Zhao Huan wore a crimson gauze robe and a crown that reached the heavens.
With sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, he possessed a dignified and imposing presence.
The two chief ministers had been waiting outside the gate for a long time.
The two of them escorted the emperor and empress to the grand court assembly.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
No need for formalities.
Zhao Huan boarded the dragon carriage, and Zhu Lian boarded the phoenix carriage.
Yu Yunwen and Chen Yang followed the emperor closely.
After a heavy snowfall, the sun shone brightly. The snow inside the palace had been cleared away, and the bright sunlight fell on Zhao Huan, making him feel warm and comfortable.
Chen Yang suddenly whispered, "Your Majesty, some good news has come from Liaodong."
The grand court assembly was a very solemn occasion, and whispering was not allowed on the way there, but Zhao Huan still casually asked, "What is it?"
"The Anshan iron mine that Your Majesty mentioned has been found."
Zhao Huan suddenly pulled back the curtain, looked at Chen Yang, and asked with undisguised excitement, "Really?"
"It's absolutely true. Zhao Mingcheng asked His Majesty for forgiveness, saying that he is currently in Anshan directing mining operations and cannot attend the grand court assembly!"
Zhao Huan waved his hand and said, "It's alright! Business is more important!"
Zhao Huan was overjoyed, for the Anshan iron mine was the largest iron mine in China.
"Zhao Mingcheng has not disappointed me!"
Chen Yang hesitated for a moment, then added, "It was Duke Chong who discovered it and then informed Zhao Mingcheng."
Zhao Huan raised his eyebrows: "He discovered it! How did he end up in Anshan?"
"Your Majesty, the Duke of Chong heard that the iron mine in An County was one that Your Majesty personally requested to be found, but the Ministry of Works had been mining there for more than half a year without success. So he personally led a group of people there and finally found it after going through many hardships."
"I see." Zhao Huan nodded. "How should I reward him?"
"I do not know."
Chen Yang knew what was going on, but dared not say it.
Zhao Huan's mind raced, and he said, "I will enfeoff him as the King of Liao."
Zhao Huan lowered the curtain and said no more.
To be honest, he no longer has any intention of making Zhao Chen the crown prince.
Zhao Chun is still the best candidate for crown prince.
The crown prince must be personally trained; otherwise, he can easily be led astray.
Being granted the title of King of Liao was already a great recognition of Zhao Chen.
Not long after, Zhao Huan entered the Daqing Hall.
The courtiers had been waiting for a long time.
The grand court assembly in the Song Dynasty was held on the first day of the Lunar New Year, when all officials came to court.
Local officials, top scholars, and successful candidates in the provincial examinations all had to attend the grand court assembly. However, due to the bloated bureaucracy and large number of local officials in the Song Dynasty, the assembly could easily involve tens of thousands of people.
Zhao Huan reformed the Grand Court Assembly, moving it to the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month, while still requiring all officials to attend.
However, the officials mentioned here refer to officials of the sixth rank or above in the capital and the top officials in local areas.
In the past, grand court assemblies were more about demonstrating the emperor's authority and solemnity, allowing officials who were often away from home to feel the emperor's power.
But the grand assembly nowadays is more than that.
The grand assembly will be held on the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month and will last for ten days!
During these ten days, the emperor will meet with all officials every day, and each local official will have to report on their work.
The format of the performance review is also very simple.
What were the things I did this year? Did I achieve my goals for each item? What are my plans for next year?
Originally, the specific performance evaluation was conducted by the State Affairs Hall, but in order to increase communication between officials and the emperor and to enhance their spiritual recognition of imperial power.
Grand Chancellor Yu Yunwen stepped forward and proclaimed in a loud voice: "May the new emperor, the Jingkang Holy Martial Emperor, enjoy the same blessings as Heaven!"
Yuanzheng refers to the first day of the Lunar New Year.
Before Zhao Huan's reforms, the grand court assembly was indeed held on the first day of the Lunar New Year.
As a modern person, Zhao Huan felt that during the Spring Festival, whether one is an ordinary citizen or an official, one should reunite with their family.
Why do they come to the capital every year for meetings?
Therefore, he changed the grand court assembly to the fifteenth day of the twelfth lunar month.
However, the congratulatory message delivered by the prime minister on behalf of all the officials remained unchanged, because in form, the grand court assembly was still the beginning of the new year.
To be honest, the officials were very happy with the length of this grand court assembly, even though it took a little longer than expected.
At least after the event, I can go home and celebrate the New Year with my family.
Those who travel long distances may not be able to make it, but because roads are becoming increasingly convenient, the delays are generally minimal.
From this point of view, the officials all thought the emperor was very considerate.
Yu Yunwen's congratulatory message echoed in the main hall.
This means that everything will be new and prosperous in the new year, and we hope that Your Majesty the Holy Emperor will be as auspicious as Heaven.
In ancient Chinese blessings, "休" (xiū) meant good fortune, not the end.
After Yu Yunwen finished speaking, all the officials bowed and offered their congratulations.
Zhao Huan said, "I share this joy of assuming office with you all!"
The officials shouted three times, "Long live the Emperor!"
Next, the officials began to present tributes featuring local specialties, and the Vice Minister of Revenue collected each tribute item.
Another envoy from the Dali Kingdom presented gifts, which were recorded by the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites.
This process alone took several hours.
In the afternoon, the emperor led his officials in a flag-raising ceremony and a grand military parade at the palace gate.
Han Shizhong, the commander of the Imperial Guard, led his troops past the palace in perfect formation, showcasing the military prowess of the Song Dynasty.
The emperor, riding a fine horse, wearing bright armor, carrying an imperial sword, and a red cloak, inspected the three armies.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Great Song Dynasty!"
The sounds rose and fell.
After finishing, Zhao Huan changed his clothes and was now wearing a more casual everyday outfit.
As darkness fell, the azure sky became clear and clean, dotted with starlight.
The emperor hosted a grand banquet for his ministers at the imperial palace, which was brightly lit.
After several rounds of drinks, Zhao Huan was quite pleased.
At this moment, Zhao Chen stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I would like to offer you a cup of wine."
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