Chapter 26: Ascension to the Throne

On the eighth day of the sixth month, the late Emperor's funeral procession began...

Under the escort of civil and military officials and the three camps and five guards, the hearse carriage left the Imperial Palace in a grand procession.

Heading west, straight up Mount Xishan; white banners fluttered, white robes stretched like a sea. From afar, the funeral procession looked like a white giant dragon winding through the emerald green mountains and forests, moving slowly forward.

The Crown Prince, dressed in millet-colored hemp robes, stood facing west. Watching his father's hearse gradually recede, tears gushed forth like a spring.

Though he had not yet ascended the throne, at this moment he felt as if he were still the young Imperial Prince waiting for his father to return in years past.

The Crown Prince thought that for these many years, his father had worked day and night, overwhelmed by the administration of court affairs, and today could finally to relieve the burden and go to Mount Xishan to rest in eternal sleep.

When the funeral procession reached the mid-slope of Mount Xishan, the Crown Prince silently knelt and bowed three times to express his grief.

The words "Mount Xishan Imperial Mausoleum" suddenly came into view, and the Crown Prince's heart was filled with a mix of emotions.

He still remembered that twenty-eight years ago, his father had personally ordered the construction of this mausoleum, yet now it had become his father's final resting place.

Officials in white robes held funeral flags and walked slowly forward, their steps matching the slow and melodious rhythm of drums and music.

Behind the Crown Prince followed countless subjects; some wept silently, others wailed loudly, strictly observing the rites of mourning to bid farewell to this sage ruler who had devoted his entire life to the Great Feng Dynasty.

The late Emperor of Great Feng was buried in the "Mount Xishan Imperial Mausoleum" he had built over twenty-eight years, resting eternally on Mount Xishan alongside the late Emperors of previous generations of the Great Feng Dynasty.

The Crown Prince stood before the mausoleum, unable to leave for a long time.

He knew that from now on, whenever he thought of his father, his thoughts would return to Mount Xishan.

After deep consideration and adopting the suggestions of the Ministry of Rites, the Crown Prince bestowed the posthumous title upon the late Emperor of Great Feng: God Emperor of Eternal Memories, Purple Frost, Construction, Walker, Qi Mengshang Yu Dian, and Ti. Temple Name: Anzong.

After the state mourning was completed, the Ministry of Rites, according to regulations, selected an auspicious day within a month to hold the coronation ceremony for the Crown Prince.

On the twenty-second day of the sixth month, the Crown Prince wore a yellow robe embroidered with nine dragons, the sun, and the moon, featuring seven golden stars along with the sun and moon; beneath the robe was brocade armor, radiating majestic power. The Crown Prince wore the Imperial Jade Seal and Imperial Edict, and on his head sat a golden crown made of nine deer-skin peaks, with Jin Guang dazzling the eyes.

The Crown Prince first went to the highest peak of the Altar of Heaven and Earth to worship the gods of Heaven and Earth.

Holding jade in his hands, he burned incense and paid homage, following the rites with devout sincerity.

On the offering table were delicacies and fine wines, fresh flowers and candlelight, creating a truly magnificent scene.

The Crown Prince stood solemnly before it, offering sincere respect, hoping Heaven and Earth would bless the nation with peace.

Then the Crown Prince arrived at the Ancestral Temple and, facing the golden statues of the ancestors, knelt and bowed with a sincere heart.

He bowed his head three times, presented auspicious offerings, and reflecting on the virtues of the ancestors, was moved to tears. The Crown Prince prayed that the ancestors would protect their descendants from the nine springs below and ensure the prosperity of the nation.

Finally, the Crown Prince went to the Sheji Altar to worship the Earth God.

He lit incense, presented sacrificial offerings, and knelt and bowed with utmost reverence.

The Crown Prince requested the Earth God to bless the nation with favorable weather, peace, and prosperity, and to ensure his smooth ascension to the throne, living up to the expectations of the people.

On the roads inside and outside Jingcheng, crowds of common people gathered to watch the ceremony.

Some scattered five-colored paper pieces, while others held up drum and music teams to announce the joyful news of the new monarch's ascension at the first moment, drawing a thunderous cheer from the masses.

Inside the Taihe Hall, civil and military officials stood on both sides.

From nobles and princes at the top to local officials at the bottom, everyone wore formal attire, standing solemnly on both sides to welcome the new monarch's ascension and acceptance of the realm.

After worshipping Heaven and Earth, the Ancestral Temple, and the Sheji Altar, he mounted the golden dragon steed, its golden dragon saddle ornaments shining brilliantly.

The Crown Prince walked slowly up to the Golden Dragon Throne, stepping to the rhythm of copper drums and music.

Nine flying dragons cast in gold adorned the throne, their claws gripping the blue clouds, their dragon heads raised high, lifelike.

As soon as the Crown Prince ascended the throne, cannon salutes rang out repeatedly, and drums and music sounded together.

Flags from five generations above and below were unfurled at this moment; the army formed ranks, blades drawn from their sheaths, steps perfectly synchronized, offering the highest respect to the new monarch.

The

Crown Prince sat upright on the Golden Dragon Throne, surrounded by dazzling Jin Guang, solemn and majestic.

