As each imperial edict was read aloud, the civil and military officials present were all shocked, especially by the words concerning the Empress.
The civil and military officials below were in an uproar, discussing amongst themselves, but no one dared to step forward immediately.
Zhen Wanwan was also a little uneasy. After all, these policies concerning women were unprecedented. Although Zhu Yuan fully supported her decision, she was still uncertain.
Zhu Yuan squeezed Zhen Wanwan's small hand, indicating to her that he was there for her!
"The Empress's words are all what I desire. I have received the Mandate of Heaven to establish a new dynasty. The name of the country is now Yongjing. My title is the Founding Sage Emperor, and my Empress's title is the Virtuous and Virtuous Assisting Empress. I hereby grant the Empress permission to govern the world with me!"
The assembled officials below erupted in chaos, exchanging glances as if they had heard something extraordinary.
Did the new emperor mean the same thing as they understood when he said he would rule the country together with the empress?
Lu Yunshen, Yu Xin, and the others were only slightly surprised, but they quickly understood.
Given Zhu Yuan's affection for Zhen Wanwan, it's not too surprising that he would do such a thing.
After all, if Zhen Wanwan wanted to sit on the throne herself, Zhu Yuan would probably be happy to vacate the position!
Lü Yunshen and the others had followed Zhu Yuan for many years, unlike these officials in the capital who were unaware of Zhen Wanwan's abilities.
During their years in Anqing Prefecture, they relied on Zhen Wanwan for everything, from food and clothing to the resettlement of their families.
Without her, how could they be so relaxed? They would need to train for battle and not have to worry about food and drink.
Before Zhen Wanwan, their lives weren't exactly tough, but they weren't as easy as they are now.
Therefore, the ministers who supported Zhuyuan recognized Zhen Wanwan's abilities. Since the emperor was willing to relinquish his power, why should they make a fool of themselves and displease their superior?
Among them were the quick-witted and intelligent ministers, and those who knelt and kowtowed, shouting, "Long live the Emperor and Empress!"
Once there was one, there was another. All the officials brought by Zhuyuan knelt down and kowtowed to welcome the new emperor and empress, while the former officials from the capital all looked toward the position of Chancellor Chen.
At this moment, Chen Xiang's mind was filled with the words Zhen Wanwan had said. It was the first time he had ever heard that the imperial examinations were open to both men and women, and that those who were capable could enter the court as officials.
When they came to their senses, they found that everyone around them had already knelt down to acknowledge the new emperor and empress.
Meanwhile, the former officials of the Kyoto court stared at him expectantly. Chen Xiang was startled. Why are you all looking at me like that?
He looked at Zhu Yuan with trepidation, fearing that Zhu Yuan would misunderstand him as forming cliques for personal gain and attempting to conspire with former officials of the previous dynasty to rebel.
Chen Xiang kowtowed swiftly to greet the Emperor and Empress: "Long live the Emperor and Empress! Your Majesty is wise and mighty, and Your Majesty is virtuous and kind. Today, the dragon and phoenix are auspicious and together they rule the world. This is our good fortune and the blessing of our millions of people."
We, your humble servants, will certainly devote ourselves wholeheartedly to serving Your Majesty and Your Majesty, even unto death, to share your burdens and alleviate your difficulties… We pray that Your Majesty and Your Majesty will govern together, so that our Yongjing Kingdom may enjoy favorable weather and abundant harvests, be revered by all people, and be remembered for generations to come.”
As soon as Prime Minister Chen opened his mouth, he expressed his loyalty. Those officials who acted according to Prime Minister Chen's wishes all knelt down to welcome the new emperor and empress.
Subsequently, all the officials, including the palace maids and eunuchs, knelt down and congratulated the new emperor on his ascension to the throne and the new empress on ruling the country.
Meanwhile, the former concubines in the inner palace gathered in the palace of the former empress. Although no one paid attention to them, they dared not be disrespectful. Led by Chen Shuang'er, the concubines knelt and bowed in the direction of the former dynasty.
