fynovel Chapter 885 The First Year of Jinghe, the Enthronement Hall!
Chapter 885 The First Year of Jinghe, the Enthronement Hall!
As dawn broke, the mist gradually dissipated.
The dark black carriage passed through layers of palace gates and finally stopped on the white marble square in front of Chengtian Hall.
The square was as wide as a mirror, and it was now filled with civil and military officials, arranged in neat square formations according to their rank. There was no sound except for the faint sound of the wind blowing the hem of their court robes.
The carriage stopped, the curtain was lifted, and Jiang Ning, dressed in a black robe with the Dongling Seal hanging at his waist, slowly stepped down from the carriage.
As soon as he landed, two young female officials dressed in palace attire came forward to greet him. Both of them had delicate features and dignified manners.
The leading female official was in her early twenties, with an upright posture, slender waist, and demeanor that clearly indicated she had received professional training.
She bowed gracefully to Jiang Ning, her voice clear and bright: "This servant is here on His Majesty's orders to welcome Marquis Dongling. Please follow me, Your Highness, your seat has been prepared."
Jiang Ning nodded slightly and followed the female official toward the front of the square.
As they passed by, many of the civil and military officials who had been standing solemnly cast their gazes toward them, some with awe, some with curiosity, and some with curiosity.
Those gazes, almost tangible, converged on Jiang Ning, yet quietly dispersed beneath his calm aura, not daring to linger.
The events that occurred in Chengqian Palace a few days ago have spread to almost every corner of the capital after these past few days. Almost everyone in the city has heard about them, not to mention the civil and military officials who are even more well-informed.
"The Marquis of Dongling has arrived."
"So young!!"
"."
The hushed whispers spread like ripples through the crowd, then quickly subsided.
Jiang Ning kept his eyes straight ahead and his steps were steady, as if he were oblivious to everything around him.
He had a clear understanding of the emotions behind those gazes.
There were officials who had just pledged allegiance to the new emperor yesterday, eager to curry favor; there were those who had previously relied on other princes, filled with unease; and there was also pure awe and wonder at him.
Two female officials led him through the ranks of officials to the front of the square, to an area adjacent to the steps of the Chengtian Hall.
There are more than ten carved rosewood chairs here, each with a small table in front of it, covered with bright yellow brocade and set with tea, snacks and fresh fruit.
These seats were clearly reserved for those with the most prestigious positions or the most outstanding achievements in the court.
Jiang Ning's seat was the third seat on the left, neither too far forward nor too far back, just right.
"Please sit, Your Excellency." The female official respectfully pulled out a chair for him.
Jiang Ning sat down and glanced around.
The first seat on the left was empty; it was reserved for Regent Ji Xuan, but he was confined to his quarters today to reflect on his mistakes and naturally wouldn't be there.
In the second chair sat a slender young woman with sharp, angular shoulders, dressed in a snow-white dress. This young woman was none other than the Imperial Preceptor, Su Qingying. At this moment, she was resting with her eyes closed.
On the first seat on the right, Shen Xiao, dressed in the robes of a great general with a long sword at his waist, looked solemn. When he saw Jiang Ning, he nodded slightly in greeting.
The seat next to him was empty; it was reserved for Divine Might King Li Tianwen, but Li Tianwen had not yet arrived.
Jiang Ning also saw familiar figures on the other seats.
King Wu Xiang Yuan, Deputy Director of the Inspectorate Xiao Wu Que, Prime Minister Li, the blind old man from the Observatory whose name Jiang Ning still doesn't know, as well as some princes, dukes, and first-rank ministers who look somewhat familiar, and also some people he has never seen before.
He also knew that it was impossible for all the court officials to attend a regular court assembly.
But this time it's different. This time, a new emperor ascends the throne, succeeds to the throne, and changes the era name.
Just as Jiang Ning sat down, Su Qingying opened her eyes and looked at Jiang Ning, a smile inadvertently flashing across her face.
Jiang Ning smiled and nodded at her.
Having not seen Su Qingying for some time, he looked at her now and felt that her aura was even cleaner and clearer.
Su Qingying looked at Jiang Ning.
She unconsciously shifted her little bottom, getting a little closer to Jiang Ning.
The white hem of her skirt, which was spread on the ground, also slid down to Jiang Ning's feet.
Just then.
A middle-aged man dressed in the court robes of a second-rank civil official stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said with a smile, "This humble official is Zhou Wenyuan, Minister of Rites, greetings to the Marquis of Dongling. I have long admired your name, and it is truly an honor to meet you today."
Jiang Ning nodded: "Minister Zhou, you're too kind."
Zhou Wenyuan smiled broadly, not minding at all that Jiang Ning did not stand up to return the greeting.
"It is a great honor for the new emperor and for Great Xia that you, Lord Marquis, have come today. Great Xia will need your continued support in the future."
As soon as he finished speaking, another burly man dressed as a military officer strode over, his voice booming: "This humble general, Zhao Meng, deputy commander of the Imperial Guards, pays his respects to the Marquis of Dongling! Although I did not witness the events at Chengqian Palace the other day, I have heard of your divine might and am filled with admiration!"
