Chapter 251 Ascension to the Throne!! Ren…
On the day of the abdication ceremony, the old emperor, who had not appeared for several days, refused the suggestion to be supported by Dai Xiyu and walked sturdily to the throne in the Imperial Hall, facing the civil and military officials, as well as the imperial relatives. Today, the crown prince no longer needed to stand; a similar throne was set up next to the emperor's seat, shaped like two suns in the sky.
The distant relatives of the imperial family from Chang'an, who had been urgently summoned to the capital, couldn't help but whisper among themselves: "His Majesty doesn't seem to be so badly injured that he can't get out of bed..."
“Then the other two days ago…” “Crown Prince…” “…It’s hard to say.”
The princess and her consort glared at them, thoroughly annoyed.
The Seventh Prince, who looked much more haggard, suddenly had an idea. He deliberately stared intently at them, a smug sneer on his face.
"..." His reaction made the old clansmen even more apprehensive, and they fell silent for a moment.
The Seventh Prince lowered his head again and deliberately straightened his clothes slowly. He had been putting on a calm and confident demeanor the whole time he went out today.
Although it was unexpected, the emperor was going to abdicate and his elder brother, the crown prince whom he had murdered, was going to ascend the throne.
The Seventh Prince endured several days of panic, anxiety, and anger, but ultimately had no choice but to accept it and adjust his mindset. He was clever; he even devised a way to survive—
Of the two remaining princes, the sixth prince is the legitimate son, and he previously had a falling out with the crown prince. Isn't he going to be a thorn in the crown prince's side after he ascends the throne?
Although he had once relied on the Sixth Prince, he was the only remaining prince of royal blood. A new emperor always bestows favors to show benevolence upon ascending the throne. As long as he behaves himself from now on, the new emperor can tolerate him being secretly wronged; surely he'll choose a prince to show favor to?
I was just getting sleepy when this pillow came along. These old relatives from out of town dare to spread such rumors; Seventh Prince, I'll help them out—
After the Crown Prince ascends the throne, he'll need a fool to show off his power!
While the Seventh Prince was lost in thought, the master of ceremonies had already finished reading the lengthy memorials before the incense table, the treasure table, and the memorial table.
Several officials took turns writing the document, using ornate language to elaborate on Emperor Hongren's achievements during his reign, both great and small, in great detail. They also read that Emperor Hongren was concerned about the country and its people, but recently he had been heartbroken and physically exhausted, and his heart was willing but his strength was insufficient. He said that the Crown Prince was diligent and capable, so he would abdicate in his favor today.
Qi Chengming sat dressed in the formal apricot-yellow court robes of the Crown Prince, his head weighed down by the crown, the court beads swaying slightly in front of him, his hand resting on the cold side of the throne. He glanced to his right upon hearing this, but could not see the expression on Emperor Hongren's face not far away.
Qi Chengming felt a slight sneer in his heart, but remained completely calm: "..."
After enduring several days of resentment, I still couldn't resist making one more sarcastic remark during the abdication ceremony. After all, this was the old emperor's last grand public appearance, marking the end of Emperor Hongren's reign...
Which wicked son was Emperor Hongren referring to when he said "recently, I've been heartbroken and physically exhausted"?
"Your Highness, please come forward." The master of ceremonies led Qi Chengming to Emperor Hongren, where a satin cushion was laid on the ground.
"Kneel!" the master of ceremonies announced, inviting the crown prince to lead the officials to kneel and listen to the proclamation.
The officials knelt in a vast array, creating an atmosphere that was both solemn and joyful.
Next, it's time to bestow the imperial seal and ribbon.
Grand Scholar Cao glanced furtively upwards, trying to gauge His Majesty's intentions.
Emperor Hongren sat silently for a moment, and when Grand Secretary Cao thought he wouldn't get up, he stood up with difficulty. His movements were so slow that it was as if he hadn't hesitated at all, but was simply slowed down by his injury.
Emperor Hongren, his expression complex, still walked over and personally placed the jade seal in Qi Chengming's hands: "Imperial Seal... I entrust it to you."
Since ancient times, the imperial seal has been a symbol of power. Dingguo was able to maintain its status among the various states not only because of its national strength, but also because it seized the imperial seal left by the previous dynasty, allowing its ancestors who conquered the country to claim legitimacy.
"Yes." No matter how trembling and reluctant the old emperor's hand was, Qi Chengming accepted it with unwavering determination and answered succinctly.
