outstanding contributions that are deeply gratifying to me. I hereby appoint her as a First-Rank Military Secretary, responsible for analyzing military intelligence, interpreting military tactics, conducting sand table simulations, formulating strategic outlines, and writing military policy treatises. I decree this!"

As soon as the decree was issued, it caused an extremely suppressed commotion even in the solemn occasion.

Military Privy Council! While this position lacks direct troop deployment authority, it serves as the army's true "brains." It requires foresight from vast troop intel and the ability to plan victories thousands of miles away. Only the most talented and trustworthy can hold this position. Yet, Your Majesty has bestowed this crucial position upon a woman!

Chen Qianyue looked calm as she stepped out from the crowd and knelt upright in the middle of the imperial road. Her voice was clear and steady, without a trace of cowardice or ecstasy.

"Your Majesty, I, Shen Qianyue, thank you for your grace. Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! I will do my best to live up to your Majesty's trust and fulfill my mission!"

The eunuch continued to read: "Merchant Pei Miaoyin, though born in the market, is loyal and patriotic. He generously donated money to supply the army during this battle, and has made great contributions to the country. He is specially appointed as the Minister of Revenue of the Second Rank, in charge of the national treasury and the overall management of all taxes and levies. This is my decree!"

Another woman! And she was born into a merchant family, directly in charge of the Ministry of Revenue!

Now, some of the old ministers finally couldn't contain their inner shock and preconceived notions.

Several veteran officials exchanged glances, and one of them, seemingly relying on his seniority, suddenly raised his head and loudly advised against it.

"Your Majesty! Absolutely not! Appointing a woman as an official, and to such a confidential position as the Ministry of War or the Ministry of Revenue, is unprecedented in history! A hen crowing at dawn is a sign of trouble for the family. This goes against ancestral rules and is illogical! Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

His shout expressed the thoughts of many conservative ministers, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly became extremely tense.

Xie Zhiyun sat high on the dragon throne, and even his posture did not change. He just leaned back slightly, and touched his chin casually with one hand, as if he was really thinking about the advice of the old minister.

However, the tone of his voice was chillingly steady, with an unquestionable and absolute authority.

"Oh? It doesn't make sense?" He repeated softly, then waved his hand without hesitation, his tone as indifferent as if he was ordering the disposal of a piece of garbage.

"Drag him out."

“—Beheaded.”

The orders were simple, direct, and brutal.

The soldiers in front of the hall advanced like tigers and wolves, ignoring the old minister's pleas for mercy and screams, who instantly collapsed with tears streaming down his face. They covered his mouth and quickly dragged him out of the hall.

The cries for mercy stopped abruptly, leaving only a faint muffled sound in the distance, the deathly silence in the square, and the pervasive smell of blood.

All the officials who were still kneeling lowered their heads even lower, their bodies trembling like sieves, and no one dared to raise any objection.

Xie Zhiyun's gaze slowly swept over the silent ministers below. Her voice returned to its previous calmness, but with a stronger sense of oppression: "Is there anyone else who thinks my order is unreasonable?"

Above the hall, the only sounds were the wind and the suppressed breathing of the ministers.

On the first day of the new dynasty, it was announced in such an iron-blooded manner that the rules of the old era had been completely broken. This was not the previous gentle Emperor Haode, but the iron-blooded Emperor Yongsheng.

The ministers who were about to stand up to advise had just left their knees and had not even fully raised their fingers when Xie Zhiyun's cold gaze pressed down on them like a physical object.

He didn't even give them a chance to speak. He just waved his hand and his voice was not loud, but it was filled with a determination as strong as iron and stone and an unquestionable killing intent, and it resounded throughout the silent hall.

"Anyone who tries to persuade me again," he said, each word falling like an icicle, "will be killed on the spot."

The air froze instantly, and the ministers froze in mid-air. Their faces turned from indignation to pale, and finally they knelt down again, trembling, not daring to move an inch.

In this suffocating silence, Shen Qianyue was the first to move. She stood upright and kowtowed deeply without hesitation. Her clear voice cut through the oppressive air, clear and firm.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

This sound was like a stone thrown into a calm lake.

The many officials behind her, whether they were truly submissive or driven by fear, immediately seemed to have found their backbone, and followed her in unison, with each wave of voices louder than the last.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

"Your Majesty is wise!!"

However, there are always those who are self-righteous or stubborn.

An old minister wearing the crane robe of a first-rank civil official, perhaps relying on his disciples and old friends throughout the court and the country, or perhaps simply not believing that the new emperor would dare to slaughter important officials so unscrupulously, actually stood up suddenly after a brief silence, and although his body trembled slightly, he still tried to maintain his final decency and spoke loudly.

"Your Majesty! I still feel it's inappropriate! The laws of our ancestors..."

“Puff—”

His words stopped abruptly.

A sharp blade flashed, and no one could even see how the general made his move.

The gray head flew up with an expression of disbelief and astonishment, warm blood spurted out, staining the official robes of his colleagues beside him red. The headless body swayed and fell heavily to the ground.

The general expressionlessly kicked the still rolling head with wide-eyed eyes away, leaving a glaring, shocking red trail on the ground.

The whole process was breathtakingly fast.

There were suppressed gasps and retching sounds.

The person who took action was Xie Zhiyun's confidant, who was specially allowed to enter the hall with a knife.

All the officials, including those who might have complained, now pressed their heads against the cold ground, even breathing lightly.

They recognized the deceased - he was a veteran of three dynasties and a leader of a powerful family. Even he was easily crushed to death like an ant. Who else would dare to question it?

