Chapter 244: Soothing the Hearts

"Please, Your Highness, ascend the throne!"

"Please, Your Highness, ascend the throne!"

This time, even the remaining officials who were still standing, a few of them hesitantly knelt down.

Zhao Guangyi, helplessly, cast a glance at the ministers knelt throughout the hall, then glanced at the lingering visage of his imperial elder brother on the dragon throne, and let out a long sigh.

"Alas… fine."

He seemed to have exhausted all his strength before uttering those two words.

"Since all of you, dear ministers, and the spirit of my imperial elder brother in heaven, place such trust in me…"

He paused, his gaze slowly sweeping the entire hall; in that gaze, the earlier sorrow and humility had vanished, replaced by a deep, chilling authority.

"I, the emperor, consent."

He brushed aside the hands of Zhao Pu and Wang Jien, step by step, ascending the steps leading to the throne.

When he turned around and, at the moment he slowly sat upon the dragon chair that symbolizes the supreme authority of the realm…

The entire hall fell into a death‑like silence.

Then, Zhao Pu led the way, bowing heavily.

"We salute Your Majesty!"

A roar like a mountain and sea thundered throughout the palace.

Zhao Guangyi sat on the dragon throne, his hands on the armrests, feeling the cold, solid touch. He watched the hundred officials kneeling below, and looked at Zhao Dezhao and Pan Mei standing in the corner, as if they had lost their souls.

His first thought was not excitement nor agitation, but a sense of control.

"Transmit my decree: fully conduct the imperial mourning rites, adhering to the highest regulations without error. Moreover, my imperial nephews Dezhao and Defang, having grieved excessively and become ill, are to be sent back to their residence immediately for closed‑door convalescence; without my decree, they may not leave."

Zhao Guangyi's first decree made the courtiers, who had just shouted "Long live!" tremble in their hearts.

House arrest!

This is blatant house arrest!

He was just about to assist the Crown Prince, and now that he has ascended the throne?

Although it sounds noble—"excessive grief, closed‑door convalescence"—who can't tell that this is merely imprisoning the two princes.

Pan Mei's vision went black, and he almost fainted on the spot. He knew that his son‑in‑law, the former Great Song Crown Prince, was completely hopeless. He could no longer become the imperial father‑in‑law.

Zhao Dezhao's face was ashen; being supported by others, he was "politely" escorted out of the hall in a daze, daring not to utter a single word from start to finish. He feared that a misstep in speech would forfeit even the chance of closed‑door convalescence.

Watching the two princes being taken away, everyone bowed their heads, unwilling to look at the face of the New Monarch on the dragon throne.

This new emperor's wrist is too hard, and too swift.

However, in Wang Xu's view, this was expected. Cutting the grass without uprooting the roots, the spring wind makes it grow again. If Zhao Guangyi could axe his own elder brother, how could he leave the two most threatening nephews alive? Not killing them on the spot is already seen by the world as "mercy".

"Zhao Pu," Zhao Guangyi's voice rang out again.

"The old minister is present," Zhao Pu stepped forward and knelt respectfully.

"You, seasoned in statecraft, your merits lie in the realm," Zhao Guangyi said with a hint of warmth, "I have decided to restore you to the position of Chancellor, Same as Chancellor, effective immediately."

A low gasp rose from the crowd.

Zhao Pu, the old minister who had been dismissed by the former emperor and left idle at home, has suddenly risen to the heavens and returned to the pinnacle of power!

Zhao Pu, moved to tears, knocked three heavy kowtows, "The old minister thanks Your Majesty for the heavenly grace!"

"Shi Baoji."

"The junior general is here!" Shi Baoji, clad in armor, stepped forward, knelt on one knee, his voice resonant.

"You are loyal to the throne, stabilizing the palace in critical moments, suppressing chaos—your merit is undeniable," Zhao Guangyi said, pleased, "I appoint you as Front Palace Commander, overseeing all front palace units, guarding the capital!"

Another bombshell!

Front Palace Commander! This is the very position where Zhao Kuangyin rose to power! The supreme commander of the Imperial Guards!

Shi Baoji was so excited his face turned red; he never dreamed such sudden happiness. Yesterday he was a commander constantly suppressed by his uncle, and today he has become the top figure of the emperor's personal troops!

"Junior general, I swear to die loyal to Your Majesty!" Shi Baoji's voice trembled.

Next, Zhao Guangyi named a series of individuals.

Anyone who exerted effort last night, displayed loyalty, whether court officials or inner servants, received generous rewards. Promotions were promoted, money was given money.

This left some old ministers feeling uneasy, finding the New Monarch's demeanor distasteful. But many others watched with eager eyes and racing hearts. They understood that this new emperor values "practicality"—serve him, and he will never shortchange you.

Finally, Zhao Guangyi's gaze fell upon Wang Xu.

All eyes in the hall also gathered on this young Hanlin scholar.

The already rewarded meritorious officials all knew that, regarding last night's events, if Zhao Pu was the "top external minister" achievement, then Wang Xu was undoubtedly the "top internal minister" achievement. It was he who, in the dead of night, ran errands and coordinated all parties, enabling today's seemingly smooth transition.

"Wang Xu."

"The minister is present," Wang Xu stepped forward, kneeling on the ground, his posture more reverent than anyone's.

"You… are excellent," Zhao Guangyi said, his gaze complex. He used the two words "excellent" instead of enumerating his merits as he did with others.

"I know you are quick‑witted and literary. The position of Hanlin Academy Scholar has been underutilized," Zhao Guangyi said slowly, "I hereby promote you to Hanlin Scholar with Imperial Edict, also granting you the role of Drafting Imperial Decrees. Additionally, I bestow upon you a thousand taels of gold, a thousand bolts of silk, and a residence."

Hanlin Scholar with Imperial Edict, Drafting Imperial Decrees.

Drafting Imperial Decrees is a role dedicated to drafting edicts for the emperor, a true close minister of the Son of Heaven.

But…

It holds no real power.

It still circles within the pristine offices of the Hanlin Academy.

Everyone was stunned. Compared to Wang Xu's merits, was this reward too modest?

Wang Xu himself shared an unspoken understanding with Zhao Guangyi.

He bowed his head and thanked, "The minister thanks Your Majesty for the great grace."

He knew Zhao Guangyi was both consoling him and assigning his position.

Wang Xu, your merit is great and your mind is useful. But your talent and the Wang Family behind you will not be overlooked by me; my gaze will not target the Wang Family as the imperial older brother did. As for you, just stay by my side, be my pen, be my liaison with the Wang Family—that's enough.

That is the imperial heart technique.