Looking at this burly man, Jiang Ning couldn't help but sized him up.
He didn't know whether the deputy commander of the Imperial Guard was brainless or just straightforward, for saying such things at this moment.
He still uses his rugged appearance to conceal his deep thoughts.
Seeing Jiang Ning's gaze, Zhao Meng, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards, felt a chill run down his spine, and his palms began to sweat.
As the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards, he knew more about the events of the past few days, and in greater detail.
Just then, another official stepped forward to pay his respects and make himself known.
Officials immediately stepped forward to pay their respects.
"This humble official, Li Yannian, Vice Minister of the Ministry of War, greets Your Excellency!"
"This humble general, Sun Zhen, Commander of the Imperial Guards, pays his respects to Your Excellency!"
"This old man, Xu Wenyuan, the Grand Academician of the Hanlin Academy, greets the Marquis of Dongling..."
They knew that after the new emperor ascended the throne, the Marquis of Dongling could no longer be treated as an ordinary marquis.
The merit lies in supporting the dragon, not in following it.
The new emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty owes his current success entirely to the efforts of this seemingly young marquis.
Without the strong support of this young marquis, the new emperor who ascended the throne today would not be the Eighth Prince Ji Minghao, but the Fifth Prince Ji Mingyuan.
They all knew that in the future imperial court, this young marquis would undoubtedly be second only to the emperor, holding a position of immense power.
It could even be above that one person.
One by one, the officials stepped forward to pay their respects, and Jiang Ning nodded in return.
His expression remained calm throughout, neither overly enthusiastic nor indifferent.
Having reached his level, there's no need for him to become acquainted with court officials or form factions.
Power and influence mean absolutely nothing to him now.
Great power resides in the world of the individual; one's own strength is the greatest authority and influence.
Just like that day, his arrival, without Ji Xuan's intervention, would have been enough to sway the situation and help Ji Minghao ascend the throne.
This is the effect of one's own strength.
The reason why Ji Xuan's appearance could influence the situation was not because of his status as a king alongside others, nor because of his status as a regent, but because of his status as the second strongest person in the world.
This was even more evident after the Martial Saint stepped in.
No matter how intense his conflict with Ji Xuan was, no matter how deep the rift between them was, with the intervention of the Martial Saint...
With a single word, Ji Minghao succeeded to the throne, and Ji Xuan secluded himself at home.
No matter how big the conflict or farce was, at that moment, nothing could change.
Everything will be set in stone.
At this moment, as Jiang Ning looked at the officials who came forward to pay their respects, he could sense that some of them were genuinely respectful, some were deliberately trying to befriend him, and some were secretly observing and testing his attitude.
Their emotional fluctuations, under the influence of his primordial spirit realm and reflected in the mirror-like mind sword, seemed to have nowhere to hide.
Only those with profound cultivation can make their life forms stronger, thus concealing their emotional fluctuations.
Shen Xiao sat motionless to the side, only occasionally glancing over with a knowing look in his eyes.
Just then, a clear voice came from outside the crowd: "Gentlemen, the auspicious time is approaching. Please return to your places and do not disrupt the order of the ceremony." Everyone turned around and saw an elderly man dressed in the robes of a first-rank civil official walking slowly towards them. He had a goatee, a thin face, and skin clinging to his cheekbones. He was Xie Xun, the Minister of Rites.
Xie Xun has served under two emperors of the Great Xia Dynasty. Now, as long as Ji Minghao ascends the throne, he will be a veteran of three reigns, with extremely deep seniority.
Everyone knows that Cao Ling, the Minister of Rites, must possess extraordinary abilities to have lived this long.
Without extraordinary strength, it would be impossible to have such a long lifespan, and it would be impossible to live so long.
Upon seeing Xie Xun appear, the officials surrounding Jiang Ning immediately became more subdued, cupped their hands in greeting, and dispersed, returning to their respective positions.
Xie Xun walked up to Jiang Ning's seat, cupped his hands slightly, and said, "I am Xie Xun, and I greet the Marquis of Dongling."
Jiang Ning stood up to return the greeting.
There is no conflict with this veteran of three dynasties, and he should be given the respect he deserves.
Xie Xun bowed again before turning and leaving to direct the palace servants in making final preparations.
Today is not only the coronation ceremony of the new emperor of the Great Xia Dynasty, but also the day he marries his empress.
The empress, who was the mother of the nation, was Shen Mengyun, the youngest and most beloved daughter of Shen Xiao, who held the rank of first-grade official and served as a general.
No one in the entire imperial court would dare to disrespect Shen Xiao.
Silence then returned to the square.
At 3:45 AM, the sun fully rose above the horizon, its golden rays bathing the white marble square and illuminating the magnificent Chengtian Hall.
"The auspicious time has arrived!"
Xie Xun drew out his voice, his loud and deep voice resounding throughout the square.
In an instant, ceremonial music began to play, and bells and drums resounded.
