Chapter 74: The dragon robe respectfully invites Your Majesty to ascend the throne!
The outline of the Jin capital emerged at the edge of the field of vision, like a dormant beast, shedding its former fury and radiating a tranquility beneath the warm spring sun. The return journey took much quicker than expected. Perhaps feeling a heavy burden had been lifted from their hearts, the three of them abandoned the carriage and each rode a horse, making the journey seem even faster and shorter.
Lou Wanqiao rode his horse slowly, his eyes sweeping across both sides of the road.
The journey was uneventful. Unlike the destitute and resentful people she had witnessed when she first arrived in the Jin Kingdom a few months prior, the crops along the way were noticeably more lush, and the figures of farmers bent over their work no longer seemed dull. Occasionally, children could be seen chasing and playing on the ridges of the fields. Near some of the irrigation canals under repair, officials were even conducting field surveys and chatting with the villagers. The atmosphere was quite harmonious. All of this silently indicated the profound changes taking place in this land.
"It seems that this prince does have some means." Wen Xuechi's voice sounded from the side, without any personal feelings, and also expressed what Lou Wanqiao was thinking.
Lou Wanqiao nodded slightly. She knew full well the swift and meticulous effort required to quickly stabilize the situation and restore livelihoods in a country plagued by deep-seated problems and undergoing dramatic change. Her understanding of Li Yulan deepened.
Judging from the effectiveness of his governance alone, I think Li Yulan will become a powerful ally in the future.
Instead of heading to the inn, they entered the palace directly. The palace walls remained imposing, but the guards were clear-eyed and disciplined. The palace attendants no longer walked with the breathless fear of the past. The entire palace atmosphere was completely renewed.
Lou Wanqiao first listened to a detailed report from the court and the Jin Empire over the past few days, gaining a general understanding of the situation within the Jin Empire. As expected, Li Yulan, with his usual ruthless style, even more so than before, swiftly and decisively eliminated the stubborn remnants of the old dynasty, completely overhauling the imperial palace. Even more moving was the meticulous arrangements he made for those rescued from Wanyan Zhe's nightmarish palace. Those who wished to leave were given sufficient money to support themselves, while those who wished to remain were offered guidance based on their abilities, allowing them to freely choose their own path in life.
Everything was improving, thriving. The imperial palace, and indeed the entire Jin Dynasty, was now like a meticulously manicured garden, still bearing the marks of wind and rain, yet already displaying an irrepressible vitality.
She let out a soft breath, the last weight hanging in her heart seemingly lifted. With this, the threat to the border between Jin and Dali was completely resolved. If Li Yulan had once been an unpredictable figure, a foe and a friend, then after sharing life and death together and witnessing his actions now, perhaps they could truly be called "friends."
"Azhao!"
A familiar voice came from behind her. Lou Wanqiao turned around and saw Li Yulan running towards her.
His eyes were bright with undisguised joy.
However, just as he was about to approach Lou Wanqiao, a moon-white figure took a step forward inconspicuously and stood in front of Lou Wanqiao.
It was Wen Xuechi. His expression remained calm, but the invisible aura surrounding him forced Li Yulan to stop.
Li Yulan's smile froze for a moment, a sinister flicker in his eyes, so fleeting it seemed like an illusion. His gaze, passing over Wen Xuechi's shoulder and resting on Lou Wanqiao, had once again curved into a gentle, harmless arc, tinged with just the right amount of grievance and concern. "Azhao, you're finally back! It's been so long since we last met, I was so worried. I just heard you go to the Ten Thousand Poison Valley and risk your life collecting herbs for my sake... It's so hard work, I..."
He choked up and seemed unable to continue, just looking at her with his sparkling peach blossom eyes.
Lou Wanqiao saw that he looked much better than when he was unconscious. Although still a little pale, he seemed to have regained some energy, and she was happy for him. She gently patted Wen Xuechi's arm to indicate that it was okay, and then said to Li Yulan in a gentle voice, "It's just a small favor. Friends should help each other. You have just recovered from a serious illness, so you should take good care of yourself and don't worry too much."
