The 22nd day of the twelfth lunar month.
The snow stopped, and the sun came out.
The sun was shining brightly, and the sky was a clear, deep blue.
From Chengtian Gate to Taihe Hall, the imperial road was lined with imperial guards, their armor gleaming and their weapons like a forest.
Today is the day that Prince Yinji of Jin ascends the throne.
Inside the palace, Yinji, dressed in a robe with twelve embroidered symbols and a crown with twelve tassels, was having his clothes adjusted by a palace attendant in front of a mirror.
The person in the mirror had a solemn expression, with both anticipation and a hint of barely perceptible tension in their eyes.
“Your Highness… no, Your Majesty,” the eunuch Chen Hong carefully corrected his address, “the auspicious hour is approaching, it is time to depart for the Imperial Ancestral Temple to offer sacrifices.”
Yinji took a deep breath and asked, "Where is the Grand Commander?"
"The Grand Commander is already waiting at the Imperial Ancestral Temple. All civil and military officials have arrived."
Yinji nodded, turned and walked out of the palace gate.
Outside the hall, the ceremonial guards were already lined up.
The nine-dragon curved-handle yellow silk canopy, the golden mace and axe, the banners and pennants gleamed in the torchlight. This was the majesty of an emperor, but also the heavy burden on his shoulders.
"Let's depart!" the eunuch in charge of ceremonies announced.
The imperial carriage moved slowly, passing through one palace gate after another.
At each gate, the guards on both sides knelt and shouted, "Long live the Emperor!"
The sound echoed through the palace walls, reaching Yinji's ears and making his heart race.
This is not a dream.
He was truly about to transform from the Prince of Jin into the Emperor of the Great Yin Dynasty.
In front of the Imperial Ancestral Temple, Zhao Muyun, dressed in a purple robe and gold belt, stood at the forefront of all the officials.
Behind him, important officials such as Pei Lun, Fan Nan, and Zhou Hong stood solemnly in turn.
Further away, all the civil and military officials in the capital held their breath in anticipation.
When the imperial carriage arrived, Yinji alighted from his sedan chair.
Zhao Muyun was the first to kneel and bow: "Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome you!"
"Welcome, Your Majesty!" Thousands of people shouted in unison, their voices shaking the heavens.
Yinji reached out a hand to help them up: "All of you, rise."
His gaze met Zhao Muyun's for a fleeting moment.
The master and apprentice exchanged complex glances—a mixture of relief, expectation, and the subtle tension inherent in the handover of power.
The sacrificial rites at the Imperial Ancestral Temple were elaborate and solemn.
Guided by the officials in charge of rites, Yinji offered sacrifices to Heaven, Earth, and his ancestors, and read out the edict of his accession to the throne.
The imperial edict stated that it was "by the mandate of Heaven and Earth, and entrusted by our ancestors," and posthumously honored Yin Zhao as "Emperor Ai," and set the reign title as "Chengping," meaning "to continue peace."
After the sacrificial ceremony, the procession moved to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
This is the main hall for the coronation ceremony.
On the nine-tiered white marble steps, the dragon throne sits high above, overlooking the assembled officials.
Yinji walked up the steps one by one, feeling the weight on his shoulders increase with each step.
When he finally sat on the dragon throne, his palms were covered in cold sweat.
"Kneel—" the eunuch in charge of ceremonies chanted again.
Inside and outside the hall, civil and military officials and imperial guards knelt down in unison.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Amidst the thunderous cheers and shouts of congratulations, Yinji looked up.
He saw Zhao Muyun kneeling beneath the imperial steps, saw the respect of civil officials such as Pei Lun and Fan Nan, and saw the solemnity of military generals.
"All of you, rise."
Yinji spoke, his voice deliberately controlled, sounding calm and powerful, "As a humble person, I have inherited the throne, and I am truly trembling with fear, as if walking on thin ice. However, with the country in peril, I dare not shirk my duty. I can only work together with you all to overcome these difficult times."
He paused, then continued, "Today, as I ascend the throne, I issue three edicts."
"First, a general amnesty shall be granted. Except for serious crimes such as treason, regicide, and rebellion, all other criminals shall be punished with reduced sentences."
"Secondly, my late father, Prince Xi, was posthumously honored as 'Emperor Jing,' with the temple name 'Mingzong,' and was enshrined in the Imperial Ancestral Temple."
Third, reward meritorious officials.
He looked at Zhao Muyun: "Grand Commander Zhao Muyun is unparalleled in loyalty and bravery, and has made outstanding contributions. He is hereby granted the title of 'Grand General of the Pillar State, Duke of Song, and Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs of the Interior and Exterior,' and is bestowed with a certificate of merit and iron, which shall be hereditary and perpetual."
The series of titles bestowed upon him were the highest honors a subject could receive.
Zhao Muyun stepped forward, knelt, and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness. However, I am of meager virtue and ability, and fear I am unworthy of such a heavy responsibility..."
"Grand Tutor, there's no need for such modesty," Yinji interrupted him. "This is the sentiment of me and all my subjects."
Zhao Muyun no longer declined: "Your subject accepts the imperial decree and expresses gratitude."
Next, Yinji bestowed titles and rewards upon Pei Lun, Fan Nan, Zhou Hong, and other civil and military officials.
Zhou Hong was appointed Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, Pei Lun was appointed Grand Preceptor to the Crown Prince, Fan Nan was appointed Grand Protector to the Crown Prince, and Zhou Zheng was promoted to Commander of the Imperial Guards.
The rest, including Han Zhong, Lin Feng, Zhang Zan, Wu Shangzhi, Xiao Cheyun, Tian Qing, Shi Yong, and others, were all promoted one rank.
After the bestowal of honors was completed, the crowd shouted "Long live the Emperor!"
Yinji said, "The situation is still unsettled on all sides. Although I have ascended the throne, I dare not slacken my efforts for even a moment. After the court session, the Council of State Affairs and the Grand General's Office shall immediately hold a meeting to discuss countermeasures."
"Your Majesty, we obey!" all the officials responded in unison.
The coronation ceremony has now concluded.
After the court session, Zhao Muyun and Yinji held a private meeting in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
"Master, are you satisfied with the title you received today?" Yin Ji asked, having changed his form of address—in private, he still preferred to call Zhao Muyun "Master."
Zhao Muyun cupped his hands in thanks: "Your Majesty's kindness is deeply appreciated. However..."
"Just what?"
“It’s just that the rewards are too generous and might cause controversy,” Zhao Muyun said frankly. “His Majesty has just ascended the throne and has already bestowed such rewards in public. Others will inevitably feel resentful.”
Yinji smiled and said, "I want the world to know that my master is the person I rely on most. If you're not convinced, then show us a contribution that surpasses my master's."
"Besides, Master is my brother-in-law, we're family!"
These words were blunt and revealed his attitude—at least at this stage, he needed Zhao Muyun and had to rely on Zhao Muyun.
Zhao Muyun understood, said no more, and then got up to take his leave.
With a new emperor appointed and the capital city of Xijing secure, the next step is to address threats from the surrounding regions.
My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com