Chapter 163 The Sky is High and Birds Fly Free
The morning glow penetrated the towering glazed window lattices, illuminating the golden lacquer on the golden dragon pillars in the Golden Throne Hall with a radiant glow.
The air was heavy and solemn, carrying the weight of the old chapter about to end and the new chapter to begin.
On the dragon throne, Nangong Yu was wearing a bright yellow robe with twelve emblems and a crown with twelve tassels on his head. His face was calm, and his eyes swept over the civil and military officials and royal nobles standing solemnly below, and finally fell on Nangong Chengqian, who was standing at the foot of the Danbi, wearing an apricot yellow prince's dragon robe and with a posture as straight as a pine tree.
In that look, there was scrutiny, expectation, and even a sense of relief.
"I, by the mandate of Heaven, have reigned for twenty years."
Nangong Yu's voice was not loud, but it echoed clearly in the hall where one could hear a pin drop. It carried the majesty of an emperor and a hint of imperceptible fatigue.
"I work tirelessly day and night, fearing I will fail the late emperor's trust and the people's high hopes. Thanks to the blessings of our ancestors and the guidance of our ministers, Dayan is now enjoying peace and prosperity, and the four borders are at peace."
He paused, his gaze becoming deep and distant, penetrating the towering palace and seeing the wider world.
"However, every generation has its talented people. My eldest son, Cheng Qian, is gifted with intelligence, benevolent and generous, quick-witted and studious, well versed in statecraft, and possesses the talent for managing the economy and the determination to establish a strong dynasty.
"The other day during the palace riot, he remained calm in the face of danger and handled the situation decisively, demonstrating the demeanor of a true ruler. I see his virtue as sufficient to bring peace to the world; his ability as sufficient to control his ministers; and his ambition as sufficient to continue the great throne."
Nangong Yu's voice suddenly rose, with an unquestionable determination:
"Therefore, today I respectfully inform Heaven and Earth, and our ancestors, that I will obey the will of Heaven and the will of the people, emulate the example of Yao and Shun, and pass the throne to Crown Prince Cheng Qian!"
"His Majesty!"
An old minister couldn't help but exclaim, but was stopped by Nangong Yu who raised his hand.
"My mind is made up!"
He stood up and picked up a rosewood plate from the imperial desk. Lying quietly on the plate was the imperial seal, which symbolized Dayan's supreme power!
The jade is warm and smooth, with nine dragons coiled around it, emitting a heavy and ancient glow in the morning light.
Nangong Yu held up the jade plate with both hands, walked down the steps steadily, and came in front of Nangong Chengqian.
"Godson,"
His voice lowered, carrying the father's instructions to his son.
"This vast land, these millions of people, are entrusted to you today. I hope you will inherit the throne, respect Heaven and follow the example of your ancestors, govern diligently and care for the people, so that Dayan's prosperity will last forever and the people will live and work in peace and contentment!"
Nangong Chengqian lifted his robe and bowed deeply with the utmost solemnity, his forehead touching the cold gold brick. When he raised his head, his eyes were no longer filled with the youthful immaturity of a young man, but with the calmness and determination of an emperor.
He stretched out his hands, and steadily and with immense strength, took over the jade seal that carried endless responsibilities and expectations.
It feels cool to the touch, but heavier than Mount Tai!
"Your son, Nangong Chengqian, will faithfully follow the instructions of the Emperor! I will work tirelessly day and night, striving to govern the country with all my heart, to live up to the country, the people, and the trust the Emperor has placed in me today!"
His voice was clear and powerful, like a rock, resounding to the ground.
"Long live our emperor! Long live! Long, long live our emperor!"
"Long live the new emperor! Long live the new emperor! Long, long live the new emperor!"
The thunderous cheers of "Long live the emperor" were like a surging wave, instantly sweeping across the entire Golden Throne Hall, rushing out of the hall door, and echoing over the sky of the Forbidden City!
The old era comes to an end, and the new era solemnly begins in the golden light of the rising sun.
Nangong Yu looked at the new emperor, seated upright on the dragon throne, accepting the congratulations of the officials. A smile of relief and satisfaction slowly curled up at the corner of his mouth. The heavy burden on his shoulders had finally been lifted.
A few days later, outside Zhengyang Gate in the capital.
There was no huge ceremonial procession stretching for miles with flags covering the sky as seen when the emperor and empress traveled. There were only a few black carriages that looked ordinary on the outside but were extremely spacious and comfortable on the inside, parked quietly beside the official road.
The horses pulling the cart were extremely majestic, snorting loudly, revealing their vigor and strength, ready to charge.
Dongfang Qiwu stood beside the carriage, wearing a neat goose yellow riding suit, her long hair simply tied into a ponytail, her face without any makeup, but glowing with an unprecedented, dazzling radiance.
She took a deep breath of the air that smelled of soil and grass outside the city, and felt that the heart in her chest, which had been imprisoned for too long, was swelling and jumping happily with the wind of freedom!