"Don't worry, A'zhao. I'm the most obedient person." Li Yulan immediately responded, "It just so happens that I've calculated a good date. The day after tomorrow is an auspicious day, and everything will be suitable. I plan to hold the coronation ceremony on that day. What do you think?"
He asked naturally, as if he was just asking for a friend's opinion. Lou Wanqiao just felt that he was extremely efficient and even planned the date of his coronation, which was naturally meaningless.
"As long as you think it's okay," Lou Wanqiao nodded. "Mingfeng has already gone to make the medicine. Just remember to take it on time from now on."
Li Yulan seemed to be thinking about something, then clapped his hands and said, "Then remember to come when the time comes! I always feel uneasy without you..."
Yes, indeed. This is an important day, and nothing can go wrong.
Lou Wanqiao still nodded and agreed straightforwardly: "Okay."
So from that day on, Li Yulan seemed to have found a reasonable reason and "pestered" Lou Wanqiao almost day and night.
He always stared at Wen Xuechi with murderous eyes, but with a sincere expression of seeking advice on his face, and never did anything inappropriate.
In the evening, Wen Xuechi closed the door and sighed heavily.
Lou Wanqiao, who was reading a document, looked up when he heard the noise and asked, "What's troubling you so?"
"Aqiao, the matter of the Jin Kingdom has been resolved, and it's almost time for us to go back."
Lou Wanqiao thought what he said made sense and nodded. "We'll leave after he successfully ascends the throne. It's been a while since I've contacted Li Su, and His Majesty needs someone to stay by his side."
Wen Xuechi said no more, but just moved a chair to sit next to her.
Another day passed, and in the morning, Li Yulan opened the door holding a thick stack of ceremonial documents.
"Azhao, come and take a look at the procedures of this coronation ceremony to see if there are any omissions?" He walked naturally to Lou Wanqiao's side, and his arm inadvertently brushed against her arm as he unfolded the scroll.
His fingers seemed to be trembling slightly, but Lou Wanqiao thought he was nervous and carefully reviewed it for him, offering some pertinent suggestions as he sketched. Li Yulan nodded repeatedly, watching intently.
"Oh, Ah Zhao, I forgot to tell you that the roads in the palace have been renovated in some places, so they're not very easy to walk on recently. I'm afraid you'll get lost, so I'll take you for a walk during my free time these few days."
After reading the scroll, Lou Wanqiao initially felt that this was a bit superfluous. She wouldn't be in the Jin Kingdom for long, so there was no need for such a fuss. But when she saw Li Yulan's gaze, she swallowed the words of refusal that were on the tip of her tongue.
He led her along the winding corridor. At corners, he would slow down slightly to let her pass, and his palm would casually and quickly press lightly on her shoulder blade, the pressure as light as a feather, but enough for him to feel the curve of her shoulder. Lou Wanqiao frowned slightly and looked back at him, but he just pointed innocently at the scenery outside the corridor: "Look at that magnolia tree, it's in full bloom."
She looked in the direction of his finger. A magnolia blossom trembled slightly in the wind, its bright and charming bloom. Lou Wanqiao stared at the white flower, lost in thought for a moment.
Many memories suddenly flashed through my mind, and the extremely light floral fragrance was refreshing, as if it swept away all the long-standing fatigue.
Li Yulan looked at the expression between her brows and said tentatively, "Azhao, the imperial kitchen has made Dali snacks with the flavor of home. Let's go and try them together."
She turned her head and saw the caution in his eyes, and agreed.
As he handed over the delicate porcelain plate, his fingertips brushed the back of her hand as she took it.
"Your Highness," she suddenly said. Li Yulan's heart sank. He looked up at her, holding half a piece of cake, and then heard her slowly utter the second half of the sentence, "You and Dali are both right. Dali will always be your home."
He was stunned and didn't speak for a long time.
Dali.
This familiar yet unfamiliar name once carried many years of hatred for him and was filled with memories of pain and tears.
Li Yulan thought that in this life, it was a matter of life and death between him and the people of Li State.