He rose, no longer looking at Emperor Hongren's extremely complex expression, and sat back on his throne.
The last item remained—the reading of the memorial. After the handover of the imperial seal and ribbons, Emperor Hongren automatically became the Retired Emperor. All officials were required to kneel and kowtow three times to express their gratitude and bid farewell to the Retired Emperor.
Qi Chengming hadn't been very familiar with the rules these past few days, so he urgently listened to Chu Hong brush up on his knowledge: the Ministry of Rites was also unfamiliar with examples of successful abdication and succession of the throne, and had spent the night reviewing many historical records to finalize the grand ceremony. The rule that officials should weep and bid farewell to the retired emperor was suggested by Eunuch Xiyu in the imperial court.
As everyone knows, Dai Xiyu is now the new mouthpiece of the retired emperor. This is clearly because the retired emperor wants to see once again the officials' desperate attempts to retain him, including their tears and lamentations.
Qi Chengming naturally and magnanimously agreed.
"Waaah... Your Majesty! This old minister bids farewell!" An elderly minister with white hair kowtowed suddenly on the ground, weeping uncontrollably. Grand Secretary Mu, also with tears streaming down his face, led the other reborn ministers, at Qi Chengming's behest, in expressing their reluctance: "Your Majesty—"
In an instant, bells and drums resounded outside the palace, and officials inside wept bitterly. The retired emperor watched all this with deep emotion, helping one person to their feet and wiping away another's tears, his face showing even deeper reluctance. As the saying goes, the lowly do not move the noble; as the retired emperor, he was about to depart first amidst such farewells, so that the officials could then join Qi Chengming on their way to the Zichen Hall to attend the enthronement ceremony.
Qi Chengming's expression turned slightly strange: "…………"
Well, how should I put it?
Outside, bells and drums resounded; inside, people wept loudly in farewell to someone. Emperor Hongren actually liked this… as long as he himself didn't find it strange.
"The auspicious time is approaching," a master of ceremonies approached and whispered in the Emperor Emeritus's ear.
The retired emperor reluctantly helped one of his ministers to his feet, saying, "That's enough, you may go."
The ministers fell silent, and the sounds of ceremony outside gradually subsided. Qi Chengming didn't look at Emperor Hongren's dejected departing figure, nor did he bother to speculate on his complex emotions. He himself was full of vigor and anticipation for the future!
Qi Chengming, his heart pounding with excitement, nodded to the officials who were waiting for him below and led the way toward the Zichen Palace.
In the short time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Qi Chengming arrived at the side hall, where Gantang and Shishuang had already been brought over. They presented Qi Chengming with an imperial robe with a bright yellow base and dark ochre patterns, featuring nine dragons and nine claws, for him to change into.
“Such fine clothes…” Qi Chengming gently stroked the gold and silver threads on the dress with his fingertips, the heavy jade belt, and the amber and rhinoceros horn.
He had never used such luxury before; the crown prince and the emperor were ultimately very different.
This new imperial robe was made by the embroiderers working tirelessly for several days, and it wasn't exactly a masterpiece of craftsmanship or an exceptionally luxurious garment. However, Xiao Chengzi had secretly told Qi Chengming after inquiring that since the previous dynasty, the robes worn by the newly enthroned emperors had always been this simple, unlike the more magnificent court robes. Qi Chengming thought for a moment and understood the reason, and couldn't help but chuckle.
Who wouldn't be eager to ascend the throne if they were destined to be emperor?
I don't need that one more piece of clothing.
"Your Majesty has become even more majestic and handsome." Gan Tang said with satisfaction as she expertly tidied Qi Chengming's clothes and hair. She could call him that now.
Qi Chengming, however, did not find the words pleasant. He stood there with his arms outstretched, lost in thought for a moment, and said, "From now on, you shall call me... Your Majesty."
"Yes... Your Majesty!" Gan Tang and Shi Shuang exchanged a smile, knowing that His Majesty had just ascended the throne and was in a happy mood, so they should greet him sweetly a few more times.
The time for changing and resting was only a short while, and the officials outside were still waiting. Qi Chengming did not want to delay, so he quickly turned out of the main hall.
Compared to the abdication ceremony, the enthronement ceremony has far fewer complicated steps.
After Qi Chengming presented the imperial seal and paid his respects before the ancestral altar, listening to the memorial, the Grand Secretary, the Ministers of the Six Ministries, imperial relatives, and various military officers all stepped forward to offer their congratulations, in a formal sense of acknowledging the emperor's authority.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations!"