The ministers knelt in the courtyard below, performing the three bows and nine prostrations to the Crown Prince, shouting in unison: "Long live the Emperor!" with tremendous momentum.

They knew that the Crown Prince's ascension opened a new chapter in history, and they would follow the Crown Prince to jointly create an era of peace and prosperity.

Looking down from the hall, the Crown Prince saw the ministers standing solemnly to congratulate him on his ascension, and his heart was filled with countless emotions.

He understood that from today on, he had officially become the supreme ruler of the world, inheriting the ancestral legacy.

He must bear the future development of the entire Great Feng Dynasty, shoulder the heavy responsibility of creating peace, and manage the vast duties of ruling Jiangshan.

This is a supreme responsibility, and also a destiny for life.

At this moment, the Grand Councilor, Minister of Rites, and Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, "Prime Minister Tu," stepped forward and said.

"Your Majesty has ascended the throne; now you must select an era name and proclaim it to the world to demonstrate the prestige of our Great Feng!"

Having spoken, he ordered the Ministry of Rites to present several candidate era names for the Crown Prince to choose from.

After looking them over and finding none that suited his heart, the Crown Prince asked: "At the moment of my ascension, which era name should be chosen? What are your esteemed opinions, my ministers?"

The Crown Prince pondered inwardly: At the beginning of my reign, selecting an era name is a major matter; it must be handled with utmost caution and cannot be chosen rashly.

Prime Minister He stepped forward and respectfully proposed to the Crown Prince.

"Your subject believes that the two characters 'Kaiji' are most auspicious. If Your Majesty selects this, it will surely establish the foundation of the nation, achieve great fame and success, and leave a name that endures for a thousand autumns."

Prime Minister Mei stepped forward a pace, his tone slightly arrogant.

"Your Majesty, the two characters 'Xinglong' are superior. Selecting this will surely bring prosperity to the nation; your subject will certainly have merit, and the future will be bright."

Prime Minister Tu could not bear to watch and stepped forward to speak.

"Prime Minister Mei's words are naively laughable. Your Majesty, please examine carefully: the two characters 'Mingyun' are the superior strategy. Selecting this will surely allow your subject to help you achieve peace and demonstrate the foresight of a wise ruler."

The Emperor at this moment remained silent, scanning the ministers as they debated. When he saw Jiang Jiang Mingyu with his head bowed, he smiled silently and spoke.

"What esteemed opinion does Jiang Ai have? Feel free to speak it out, so I may consider it."

Jiang Jiang Mingyu, whose name had been called, felt a bad thought arise: the Emperor still knew he was Prime Minister He's man; at this moment, he clearly wanted him to declare his stance. If he agreed with Prime Minister He, it would surely provoke the new monarch's displeasure.

But if he sided with others, it would surely displease Prime Minister He as well; after all, since he entered the court to serve as an official, Prime Minister He had taken considerable care of him.

Jiang Jiang Mingyu's mind turned, he stepped out of the line, and advised with humility.

"Each of the ministers has an esteemed opinion; after weighing them, your subject believes that the two characters 'Qiyuan' hold profound meaning and seem most fitting for the moment of founding a nation."

Prime Minister Mei, hearing this, scoffed: "Jiang Jiang Mingyu's experience is too shallow; how can he speak of 'tracing the root and following the source'? If the Emperor chooses this, it will surely cause disaster."

Prime Minister Rabbit, unwilling to yield, said: "The two characters 'Ming Yun' are the most domineering and orthodox. If the Emperor does not choose this, the world will mock him and lead the nation astray."

Seeing the situation turn dire, Prime Minister Crane stepped forward and added accusations: "Prime Minister Mei, Prime Minister Rabbit—how can you understand the heavenly timing? If the Crown Prince chooses your proposals, it will only bring endless war and calamity!"

The three pointed fingers at one another, their words becoming increasingly merciless.

The Crown Prince felt dejected and sighed inwardly: "I sought honest advice that cuts like a blade, yet how has it turned into such self-indulgence?"

Jiang Jiang Mingyu knelt on both knees and earnestly advised: "Your Majesty, please see clearly. I have no other intent; I only wish to help the Crown Prince establish an era of his own. Only by 'originating' from the root and cultivating the foundation can the nation prosper. Your Majesty, please deliberate. I will devote myself wholeheartedly to follow you and will not fail the heavy trust."

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince swept his gaze across the ministers and slowly spoke: "I have decided. The two characters 'Origin' shall be the era name of this dynasty!"

Hearing this, the ministers flocked to flatter. Jiang Jiang Mingyu was overwhelmed with emotion; the Crown Prince truly understood the situation, acting for the nation and the people!

After the Emperor ascended the throne, he granted a general amnesty to the world, yet Nine Thousand Years remained imprisoned in the Imperial Prison.

Court officials all retained their old posts, with no major changes. Prime Minister Crane continued as Grand Secretary of the Grand Council, while Prime Minister Mei and Prime Minister Rabbit served as Assistant Ministers. Jiang Jiang Mingyu stepped down from his post as Tutor to the Crown Prince and temporarily retired to his home, awaiting appointment by the Ministry of Personnel.