Until one person turned the world upside down and created a completely different new world with his own hands.
It was she who personally introduced him into such a world, and it was the first time in his life that Li Yulan saw so many rich colors.
So warm.
So warm.
Azhao, I don’t want to let go.
…
“…Your Highness?”
Seeing that he didn't respond for a long time, Lou Wanqiao became a little worried.
Could it be that the medicine is too strong? His body is really weak. Is he a little overwhelmed by the non-stop work these past few days?
"Ah, Azhao, you called me?"
"Your Highness, if you have any questions, you can ask me anytime. If I'm not here, ask Yan Gui. We will all help you. Don't force yourself."
Li Yulan stood up and said, "Azhao, speaking of this, there is indeed one thing I need your help with... This chair will be used to receive foreign envoys in the future. Could you help me test the height and comfort?"
He pointed to a wide rosewood chair in the side hall that was obviously newly made and intricately carved, his eyes shining.
Lou Wanqiao looked in the direction of his finger. Although he didn't quite understand, he still sat down as he was told.
Since Li Yulan needs her help, Lou Wanqiao naturally won't refuse.
It was neither too tall nor too short, and it was comfortable to sit on. She leaned back and felt the body feel very good.
The moment she stood up, Li Yulan extended his hand to support her. Lou Wanqiao looked at him strangely, feeling that Li Yulan seemed to be too concerned about her daily movements in recent days.
There's a kind of... indescribable weirdness.
Lou Wanqiao hadn't been completely oblivious to this. She'd felt that Li Yulan had been unusually... clingy these past two days. And those little gestures were a bit too much. But then she thought, he'd lacked love and affection since childhood, and now, having just recovered from a serious illness and about to assume the weight of a nation's ruler, he might be feeling a surge of insecurity and dependence, the kind only a person who viewed her as the most trusted would experience.
Thinking of this, the subtle discomfort in my heart turned into a faint pity and tolerance, and I just let him go.
Li Yulan smiled and said, "Thank you very much, Azhao. If it weren't for you, I wouldn't know anything and it would probably take me a long time to figure it out."
The feeling flashed by, and Lou Wanqiao waved his hand nonchalantly: "It's okay, just ask if you need any help!"
Wen Xuechi saw all of this, and a cold light occasionally flashed in his dark jade eyes, but when he saw that Lou Wanqiao did not show any disgust, and that Li Yulan's behavior was always within a certain limit, he did not hold back for the time being.
In the blink of an eye, it was the day of his enthronement.
On this day, the streets of the Jin capital were deserted, and the imperial palace, both inside and out, was adorned like a fairy palace. On the white marble square, civil and military officials, dressed in brand new court robes, stood at attention according to their ranks, in a hushed silence. A ceremonial guard, clad in gleaming helmets and armor, carried golden axes, their flags rustling in the wind. Musical officials stood at their side, awaiting the auspicious moment.
The people of the Jin Dynasty looked solemn. After the reforms of the past few days, they now had extraordinary expectations for the new dynasty.
Everyone is welcoming the new emperor.
Sunlight pierced the clouds, illuminating the glazed tiles with a golden glow. Lou Wanqiao, Wen Xuechi, Mingfeng, and the others, as the most important guests, were respectfully led by eunuchs to the most honorable seat in the hall. Dressed in casual attire, she gazed up at the grand and solemn scene before her, a wave of emotion welling up in her heart.
The prince who had once struggled in the mud and survived intrigue was finally about to ascend to the supreme throne, personally wielding the power of this vast land. She sincerely hoped that he would become a wise ruler, leading this land to true prosperity and achieving glory alongside Dali.
The auspicious hour had arrived, bells and drums tolled, and solemn and melodious ritual music resounded through the sky. Everyone's eyes were focused on the end of the tall imperial steps leading to the nine-dragon gilded throne, awaiting the appearance of the new emperor.
However, the imperial steps were deserted. A moment later, it wasn't Li Yulan, dressed in dragon robes, who emerged, but the chief eunuch, holding a roll of bright yellow silk. An inexplicable silence permeated the officials.
