Xiao Xun was clearly also immersed in this warmth. He raised his cup, his gaze sweeping over each of his closest relatives and friends present. His voice was deep and full of emotion: "Today, I ascend to the throne, and Wei'er becomes the Empress. However, what I cherish most is not this imperial throne, but this scene before me—my family is safe and sound, my dear friends are by my side, and the empire has a worthy successor. This cup is a toast to all of you present here. It is because of your strong support and unwavering loyalty that we have this prosperous and harmonious reunion today! May my Great Liang Dynasty enjoy a long and prosperous reign, and may our friendship last forever!"
"May the Great Liang Dynasty last forever! May our friendship endure forever!" Everyone responded in unison, raising their glasses to drink together, filling the warm pavilion with joy and blessings.
At the end of the family banquet, according to custom, a "first birthday celebration" was held for the young prince Xiao Chengji.
On the thick velvet carpet were all sorts of auspicious objects: a replica of a jade seal, a gold seal, a pen, ink, books, an abacus, gold ingots, a small bow and arrow, an official hat, a seal, and even a peony flower symbolizing wealth and prosperity.
The wet nurse placed Chengji, dressed in his new clothes, in the center of the blanket. The little guy opened his eyes wide with curiosity, looking at the dazzling array of things around him, then at the expectant adults around him, seemingly a little bewildered. He first crawled towards the glittering gold ingots, touching them with his little hands, then turned to the small, exquisite crossbow, fiddling with it. Everyone's hearts were in their throats, especially Xin Yunzhou, who wished he could grab the little bow and arrow for his nephew.
Just then, Chengji's gaze was drawn to a warm, white object—a small, imitation jade seal. He stretched out his chubby little hand and, without hesitation, firmly grasped the jade seal, hugging it tightly to his chest, and letting out a satisfied "Ah!"
The hall fell silent for a moment, then erupted in even greater amazement and joy!
"Good! Well done!" Xin Yunzhou was the first to shout excitedly.
"May Heaven bless Great Liang! His Highness the Crown Prince has discerning eyes!" Qi Huaihe exclaimed, clapping his hands in praise.
"Chengji truly has His Majesty's demeanor!" Lin Jingshu said with a smile.
The old lady of the Marquis of Anguo and Princess Rongchang were beaming with joy, repeatedly saying, "Our ancestors have blessed us! This is a blessing for the nation!"
Emperor Xiao Xun was overjoyed, his eyes filled with undisguised pride and expectation. He laughed loudly, "Good! My Chengji has his sights set on the fate of the nation! What ambition!" He looked at Xin Jiuwei beside him, and the two smiled at each other, everything understood without words. Xin Jiuwei's eyes were filled with tears of relief as she gently held her son's small hand and whispered, "Chengji, your father has laid a solid foundation for you in this vast land. The future is yours."
The hustle and bustle of the coronation ceremony gradually subsided, and the palace returned to its solemn and dignified daily routine.
Three days later, during the morning court session, Xiao Xun issued an edict that shook the court and the public, and ordered the historians to record it solemnly:
"By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I believe that the proper order of Heaven and Earth, the harmony of Yin and Yang, and the unity of the Emperor and Empress are the foundation of the nation and the blessing of all people. Empress Xin is wise, virtuous, gentle, and possesses unparalleled talent. During my time as a prince, she assisted me in planning and strategizing, eliminating treacherous officials and stabilizing the nation; she implemented new policies that benefited the people. Her achievements will last for millennia, and her virtue matches that of Heaven and Earth. After becoming Empress, she was adept at domestic affairs, a model of virtue for the nation, caring for the young and weak, and extending her blessings to the harem. The Empress and I have shared joys and sorrows, our love is deep and profound, and we will follow each other through life and death. The Empress is my pillar of strength, my other half, my only true love in this life, irreplaceable."
The imperial edict had been read aloud, and the entire court fell silent. Xiao Xun's imposing gaze swept over the assembled officials, his voice growing even more resolute and powerful:
"To demonstrate the Empress's virtue and to reassure the Emperor's sincere heart, I hereby proclaim this to the world:"
Firstly, Empress Xin is of equal status to me. During all major court assemblies, sacrifices, and national policy decisions, the Empress may rule from behind a screen and participate in crucial matters.
Secondly, all matters concerning the harem shall be managed by the Empress. I will never take concubines, nor establish a third palace or six courtyards. In this life, I will have only the Empress, and we will stay together until our hair turns white.
Thirdly, the emperor established his eldest son, Xiao Chengji, as crown prince, placing him in the Eastern Palace. He instructed all officials to wholeheartedly assist him.
This edict is not merely a matter of my family, but a matter of national foundation and a rule for all generations. I urge all my ministers to understand my heart, to work together for this grand undertaking, and to obey it without fail. So be it!
This edict, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirred up a tidal wave both inside and outside the court. It elevated the empress's status and power to an unprecedented level, explicitly granting her the right to participate in politics; it completely broke with the old system of three palaces and six courtyards for emperors throughout history, declaring the emperor's determination to have only one wife for life; and it established the crown prince's position early on, stabilizing the foundation of the country.
Some seasoned, prudent, or even pedantic ministers wanted to step forward and offer their advice, but when they looked up and met the new emperor's sharp, unwavering gaze, and recalled the empress's illustrious achievements in bringing down the Xue family, rectifying corruption in the grain transport system, and implementing new policies, as well as her high prestige among the people, especially seeing the composed expressions of "it should be this way" on the faces of important officials like Duke Xin Yunzhou and Minister of Revenue Qi Huaihe, their desire to offer advice instantly vanished. The emperor and empress were deeply in love, the empire was stable, and the new dynasty was at its peak; who would dare to become an untimely stumbling block in the face of such resounding imperial will and popular support?
"Your Majesty is wise! Long live the Empress!" After a brief silence, led by Xin Yunzhou and Qi Huaihe, the ministers knelt down in sincere worship, and their shouts echoed throughout the Golden Palace.
The news reached the inner palace, reaching Xin Jiuwei's ears. She was teaching Chengji to read when, upon hearing this, the jade-tipped wolf-hair brush in her hand fell with a "plop" onto the Xuan paper, spreading a blot of ink. She sat there, stunned, her heart surging with indescribable emotions. She knew his love was deep, but she hadn't expected him to proclaim it to the world in such a resolute and grand manner, elevating her to a position equal to his, and bestowing upon her a promise and respect that transcended time and was unique. This affection was heavier than the empire itself.
That evening, Xiao Xun arrived at Fengyi Palace. Xin Jiuwei had already removed her hairpins and jewelry, wearing only a simple and elegant nightgown, her long hair cascading down her back. She sat under the lamp waiting for him. When she saw him enter, she rose to greet him, but before she could even offer a curtsy, he pulled her tightly into his arms.
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