The magnificent music emanated from the Chengtian Hall, with the clear and melodious chimes, the resonant chimes, and the strings and pipes weaving together to create a solemn tune.
All the officials stood solemnly, facing the direction of Chengtian Hall, with their heads bowed.
Jiang Ning also stood up and stood before the table with Su Qingying, Shen Xiao, and others.
The heavy vermilion and gilded palace door of Chengtian Hall slowly opened inward, pushed by eight golden-armored warriors.
The interior of the hall gradually came into view, with a throne of crimson gold carved with dragons and phoenixes atop nine gilded steps.
Behind the throne hangs a huge landscape painting, flanked by eighteen kinds of ritual implements, creating a solemn and majestic atmosphere.
The throne is now empty.
The music gradually faded away.
Xie Xun stepped forward three times, unfurled the bright yellow scroll in his hand, and read aloud: "The late Emperor was unwell, yet the country cannot be without a ruler for a single day. Now, by the mandate of Heaven, with the decree of the Martial Saint, and the support of all officials, the Eighth Prince, Ji Minghao, is naturally benevolent and filial, and possesses innate wisdom, and is fit to inherit the throne. He is hereby enthroned as Emperor, and the reign title is changed to 'Jinghe,' with next year as the first year of Jinghe. This proclamation is made throughout the land, so that all may know!"
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
A deafening roar of worship rose into the sky, and all the officials knelt down in unison, bowing and paying their respects.
Jiang Ning, Su Qingying, Shen Xiao, and the others did not kneel down, but simply bowed deeply.
Even in the main hall, on such an important occasion, people of their status do not need to kneel; they only need to bow deeply.
Then, a figure slowly walked out of the Chengtian Hall.
Ji Minghao wore a bright yellow dragon robe and a twelve-tassel crown. The jade beads hanging down covered his face, but could not hide his newborn imperial aura.
He walked steadily up the nine steps, finally turning around in front of the crimson throne, facing the square, and slowly sat down.
"All of you, rise." Ji Minghao's voice came through the crown, clear and resonant, carrying an undeniable authority.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The officials rose and stood solemnly once more.
The core ceremonies of the coronation ceremony then began.
Following ancient rites, Xie Xun presented the imperial seal, military tally, and ceremonial staff, among other symbols of imperial power, one by one. Ji Minghao accepted them one by one and placed them on the imperial desk.
This was followed by the proclamation for the sacrifices to Heaven and ancestors, which was personally read by an elder from the Bureau of Astronomy. The language was ancient and profound.
The entire process was solemn and meticulous.
Jiang Ning watched quietly, her heart unmoved.
He could sense that Ji Minghao, sitting on that throne, exuded a completely different aura than before.
It has lost some of its gentleness and gained some depth.
There was less hesitation and more decisiveness.
The bestowal of imperial power will ultimately change a person.
At this moment, Ji Minghao's aura gradually changed.
Then, he scanned the surroundings again, but did not find the figure he was looking for in Chengtian Hall, the Fifth Prince Ji Mingyuan.
next moment.
His mind was opened.
Deep within the palace, in a courtyard that was clearly neglected.
At this moment, Ji Mingyuan was disheveled, his hair was dry and brittle, his robe was in disarray, and his face was covered in dirt; his appearance had changed drastically.
Compared to his dashing appearance a few days ago, Ji Mingyuan now seemed to have been wandering for months, reduced to a beggar on the street, rather than the esteemed Fifth Prince of the Great Xia Dynasty.
Standing beside him was the young black-clad swordsman whom Jiang Ning had seen before.
The swordsman's face remained expressionless; he simply stood to the side, sword in hand, quietly watching Ji Mingyuan.
At this moment, Ji Mingyuan held a wine vessel in his hand, which was filled with a slightly yellow and clear wine.
The liquor, like amber, appeared even more translucent under the sunlight.
"Does my eighth brother have anything else to relay to me?" Ji Mingyuan asked.
"No!" The black-clad swordsman shook his head calmly.
Upon hearing this, Ji Mingyuan gave a bitter smile, which then grew wider and wider.
Finally, the corners of his mouth stretched to their widest point, and he tilted his head back and burst into laughter.
"Okay...okay!! Okay!!!"
"My younger brother is truly ruthless! Today... as his older brother, I'll grant him his wish!! Hahaha—"
In the end, Ji Mingyuan's voice carried three parts sarcasm, three parts self-mockery, three parts madness, and one part relief.
Then, he gulped down the drink in his glass.
Drink it all in one gulp!
Just a breath passed.
Jiang Ning could feel the life force in Ji Mingyuan rapidly fading and weakening.
next moment.
Ji Mingyuan's chances of survival were thus extinguished.
Outside the courtyard.
A chaotic sound could be heard at that moment.
"Princess...Princess...His Majesty said we can't go in..."
"Get out!!" Ji Mingyue's sharp shout followed.
next moment.
boom--
The bolt snapped in two with a crash, and the two large doors swung open, slamming heavily against the courtyard walls on either side, knocking off large patches of plaster. (End of Chapter)