Chapter 479 Succession
“Grandfather was not sighing, but lamenting.” Bigan had been waiting day and night for the emergence of the Primordial Chaos Realm and for the human emperor to become the ruler of heaven and earth, but he had not seen the king create a single child.
Bigan had thought this was perfect, as the king would live forever and there would be no need to worry about the successor. But then, the king suddenly insisted on human autonomy again.
Self-governance was also an option, as the Shang Dynasty was full of talented people, and they were sure to find someone outstanding. It was at this time that this person became Ziwu.
Letting Ziwu succeed him and lead the human race is a heavy responsibility, almost overwhelming Bigan.
Seeing that Ziwu was completely fooled by the king, Bigan was too embarrassed to expose the king and could only remain silent in a guilty conscience.
"Ziwu, serve the king well." In the end, Bigan could only give Ziwu this advice. You see, what kind of country Ziwu will inherit from the king depends entirely on Ziwu himself. The king will take all of them, the old ministers, with him.
"Grandson understands, and will certainly serve the King diligently." Ziwu also hoped to be promoted to a position in the court as soon as possible. "Grandfather, please put in a good word for me with the King. I would like to serve in the palace. It would be best if I could become an official by His Majesty's side."
Bi Gan remained silent for a long time, then said, "My child, this is something your grandfather cannot do."
“Grandfather, I think this is not difficult for you.” Ziwu thought to himself, he was a member of the Yin Shang royal family, so it was no problem for him to be a minor official who recorded the king’s words and deeds.
“Ziwu, let’s discuss this matter carefully. You should first let the King see your abilities before your grandfather has the face to bring it up.” Bigan, against his conscience, reassured Ziwu, “You need to know that the King’s status is extraordinary. Although the position you’re asking for is small, the competition is extremely fierce. As far as your grandfather knows, you’re not the only one who’s interested in this position.”
"Your Majesty is as wise as the sun and moon; it is only my wishful thinking." In order to become an official by the king's side, Ziwu decided to go all out, working himself to the bone.
Fortunately, Chang Hao didn't completely ruin things. Despite his busy schedule, he would always find time to personally teach this future human emperor, who was destined to be left in the Hongmeng Realm, so that Ziwu could better lead the human race onto the right path in the future.
The more Ziwu interacted with the King, the more he transformed from a fan of the King's appearance into a die-hard fan, and his commitment to building the Hongmeng Realm shifted from being "the King's command" to being a spontaneous act.
Ziwu did this for twenty years.
The pure human race of the primordial era has basically migrated to the Hongmeng Realm. Along with the humans, there are countless unintelligent beasts, human-shaman hybrids with diluted bloodlines, and human-demon hybrids.
Driven by personal motives, Chang Hao directly settled the pure human race on the most fertile land in the Hongmeng Realm.
When Chang Hao created the world, for the sake of convenience, he directly copied the mountains and rivers of the prehistoric world. Although it was shrunk by countless times, the human race adapted to it in a few days and immediately accepted it.
On that day, Chang Hao held his last court session at the Qiankun Palace in Chaoge. Civil and military officials lined up according to their ranks, standing silently.
"Your Majesty, Hongmeng is the culmination of Ziwu's many years of hard work. Please take a closer look." Ziwu spoke with boundless pride. This was the future that he, under the guidance of the King, had worked with Prime Minister Shang Rong, Grand Master Jiang, his grandfather, and others to create for the human race.
"Very good. We shall now offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, with myself presiding over the ceremony, to bestow blessings upon the human race. We beseech Heaven to grant us blessings." The time is almost up, and it is time for Chang Hao to retire gracefully.
From now on, except for the Great Calamity of Primordial Chaos, immortals and gods shall not descend upon Primordial Chaos. Anyone who needs to descend upon Primordial Chaos to restore order must undergo reincarnation. Immortals and gods shall not use their power to interfere with the operation of the human race in order to maintain the balance of the Three Realms and the Ten Directions.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Upon hearing this, all the civil and military officials present were excited. The Heavenly Emperor himself was offering sacrifices, so even if one day the waves rise high, there will surely be a boat to cross the river safely.
