The 18th day of the twelfth lunar month, at the hour of Chen (7-9 AM).
Ten miles outside Xijing City, civil and military officials stood solemnly by the roadside at Shili Pavilion.
Despite the freezing weather, no one dared to complain—today was the day Prince Yinji of Jin was returning to the capital.
Pei Lun and Fan Nan stood at the front, followed by other ministers, officials from the Censorate, and other important figures.
Everyone was dressed in mourning clothes, their faces filled with grief—this was the proper etiquette during the national mourning period following the emperor's death.
But how many thoughts are hidden beneath this sorrow remains unknown.
"They're here!" someone whispered.
A cavalry unit appeared on the official road in the distance.
The black banners fluttered in the cold wind; it was the ceremonial guard of the Prince of Jin.
As Yinji rode on his horse, watching the city walls of Xijing draw ever closer, he was filled with mixed emotions.
A month ago, when he left Beijing for Longmen Pass, he was still the "disciple" who needed to rely on Zhao Muyun's protection.
Now he has returned, but he is about to ascend the throne as a new emperor.
The fact that power came so suddenly and so easily made him uneasy.
"Your Highness," Zhou Hong rode closer and whispered, "at the Ten Mile Pavilion ahead, officials will be there to greet you."
Yinji looked up and saw a dark mass of figures.
He took a deep breath, straightened his clothes, and slowed down his horse.
Upon arriving at Shili Pavilion, all the officials knelt in unison, saying, "Welcome back to the capital, His Highness Prince Jin!"
Their voices were in unison and extremely respectful.
Yinji dismounted and quickly stepped forward, first helping Pei Lun and Fan Nan to their feet: "Please rise, you two! Please rise, esteemed officials!"
He adopted a humble posture and spoke earnestly: "His Majesty has passed away suddenly. Ji De is of little virtue and ability and is not fit to take on great responsibilities. The Great Yin Dynasty prioritizes filial piety and should first take care of His Majesty's funeral arrangements."
If someone invites you to be emperor, you definitely can't just accept it; you have to ask three times and decline three times. This is what Zhou Hong told him on the way.
Pei Lun bowed and said, "Your Highness is the late Emperor's grandson and a close relative of the state. Your courage in stepping forward at this time is a blessing for all the people. We will do our utmost to assist you and overcome these difficult times together."
Fan Nan also said, "All matters in the capital have been arranged, and we are only waiting for Your Highness to enter the palace to take charge of the overall situation."
Yinji glanced around: "Master...when will the Grand Commander arrive?"
Pei Lun and Fan Nan exchanged a glance.
"The Grand Commander arrived in Puzhou last night, and according to the schedule, he should arrive in the capital at noon today," Pei Lun replied.
Originally, they were supposed to wait for Zhao Muyun to arrive first, but it turned out that Yinji returned to Xijing first.
However, Yinji didn't care about all that anymore; he just wanted Zhao Muyun to come back.
“In that case, let us enter the city first. Where is His Majesty’s coffin? I will go and pay my respects first.”
"Your Highness is benevolent and filial." Pei Lun stepped aside. "Please."
The ceremonial procession resumed, with officials in attendance.
Upon entering Xijing City, the streets were lined with people.
They watched the Prince of Jin's carriage and began to discuss it amongst themselves.
"I heard that His Majesty was murdered by a eunuch..."
"Is His Highness Prince Jin returning this time to become emperor?"
"With Grand Commander Zhao here, our Great Yin Dynasty won't descend into chaos..."
Various sounds entered his ears, but Yinji remained calm, though he was rapidly calculating in his mind.
Zhao Muyun's prestige among the people was surprisingly high.
This is both a good thing—with Zhao Muyun's support, his throne can be secure; and a hidden worry—Da Yin only knows of Grand Commandant Zhao, but not Prince Jin, which could lead to future problems...
He shook his head, suppressing the thought for the time being.
The imperial carriage went straight into the imperial city and arrived at the Fengxian Hall, where the coffin was kept.
White banners hung inside the hall, and incense smoke swirled around it.