The eunuch, with a solemn expression, unfolded the silk scroll and read out the text word for word in a loud and clear voice that could be heard in every corner of the hall:
"The Mandate of Heaven is unpredictable; only virtue can guide it. The Jin Kingdom has reached its end, and its tyranny must be punished. Now, a man of Heaven's Mandate, benevolent and wise, has emerged. He will punish the tyrant, quell the chaos, and save the people from disaster. His contributions will be felt throughout the nation, and his virtue matches that of heaven and earth! He follows the will of Heaven and is the universal voice! I hereby declare to the world that Lou Wanqiao will be the heir to the throne, and the reign will be changed to 'Zhaoming'! I decree—"
After the imperial edict was read, the whole world seemed to have lost its voice. All the civil and military officials were dumbfounded, their faces filled with disbelief.
Lou Wanqiao felt as if struck by lightning, his entire body's blood freezing instantly. His mind went blank, and those usually cold and calm eyes were now filled with complete shock and bewilderment.
She subconsciously looked at Wen Xuechi beside her, and saw a rare flash of deep surprise in his eyes, but then he seemed to understand everything in an instant, and cast a complicated gaze towards the shadow on the side of the imperial steps.
At that moment, Li Yulan slowly emerged from the shadows. He wore no dragon robes, a symbol of imperial authority, but merely the dark, patterned garb of a prince. His dark hair was held back with a simple jade hairpin, making his complexion appear even paler, almost transparently fragile. Yet, his steps were remarkably steady and resolute, and a faint, contented, yet strange smile lingered on his lips.
Under everyone's dazed gaze, Li Yulan walked straight to Lou Wanqiao. He ignored everything around him, as if he only saw her.
In this solemn and dignified Golden Palace, witnessed by all the civil and military officials and the people of the world, Li Yulan bowed devoutly to Lou Wanqiao, who was still in great shock. His voice was clear and firm, like the clash of jade, echoing in the deadly silent hall:
"Your Majesty, I, Li Yulan, respectfully invite you to ascend the throne!"
Following his loud shout, the palace maids and eunuchs who had been waiting on the side filed out one after another, holding in their hands a dazzling, extremely gorgeous and solemn dragon robe.
The dragon robe, constructed from the finest cloud brocade, was embroidered with a lifelike pattern of nine soaring dragons in gold thread, interspersed with phoenixes and peonies, and inlaid with pearls and gemstones. In the sunlight, it shone with a dazzling brilliance that was too dazzling to gaze upon. Even more astonishing was the fact that every detail of the robe, from the width of the shoulders, the drawstring waist, the length of the cuffs, and the overall flowing lines, perfectly matched Lou Wanqiao's figure, as if it had been sculpted to her exact form.
This is a unique dragon robe in the world.
Lou Wanqiao stared blankly at the dragon robe that was respectfully held before her, and then suddenly looked at Li Yulan, who was bowing in the audience with a humble attitude but fanatical eyes. In a flash, she understood everything!
Those "inadvertent" touches he'd made over the past two days, those seemingly dependent and intimate actions, weren't because he was nervous or unwell at all! From beginning to end, he'd been paving the way for her, using this secret and extreme method to measure her size, prepare everything for her, and then, under the watchful eyes of everyone, push her to the supreme position of the nine-five, the world's most supreme.
"Li Yulan, you...!" Lou Wanqiao's voice trembled slightly, and she herself was not aware of it. A huge wave of shock, confusion, anger at being deceived, and a heavy and complex emotion of being trusted completely and entrusted with the heavy responsibility of the country were like a surging tide, drowning her in an instant and making it almost impossible for her to breathe.
Li Yulan finally raised his head and looked at her. His peach blossom eyes, always shrouded in mist and filled with countless calculations, were now crystal clear, revealing only pure, unquestionable seriousness and an almost devout expectation. He spoke softly, but his tone was weighty and clearly reached her ears:
"Azhao, there's no one in this world more suitable than you. I only wish, and only dare... to serve you with all my vast land and common people."
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