The remaining snow melts, and spring water begins to rise.
Within the palace walls of the Western Ling capital, tender green buds sprouted from the branches of ancient trees that had been dormant all winter, and the crisp spring breeze carried the moist scent of awakening earth. At this season of burgeoning life, a grand coronation ceremony heralded the arrival of an unprecedented era for a female ruler in the Western Ling Kingdom.
Before the Imperial Ancestral Temple, atop nine tiers of white marble steps, Xi Lingyuan stood in a dark imperial robe embroidered with soaring feathers and auspicious cloud patterns in gold thread, her head adorned with a twelve-tasseled white jade crown. The heavy robes weighed down her still slender shoulders, yet they accentuated her upright and graceful figure, the youthful radiance in her eyes now replaced by the majesty and serenity of an emperor. Holding the jade tablet symbolizing the state, amidst solemn ceremonial music and the thunderous shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" from the officials, she ascended step by step to the supreme throne.
Just a step away beside her stood Xiao Chengkang, also dressed in the solemn attire of a prince. He still possessed that refined and gentle appearance, but the black python robe and jade belt added a touch of composure and nobility. His gaze was calm, his steps unhurried, his eyes fixed solely on the figure beside him who bore the weight of the empire, like the most solid rock.
After the ceremony, the new emperor ascended the throne and changed the era name to "Zhaoming," which means "bright as the sun and moon, virtuous and fragrant," symbolizing the beginning of a new era.
In the spring of the first year of the Zhaoming era, memorials piled up like mountains in the imperial study. Xi Lingyuan was among the first to review the reports on spring plowing, water conservancy, and border trade from various regions. Her vermilion pen sometimes circled and sometimes annotated, her movements swift and clear. She was no longer the orphaned girl who had wandered the world. Months of experience overseeing the country and governing the state, coupled with Xiao Chengkang's guidance in identifying and correcting shortcomings and analyzing advantages and disadvantages, had allowed her to quickly mature into a calm and wise monarch.
"The distribution of seeds to the military settlements in the northern border region needs to be overseen by more capable officials to ensure that every military household receives the seeds, without any deductions or delays," Xi Lingyuan said, putting down her vermilion brush, rubbing her slightly sore temples, and instructing the Minister of Revenue who was standing beside her.
"Your Majesty is wise! Your subject obeys the decree!" The Minister of Revenue respectfully accepted the order and withdrew.
Xiao Chengkang handed over a cup of ginseng tea at just the right temperature, his voice gentle: "Your Majesty, please rest for a moment. The spring planting has been arranged, and the regulations for the southern border trade have been issued. We are just waiting for Lady Shen from Daliang to smooth things over before we can officially begin."
Xi Lingyuan took the teacup, sipped, and felt the warmth soothe her weariness. She looked up at Xiao Chengkang, a hint of barely perceptible dependence in her eyes: "Thanks to you. If I were alone, I'd probably be up until late at night dealing with these trivial official duties." Her gaze swept over a corner of the imperial desk, where a thick letter from the Jing Prince's Mansion in Jiangnan lay. It was handwritten by Shen Yuewei, and besides her nagging concern, it detailed the spring scenery of Jiangnan and the progress of the trade negotiations. The letter mentioned that, thanks to the Jing Prince's Mansion's years of experience in establishing sea and land trade routes and its powerful network of connections, trade permits with several cities on the border of Daliang had been basically agreed upon, awaiting only the official opening from Xi Lingyuan's side.
“Mother Consort is always decisive and efficient in her work.” Xiao Chengkang’s eyes were warm. “Once the border trade opens, border residents will be able to exchange goods and services, merchants will travel back and forth, taxes will be plentiful, and the recovery of Xiling’s vitality will be just around the corner.”
As the two were talking, the chief eunuch cautiously announced from outside the door: "Your Majesty, Your Highness the Imperial Consort, the Left and Right Chancellors and several Censors are outside requesting an audience, saying they have important matters to report."
Xi Lingyuan and Xiao Chengkang exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of understanding in each other's eyes. What was meant to happen would happen eventually.
"Announce."
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