Lin Yun sat bolt upright, staring at him in shock: "Your Majesty!"
Emperor Yongzheng's expression was calm, but his eyes held an unwavering determination: "In this year, I have come to understand many things."
He stroked her cheek, "The country and its people are important, but without you by my side, this vast land is nothing but a cage to me."
Lin Yun's eyes welled up with tears, but she still shook her head: "Yao'er is only fourteen years old..."
"He did a very good job," Yongzheng interrupted her, his tone tinged with pride.
He took her hand. "Besides, I'm not abandoning him. If anything serious happens, I will certainly give him guidance."
Before Lin Yun could say anything more, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside the hall.
Hongyao rushed in with Zhaohua and his two younger brothers. Seeing his parents sitting together in an embrace, the young crown prince paused, his ears turning slightly red. "Your subject...have I disturbed you?"
Emperor Yongzheng released Lin Yun and beckoned them over: "Perfect timing, I have something to announce."
Hongyao led his younger siblings forward and bowed respectfully.
Zhaohua has blossomed into a graceful young woman, and Hongxi and Hongsheng have also grown quite a bit taller.
Lin Yun looked at the children, her heart softening.
"I have decided," Yongzheng said, glancing at his children before finally fixing his gaze on Hongyao, "that the abdication ceremony will be held next month, and the Crown Prince will succeed to the throne."
"Father!" Hongyao looked up abruptly, his young face filled with shock.
"Your subject... Your subject is afraid he is not up to the task!"
Yongzheng smiled and said, "When I was your age, I was already helping the late emperor with state affairs."
He patted his son on the shoulder, "With Zhang Tingyu and Ortai assisting you, and with your mother and I supporting you behind the scenes, what are you afraid of?"
Hongyao's eyes reddened with anxiety: "But Mother just returned, and you're already..."
"It's precisely because your mother has returned," Yongzheng interrupted him, his tone suddenly softening, "that I want to spend more time with her."
He looked at Lin Yun, his eyes full of tenderness, "Over the years, I have wronged her too much."
Lin Yun felt a pang of sadness and turned her face away.
Zhaohua threw herself into her arms and began to sob softly.
Hongxi and Hongsheng know that their brother is going to become emperor, and they will have to learn to help him with his work from now on.
Growth happens in an instant.
"Very well," Yongzheng rose, regaining his imperial majesty, "My mind is made up on this matter. The Ministry of Rites shall immediately prepare for the abdication ceremony, and the Imperial Astronomical Bureau shall select an auspicious day and announce it to the world."
The abdication ceremony was scheduled for one month later.
During this period, the government and the public were extremely busy.
The Ministry of Rites drafted a detailed ceremonial procedure, the Ministry of Works rushed to produce the new emperor's dragon robe, and the Imperial Household Department renovated the Qianqing Palace.
Hongyao studied government affairs with Emperor Yongzheng every day, often working until late at night.
Lin Yun felt sorry for her son, but she also knew that this was an inevitable path.
On the eve of the grand ceremony, Lin Yun came to the Imperial Ancestral Temple alone.
The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the solemn and majestic palace.
She walked in slowly, gazing at the ancestral tablets, her heart filled with mixed emotions.
Fifteen years ago, when she first transmigrated here, she was a modern woman filled with fear and apprehension.
Now, she is the mother of a nation, has her own child, and the man who has never left her side.
"Empress Mother?" Hongyao's voice came from behind.
The young man was dressed in a bright yellow prince's robe, and his brows already showed the composure of an emperor.
Lin Yun turned around and waved to him: "Yao'er, what brings you here?"
Hongyao walked to her side and whispered, "I can't sleep."
He paused, his voice hoarse, "Your Majesty, I... am afraid."
Lin Yun's heart softened, and she reached out to smooth out the wrinkles on his clothes: "Silly child, what's there to be afraid of?"
"I'm afraid I won't be a good emperor and will disappoint my father's expectations."
Hongyao lowered his head, "I'm afraid... I'm afraid that after you and Father Emperor leave, I'll be all alone..."
Lin Yun hugged her son tightly, gently patting his back just like she had when he was a child: "Yao'er, remember, even an emperor is human."
She said softly, "It's normal to make mistakes and feel lost sometimes. The important thing is to always keep the people in mind."
Hongyao nodded in her arms, his shoulders trembling slightly.
"Although your father has abdicated, we won't go far." Lin Yun cupped his face and wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes. "When the peach blossoms bloom in Jiangnan, we'll go see them; when the lotus flowers bloom in West Lake, we'll go admire them. If you miss us, just send someone a letter, and we'll come back anytime."
Hongyao burst into laughter through his tears: "What if I think of you every day?"
"Then we'll write letters every day," Lin Yun laughed. "But don't find us annoying then."
The mother and son looked at each other and smiled.
The abdication ceremony was held as scheduled.
In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, civil and military officials lined up on both sides.
Amidst the sounds of ceremonial music, Yongzheng took Lin Yun's hand and walked step by step up the jade steps.
He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe today, but he seemed more relaxed than usual.
Lin Yun was dressed in the Empress's court dress, and the phoenix crown on her head shone brightly in the sunlight.
Hongyao, dressed in the ceremonial robes of a prince, knelt at the foot of the jade steps.
The boy stood ramrod straight, his eyes filled with determination.
Emperor Yongzheng removed his crown and personally placed it on Hongyao's head.
At that moment, everyone held their breath.
"Today I abdicate the throne to Crown Prince Hongyao, hoping that you will be diligent in governing and love the people, and live up to the expectations of the nation." Yongzheng's voice resounded throughout the hall.
Hongyao kowtowed deeply: "Your subject will heed your teachings and strive diligently to govern the country, living up to the expectations of Your Majesty."
The master of ceremonies announced loudly: "The new emperor ascends the throne—"
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" The thunderous cheers echoed through the sky.
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