Chapter 223 Conferring the Title of Crown Prince
The next day, the seventh day of the first lunar month, coincided with the first grand court assembly of the new year, which was exceptionally solemn.
All officials of the eighth rank and above in the capital were present, as were all the prefectural and military governors who were not home for the holiday.
Even Prime Minister Zheng, whose leg injury had not yet healed, was helped to court.
Li Ye, who was seriously ill, surprisingly attended court as an exception.
This surprised all the civil and military officials.
Li Ye, dressed in a heavy ceremonial robe with twelve imperial symbols, his tassels reaching his forehead, sat upright on the dragon throne.
His face was deathly pale, and his breathing was heavy and rapid, indicating that his body was extremely weak.
Even so, he still mustered a sliver of his spirit, his gaze sweeping over the officials standing solemnly in the hall, finally settling on Li Yuanzhao, who stood at the very front of the officials.
Li Yuanzhao, also dressed in solemn court attire, calmly met his gaze.
In that instant, Li Ye felt that although he held a high position, Li Yuanzhao was superior to him in terms of aura.
He shifted his gaze awkwardly and slowly began to speak, “My beloved ministers, since the New Year, you have all worked tirelessly for the state, which greatly pleases me. Today, I have summoned you all to announce a momentous event concerning the succession of the nation.”
In the solemn atmosphere, he was slightly out of breath and paused before continuing.
"I have been on the throne for over twenty years, working tirelessly day and night to ensure the peace and stability of the realm. However, my health is now failing, and I fear I may no longer be able to shoulder such heavy responsibilities. To safeguard the stability of the empire and the peace of the people, I hereby, in accordance with the will of Heaven and the wishes of the people, formally appoint Princess Tiance Zhenguo Li Yuanzhao as Crown Prince."
As soon as he finished speaking, a series of soft gasps filled the hall, and all the civil and military officials widened their eyes.
Although everyone knows that the Second Prince and the Third Princess have now been demoted to commoners, and it is a foregone conclusion that the Eldest Princess will be named Crown Prince.
But today, only seven days after she was named the Princess of Tian Ce Zhenguo, she was directly promoted to Crown Prince.
This speed far exceeded everyone's expectations, leaving many people secretly surprised.
Before anyone could think it through, Zheng Wenkai, supported by two minor officials, walked to the center of the main hall and took the bright yellow edict from the eunuch.
He took a deep breath, cleared his throat, and loudly read out the imperial edict of investiture in front of all the civil and military officials.
[I, by the mandate of Heaven, rule the world. When an emperor succeeds to the throne, a crown prince must be established. Princess Yuan Zhao, the eldest daughter of Empress Shen, is a woman of exceptional beauty and talent. From childhood, she displayed remarkable intelligence; as she participated in the administration of state affairs, her wisdom and insight deepened. As regent, she assisted in governance, upholding justice and guiding education, repeatedly demonstrating her exceptional abilities; she pacified the four directions, brought peace to the people, and strengthened the nation's defenses, further solidifying its stability.]
His illustrious reputation has resounded throughout the court and the country, and his meritorious achievements are especially prominent in the nation. You, Yuanzhao, possess virtue befitting the Empress, and talent surpassing even the heavens. You are the direct descendant of the Empress and uphold the legacy of the former sages. I, having consulted ancient systems and considered the current situation, and in accordance with the earnest requests of my ministers, have decided on the proper course of the imperial regalia.
By order:
I hereby bestow upon you the imperial seal and edict, and grant you the right of a seat in the Eastern Palace.
They strictly adhered to the laws and regulations of their ancestors and diligently cultivated the virtues and deeds of sages and worthies;
He was prudent in administering justice to ensure the well-being of the people, and he promoted frugality and eliminated extravagance to guide his officials.
Reverence for Heaven and the ancestral laws, without negligence or waste.
The proclamation was issued both domestically and internationally, so that everyone would be informed.
After the imperial edict was read aloud, Li Yuanzhao slowly walked out from the ranks of officials.
According to the established rites, the new crown prince must first feign refusal, saying that he is of shallow character and lacks the ability to serve as the heir apparent, and earnestly request His Majesty to rescind the order and select another virtuous and capable person.
Only after the emperor issues another decree to comfort him can the crown prince kowtow to express his gratitude and obey the emperor's command.
This exchange of words and advice not only demonstrates the virtue of humility but is also a long-standing, fixed procedure.
However, Li Yuanzhao broke with convention, bowing slightly to Li Ye on the dragon throne and saying directly, "Your subject Li Yuanzhao respectfully obeys the imperial decree and thanks the Emperor for his grace!"
This direct imperial decree stunned all the civil and military officials in the court, who were momentarily speechless.
Su Qingci, who was standing in the middle of the line, was the first to come to her senses and immediately knelt down and kowtowed.
Her eyes were filled with tears, and she was deeply moved.
Your Highness has finally done it!
Su Jingzhi immediately realized what his daughter was doing.
He strode to the center of the hall, raised his official tablet, and on behalf of all the civil and military officials, offered his congratulations to the Emperor and the Princess.
"Your Majesty, we offer our heartfelt congratulations on the establishment of the Crown Prince, which solidifies the foundation of the nation! This act carries on the weighty responsibility of the ancestral temples and strengthens the foundation of the empire. His Highness the Crown Prince, as the eldest son of the legitimate wife, is benevolent, wise, and possesses both virtue and talent, making him the most suitable candidate for the position of heir apparent. We are overjoyed and extend our sincere congratulations to Your Majesty, the Crown Prince, and all the people of the land!"
After finishing his speech, Su Jingzhi turned to face the officials and gestured with his eyes.
In an instant, all the officials in the hall knelt down in unison.
"Your subject pays respects to His Highness the Crown Prince! Long live Your Highness! Long live the Crown Prince! Long live the Crown Prince!"
The sound waves were like a mountain roaring and a tsunami crashing, instantly resounding throughout the palace.
This is imperial power, supreme and revered by all.
Li Yuanzhao accepted the kneeling worship of the crowd with a calm expression.
(Translated version of the imperial edict: I have received the mandate of Heaven to rule the entire land. An emperor, upon inheriting the throne, must establish a crown prince. Princess Tiance Zhenguo, Li Yuanzhao, is the eldest daughter of Empress Shen. Raised in the palace from a young age, she is exceptionally intelligent. From childhood, she displayed remarkable wisdom, and after participating in state affairs, she further demonstrated profound insight and extensive knowledge. During her time assisting in governing the country, she improved the penal code, promoted education, and repeatedly demonstrated her governing abilities; she pacified various regions, cared for the people, and reorganized the military, making significant contributions to the stability of the empire.)
Her illustrious name has spread throughout the court and the country, and her achievements are particularly outstanding. I have examined Li Yuanzhao and found that her character aligns with the righteous path of heaven and earth, and that she possesses both civil and military talents. She is both a direct descendant of the Empress and upholds the traditional virtues of the former sages. After examining ancient systems, considering the current situation, and responding to the earnest requests of the officials, I have decided to entrust her with the important responsibilities of the nation.
This order is hereby issued:
I hereby bestow upon you the title and seal of Crown Prince, officially granting you accession to the Eastern Palace.
You must strictly abide by the laws and regulations established by your ancestors and strive to cultivate the virtues and knowledge of sages;
He handled criminal cases with prudence to stabilize public sentiment and set an example for all officials by advocating frugality and rejecting extravagance.
We must revere Heaven and Earth and emulate our ancestors, and never be negligent or careless.
This matter is now being announced nationwide so that the whole world may know.
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