Chapter 419: Order
Imperial Palace.
As soon as Shen Hechuan returned to the palace, Situ Qinghe, Luo Kejin, Old Tutor Wang, and Jiang Chongfan arrived.
Shen Hechuan couldn't help but chuckle.
"They came just in time!"
"Come in first!"
He said this and looked at the little shadow beside him.
"Go and summon the Minister of Rites to the palace."
The little shadow looked at Chen Hechuan calmly, then hurriedly gave his orders.
Soon, the ministers came in one after another and saluted Shen Hechuan first.
Chen Hechuan threw the memorial in his hand and spoke first.
"My dear ministers, you have arrived at the perfect time. I have something to tell you."
Situ Qinghe bowed and said, "I, your humble servant, have something important to tell Your Majesty today."
Chen Hechuan: "My dear, please wait a moment. Everything will be discussed after the Minister of Rites arrives."
When the ministers heard this, they looked at each other, wondering what was going on. They immediately knelt on the ground, trying to stop Shen Hechuan.
"Your Majesty, absolutely not!"
Shen Hechuan's eyes were stern and he had made up his mind.
"I'm sure you all have heard about what happened outside the palace today."
"I saw with my own eyes that the mythical bird, known as the Phoenix by the people, was indeed circling above Jingchun's head for several weeks.
This is the divine bird choosing its queen, the will of heaven is clear!"
He paused, his voice more resolute:
"Therefore, I have decided to advance the wedding date and hold the enthronement ceremony next month! This will benefit the people of Dacheng. I believe the spirit of the late emperor in heaven will also be pleased."
Upon hearing this, Situ Mingji kowtowed eagerly: "Your Majesty! There must be something fishy about this matter. I hope Your Majesty will investigate carefully and not fall into the trap of the treacherous people!"
Jiang Chongfan also fell to the ground, "Your Majesty, I second your motion! This matter is full of doubts, and it would be inappropriate to act hastily!"
Shen Hechuan's face turned cold when he heard this.
"Then, in your opinion, what is wrong with this matter?"
Jiang Chongfan: "Your Majesty, this is simply too much of a coincidence.
Moreover, this phoenix bird only exists in ancient books. We have never seen it before. Why did it appear today?"
"Also, why are so many people having a feast in front of Gu Jingchun's door today? It's all too coincidental.
I'm afraid someone with ulterior motives is deliberately creating this illusion of 'the goddess choosing a queen, fulfilling her destiny' in order to achieve their own ends."
After Jiang Chongfan finished speaking, Situ Qinghe nodded again and continued, "Your Majesty, since ancient times, the saying 'accepting the mandate of heaven and following the will of heaven' has always been a prophecy for emperors.
And now, this prophecy has appeared on a woman, I am afraid it will be detrimental to your throne!"
"I'm afraid it will also affect your status among the people."
"Listen, the people of Tiandu City are now spreading the word that the divine bird has descended to the world.
If things continue to develop in this way, even if you achieve great success in governing the country with all your heart, I'm afraid the people will think that it is Gu Jingchun's achievement.
Could it be that you have the heart to watch your reputation and political achievements be replaced by a woman?"
When Shen Hechuan heard this, his face turned cold and his eyes were deep, making it impossible to guess what he was thinking.
His eyes fell on Old Master Wang, who had remained silent.
"Master, what do you think?"
Old Master Wang narrowed his eyes, slowly raised his head, and spoke in a slow tone.
"This matter does have many suspicious points. Your Majesty should send more people to investigate, so as to avoid being taken advantage of by someone and falling into their trap.
As for the wedding, this old minister believes that everything should be decided by Your Majesty.
After all, Your Majesty, you work tirelessly every day to manage state affairs. Everyone sees this, and it can't be changed by a small prophecy."
Chen Hechuan nodded and asked Luo Kejin again.
"Lord Luo, what do you think?"
Luo Kejin's eyes rolled around before he spoke.
"I think the Master is right."
Shen Hechuan snorted coldly.
"Lord Luo is truly an old fox."
******
At this time, in Gu Jingchun's mansion.
Gu Jingchun stood in the yard, looking at the place where he was standing at that time, frowning.
A moment later, Lan Xin flew down from the roof.
"Miss, there's nothing unusual on the roof."
Gu Jingchun looked at the tree not far away again.
Lan Xin: "I've already checked that tree, there's nothing wrong with it."
Gu Jingchun nodded and looked at where he was standing again.
"Find someone to check every place in my yard, inside and out."
At this time, Liu Xiaoer hurried over.
"Master, something bad has happened. Someone is coming from the palace."
******
On the streets of Tiandu.
Gu Jingchun sat in the carriage leading to the palace, lifted the curtain and looked out the window.
At this time, several people pulling an ox cart passed by her carriage.
Gu Jingchun's gaze fell on the people pulling the cart and he frowned slightly.
Lan Xin noticed Gu Jingchun's frown and couldn't help but ask, "Miss, what's wrong?"
"Is there something wrong?"
Gu Jingchun thought, they were just a few ordinary farmers. Although those people looked a little strange, there were people like that.
Thinking of this, Gu Jingchun shook his head.
"Nothing."
After saying that, he lowered the curtain.
The ox cart that had just passed her carriage soon arrived at the city gate.
When the few of them walked to the city gate, the soldiers guarding the city looked at them carefully.
In response to this, Niu Er smiled naively.
The other party frowned in disgust and then let them pass.
Not far after Niu Er and his men drove out of the city gate, a small hidden weapon was shot out and hit the necks of the guards at the gate.
In an instant, several guards fell to the ground, completely dead.
This reaction quickly caused panic among the people around, who all screamed and shouted, "Murder, murder!"
As he spoke, the people who had been orderly suddenly became chaotic.
When the general guarding the city heard the noise, he immediately walked down from the city gate, ordered people to close the city gate, and comforted the panicked people.
******
At this time, Gu Jingchun had already arrived at the palace.
She was taken directly to Wanhe Hall.
As soon as he entered, Chen Hechuan ordered the little shadow beside him to issue an imperial decree.
"By the providence of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims:
I have inherited the mandate of Heaven and rule over all nations. I must rely on virtuous and wise people to assist the ancestral temple.
Today, there is Gu Jingchun, a man of virtuous character, prudent, gentle and respectful, well-versed in etiquette, and with a long history of graceful manners. He has been adhering to the family precepts since childhood, well-versed in poetry and etiquette, with pure virtues and a kind heart.
When I observe her virtue, I find that she is worthy of being a role model for the whole world; when I observe her conduct, I find that she is worthy of being a model for all the other palaces.
Now, in accordance with ancient customs and the Empress Dowager's decree, I enthronize you as Empress. You must obey my orders, follow the internal rules, respect your mother-in-law and daughter-in-law, and be harmonious with your concubines and sisters-in-law. You must assist me, jointly carry out the ancestral sacrifices, and bring peace to the country forever.
Announce it to the whole world, and let everyone know."
Upon hearing this, Gu Jingchun suddenly raised his head and looked straight at Shen Hechuan.
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