Chapter 86 The Emperor and Empress: A Lifetime of One Love
In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Emperor, clad in his imperial robes, looked calmly and with satisfaction at the Crown Prince, who was already capable of handling affairs independently and possessed an innate air of authority. He announced to the assembly: "For decades I have been entrusted with the Mandate of Heaven, working diligently day and night. Fortunately, thanks to the protection of our ancestors, the assistance of my ministers, and the capable Crown Prince, we have achieved the peace and prosperity of the realm today. Crown Prince Jingzhan is intelligent, filial, brave, and decisive, and is worthy of inheriting the throne. In recent years, I have felt my energy waning and intend to follow the example of the ancient sage rulers, abdicating in favor of the Crown Prince, so that I may enjoy my remaining years and witness the beauty of the world. What do you all think?"
The hall fell silent. Then, the ministers, led by the Grand Secretary, knelt down in unison and shouted, "Your Majesty is wise! His Highness the Crown Prince is virtuous and talented, and is the popular choice! We, your subjects, will obey Your Majesty's will!"
No one objected, and no one could object.
The crown prince's abilities, achievements, and prestige have long surpassed those of his father.
The emperor's abdication was a gratifying letting go, and the deepest trust and inheritance between father and son.
The abdication ceremony is scheduled for one month from now, and will be grand and solemn.
Upon ascending the throne, the new emperor changed the era name to "Yongchen," meaning "to forever solidify the imperial throne and illuminate the world." On the day of his coronation, Xiao Jingzhan offered sacrifices to Heaven at the Temple of Heaven, reported to his ancestors at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and received the homage of officials and the people at the Taiji Hall.
He wore a twelve-tassel crown and a black robe with crimson skirt and twelve embroidered patterns. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, his face was cold and majestic, and he exuded true imperial majesty, making people dare not look directly at him.
Following closely behind was the ceremony to confer the title of Empress.
Su Jingyu wore a bright yellow embroidered robe with phoenixes, peonies, pheasants, and auspicious cloud patterns, and a crown with nine dragons and four phoenixes, adorned with pearls and jade feathers, making her exceptionally noble.
With a serene expression and stunning beauty, she ascended the steps of the imperial dais, under the praises of the officials and the watchful eyes of the courtiers, and walked towards the side of the supreme emperor.
Xiao Jingzhan personally received the Empress's golden book and seal from the master of ceremonies, then turned to face his wife, his Empress. Their eyes met, and in his eyes was undisguised deep affection, pride, and commitment.
He took her hand and placed the golden book and seal, symbols of the Empress's power and status, into her palm. His deep, clear voice resonated throughout the hall:
"Your Crown Princess, Lady Su, born into a distinguished family, is gentle and virtuous, possessing profound moral character and virtue. You are devoted to managing the household and are kind and compassionate. You gave birth to a worthy son, a contribution to the nation. Now, by the benevolent decree of the Empress Dowager and in accordance with the wishes of the late Emperor, you are hereby conferred the title of Empress, assuming the central position in the palace, and becoming the mother of the nation. May you further cultivate your gentleness and virtue, uphold benevolence and frugality, respectfully serve the ancestral temple, set an example for the six palaces, ensure the continuation of the imperial line, and assist me in governing the country. Respectfully Your Majesty!"
Su Jingyu accepted the gift with both hands and solemnly bowed: "Your subject Su Jingyu thanks Your Majesty for your grace. I will certainly guard the palace, perform sacrificial rites with devotion, assist Your Majesty, and live up to your trust."
Upon completion of the ceremony, bells and drums resounded, and shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" and "Long live the Emperor!" shook the heavens and the earth. The Emperor and Empress stood side by side, receiving the homage of the people.
From then on, she was his empress, the only woman who rightfully stood by his side, sharing this vast empire with him.
After abdicating and becoming the retired emperor, Xiao Yan, having attended his son's enthronement ceremony and empress's coronation ceremony, felt a great weight lifted from his shoulders and left the capital with his wife to begin his long-awaited journey of traveling the world.
Before leaving the capital, he patted his son, who had become emperor, on the shoulder and said only, "I trust you with this empire."
Xiao Jingzhan nodded solemnly: "Father, rest assured."
The first year of Yongchen marked the beginning of a new era.
The young emperor was ambitious and diligent in governing the country, while the empress was virtuous and kind, serving as a model for the nation. The deep affection between the emperor and empress was a well-known story throughout the court and the country.
