Chapter 151 The coronation ceremony belonged to Empress Django...

When the morning light pierces through the clouds, it brings light.

Today, the palace is filled with an atmosphere different from the past; it is not the hustle and bustle of a festival, but a quiet and magnificent anticipation.

The palace was solemn, and the banners fluttered in the breeze. Embroidered on them were not the traditional dragon patterns, but a brand-new totem - a phoenix spreading its wings. Its feathers circled around the majestic dragon's body, the phoenix's head was raised high, and the dragon's head was slightly lowered, forming a visually striking image of "the phoenix suppressing the dragon".

This simple imagery speaks volumes, proclaiming the end of an old era and the beginning of a new one.

It is also a symbol.

The enthronement ceremony abandoned the elaborate rituals and extravagance that had been followed for hundreds of years by the previous dynasty. There were no long processions stretching for miles, no display of treasures that emptied the treasury; only the solemn civil and military officials standing in the square in front of the palace, and the strictly selected people representing all social classes who came to watch the ceremony.

The pure white jade steps were washed spotless, reflecting the rising sun, as if they themselves were shining.

The newly planted pines and cypresses around the square are lush and green, symbolizing the vitality and longevity of the new dynasty.

Among the people allowed to attend the ceremony were respected local gentry, farmers whose clothes, though old, were clean and starched, shrewd merchants, and scholars dressed in Confucian robes.

They held their breath, filled with a mixture of awe and curiosity, awaiting the new ruler who would end the chaos and ascend the throne.

The auspicious hour has arrived. Bells and drums resound in unison, their solemn and majestic sound striking the hearts of everyone present.

The palace gates were wide open.

The first thing that catches the eye is the ceremonial guards, followed by a figure slowly walking out.

The emperor's crown robe, with its black base and crimson trim, accentuated the wearer's slender yet exceptionally upright figure. Golden phoenix motifs soared and circled above the robe, dominating the design, while dragon patterns served as humble embellishments, nestled beneath the phoenix's wings.

Instead of wearing the heavy and elaborate twelve-tassel crown of traditional emperors, she chose a simpler yet equally majestic phoenix-winged gold crown. The tassels hung down, but could not hide her clearly revealed face—her brows carried an undeniable air of heroism and majesty, and her eyes were clear and firm. It was clearly a woman's face!

In an instant, the previously calm anticipation in the square was suddenly stirred into invisible ripples, like a still lake surface tossed with a boulder.

"woman?"

An barely suppressed gasp escaped from the crowd, only to be quickly pulled back by those nearby. But whispers had already spread like wildfire.

"It's...it's a woman?!"

"My God... the new emperor is actually an empress?"

"Is this...is this in accordance with propriety? Is there ever a precedent of a woman becoming emperor?"

"The phoenix suppresses the dragon... So that's how it is! This totem told us all along!"

"She ended the chaos? A woman?"

Shock, disbelief, bewilderment, and even a hint of instinctive resistance flashed across countless faces.

Deeply ingrained beliefs, formed over thousands of years, were directly challenged at this moment. Some old scholars, stroking their beards, froze in mid-air, their brows furrowed. But many others, especially ordinary people who had experienced war and displacement and only longed for a peaceful life, were filled with inquiry and contemplation after the initial shock.

They may not understand any grand principles, but they remember that it was this new emperor who ended the tyrant's reign, allowing them to recuperate and thrive.

Django seemed oblivious to the subtle commotion. Her steps were steady, each one seemingly treading on a pivotal moment in history, with a long night and strife behind her, and a dawn waiting to be ushered in ahead. Her gaze calmly swept across the area below, and the power contained within that gaze strangely calmed the commotion.

Her figure appeared completely at the top of the platform. Sunlight shone on her, and the golden phoenix on her black robe reflected a dazzling light, making her seem as if she were enveloped in a sacred halo.

The "phoenix suppressing the dragon" totem found its most perfect interpretation in her.

She walked to the throne, but did not sit down immediately. Instead, she turned to face her subjects and her kingdom.

Zhuge Liang and Bai Qi stood at the head of all the civil and military officials, their expressions solemn, nodding slightly, their eyes filled with unreserved recognition and support.

Behind them stood Huo Qubing, Zhou Yu, Zhao Kuangyin, Du Fu, Yuchi Jingde, Qin Shubao, Zheng He… all those renowned and capable ministers and generals, who were already famous throughout the land. They all stood respectfully bowing. Seeing even them so submissive, the doubts in the hearts of the people dissipated somewhat.

The master of ceremonies loudly proclaimed the ceremony's proceedings, attempting to quell the last remaining whispers.

Django raised her hand, signaling for silence. She didn't need lengthy prayers to proclaim her destiny; her destiny would be created by her own hands, and witnessed by all the people of the world.

She took a deep breath, her clear voice penetrating the vast square and reaching everyone's ears with an undeniable power, a clarity and firmness distinct from that of male emperors:

"The old rules have been abolished, and the new dynasty has been established!" The brief pause made these eight words strike heavily in everyone's hearts, and temporarily suppressed all the complicated thoughts about gender.

