Phoenix Reigns Supreme
When Wu Zetian was five months pregnant, the pregnancy was stable.
On this day, Li Zhi solemnly picked up a bright yellow imperial edict in front of all the civil and military officials at the court assembly.
"The position of Empress has been vacant for too long, which is not a blessing for the nation." His voice echoed in the Taiji Hall. "Consort Wu, Meiniang, is gentle and kind by nature, renowned for her virtuous character, meritorious in raising an heir, and skillful in assisting in governance. Now, I hereby issue an edict to the world, establishing her as Empress, to be the mother of the nation!"
(Inner monologue: It's finally here! My boss is going to finalize my status while I'm pregnant!)
The imperial edict caused an uproar throughout the palace.
The Shanggong Bureau, the Ministry of Rites, and the Taichang Temple were all busy.
Despite Wu Zetian's pregnancy, Emperor Gaozong insisted on holding the grandest investiture ceremony.
"Your Majesty, the Empress is heavily pregnant, and these eighty-one steps of the imperial staircase..." The Minister of Rites looked troubled.
"It's alright." Wu Meiniang stroked her slightly protruding belly, her tone firm. "My son and I are worthy of the most solemn ceremony in the world."
(Inner monologue: Climbing stairs is nothing! Back when I was carrying water and chopping wood at Ganye Temple, what hardships haven't I endured!)
On the day of the investiture, the entire city of Chang'an was deserted.
Water was splashed on Zhuque Avenue to clean the streets, and yellow sand was used to pave the road.
Wu Zetian wore a specially made, loose-fitting ceremonial robe, its twelve imperial symbols gleaming in the sunlight.
She wore a crown with nine dragons and four phoenixes, and the twelve white jade beaded curtains hanging down swayed gently in front of her dignified face.
Li Zhi personally waited in front of the Taiji Hall.
When he watched Wu Zetian holding the Empress's jade seal, steadily stepping up the white marble steps, he couldn't help but take two steps forward and extend his hand to her.
“Your Majesty,” Wu Meiniang stopped at the last step, her voice clear and melodious, “let me walk this last step myself.”
Under the watchful eyes of civil and military officials and envoys from various countries, she slowly ascended to the top and stood side by side with Li Zhi.
The master of ceremonies announced loudly: "Issue the Imperial Seal—"
When the heavy imperial seal fell into her arms, Wu Meiniang felt the baby in her womb move slightly.
(Inner monologue: Good boy, did you also feel this historic moment?)
Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) publicly announced: "From this day forward, the Emperor and Empress shall be addressed as 'Two Saints' and jointly govern the state!"
He continued, “Empress, though six months pregnant, still cares deeply for the nation. If this child is a prince, I will name him ‘Xian,’ wishing for harmonious governance and a peaceful and prosperous world; if it is a princess, I will name her ‘Taiping,’ wishing for peace and tranquility throughout the land.”
A chorus of congratulations immediately filled the hall.
Holding the imperial seal, Wu Zetian's gaze swept over the assembled officials below the stage, each with a different expression—some genuinely congratulating her, some forcing smiles, and others unable to conceal their jealousy.
(Inner monologue: It took me eight years to walk this path from Ganye Temple to Taiji Hall. Now, I can finally stand at the pinnacle of power!)
In the stillness of the night, Wu Meiniang stood alone in front of the Zichen Palace, gazing at the starry sky.
Li Zhi draped an outer robe over her shoulders: "What are you thinking about?"
"I am thinking," she said, placing her hand on her pregnant belly, "that this child is destined to be born in a different Tang Dynasty."
The moonlight shone on her solemn empress's court dress, and also illuminated the light in her eyes that shone brighter than the stars.
——
[Mini-Theater: The Queen's New Clothes]
(From the perspective of a female official in the Bureau of Imperial Clothing)
Making court robes for a pregnant empress must have been incredibly difficult!
The robe should be dignified but not constricting to the stomach, and the phoenix crown should be magnificent but not too heavy.
The worst part was that the Empress herself participated in the design and insisted that we add pockets to the inner layer of the ceremonial robe.
"It's convenient for sending out memorials," the Empress said matter-of-factly.
During today's grand ceremony, I was filled with trepidation with every step Your Majesty took.
It wasn't until I saw her steadily reach the top that I realized she actually had a copy of "New Strategies for the Grand Canal" tucked in her pocket...
(Never mind, this is so Empress.)
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