Throughout history, the emperor's harem consisted of only one empress. An old minister once subtly mentioned the selection of concubines, citing reasons such as "offspring" and "ancestral rules."
"As a subject, with the world at peace, one should be even more mindful of potential dangers and strive for good governance! There's no need to focus on my harem." Xiao Jingzhan's voice suddenly turned stern, interrupting the other's words, "On the day I ascended the throne, I offered sacrifices to Heaven and my ancestors before the Taiji Hall and made an oath. Does anyone still remember it?"
His gaze swept over the assembled officials with lightning speed, each word carrying the weight of a thousand pounds: "On that day, I swore an oath—'I made Lady Su my empress not because of her family background, but because of her virtue and talent, worthy of sharing the empire with me. I hereby proclaim to Heaven and Earth, to our ancestors, to all civil and military officials, and to all the people of the land: From this day forward, the six palaces are vacant; in this life, I will not take another woman as my concubine!'"
"My empire will be inherited by my children. But my children will only, and must, come from the Empress alone!"
"I will always love only the Empress. It was so before, it is so now, and it will be so in the future. She is my life, the sole reason I govern this land and protect this world. If anyone bothers me and the Empress with such trivial matters and wastes court time—" A cold glint flashed in his eyes, "they are ignorant of their place and their hearts are worthy of condemnation!"
"Your Majesty, we...we will obey your decree!" All the civil and military officials in the hall, regardless of their own thoughts, were stunned by the emperor's undisguised favoritism and thunderous methods, and knelt down in unison, echoing his words.
The emperor and empress, one in court and the other in the palace, one strong and firm, the other gentle and resilient, worked together seamlessly. Xiao Jingzhan was truly a wise ruler; the country was strong and stable, and the people were blessed.
At night, the Zichen Palace is their most private and cozy sanctuary.
Shedding the heavy court robes and crown, he was simply her husband, and she was simply his beloved. He would hold her close, listening to her stories of princes and princesses, the trivialities of managing the harem, and even her opinions on certain political matters; she would massage his sore shoulders and neck from reviewing memorials, prepare calming tea for him, and dance a graceful and lively dance just for him.
Inside the red silk curtains, their love remained as strong as ever, even growing more intense and tacit with the passage of time and a deeper understanding of each other. He was still the husband who adored her and demanded more from her, and she was still the wife who blossomed completely for him and yielded to his every whim.
Their eldest son, Xiao Chengyu, has been made crown prince. He is intelligent and kind, much like his father. Their second son, Xiao Chengye, is calm and studious. Their eldest daughter, Xiao Anning, is charming and lovely. They are also pregnant with two more children. The children are growing up healthily under the loving and gentle guidance of their parents.
That night, the emperor and empress joined hands to ascend the "Qifeng Tower," the highest tower in the imperial city, overlooking the myriad lights of the city, which shone like a galaxy.
Xiao Jingzhan embraced Su Jingyu from behind and kissed the corner of her eye: "Yu'er, look, the world is at peace, and the lights are warm and inviting. It's all because you're by my side."
Su Jingyu leaned against his warm and firm embrace, holding his hand around her waist, a happy smile on her lips: "To be able to stand shoulder to shoulder with Your Majesty and witness this prosperous and glorious era is the greatest fortune of my life."
Xiao Jingzhan gently brushed his cheek against hers, his tone earnest, "My feelings for you need not be hidden, nor can they be. I want to tell the whole world that you are my only Achilles' heel, my only weakness and my only armor. With you by my side, this vast land feels like home, and it is worth my painstaking efforts."
Su Jingyu choked back tears, threw herself into his arms, and hugged his strong waist tightly: "Husband..."
"Yes, I'm here." Xiao Jingzhan sighed contentedly, embracing the warmth in his arms. The turmoil of the court and the weight of the empire seemed to be soothed by her at this moment.
He has a beautiful wife and children, and a prosperous country; he has enough for this life.
Brilliant fireworks burst across the night sky, illuminating the eternal affection in each other's eyes.
The young couple eventually became emperor and empress, a lifelong bond of one love, working together to create a peaceful and prosperous era, and writing a timeless tale of deep affection between emperor and empress.
—End of text—
My dearest friends, thank you for accompanying this young emperor and empress on this star-studded journey.
The two most noble people in the world lived their lives in the softest way, with only a lifetime of tenderness and longing.
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