She couldn't help but reach out and gently touch the tall, solid wall. The cold touch only made the smile in her eyes grow brighter.
"Finally... it's out!"
She murmured softly, her voice filled with uncontrollable joy.
The dignity of a queen mother and the majesty of the queen of the six palaces were all thrown out of her mind at this moment!
At this moment, she just wanted to open her arms and shout to the vast world!
"elder sister!"
Dongfang Yuning jumped over like a lively little bird, wearing a bright red outfit, which made her little face look even more beautiful.
She took Dongfang Qiwu's arm and asked with a smile,
"How does it feel? Is it like a caged bird finally taking off into the sky?"
Dongfang Qiwu nodded vigorously, his eyebrows curved, and his smile was dazzlingly bright:
"This feeling is ten thousand times better than that! Ning'er, all I want now is to gallop away on horseback and catch up with all the love I've missed over the past twenty years!"
“Good idea!”
Dongfang Yuning's eyes lit up, and he turned around and shouted,
"Brother Aye! I want to ride a horse! I want to ride too!"
Nangong Ye was whispering something to Nangong Yu. He glanced over and met his wife's sparkling eyes. Naturally, there was no reason to refuse. He nodded slightly, and immediately the guards brought two docile and majestic mares.
On the other side, Dongfang Yanru and Li Zhener were holding their daughters' hands and giving them many instructions.
"Ning'er, it's different when you're out and about, so you must take good care of yourself!"
Li Zhen'er's eyes were red as she straightened her daughter's already neat collar again and again.
"The north is very windy and dusty, so I brought a few extra cans of chili sauce I made for you to stimulate your appetite and keep away the cold! And all those thick clothes are on top of the blue box..."
"Mom, I know, I know! You've told me eight hundred times!"
Dongfang Yuning complained, but buried his head in his mother's arms and rubbed it, like a spoiled kitten.
"You and Daddy should take care of yourselves! Eat on time and don't overwork! Once we're settled in Yanmao, we'll pick you up and go play! Then we'll take you to eat the freshest fish and see the biggest boats!"
Although Dongfang Yanru was not as talkative as his wife, the reluctance and worry in his eyes were just as strong. He patted his daughter's shoulder and looked at his calm son-in-law Nangong Ye.
"Your Highness, Ning'er has a lively personality. You... please bear with her. Although Yanmao has been pacified, it is still a newly opened area. Please be careful."
"Don't worry, father-in-law."
Nangong Ye clasped his fists and spoke solemnly.
"As long as I'm here, Ning'er will be safe. Please take care of yourselves, elders, in Beijing."
Li Zhen'er turned to Dongfang Qiwu again, took her hand, and said earnestly:
"Wu'er, you're my older sister, so be more steady. Keep an eye on Ning'er and don't let her go too crazy..."
Before he finished speaking, he smiled first, looking at the unconcealable, girlish light of joy in his eldest daughter's eyes, and sighed:
"Forget it, forget it. You've been holding it in for too long. It's time to relax and unwind! But...don't indulge that girl too much."
Dongfang Qiwu smiled and nodded, but there was a cunning light in his eyes:
"Don't worry, mother. I will take good care of Ning'er."
The two sisters smiled at each other, and everything was said without words.
The most complicated and unspeakable atmosphere was between Nangong Chengqian and his elder who was about to go on a long journey.
Nangong Chengqian was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe. Although he was the new emperor, he still maintained the respect of a junior in front of his closest relatives.
He walked up to Nangong Yu and Dongfang Qiwu and bowed deeply:
"Father, Queen Mother... The journey is long, please take good care of yourself. I will be diligent in my duties in the capital and live up to your trust."
The voice was steady, but with a barely perceptible sob.
Nangong Yu looked at his son, who already had the aura of an emperor, and felt a lot of emotions in his heart.
He patted Nangong Chengqian's shoulder vigorously, with trust and encouragement in his eyes:
"Godson, the heavy burden of the country and the people is now on your shoulders. Father believes in you and you will definitely do better than him!
Remember, the mind of an emperor lies in checks and balances, and even more so, in a broad mind. Don't employ those you doubt, and don't doubt those you employ.
As for Yanmao, your aunt and uncle will take care of him for you, so don't worry. Just do what you should do!"
"Your son will remember this!"
Nangong Chengqian bowed again.
He walked up to Nangong Ye, the uncle who was his teacher, father, and friend, and was his strongest supporter. He clasped his fists and bowed deeply:
"Uncle, the peace and tranquility of Dayan's borders is due to your divine power. Your nephew is in Beijing, and I wish you and your aunt a safe journey, and great success in Yanmao!"
Nangong Ye reached out and held him firmly, his deep eyes carrying the same calm strength as always:
"Your Majesty is now the King. Yanmao is Dayan's Yanmao, and also Your Majesty's Yanmao. Ning'er and I will guard this gateway to the four seas for Your Majesty. If Your Majesty needs us, just a letter will do. I will not refuse...even if it means death."
