"This is a matter of state for me, and also my... family matter."
When Xiao Che uttered those words, Lin Wanwan knew that this long-awaited grand ceremony was now irreversible.
This was not a simple ceremony, but rather his way of making amends to the world in the most solemn and formal manner, fulfilling his promise of "offering the country as a dowry."
...
The auspicious day chosen by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau arrived quickly.
On this day, before dawn, the entire capital city had already awakened.
Unlike the terror and bloodshed of the night of the palace coup, today's capital is filled with a heartfelt joy and peace. Red silk and lanterns have been spontaneously hung in front of every household, the streets are spotless, and people are dressed in their best clothes, their faces beaming with genuine smiles, as if celebrating a festival even grander than the New Year.
The news that the emperor was holding a belated investiture ceremony for the empress had already spread throughout the land.
For the people of Daliang, this was more than just a royal celebration. The "Goddess Empress" was already a figure of bodhisattva-like virtue in their hearts. It was she who offered divine strategies to save the people from suffering; it was because of her concern for the people that the clean and tidy "Chang'an Lane" we see today exists. They were willing to celebrate for such a virtuous empress.
His Majesty decreed that the capital should celebrate for three days and share the joy with the people.
At this moment, within the imperial city, drums and gongs resounded, and music filled the air, presenting a scene of peace and prosperity throughout the land.
In front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, on the vast white marble plaza, civil and military officials, dressed in brand-new court robes, stood solemnly according to their rank. Their faces bore a sense of pride and excitement.
On either side of the procession of officials stood a group of people of different skin colors and peculiar attire. They were envoys from vassal states from all directions, including envoys from Japan in the East China Sea, merchants and princes from the Western Regions, tribal leaders from the Southern Frontier, and even blond-haired, blue-eyed foreigners who had traveled across the ocean.
They traveled long distances, bringing with them the most precious treasures from their respective countries, all to catch a glimpse of the legendary empress who had stirred up a storm in Daliang and whose fame had spread far and wide.
That wedding, intended to bring good luck, was held in silence and despair, with very few witnesses, most of whom harbored ulterior motives.
Today's coronation ceremony is a celebration for all people, with all nations paying tribute!
"The auspicious time has arrived—"
With a high-pitched and long-drawn-out announcement from the master of ceremonies, the magnificent royal music suddenly began! The grand symphony woven from the chime bells and orchestral strings seemed to pierce through the clouds and reach the heavens.
Amidst the awe and anticipation of everyone, two figures emerged slowly side by side from the depths of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Walking on the left was Emperor Xiao Che. Today, he was dressed in the most solemn black robe with twelve imperial symbols, wearing a twelve-tassel crown. His face was solemn, and he walked with the stride of a dragon and the gait of a tiger, exuding the supreme majesty of a ruler who reigns over the world.
Walking beside him, standing shoulder to shoulder with him, was the sole protagonist of today's grand ceremony—Empress Lin Wanwan.
The moment she appeared, the entire square seemed to fall silent.
She was dressed in a robe embroidered with hundreds of birds paying homage to the phoenix, made of millions of gold and silver threads. The gorgeous skirt trailed on the ground, and the birds embroidered on it were all different in shape and lifelike, as if they were about to take flight in the sunlight and pay homage to the golden phoenix that was born from fire.
On her head was an extremely elaborate crown with nine dragons and nine phoenixes, each dragon and phoenix holding a pearl or jade drop in its beak. It swayed gently with her steps, making a clear and melodious sound, shimmering with light and unparalleled in its magnificence.
Her makeup was exquisite and dignified, shedding her usual aloofness and affability. Her phoenix eyes were slightly raised, her red lips were lightly pursed, and her aura of imperial majesty was natural, not at all overshadowed by the powerful emperor beside her.
The empress who once struggled to survive in a desperate situation where everyone could bully her is now standing shoulder to shoulder with her emperor at the pinnacle of imperial power, receiving the admiration and worship of the entire world.
This stark contrast, with its immense impact and sense of glory, stirred a surge of emotion within Lin Wanwan.
She could feel Xiao Che beside her holding her hand tightly. His palm was warm and strong, conveying a silent support and comfort.
The two walked steadily and firmly, step by step.
Together they walked along the long steps, along the imperial road that symbolized the highest power of the empire, and finally, together they ascended the highest terrace in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
From here, they can overlook the entire square, looking down at the civil and military officials prostrate on the ground below, and the envoys from all nations who raise their heads in awe and curiosity.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress!"
Led by the newly appointed prime minister, all civil and military officials knelt down and shouted "Long live the emperor!"
Following this, envoys from vassal states from all directions expressed their highest respect in their own languages and with their own etiquette.
In an instant, the sounds of congratulations in various languages resounded throughout the palace like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing, even reaching beyond the palace walls, merging with the cheers of the people of the capital.
He reigned supreme over the world, his elegance and talent unparalleled.
Standing beside Xiao Che, Lin Wanwan felt the slight vibrations beneath her feet, listened to the overwhelming sounds of worship, and gazed at the magnificent scene before her, a spectacle worthy of being recorded in history. Her heart was filled with mixed emotions.
She recalled the fear and despair she felt when she first transmigrated to the dimly lit Kunning Palace, facing a group of kneeling palace servants and the impending "tyrant".
She recalled the days and nights she spent surviving amidst swords and shadows, and navigating conspiracies and intrigues.
She also recalled how the man beside her had gone from initially testing each other to joining hands and eventually sharing life and death.
It all feels like yesterday.
And today, she finally stands here, beside him, possessing her own glory and sharing in his empire.
Amidst the thunderous chants of worship, Lin Wanwan felt the hand holding her tighten slightly.
A deep voice, carrying a hint of barely perceptible laughter and pride, clearly reached her ears, drowning out all the noise.
Xiao Che didn't look at her; his gaze remained fixed straight ahead, accepting the homage of all nations. But he spoke softly to her:
"look,"
"This is the empire I conquered for you."
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