"From this day forward, the name of the nation shall be—Qi!"

The appearance of the character “启” (qǐ) has once again stirred up waves, but this time it's mostly speculation about the future. “启” means to open, to enlighten, to create.

A character brimming with infinite possibilities and hope.

"I know that the world has suffered from war and chaos for too long, the people are displaced, and the land is shattered." Jiang Ge's voice continued, not loud, but every word carried immense weight, directly striking the deepest desires in everyone's hearts. "In the past, were kings and generals born with their titles? Yet how many heroes rose from humble beginnings, only to be trapped by the lust for power, in this endless cycle? What have the people done wrong? Today, I swear an oath here, a promise to all the people of the world!"

Her gaze swept across the faces below, from shocked students to bewildered farmers, from shrewd merchants to furrowed brows of old men, as if she could see the vast land and millions of people they represented.

"This new dynasty is not the private property of any one family or clan, but a place for all people to live and work in peace! Regardless of whether they are scholars, farmers, artisans, or merchants, regardless of their social status," she paused slightly, her gaze becoming sharper, "and regardless of gender! All citizens of my new dynasty can have enough to eat and wear, can pursue their future, and can enjoy fairness and dignity under the law!"

"Regardless of gender"

These four words clearly reached everyone's ears, like another thunderclap. Some female spectators instinctively covered their mouths, their eyes flashing with disbelief. Many men wore complex expressions.

"What I want to create is not a glorious empire with a strong military, nor an empty title of a nation with all nations paying tribute, but a peaceful and prosperous world where everyone can live in peace and security."

"The road ahead is long and fraught with thorns. However, I am willing to work together with you all and with all the people to clear away the thorns and forge a broad road to a prosperous age."

Short and powerful.

Without flowery language or classical allusions, there was only the core promise and goal—"everyone can live a secure life," explicitly including "regardless of gender." This simple and unadorned vision, combined with her previous achievements in quelling chaos and her unquestionable authority at this moment, began to truly move people's hearts.

The initial doubts and commotion stemming from her gender gradually faded in the face of the fundamental needs for survival and development.

Someone first shouted "Long live!"—a tentative cry, but soon more voices joined in. At first, they were scattered, then they coalesced into a stream, eventually transforming into a deafening roar like a tsunami.

"Long live the Empress!"

"Long live the Qi Dynasty!"

"A peaceful and prosperous age!"

Amidst the cheers, there may still be confusion and hesitation, but more than anything, there is gratitude for the end of the chaotic era, a deep desire for a peaceful life, and a mixture of surprise and anticipation for the empress who dared to break with convention and make a promise of equality.

Django slightly raised her hand, suppressing the cheers. She slowly sat on the throne that symbolized supreme power. The throne was cold, but a fire burned in her heart, a fire that would burn away all injustice in the world and illuminate the future of all people.

The core ceremony of the coronation was completed in a simple yet solemn atmosphere, amidst the complex emotional shift of the people from shock and skepticism to initial acceptance.

The imagery of "Phoenix Overpowering Dragon," the national title "Qi," the identity of the Empress, and her powerful and all-encompassing speech spread like wildfire throughout the capital, and would reach every corner of the empire even faster, sparking even more lasting discussions and echoes.

A new era has begun in an unprecedented and earth-shattering manner.

After the grand ceremony, the new state apparatus began to operate efficiently. Those names etched in history each found their final resting place, like stars embedded in the sky of the new dynasty, radiating their own unique light.

Zhuge Liang and Zhou Yu, former rivals, are now the prime ministers of the new dynasty. Zhuge Liang, with his extraordinary wisdom and unwavering dedication, combined with Zhou Yu's magnanimity and practical expertise, to jointly lead the government and improve the new dynasty's system. They addressed the shortcomings of the previous dynasty and formulated a series of foundational policies regarding household registration, taxation, and officialdom. Zhuge Liang's draft of the "Qichao Laws" and Zhou Yu's "New Policies on Water Conservancy and Water Transport" were both crucial to the foundation of the nation. Sometimes they debated, sometimes they complemented each other perfectly, becoming the pillars of stability and development for the new dynasty.

Huo Qubing and Bai Qi disbanded and reorganized the various armies they had incorporated, forging them into a truly loyal and disciplined iron army. One focused on external affairs, the other on internal affairs; one acted swiftly, the other steadily; together they ensured the stability of the Qi Dynasty's territory and the peace of its borders.

Zhao Kuangyin, the founding emperor who "donned the yellow robe," provided the new dynasty with many valuable experiences through his unique imperial perspective and historical insights.

Du Fu finally realized his ideal of "making the ruler like Yao and Shun, and restoring the purity of customs." He advocated the New Culture Movement, which "uses literature to convey the Way and sings praises of the prosperous age," encouraging poetry and prose to reflect the people's livelihood and praise the new dynasty's spirit. The poignant lines he once wrote, "Behind the red gates, meat and wine go to waste, while on the roads, frozen corpses lie," have transformed into the practice of opening up futures for countless poor scholars.

