Li He straightened up, carrying the royal decree with a joyful expression.
"Bestowed by Heaven, the King announces: Since my ascension, although I have been diligent, I feel I have not fulfilled the trust placed in me by the previous king. Fortunately, I have a daughter, Su Rong of the Nanchu clan. She shares my blood and is capable of fulfilling significant duties. Having outstanding virtue and ability in both civil and military skills, she surpasses me greatly. Her recent defeat of Dawei has led to their loss of soldiers and lands and payment of gold in hundreds of thousands, rewriting the history of Nanchu. With immense gratitude, I bestow upon her the title of Princess. She will take her place in the Eastern Palace to share the responsibilities of governing the kingdom. All officials’ reports will be decided by the Princess. After a year, she will inherit the kingship, securing the peace of our kingdom for thousands of years."
"Long live the King, long live the Princess!" After the decree was read, the courtiers kneeled and hailed them in unison.
The Nanchu King was extremely pleased. After declaring, "All my dear officials, please rise," he directed Li He, "Continue reading, the next one."
Li He complied, picking up the second decree. As the courtiers rose, he began to read, his face glowing with delight.
"Bestowed by Heaven, the King announces: The Duke Residence of Daliang possesses immense glory. Their son, Zhou Gu, the fourth among his brothers, has displayed exceptional intelligence and wisdom from a young age. Having been in the Eastern Palace along with the Crown Prince of Daliang for more than a decade, his original intent was to assist in managing the state affairs. However, my daughter greatly favors him. After much persuasion and enormous effort, he was allowed by the Duke Residence of Daliang to abandon his homeland and come to Nanchu to fight rebellions and eliminate treacherous ministers. Having outstanding ability in both civil and military skills, he is a rare talent. Today, he is bestowed the title of the Princess’s consort. He will share the responsibilities of governing the kingdom with the Princess, together bringing prosperity to Nanchu."
"Long live the King, long live the Princess, long live the Princess’s consort!" The courtiers collectively kneeled once again, chanting in unison.
Zhou Gu tried to keep his countenance, unable to suppress the smile on his face.
Surprised, Su Rong realized that the decree was personally drafted by her father. It praised Zhou Gu’s family background, character, and talents comprehensively and sincerely.
She turned to look at Zhou Gu. Seeing him, cheerful as a spring peach, couldn’t help but smile.
It was pleasing to see him happy.
Previously, only she, the Duke Residence, and the Eastern Palace knew what he gave up when he left Daliang. But now, her father had openly disclosed it, giving due recognition to what he gave up. Her father’s affectionate and protective proclamation of Zhou Gu made her glad. It was exactly what she hoped for.
She was equally delighted.
"All my dear officials, please rise," the Nanchu King joyfully announced. "There is one last decree. Li He, please read it."
The courtiers rose again, puzzled about what the final decree could be. Only Ye Xiang had an idea of what it was about.
"Bestowed by Heaven, the King announces: Princess Zhenmin of Daliang, a noble lady of the royal family, was promised to me seventeen years ago. Despite our marriage contract and exchange of ceremonial gifts, constant conspiracies and ulterior motives of Daliang have ruined our marriage prospects. For seventeen years, I have longed for her day and night. Today, I posthumously confer upon her the title of Queen Zhenmin. A hundred years hence, we shall be buried together, share the imperial shrine, continue our love across lives, disregarding the divide between death and life, lasting as long as heaven and earth."
Su Rong: "..."
Well, she really has a good father.
The courtiers cheerfully kneeled again, hailing, "Long live the King!"
The Nanchu King instructed them to rise again, seemingly rejuvenated after delivering the three decrees, "Please rise, my dear officials. Today is a joyous day. If there are any memorials to present, let’s discuss the affairs of the state together with the Princess and her consort."
"Long live the King," the courtiers bowed in unison, forgoing the kneel this time.
Jinluan Hall was infused with joyous energy. There was an air of prosperity about, with a feeling of optimism among the officials. Despite unfilled posts in the assembly, it stirred in them hopes for a brighter future.
Everyone believed that from today onwards, Nanchu would enter a prosperous era and reignite the country’s glory.
Though Nanchu still held the status of a vassal state to Daliang, it was no longer a small country sandwiched between Daliang and Dawei. It was growing stronger.
Gazing into the future, they felt that someday, Nanchu would shed its vassal status - a title that was, truthfully, only nominal - and the Princess would stand on par with the Emperor of Daliang. They envisioned a future where they’ve conquered Dawei, dividing the realm between Nanchu and Daliang.
Excitement filled the hearts of the courtiers. This was a new Chapter for Princess Su Rong, and a signal for the prosperous era under her rule.
Naturally, the reading of the three royal decrees was not the end of the court business for the day. Some of the older courtiers were on the verge of retiring, but after the reading of royal decrees, they decided to postpone that idea. Hoping to contribute to the prosperity of Nanchu under the new Princess, they decided to continue serving for a while longer.
They had served a King who was indifferent to state affairs for over sixteen years. Now, they also wanted to be a part of the historical beginning of the Princess’s reign, refusing to lag behind the younger courtiers. They buckled up, eager to contribute to the grand beginning of this new era.
Consequently, not only the younger courtiers but also the older ones sprung into action, addressing various issues such as the recovery of Nanchu’s economy, politics, civil life, health, spring farming, among other urgent matters of national importance.
Su Rong almost felt overwhelmed. Although she was mentally prepared for the pile of responsibilities awaiting her after her return, she didn’t anticipate the amount of work was this vast.
She looked at the Nanchu King, wondering if he had been working on these issues ever since his return to the royal capital. How could there be so many pending tasks?
The Nanchu King avoided Su Rong’s gaze. He had been busy worrying about his daughter and son-in-law at the front lines, dealing with the supplies of food, military salaries, medical supplies etc., which caused other issues to be put aside. So, yes, there is so much leftover!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
