Inside the Jing Palace.
Jing Yan had just changed into the twelve-symbol imperial robe, which symbolized the emperor. From his crown to his boots, everything about him showed his newfound status.
It should have been the new emperor's coronation ceremony, but he waited patiently for Yue Jiang, staying by her side until she finished putting on the empress's phoenix robe.
Yue Jiang had long been prepared for the fact that she would soon become empress, but generally, the empress's investiture ceremony should not coincide with the new emperor's ascension to the throne.
She never imagined that Jing Yan would plan to take her with him when he ascended the throne.
After changing her clothes, Yue Jiang came out, feeling annoyed by Jing Yan's sudden suggestion: "You should have told me earlier! I wasn't prepared at all. What if I went to the wrong place or said the wrong thing and made a fool of myself?"
Jing Yan took the initiative to extend his hand, gesturing for Yue Jiang to take his. He smiled and said, "This is my good day, and it should also be a good day for Jiang'er. We should share it together. Who would be so tactless as to laugh at you today?"
"Follow me to the highest point today, and I'll take responsibility if anything goes wrong."
Before Jing Yan could finish speaking, Yue Jiang's hand was already placed in his palm. The moment she touched Jing Yan's large hand, it felt as if she was entrusting her whole being to him, without any sense of panic.
Yue Jiang smiled brightly and said arrogantly, "Then Your Majesty must remember to hold my hand step by step and not let go, or don't come looking for me in Jiaofang Palace tonight."
Today, one of them ascends the throne and the other is crowned empress; it is no different from holding a wedding night again, and the dragon and phoenix candles will be lit again.
Although Jing Yan had never left every night, how could he be absent tonight?
Yue Jiang loves to make a fuss, and Jing Yan has gotten used to it over the years. If she suddenly becomes well-behaved one day, he's afraid he won't be used to it himself. He's become increasingly adept at going along with her.
"Your Majesty is right. I am looking forward to tonight more than ever before, and I will never dare to let go."
"If Your Majesty really locks me out of the palace, the palace will probably be on fire again tonight. I have nowhere to go but to seek refuge with Your Majesty."
He glanced at the quietly standing palace servants, then subtly moved to Yue Jiang's side and solemnly declared.
"If Your Majesty does not soothe my frightened heart, I will not allow Your Majesty to rest."
Yue Jiang's eyelashes trembled, her eyes widened suddenly, and her face flushed: "Jing Yan, even though we've been married for a long time, you're getting more and more outrageous with your words. Who taught you that?"
Looking back on the nights recently, Jing Yan had never let her rest. After all, she was over thirty and had both a son and a daughter, and she was still more vigorous than when she was young.
Why didn't he do this back then?
Jing Yan said confidently, "One who stays near vermilion gets stained red, and one who stays near ink gets stained black."
It wasn't a nice thing to say, and Yue Jiang was about to change her expression when Jing Yan finished the sentence: "Jiang'er only wants to make her happy."
Yue Jiang was about to frown when she suddenly opened her eyes and said, "That's more like it."
Then, she very considerately placed her hand on Jing Yan's collar, carefully straightening it for him, her words teasing him.
"Alright, I'm tired of the old accountant and womanizer types. Since I have an emperor in my bed tonight, I'll see just how fun that is."
As Yue Jiang finished speaking, her slender hand slipped almost imperceptibly from Jing Yan's Adam's apple.
The spot where Yue Jiang had touched him felt itchy and tingly, a tingling sensation that lingered for a long time. Jing Yan swallowed hard, but it wasn't enough; he couldn't suppress his desire.
He was always one move behind Yue Jiang.
...
Outside the imperial court.
The coronation ceremony begins.
Civil and military officials stood on both sides, hands clasped in prayer, bowing respectfully as the emperor and empress arrived hand in hand.
Jing Yan led Yue Jiang step by step across the imperial road, up the imperial steps, into the court hall, and stood in the center of the hall to await their investiture.
Upon seeing the person, Jing Huaixu gestured to the eunuch beside him to read the imperial edict.
An eunuch came out carrying a bright yellow imperial edict and began to read it aloud.
"The Emperor Emeritus decrees: Our ancestors have passed down their lineage; I am now unwell and unable to continue fulfilling the responsibilities of our ancestors; but now there is a descendant of the Jing family, Jing Yan, whose martial arts and literary virtues are both of the highest caliber; he has expanded our territory and strengthened our Jing Kingdom; he has created unparalleled achievements for our ancestors, which brings me great comfort; therefore, I hereby abdicate the throne to the Crown Prince Jing Yan, hoping that you will continue to be diligent and dutiful. This is my decree!"
After the imperial edict was read, Jing Yan bowed in gratitude.
"Your subject will certainly work diligently and express his gratitude to Your Majesty!"
After Jingyan's enthronement edict was read aloud, Yuejiang's empress decree was read aloud again by the eunuchs.
"The Emperor Emeritus decrees: Princess Yue Jiang of the Yue Kingdom, now the Crown Princess of the Jing Kingdom, is gentle and virtuous, with unparalleled character. Her maternal Yue Kingdom is a diplomatic ally of the Jing Kingdom, with which the two countries have maintained friendly relations for many years without any conflicts. Princess Yue Jiang once assisted the new Emperor Jing Yan in establishing peace after his death, and is also a heroine among women. Furthermore, she has made contributions to ensuring the continuation of the Jing royal family line. Therefore, she is hereby specially appointed as Empress, to occupy the central palace, and to serve as the mother of the nation. This is the imperial decree!"
After the eunuch finished reading the imperial edict again, Yue Jiang accepted it and bowed in gratitude: "Your daughter-in-law thanks Your Majesty and will certainly live up to your trust."
The imperial edict establishing Yue Jiang as empress was sealed by the retired emperor Jing Huaixu, indicating that she only obtained the position of empress because she was recognized by the retired emperor.
His position was even more secure than that of Yin Jingyan, making it a unique case in the history of Jing Kingdom.
The two men accepted the imperial edict. Jing Huaixu then made some symbolic remarks about his plans to enjoy his later years. After he finished speaking, the officials below silently wept and kowtowed, saying, "May the Emperor Emeritus enjoy good health."
After all the officials had finished kowtowing, Jing Huaixu once again addressed his former ministers: "Rise. You must support the new emperor properly and not deceive or mislead him, or you will be severely punished."
"Yes," the officials shouted in unison.
Upon hearing the response, Jing Huaixu raised his hand and had the eunuchs help him down the steps, walking towards the outside of the hall.
At this moment, an official invited Jingyan and Yuejiang to sit in the higher seats. Jingyan and Yuejiang sat down in their respective seats.
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