......

These heroic souls from different times and spaces found their place on this stage called "Qi". Their strength was combined into one, pushing the wheels of history forward toward the golden age depicted by the Empress.

The commotion of the coronation ceremony finally subsided.

Dusk was falling.

Jiang Ge changed out of her heavy imperial robes and into simple everyday clothes, strolling leisurely under the corridor of the Imperial Garden. She dismissed her attendants, leaving only one person following behind her, his steps light and steady—it was Huo Qubing.

The air is filled with the fragrance of flowers, and a cool breeze blows.

The two walked in silence for a while, one after the other. Finally, Django stopped by a pavilion overlooking most of the night view of the imperial city.

The lights of countless homes spread out beneath her feet, echoing the starry sky.

This tranquil prosperity was something she had risked her life for, painstakingly protected, and was about to dedicate herself to rebuilding. She recalled the momentary astonishment of the people during the day, and their subsequent cheers.

She didn't turn around, her voice sounding faint in the night wind: "Qubing, tell me... can these myriad lights keep burning forever? Can they... really accept an empress?"

Huo Qubing walked to her side and stood beside her, their gazes also fixed on the dazzling lights. His voice was steady and resolute: "They are not accepting a male or female emperor; they are accepting a wise ruler who can bring peace and promise them a future." He paused, then looked at her. "Today, they have seen it. As long as Your Majesty is here, as long as this peace exists, the lights will continue to shine. Gender prejudice will ultimately be defeated by a peaceful and prosperous life."

Django tilted her head slightly, looking at his young yet resolute profile. On the battlefield, he was an invincible blade; at this moment, he was the most serene support by her side.

“Then,” she paused, then asked a question that transcended the boundaries of a monarch and even carried a touch of girlishness, “Will you stay with me and watch them light up? Until…forever?”

Huo Qubing turned back, his eyes shining brightly in the night. There was no hesitation, no flowery words, only an almost rock-solid determination: "I will. Wherever you are, that is where the battlefield is. You must protect this light, and my sword will sweep away all shadows for you." Including the criticisms and undercurrents arising from gender—he didn't say it aloud, but Jiang Ge understood.

There were no vows of eternal love, no tender affections.

His promise was a general's promise, sworn by sword and witnessed on the battlefield. But the meaning it contained was deeper than any romantic words. It was a relationship that transcended the usual loyalty between ruler and subject, and also the ordinary love between men and women.

They were ruler and subject, comrades-in-arms, and confidants who shared the same grand dream. Perhaps, their relationship also carried an indescribable and undefined intimacy.

Django smiled, a smile that appeared exceptionally clear and genuine in the sunlight. She didn't need any more promises. This was enough.

Between them, there was no need for many words anymore.

A tacit understanding flowed in the silence, like the night breeze surrounding the pavilion—invisible, yet truly present.

The road ahead is long, and doubts will not completely disappear, but with such a person by my side and the lights of countless hopes beneath my feet, the long road no longer seems so lonely.

[Ding!]

The familiar system notification sound rang in Django's mind, but this time, it was no longer a task being issued, but rather carried an unprecedented gentleness.

[Main Quest – “End the Chaos, Usher in a Prosperous Era” has been completed. The ultimate goal – “A Peaceful and Prosperous Era Where Everyone Can Live and Work in Peace” – has laid a solid foundation. System 004 thanks host Django for allowing me to witness and participate in the beginning of a great era.]

Django silently replied in his heart: "Thank you too, 004. Without you, I wouldn't be where I am today."

Huo Qubing seemed to notice her momentary lapse in concentration and cast an inquiring glance at her.

Jiang Ge shook her head, indicating that it was alright. She then turned her gaze back to the distance.

Alone, she slowly ascended the highest observatory in the imperial city. From here, she could overlook the entire capital city without any obstruction, as well as the distant countryside and fields that were faintly visible.

The wind whistled, fluttering the hem of her clothes.

Beneath my feet lies the sleeping city, its myriad lights like a galaxy on earth, warm and full of life. Above me stretches the vast, unchanging sky.

She stood there, like a fulcrum connecting heaven and earth.

My heart is clear and peaceful.

The battles, schemes, sacrifices, and choices of the past flashed through my mind, ultimately transforming into a firm belief in the future.

“The road has only just begun,” she told herself, her voice soft yet firm. “The improvement of the system, the recovery of people’s livelihoods, the consolidation of the borders, the flourishing of culture… there is still so much to be done.”

But there was no fear or confusion in her eyes.

The lights of countless homes shone brightly in her eyes, and a broad road leading to a prosperous era was already unfolding beneath her feet.

The era of Empress Django has begun.

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Author's Note: It's finished [shy]. I'm very sorry for the previous hiatus. Something big happened in my life that was completely unexpected. I'm very sorry.