In an instant, the gloom in Qimeng's eyes vanished, and a bright smile appeared on her lips, like blooming flowers in spring, illuminating the entire pavilion in the middle of the lake.
She couldn't wait to stretch out her arms and wrap them tightly around Qin Qianluo's waist like vines, burying her head deep in Qin Qianluo's arms, her hair swaying gently and exuding a delicate floral fragrance.
A strand of hair brushed against Qin Qianluo's neck, causing her body to stiffen slightly. Her hands unconsciously hovered in mid-air, her fingertips curling slightly, and she was momentarily at a loss.
But seeing Qimeng trembling slightly in his arms, his guard gradually crumbled, and he finally raised his hand and gently patted her shoulder.
The movements were gentle and soothing, and the warmth of the palms was transmitted through the clothing.
Just then, Qi Meng, who was nestled in Qin Qianluo's arms, curled her lips into a barely perceptible smile, and a sly glint flashed in her eyes, the smugness of a successful scheme.
Her fingertips tightened slightly, her nails almost digging into her palms, as she suppressed her inner elation, her breathing becoming rapid.
However, in the blink of an eye, the moment she left Qin Qianluo's embrace, she quickly put away all her scheming.
She lowered her head, with glistening tears still clinging to her eyelashes, her shoulders trembling slightly, looking as if she was about to cry.
It was as if that scheme had never happened; she was just a pitiful woman being toyed with by fate.
In the distance, the hooting of an owl pierced the silent night, adding an eerie atmosphere to the seemingly peaceful night.
The moonlight continued to shine gently on the two of them, but neither of them noticed that Qimeng's fist, hidden in her sleeve, was not yet fully open.
As dawn broke, thousands of golden rays eagerly pierced through the thick clouds, draping the entire Forbidden City in a dreamlike and dazzling golden veil.
In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the sandalwood incense rising from the bronze crane incense burner intertwines with the dawn mist, creating a mysterious and solemn atmosphere.
Sunlight shines on the glazed tiles of the palace, reflecting a dazzling array of colors, making the entire Forbidden City resemble a dreamlike golden fortress, gleaming brilliantly.
A few days later, the day of the new emperor's enthronement ceremony arrived as scheduled, and the Hall of Supreme Harmony was already decorated in a magnificent manner.
Rows of gilded palace lanterns hang under the eaves of the palace, and the auspicious dragon and phoenix patterns painted on the lanterns seem to come alive under the candlelight.
The red silk curtains fluttered in the wind, their embroidered gold threads shimmering in the sunlight, showcasing the majesty and luxury of royalty.
As the deep, resonant sound of the bell rang out, it penetrated every corner of the Forbidden City, startling the white doves perched under the eaves.
Ning Chenyi was dressed in a magnificent dragon robe made of the finest silk. The five-clawed golden dragon embroidered on it was so lifelike that it shone brightly in the sunlight, as if it were about to soar into the sky.
The twelve white jade beads on the crown were all round and translucent. They swayed gently with his steps, making a crisp and melodious sound, like a beautiful musical piece.
He walked with an imposing presence, each step steady and powerful, toward the Golden Palace.
Stepping into the hall, the robes fluttered slightly, stirring up a gentle breeze, as if carrying endless majesty and imposing presence.
He then sat firmly on the dragon throne, his deep gaze sweeping over the people below, his every move exuding the demeanor of a king.
Minister of Rites Ye Yunyao wore a scarlet official robe embroidered with exquisite cloud patterns, highlighting her status.
Holding the bright yellow imperial edict, she walked steadily up the steps in front of the palace, each step firm and powerful.
Her voice was clear and solemn as she read the edict of accession, word by word. The edict's content was melodious and resonant, echoing in the spacious hall.
After the imperial edict was read aloud, the official in charge of delivering it quickly took the edict, rode a fast horse, and delivered it outside the palace to announce it to the world.
In an instant, all the civil and military officials knelt down in unison, performing the grand ceremony of three bows and nine kowtows.
The officials, dressed in various official robes, moved in perfect unison, demonstrating the rigor of royal etiquette.
The shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" rose and fell like surging waves, echoing for a long time within the Golden Palace.
Meanwhile, on the square outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the Imperial Guards, who had been waiting for some time, stood in neat rows, their long spears arrayed in a forest.
As shouts of "Long live!" resounded and spears were brandished, the scene was awe-inspiring.
Immediately afterwards, a series of newly issued edicts were issued from the palace. The edicts were written on the finest paper and stamped with the imperial seal, a symbol of imperial power.
Bearing the new emperor's decree, it was delivered to all directions by express courier through post stations.
At each city gate in the capital, officials proclaimed the contents of the imperial edict aloud, and the people knelt down to listen.
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"
Since the beginning of time, when the universe was divided and the heavens and earth were established, emperors throughout history have all received the mandate of heaven to govern the people.
In the past, our Ning Dynasty's founding emperor rose from humble origins, drew his sword, led his army, annihilated all rivals, and established his imperial dynasty.
Emperor Taizong Zhaoding, Ningze, succeeded to the throne, displaying his martial prowess and dominance throughout the land.
Wherever his spear pointed, the northern deserts and icy skies were all brought into his territory; wherever his virtue spread, the people prospered, agriculture flourished, granaries were full, and all nations came to pay tribute. His achievements will be immortal, and his benevolence will be boundless.
As times change and destiny unfolds, the course of history will eventually return to its rightful place.
I, of noble birth, have been blessed by the sages of past emperors and have the hopes of the people. Therefore, I have humbly assumed the throne and established the state of Chengxiao.
We hope to inherit the great achievements of our ancestors, strive for lofty ambitions, revitalize the imperial system, and ensure the eternal peace and prosperity of the nation.
I have heard that the people are the foundation of the state, and when the foundation is firm, the state is at peace.
As a humble person entrusted with the fate of countless people, how could I not be diligent and conscientious in governing according to the example of ancient emperors?
In the court, honest advice was accepted, loyalty and treachery were distinguished, and wickedness were eliminated, so that the government was free from obstruction and orders were carried out without question. In the countryside, taxes and levies were reduced, farming and sericulture were encouraged, and water conservancy was promoted, so that every family was well-off and every household could be ennobled.
In this strategically important border region, we must strengthen our armor and weapons, prepare for war, defend against external enemies, ensure the safety of the people, safeguard the stability of our land, and protect our nation.
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