The word "Your Majesty" formally established the relationship between the monarch and his subject, and also represented his absolute support for the new emperor.
Finally, Nangong Chengqian's gaze fell on the petite figure in a fiery red dress circling around the horse.
The aunt he most respected, wanted to protect and follow.
He walked over with a complicated look in his eyes, showing reluctance, gratitude, and deep envy.
"Aunt..."
He called softly, with a hint of dependence in his voice that he himself was not even aware of.
"Um?"
Dongfang Yuning turned around, smiled brightly, and stood on tiptoe to pat her nephew's shoulder, which was much taller than her. Actually, she patted his arm.
"My son, don't be so serious! You are the emperor now, you should smile more often! Don't worry, your aunt will make a lot of money for you at Yanmao!
"Build it into the richest port in the world! If you need money later, just write to me and I'll airdrop gold bricks to you!"
Her words were still lively, with her unique vitality that could dispel all gloom.
Nangong Chengqian's lips curled up slightly because of her amusement, and the heaviness in his heart was also alleviated a little.
He stared into Dongfang Yuning's clear and bright eyes and said seriously:
"Aunt, take care. Yanmao... is your world, and it is also the beacon in my nephew's heart. I hope that one day, I can also travel across this vast land like you, aunt."
What he longed for was not only Yanmao, but also the unrestrained freedom.
"That day will come!"
Dongfang Yuning nodded vigorously, with a determined light in his eyes.
"Once you have subdued all those old foxes in the court and trained a capable successor, you're always welcome to come!
"My aunt is taking you to fry... oh no, to see the cherry blossoms in the east area of Yanmao Street! And eat the freshest sashimi!"
Nangong Chengqian smiled and nodded vigorously:
"Okay! It's a deal!"
The sun is at noon, and the time has come.
Nangong Yu took one last look at the majestic capital, the city that had carried the glory and responsibility of half his life. There was no trace of nostalgia in his eyes, only anticipation for a new journey.
He held Dongfang Qiwu's hand and boarded the most spacious carriage.
Nangong Ye gently picked up Dongfang Yuning, who was still saying goodbye to her parents, and put her on the horse's back. He then nimbly climbed onto the pitch-black horse next to her.
"Dad! Mom! Let's go!"
Dongfang Yuning sat on the horse, waving vigorously to his parents, his smile as bright as the sun.
"Everyone! Take care!"
Dongfang Yanru and Li Zhener, along with all the people who came to see them off, bowed deeply in the direction of Nangong Chengqian and the traveling convoy.
Nangong Chengqian stood at the foot of the city gate, his bright yellow dragon robe fluttering in the wind. He raised his hand and waved solemnly and forcefully at the departing convoy.
"Let's go!"
Nangong Ye's low voice sounded.
The driver whipped his horse and the steed neighed.
The wheels rolled, crushing the dust on the official road.
Dongfang Qiwu couldn't wait to lift the curtain and stick half of his body out.
The wind, with a breath of freedom, rushed into the carriage violently, ruffling her hair, but she didn't care. Instead, she opened her arms as if to embrace the entire blue sky and green fields, and her face blossomed with an unprecedented, unburdened, pure, and dazzling smile like a girl!
"Ah! Freedom!"
Finally, she couldn't help herself and shouted out to the vast world the voice that had been suppressed in her heart for over twenty years! It was clear, loud, and filled with endless joy!
Nangong Yu sat in the car, looking at his wife, who looked more lively than ever before, his eyes full of doting and smiles.
Dongfang Yuning rode his horse to his sister's carriage. Seeing his sister's excitement, he also giggled:
"Sister, this is just the beginning! Once we get to Yanmao, the world will be truly vast and open! Then I'll take you to see the sea! Go fishing! Ride a big boat! And eat all kinds of seafood! I guarantee it will be a hundred times more delicious than the imperial meals in your palace!"
"Okay! Okay! I'll listen to Ning'er!"
Dongfang Qiwu nodded vigorously, his eyes brightening surprisingly.
Nangong Ye rode his horse and followed Dongfang Yuning, his eyes always following her excited figure. His cold eyebrows looked particularly soft in the sunlight.
His little sun can finally shine on the world that belongs to her without any worries.
The convoy moved farther and farther away, turning into a line of black dots at the end of the official road.
Nangong Chengqian still stood at the city gate, staring at the direction where his relatives left for a long time.
The four words "the sea is vast and the sky is sky-high" were like seeds, deeply buried in the heart of the young emperor.
He tightened the seal in his hand, turned around, and faced the magnificent palace that symbolized supreme power but was also like a huge cage.
His journey has just begun.
But the figures of his aunt, his uncle, his mother, the queen, and his father running towards freedom will always be the warmest, most desirable, and never-extinguished lighthouse in his heart.
One day...
He took a deep breath, straightened his back, and walked alone with steady and firm steps towards the heavy palace door that slowly opened for him.
The sunlight stretched his shadow very long, lonely, but full of power.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