On the dragon throne, Xie Zhiyun seemed to have just swatted a disturbing fly.

He slowly stood up, his crown tassels swaying slightly, and his eyes, like ice, swept over the ministers crawling below. His voice was steady but carried a chill that could freeze one's bones.

"In this court, there are those with real talent and knowledge who can assist me in maintaining peace and stability." He paused, each word weighing heavily. "There are also those who have been nurtured by their clans for generations, who are good at nothing but empty talk and idly occupying positions."

His voice suddenly turned stern. "Today, I will establish the rules of the Yongsheng Dynasty. If anyone disobeys, feel free to speak up. I don't mind killing a few chickens to warn these monkeys in the court!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire Taiji Hall fell into complete silence, so deep that you could hear a pin drop.

Only the strong and indissoluble smell of blood and the hideous bloodstain on the ground silently tell of the rules of the new dynasty and the absolute authority of the emperor.

No one dared to object anymore.

Emperor Yongsheng, Xie Zhiyun, waved his sleeves as if the bloody incident had never happened. The eunuch then forced himself to remain calm and continued to read out the subsequent rewards in a trembling, shrill voice.

"...Xie Shangjia, the Minister of the Secretariat, was unable to attend due to illness, but in consideration of his good conduct, he is rewarded with 100 taels of gold and some medicinal herbs. I hope he rests peacefully and recovers soon."

This understated reward for Xie Shangjia seemed particularly perfunctory compared to the powerful position obtained by his wife Shen Qianyue, as if it was a deliberate downplaying.

But in the final analysis, for a favorite of the old dynasty, meeting such an iron-blooded monarch, it was a blessing to be able to keep his life, and receiving a reward was considered a great appreciation.

"Xiao Mao led his troops with great power and fought bravely. He was awarded the title of General Guarding the Nation and rewarded..."

One after another, decrees of reward were issued. All the meritorious officials were promoted and rewarded, and the old officials who surrendered were able to retain their original positions or have their positions slightly adjusted. Everyone whose name was called quickly kowtowed to express gratitude in an extremely respectful voice.

The bloody smell in the hall seemed to be gradually diluted by the glory belonging to the victor, but the emperor's iron-blooded majesty had been deeply engraved in everyone's heart.

The lengthy court meeting finally ended.

The eunuch closed the imperial edict and shouted: "Thank you——"

"Long live our emperor, long live our emperor, long live our emperor!"

The roar rang out again, more orderly and louder than ever before, but also more cautious, filled with awe and fear of surviving a disaster.

Xie Zhiyun slowly stood up, the twelve patterns on his robe radiating a majestic sheen in the sunlight. He glanced at the ministers prostrating themselves below, and, surrounded by eunuchs, left the Taiji Hall.

The officials stood up one after another. Many of them had weak legs and feet and needed help from others. They did not dare to say much to each other, and even their eye contact was filled with fear. They just silently and quickly left the hall according to their rank.

The glaring red and the falling head were like a huge brand, deeply engraved in the hearts of every official present, and also announced that the Yongsheng Dynasty began with iron and blood.

The new dynasty has been established.

Everything seems to have been settled.

Shen Qianyue was walking slowly with the crowd when a figure quietly followed her and walked side by side with her.

It’s Pei Miaoyin.

The noise around her died down a little. Pei Miaoyin turned her head and looked at Shen Qianyue, with the corners of her lips curved in an appropriate and polite arc.

"Miaoyin congratulates Sister Yue on being appointed as the Female History Officer of the Military Privy Council. She is a first-rank official and well-deserved."

Shen Qianyue stopped, turned to face her, and responded with an impeccable smile and a slight nod.

"Congratulations, Minister Pei. The Ministry of Revenue manages the treasury and grain of the entire country, a heavy responsibility. His Majesty has entrusted you with this important task, which is a testament to his wisdom. In the future, we will serve together in the court and share His Majesty's worries. You and I will both need your continued support."

Pei Miaoyin readily agreed and nodded, "Of course."

Having said this, there seemed to be nothing more to say. The intimacy of the past and the estrangement that followed were like an invisible wall between them.

The air suddenly became quiet, filled with an indescribable atmosphere.

After a moment of silence, Shen Qianyue spoke again: "Before... you helped me a lot, I don't know how to thank you. If you need anything in the future, as long as it does not violate the principles, just ask."

This is a promise, a reward based on practical benefits.

Upon hearing this, Pei Miaoyin raised her eyes and looked deeply at Shen Qianyue. Her eyes were extremely complicated, as if thousands of words flashed through them, but in the end they turned into just one extremely simple word.

"good."

She accepted the thanks, but did not make any requests or show any emotions. She nodded slightly to Shen Qianyue again as a farewell, then turned around, her purple-red official robe drawing a neat arc in the wind, and she joined the departing crowd without looking back.

Chen Qianyue stood there, looking at her figure walking away, lost in thought for a moment.

Friends in the past, colleagues today, are now separated by mountains and seas.

Beside the palace road, the curtain of the window of Xie Mansion's carriage was lifted by a bony hand.

Xie Shangjia smiled with his lips curved.

"Ma'am, it's time to go home."

Shen Qianyue turned her head when she heard the voice, raised the corners of her lips and smiled back.

"Okay, let's go home."

She walked towards the carriage, her steps leisurely.

The car curtain fell, blocking out all outside gazes.

The carriage started slowly and drove away from the imperial city that had just experienced blood and enthronement, and was full of power and new order.