The early winter sun bathed the majestic Zichen Palace in a dazzling golden glow. Along the imperial road paved with white marble, the Imperial Guards, clad in brand-new armor, stood like javelins, their banners fluttering in the chilly wind, creating imposing arcs.
Today is the coronation ceremony of Xiao Xun, the new emperor of the Liang Dynasty, and also the day of the investiture of Xin Jiuwei, the new empress.
Inside the new emperor's palace, the "Qianyuan Hall," incense wafted gently. Xiao Xun wore a black robe with twelve imperial symbols, a twelve-tassel crown, and a jade belt around his waist. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, and his demeanor as dignified as a mountain.
Years of battles and court intrigues have forged not only the emperor's majesty but also a sharp and composed spirit to create a prosperous era. His deep gaze passes through the jade beads on his crown, looking at himself in the mirror, and at the figure in the mirror who is surrounded by palace maids and dressed in full regalia—his Wei'er, who will become his empress today.
Xin Jiuwei sat upright in front of the huge bronze mirror with a rhombus pattern.
She wore a bright red robe embroidered with gold cloud and phoenix patterns, which was elaborate and beautiful. The gold-embroidered phoenix pattern on the layers of fabric shimmered in the light, symbolizing the majesty of the empress.
Her cloud-like hair was styled high, adorned with a heavy and dazzling nine-dragon, nine-phoenix crown. The crown, made of pure gold, was inlaid with countless pearls and gemstones. Nine golden phoenixes, each holding a pearl in its beak, spread their wings as if about to take flight, while the central golden dragon coiled and raised its head, exuding majesty. This crown was personally overseen by Emperor Xiao Xun, its weight and splendor reflecting the emperor's intent.
"Your Majesty, what do you think?" the head lady-in-waiting asked respectfully, her voice full of admiration. The woman in the mirror had skin as white as snow, and features as beautiful as a painting. Her magnificent robes and phoenix crown did not overwhelm her presence; instead, they accentuated the composure, resilience, and maternal tenderness within her, making them even more radiant. Time seemed to have been exceptionally kind to her, only deepening the wisdom and serenity in her eyes.
Xin Jiuwei smiled slightly, her fingertips gently brushing the pearl droplets hanging from her phoenix crown: "Very good." Her voice remained gentle, yet carried an undeniable air of composure. Her gaze shifted to Xiao Xun's reflection in the mirror; their eyes met in the mirror, needing no words, a thousand emotions and a myriad of unspoken understandings were conveyed. He extended his hand to her, and she gently placed her hand, adorned with golden nail guards, into his broad palm. A warm and firm strength flowed through her, dispelling the chill of early winter and a hint of barely perceptible tension.
“Wei’er,” Xiao Xun’s voice was deep and solemn, “This empire, I will share with you. This phoenix crown is also the glory and responsibility I bestow upon you. From today onwards, you will be the Empress of this Great Liang, my only Empress.”
Xin Jiuwei raised her eyes, her gaze filled with undisguised love and determination: "Your Majesty, I am willing to join hands with you to shoulder the burdens of the nation and share in the peace and prosperity of this golden age." She paused, her voice softening, "And I am also willing to protect our home for Your Majesty."
Xiao Xun was moved and squeezed her hand: "Okay!"
Solemn and grand ceremonial music resounded through the sky and spread throughout the entire palace.
Holding Xin Jiuwei's hand, Xiao Xun led her step by step up the imperial steps towards the Zichen Palace, a symbol of supreme power. Their imperial robes and ceremonial robes trailed behind them, and the emperor and empress, side by side, appeared like gods descended to earth in the warm winter sun. Below, civil and military officials, members of the imperial family and nobles, and envoys from various countries stood solemnly according to their rank, a dense, dark mass, holding their breath and witnessing this earth-shattering moment.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress!"
The thunderous cheers and shouts of congratulations surged forth like a tidal wave, shaking the palace and heralding the beginning of a new era.
Xiao Xun sat upright on the dragon throne, the jade beads hanging from his crown swaying slightly, unable to conceal his sharp and powerful gaze. He received the homage of his subjects, and in a steady and powerful voice, he read out the edict of accession, proclaiming the new dynasty's policies: to govern diligently, to cleanse the bureaucracy, to reduce taxes and levies, to revitalize agriculture and commerce, to strengthen border defenses, to put the people first, and to create a prosperous era.
The ceremony of bestowing the title of Empress followed immediately. When the Minister of Rites, in the most solemn tone, presented the golden book and golden seal, symbols of the Empress's authority, to Xin Jiuwei, she gracefully and calmly accepted them. At that moment, she seemed to become one with her magnificent robes and phoenix crown, radiating a captivating maternal glow. Her concise yet powerful words of thanks, clear and gentle, every word a gem, expressed both gratitude for the Emperor's grace and her concern and responsibility for the women and children of the realm, winning the heartfelt respect of the entire court.
Following the grand ceremony was a magnificent palace banquet held in the splendid Linde Hall.
The palace was warm and spring-like, resplendent in gold and jade. The melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filled the air, and palace maids in colorful robes moved about, serving delicacies. The emperor and empress sat high on the main throne, receiving the congratulations and tributes from their ministers and foreign envoys.
Xin Jiuwei's gaze, filled with a warm smile, searched for her closest loved ones within the hall.
At the head of the military ranks stood her elder brother, Xin Yunzhou, now promoted to Duke of Zhenguo and in charge of the capital's defenses, his new first-rank military officer's robes making him appear even more dashing and imposing. Beside him stood Xin Kui, also dressed in the finery of a noblewoman, her demeanor calm and gentle, having completely shed her former aloofness and sharpness, her brows now displaying the peaceful contentment of a wife and mother. Particularly striking was the sight of a delicate little girl in Xin Kui's arms, dressed in a festive red jacket, while beside Xin Yunzhou stood a lively and energetic little boy—their twins. Xin Kui occasionally murmured sweet nothings to her daughter, her eyes tender and gentle; Xin Yunzhou, while attending to congratulations from his colleagues, also reached out to protect his son, who was eager to run off, his resolute face filled with clumsy yet genuine affection. Seeing his sister's (the Empress's) gaze, Xin Yunzhou grinned and nodded vigorously. Xin Kui, holding her daughter, gave Xin Jiuwei a grateful and blessing salute from afar.
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