"Your Majesty's virtue extends throughout the four seas, which is the mandate of Heaven and the will of the people. We only wish Your Majesty boundless blessings." Shang Rong stepped forward and performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows to express the gratitude on behalf of the human race.
"Prime Minister, please rise. I have been working with you all to govern the world, and I believe that I have been diligent and conscientious in governing, respecting Heaven and loving the people. I only hope that my successor will live up to the expectations of the people, obey Heaven's will, and not slacken in his duties," Chang Hao said meaningfully.
"Your Majesty is wise. We will wholeheartedly assist you and live up to your trust." The officials assured Chang Hao without hesitation.
"May the nation prosper." Chang Hao concealed his merits and fame, and swore an oath to the heavens. He took it seriously. To deceive him would be no different from deceiving the heavens, and no one could bear the consequences.
"May the nation prosper," the ministers said in unison.
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Before the sun had risen, every household in the new city of Chaoge burned incense and set up fires, decorated with colorful banners and carpets. Along the way, various kinds of livestock were offered as sacrifices. The small flames dancing in everyone's eyes were just like their hopes for the future, wishing for national prosperity, peace, favorable weather, and abundant harvests.
A ray of golden light pierced through the thick clouds, and Zhu Kailu, dressed in sacrificial robes, led the imperial procession out of the palace, followed by civil and military officials on horseback, their banners obscuring the sky...
As Chang Hao, dressed in the sacrificial robes of the Human Emperor and with the Human Emperor's sword hanging at his waist, slowly stepped out of the carriage, the sun, moon, mountains and rivers on the sacrificial robes appeared real and illusory. Purple clouds rose from the east in the sky, and golden lotuses sprouted from the ground, making the sacrificial site full of auspiciousness.
The temple keeper, holding a torch, respectfully requests His Majesty to light the bonfire.
Chang Hao took the torch, filled with emotion, and rekindled the blazing fire, the blue smoke rising vertically upwards, drifting straight towards Zixiao Palace.
"We respectfully request Your Majesty to perform the sacrificial ceremony..." The temple keeper presented the precious sword.
Chang Hao dismissed the temple priest, drew the Human Emperor Sword from his waist, and Yuan Shi personally touched it, producing a solemn sound. The sword moved with his heart, uniting the faith of the human race.
"Heaven covers and earth sustains, all things flourish. Heavenly Father and Earthly Mother bestow blessings upon all living beings. Now, in the form of the Heavenly Emperor, I perform this sacrificial ceremony to bless my people, that the nation may prosper, the country may be peaceful and prosperous, the weather may be favorable, the harvests abundant, the world may be at peace, and all nations may come to offer their congratulations..."
Ziwu stared intently at the magnificent scene before him, not missing a single detail. His heart was pounding with excitement. He would immediately draw the "Emperor's Blessing" picture when he returned, to pass it down to future generations.
Suddenly, Chang Hao handed the Emperor's Sword to Ziwu, saying, "Now I pass the throne to Ziwu. I only wish that you will bring peace to the country, bestow benevolence upon the people, be close to virtuous ministers, keep away from petty people, distinguish between loyalty and treachery, and accept loyal advice."
Ziwu gasped, "No way, Your Majesty?"
"Ziwu, what are you standing there for? Take the sword! Are you so excited you've gone mad?" Jiang Ziya reminded him.
Bi Gan said, "Ziwu, this is what the King desires; you should strive to achieve it."
“I once said that if Ziwu is capable of shouldering great responsibilities, I will surely present him with a generous gift. This is my generous gift,” Chang Hao said with a smile. “Ziwu, are you overjoyed? Why don’t you reach out and take the Emperor’s Sword?”
Ziwu resisted fiercely, feeling as if his shoulders were about to collapse. "Your Majesty, you've gone too far! This is what you call a generous gift? It is indeed quite substantial, but is it a proper gift? And Jiang Ziya, you scoundrel, what's wrong with your eyes? Does he look happy?"
However, the words of a sage are law, and even if Ziwu did not want to reach out to take it, his hand would reach out on its own.
"Your Majesty, I have a wish." Ziwu's face was ashen. He knew that he had been abandoned and that the paths of humans and immortals were now forever separated.
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