Yin Zhao's coffin was placed in the center, surrounded by kneeling concubines, eunuchs, and palace maids, amidst a chorus of weeping.
Yinji knelt before the spirit tablet and performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony.
"Uncle..." his voice choked with emotion, "I'm late..."
This cry was genuine—not for Yin Zhao, but for her own difficult fate, for her father's unfulfilled wish, and for this sudden burden.
After the ceremony, Yinji stood up and asked Chen Hong, the chief eunuch standing beside him, "Eunuch Chen, did His Majesty pass away peacefully?"
Chen Hong was the one who delivered the blood edict of Emperor Yongchang to Yinxi, and his merits and status are self-evident.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, once Yinji ascends the throne, he will become the Grand Eunuch.
"Your Highness...His Majesty's passing was too sudden...This old servant...This old servant is guilty!"
Yinji helped him up: "What crime has Eunuch Chen committed? It is the wicked who have caused trouble, not your fault."
He paused, then said, "The affairs of the palace will be temporarily handled by you, Eunuch. We will make a decision after the Grand Commander returns to the capital."
This was a clever way of putting it—it both appeased Chen Hong and made it clear that the final decision rested with Zhao Muyun.
Chen Hong, being extremely astute, immediately understood: "This old servant obeys. I will do my utmost and await the Grand Commander's instructions."
After leaving Fengxian Hall, Yinji, accompanied by Pei Lun and Fan Nan, arrived at the Hall of State Affairs.
This is where he will handle state affairs for the foreseeable future.
I had barely sat down when an urgent military report arrived.
"Your Highness, urgent report from Longmen Pass! Li Hu has learned of His Majesty's passing and has intensified his offensive. Commander Lin requests immediate reinforcements!"
"Your Highness, urgent report from Yunzhou! General Tian Qing has succumbed to his wounds, and General Han Zhong has taken over the defense. However, the morale of the Yunzhou army is low, and they urgently need money and supplies to appease them!"
"Your Highness, General Tang Yanhai of Jiannan Circuit has sent a secret report..."
A series of messages came one after another, causing Yinji to frown deeply.
This is the mess he has to deal with—a powerful enemy outside, an empty treasury, and unrest among the people.
"We'll discuss everything once the Grand Commander returns!" Yinji said. "The most important thing now is for Master to return to the capital. Only when everything in Xijing is stable can we consolidate our forces and deal with all sides."
Pei Lun and Fan Nan exchanged glances, both showing approval in their eyes.
This young future emperor, though inexperienced, is decisive, clear-thinking, and self-aware—knowing when to rely on Zhao Muyun.
"Your Highness is wise." The two bowed.
After handling urgent official business, it was nearly noon.
Suddenly, a commotion arose outside.
A guard rushed in: "Your Highness! The Grand Commander has returned to the capital! He's already outside the palace gates!"
Yinji suddenly stood up: "Quick! Come with me to greet them!"
Outside the palace gates, Zhao Muyun arrived with over a hundred personal guards, looking travel-worn.
He looked up at the majestic palace gate, a look of emotion flashing in his eyes.
Three years ago, he was just a lowly soldier on the frontier; now, he can decide who sits in this palace.
"Greetings, Grand Commander!" The gatekeepers knelt in unison.
Zhao Muyun dismounted and was about to enter the palace when he saw Yinji leading a hundred officials to hurriedly greet him.
"Master!" Yinji stepped forward to pay his respects.
Zhao Muyun quickly stopped him, saying, "Your Highness, you mustn't! Now that you hold power in the government, how can you still act like a teacher and student?"
Even so, this act of helping him up showed his attitude—he still acknowledged this apprentice.
Yinji felt relieved and grasped Zhao Muyun's hand: "Master, you have had a long journey! There are many complicated matters in the court, and I was at a loss as to how to handle them. Fortunately, Master has returned!"
These words were spoken earnestly, and the tone was extremely humble.
Zhao Muyun patted his hand: "Your Highness, rest assured, with me here, the sky won't fall down."
He raised his eyes and glanced at the officials behind Yinji.
Everyone in sight lowered their heads.
At this moment, everyone understood—the true ruler of the Great Yin Dynasty had returned.
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