Cui Shenghe noticed her nervousness and gently patted the back of her hand, offering her silent comfort.
The civil and military officials cautiously observed the new emperor and Princess Yunhe, whispering among themselves.
Someone whispered, "If it weren't for their height difference, these two would look like they were carved from the same mold." The others nodded in agreement.
Cui Shenghe coughed again, and the discussions in the court gradually subsided.
He said solemnly, "Princess Yunhe has been lost for many years and has suffered many hardships. Now she has finally returned to my side. I am very pleased. Last year, I restored her status as a princess and granted her the fief of Chunsheng County. In the past six months, Anping has achieved remarkable results and is truly a model for our dynasty."
She was well-versed in the art of governance and diligent in her duties. She not only implemented a series of policies beneficial to the people in Chunsheng County, ensuring their peaceful and prosperous lives, but also made outstanding achievements in education, establishing schools and encouraging agriculture, thus fostering a flourishing literary atmosphere and promoting goodwill among the people.
Zhao Zhi, who was standing nearby, tried her best to suppress her laughter when she heard this.
She knew better than anyone else that all the political achievements her brother had made in her name while she was pregnant and in postpartum confinement, disguised as a woman, had now fallen on her shoulders.
Immediately afterwards, Cui Shenghe gestured for Qin Han to step forward.
Holding a yellow silk handkerchief, Qin Han loudly proclaimed the imperial edict: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I have recently been unwell and need to recuperate in seclusion. The affairs of state cannot be left without a ruler for even a day. Therefore, Princess Anping is hereby appointed to temporarily assume the administration of the court to ensure the stability of the nation. This is the imperial decree!"
In the imperial court, the discussions gradually subsided, and the civil and military officials all averted their gazes, each secretly making their own calculations.
They knew that Princess Yunhe's return would inevitably cause subtle changes in the court. But to their surprise, His Majesty actually allowed the eldest princess to temporarily assume power.
After the imperial edict was read, the court fell silent once more, followed by thunderous applause and shouts of worship.
Cui Shenghe's gaze swept over the crowd, his tone carrying an undeniable authority: "I hope that all of you ministers can work together to assist Princess Yunhe and make our Yun Dynasty even more prosperous."
As he spoke, he slowly stood up from the dragon throne, reached out his right hand and gently took Zhao Zhi's fair and slender hand in his, then gestured with his eyes for her to speak and express her attitude.
Zhao Zhi keenly sensed the silent encouragement and support from Cui Shenghe, and a warm current surged through her heart.
She took a deep breath of fresh air, trying to calm her nerves, then bowed slightly to the many ministers below the stage to show her respect, and said in a clear and firm voice: "My lords, Yunhe was unfortunately orphaned at a young age and has experienced countless hardships and trials. Today, I am fortunate to return to the palace, and I will certainly do my best to assist my brother in handling government affairs and to serve the country and the people wholeheartedly."
As soon as the words were spoken, the numerous civil and military officials below the stage bowed respectfully and responded in unison, "We are willing to respect His Majesty's decision and fully assist Her Highness the Princess in governing the country!"
Zhao Zhi looked down at the civil and military officials below, and felt somewhat relieved. But she knew very well that beneath this seemingly calm surface, turbulent waves were surging.
However, she did not expect the change to happen so quickly.
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