Royal Palace
After returning to the palace, Qin Fei went to Enhua Hall to request an audience with the Crown Prince.
Qin Fei: "Greetings, Your Highness."
Murong Zhi: "Mother, you don't need to be so polite."
Qin Fei relayed the Emperor's message to the Crown Prince word for word.
Murong Zhi was silent for a moment, then sighed and said, "Zhi, I understand. Thank you for conveying this message, Mother."
He paused and added, "Since it is Father's wish, then let us grant it."
After speaking, he turned to Zhao Cheng and said, "Send the eunuchs and palace maids that Father Emperor is used to to the villa and let them take good care of Father Emperor."
Zhao Cheng: "Yes, Your Highness." After speaking, he turned and went out to make the arrangements.
Qin Fei said, "Your Highness, I plan to hold the wedding for Qing'er and Ya'er after your coronation ceremony. July 4th is an auspicious day." She couldn't help but smile as she added, "It will also save your fourth brother from having to run to the Prime Minister's residence every day."
Murong Zhi: "That's excellent. Mother Consort, you may proceed with the arrangements. Wang Chenyuan, the person in charge of the celebrations, will assist you. If you need anything, just go to the Imperial Household Department to get it."
Qin Fei: "Yes, thank you, Your Highness."
Murong Zhi: "You're too kind, Mother."
During the celebration, Wang Chenyuan was busy taking stock of the items needed for the Crown Prince's enthronement when he saw Zhao Cheng walking towards him.
Thinking he had come to inquire about the preparations for the coronation ceremony, he hurriedly replied, "Lord Zhao, everything is going smoothly for Your Highness's coronation."
Zhao Cheng: "Thank you for your hard work, Steward Wang."
Wang Chenyuan repeatedly said, "It's no trouble at all, it's all what I should do."
Zhao Cheng: "I'm here today because I have something to tell you."
Wang Chenyuan: "Please give your instructions, sir."
Zhao Cheng: "It's a joyous occasion, the Fourth Prince's wedding. The Imperial Concubine has already chosen a date, July 4th. Time is a bit tight; we'll have to start preparing after the Crown Prince's enthronement ceremony. Thank you for your hard work, Steward Wang."
Wang Chenyuan was flattered and said, "It is my pleasure, it is my pleasure. It is my honor to serve Your Highness and the Imperial Noble Consort."
Zhao Cheng: "Then you go ahead with your work, I'll head back now."
Wang Chenyuan: "Okay, take care, father-in-law."
After seeing Zhao Cheng off, Wang Chenyuan returned to the Yihe Hall, somewhat excited. He thought to himself, "He must arrange both of these matters properly." With that thought, he hurriedly went off to make arrangements.
May 17
Murong Zhi, dressed in a bright yellow robe, exuded nobility and majesty. He first completed the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven under the guidance of Wang Chenyuan, the person in charge of the celebration, and then proceeded to the ancestral hall to worship his ancestors.
The group then proceeded to the Fengtian Hall.
Tianfeng Hall
Zhao Cheng produced the abdication edict previously written by the Retired Emperor and said, "The Retired Emperor decrees: 'I have been ill for years. Crown Prince Murong Zhi is of noble character, wise and humble, and possesses profound foresight and far-sighted vision. I hereby abdicate in his favor, which is truly the will of Heaven. This is hereby proclaimed to the world. So be it.'"
Murong Zhi: "Your subject obeys the decree."
After receiving the imperial edict, Murong Zhi rose and faced the assembled officials. Murong Yu, Murong Qing, and all the officials stepped forward and kowtowed, saying, "Your subject greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!"
Murong Zhi: "No need for formalities, rise."
Zhao Cheng produced the imperial edict of Murong Zhi's ascension to the throne and said: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I now ascend the throne as Emperor, and change the era name to 'An Ding' (安定). May the people live in peace and the country be stable. As a time of universal celebration, taxes are hereby reduced for three years to mark the occasion. So be it."
Murong Yu, Murong Qing, and all the officials stepped forward and kowtowed again, saying, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Murong Zhi: "No need for formalities, rise."
After everyone stood up, Zhao Cheng took out the imperial edict conferring titles upon Murong Zhi and said, "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: My third brother Murong Yu and fourth brother Murong Qing are filial, respectful, humble, wise, and brave. Therefore, I hereby confer upon Murong Yu the title of Prince Fu and upon Murong Qing the title of Prince Xian. This is my decree."
"Your Majesty, I accept the decree and thank you. Long live the Emperor!"
Murong Yu and Murong Qing stepped forward to receive the imperial decree and express their gratitude.
The officials stepped forward and kowtowed, saying, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Murong Zhi: "All of you, rise."
Murong Yu, Murong Qing, and all the officials said, "Thank you, Your Majesty."
With that, the enthronement ceremony concluded, and the assembled officials dispersed.
Murong Zhi called out to Murong Yu and Murong Qing, who were walking out, and said, "Third brother, fourth brother, let's have lunch together."
"Yes, elder brother."
Murong Yu and Murong Qing said in unison.
Despite Murong Zhi's ascension to the throne, the three brothers did not become estranged. After having lunch together, they went their separate ways.
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