Just now, the ministers and palace servants congratulated the new emperor and empress in unison. They did not know what had happened, nor did they understand why the new emperor's ascension to the throne was to congratulate the new empress on her rule over the country.
They were only worried about their future situation, and the concubines who had children were the most worried because their children were remnants of the previous dynasty.
In order to prevent the remnants of the previous dynasty from seeking revenge, dynasties throughout history have generally eliminated them completely.
If it were a princess, things would be a little better; the new emperor might treat them well to save face.
But the princes were different; they certainly wouldn't spare them. As a result, the concubines were terrified, and this unknown fear tormented them day and night.
Rather than living in constant fear, it would be better to grant them a white silk ribbon to end their own lives and put an end to everything.
Meanwhile, the concubines who had no children were quick-witted. They heard that the new emperor was deeply in love with the new empress and wanted to pluck the stars from the sky and the moon from the moon.
If they could win the favor of the new empress, could they beg her for mercy, not asking to leave the palace, but only to have a peaceful end?
None of the people present were worried about their former husbands, nor did any of them voluntarily commit suicide for him.
"Your Majesty... Madam Chen, please, for the sake of our devoted service to you, beg the Empress to spare our lives!"
Some of the concubines held handkerchiefs and wiped away their tears, begging Chen Shuang'er to ask for a way out for them.
Chen Shuang'er felt only irony. Looking at the room full of beauties, she felt as if she had lived in another world. Before, their faces were full of ambition and scheming.
Everyone looks lost and haggard, devoid of vitality.
"How can you possibly think the Empress would listen to me? I can barely protect myself, how can I protect you?"
Although her father and mother sent her messages saying they had taken care of everything for her, she was not so optimistic.
After the fall of a kingdom, I have never heard of anyone dying a peaceful death…
She, Chen Shuang'er, was not afraid of death, but she was saddened that she could not serve her parents or stay by their side, and could only let them, the white-haired, bury their black-haired.
It's the daughter's fault for being unfilial...
Thinking of her elderly parents running around worrying about her, Chen Shuang'er felt guilty, and her eyes reddened slightly.
"Go back now! Those of you with children, spend quality time with them. Those of you without children, eat well and enjoy your last moments!"
Upon hearing this, the concubines burst into tears, their eyes filled with even more despair.
Their fathers and brothers did not hold the same official rank as Madam Chen. If Madam Chen could not survive, how could they possibly have a chance to live?
Zhen Wanwan is currently unaware of the affairs of the harem.
She was so tired she practically crawled back to Xiwan Palace. Zhu Yuan was still handling affairs in the front court, writing edicts of commendation, promoting meritorious officials, dealing with corrupt officials, confiscating their property, and so on.
Following this was the imperial edict establishing the crown prince, announcing to the world that the crown prince was none other than Guai Bao.
No, it's Zhen Qi'an!
The baby's formal name was given by Zhuyuan, which means praying for sunshine and rain, and for a lifetime of peace!
Sweetie's name is Zhen Jiayue, which is taken from the Chu Ci (Songs of Chu) "Tao Jiayue Xi Zongjia", meaning happiness and beauty. Jiayue also refers to a good time and beautiful scenery!
As for why the imperial surname was Zhen, Zhu Yuan meant that he was a son-in-law, so the children naturally took the mother's surname.
As for Zhen Wanwan's maternal family, her father was granted the title of Marquis Jing'an, taking one character from the country's name, representing supreme glory.
The eldest brother is the eldest son and will inherit the title of Marquis from Old Master Zhen. Her second brother brought back cannons and made a world-renowned contribution. He was exceptionally granted the title of Marquis Zhongyong and can inherit the title for generations.
Not only could the Zhen family continue to bear the imperial surname, but two members of the family were also granted the title of Marquis, making them the most sought-after new elites in the capital.
Leaving aside the two marquises, the fact that the Zhen family produced an empress is enough to make people envious.
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