Finally, all the officials bowed down again, performing three kneelings and nine kowtows, and their cries of congratulations were deafening, a testament to the submission of the people. Outside the main hall, the morning bells and evening drums rang out once more, signaling the start of music and cannon salutes. Eighty-one cannon shots and fireworks soared, their roar echoing all the way to the palace walls. Ceremonial processions were displayed everywhere, announcing the event to the people. Meanwhile, some people in the capital, knowing the proper etiquette, followed the imperial procession, firing celebratory cannons for three consecutive days.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" Someone cleverly shouted this classic line.
Qi Chengming stood before the high dragon throne, gazing at the kneeling crowd below. Among them were the original male lead, the Seventh Prince, whom he had always harbored a degree of apprehension towards; the ministers who had previously supported or opposed him; his uncle from the Imperial Clan Court; and the eldest son of the First Prince, who was originally destined to cause trouble for his successor but was now still a timid child…
The faces were a mix of familiar and unfamiliar. Li Banhui's face was contorted with excitement, while Huang Lan was grinning like a fool, his teeth showing.
Qi Chengming looked at them one by one, his mind filled with mixed emotions yet also brimming with pride: "..."
Even after being so busy all this time, he sometimes feels a sense of unreality.
After traveling through time for several years, he escaped death and even ascended the throne!
As the new emperor's personal eunuchs, Xiao Dezi and Xiao Chengzi naturally accompanied him as the emperor's chief eunuchs. At this moment, their expressions were indifferent, their faces were tense, and they were unusually pretentious.
In fact, Xiao Dezi and Xiao Chengzi had almost twisted their thighs until they were bruised, using all their strength to prevent themselves from making a fool of themselves. To avoid losing face, they had agreed beforehand not to laugh in public and embarrass His Majesty! They were still giving each other meaningful glances, showing great determination.
It's just... Ouch! Even though it hurts, it's hard to stop the urge to giggle like an idiot!
Qi Chengming was momentarily dazed.
When he came to his senses, the officials below were still bowing respectfully, and no one dared to stand up without being given permission.
This is what it feels like to have absolute power...
But Qi Chengming had already calmed down.
"Enjoying it for a moment is enough, Qi Chengming—this isn't the highlight of your life. Don't forget why you wanted to be emperor in the first place."
Qi Chengming thought of the red and yellow map of Dingguo that he saw every time he opened the infrastructure system, and of all the governance policies of Emperor Hongren that he couldn't stand. His mind gradually calmed down. He sat down on the dragon throne, his tone now steady and no longer trembling.
Qi Chengming calmly said, "—All of you, rise."
With the titles of emperor and subject now established and the enthronement ceremony completed, there were still countless trivial matters to attend to in the coming period. However, some of the most important matters had already been presented to Qi Chengming by the Ministry of Rites, depending on when he wished to announce them.
Qi Chengming, without being petty or unwilling to let others share the glory of his coronation ceremony, decisively and publicly announced his first imperial edict after ascending the throne:
"I honor the Empress Dowager as Grand Empress Dowager, and thank my grandmother for continuing to hold power over the inner palace on behalf of her grandson. I honor my father as the Retired Emperor, who has shown me compassion and is willing to move to the Imperial Palace. I will continue to hold court in the Zichen Palace. All my mothers are now Imperial Concubines. If they have children, they may leave the palace to live out their lives in comfort. If they do not, they may return home to live out their lives in comfort or be supported by the Imperial Family. My sixth brother, who remained fearless and loyal during the palace coup, is hereby granted the title of Prince Ning. My seventh brother, who was sincere and filial to his father and emperor, is hereby granted the title of Prince of the Second Rank..."
Qi Chengming bestowed titles and honors upon most of the imperial palace, even extending his favor to Prince Dun (the deceased eldest brother of the emperor), whose infant son was only a few months old, by granting him the title of Prince of the same rank.
But upon hearing this, Prince Ning's face grew even paler, showing no joy whatsoever at being granted the title of prince. He merely clenched his fists, deeply uneasy: "..."
The officials understood the situation and remained silent. Without the new emperor's authorization, no one stepped forward to act as a guarantor.
Yes.
Everyone else received a respectable title, more or less, except for the Empress…
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Author's Note: I've finally ascended the throne!! I've ascended the throne! I'm overjoyed and dancing with excitement! Congratulations to Mingming!
—But having just ascended the throne, there's still countless things to write, exhale.
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