The Ming Dynasty began from Sarhu

Chapter 858 Return
In the hottest July, the young eunuch Liu Wuji placed in the Qianqing Palace brought the news that Emperor Guangde had died of illness.

"After the emperor's death, the palace kept the news a secret. Ministers attended court as usual, and a constant stream of people visited Wudang Mountain every day."

Liu Wuji was sitting in the camp, and when he heard the news, his brows furrowed slightly:
"Why are they going to Wudang Mountain? Does Kang Guangxu also want to become a monk?"

Of course it was impossible for him to become a monk, not even in this life. How could a minister as clinging to power as Kang Guangxu easily give up fame and fortune? The first person Liu Wuji thought of was his sister, Princess Xining.

The young eunuch replied, "The ministers are going to see Princess Xining."

"Princess Xining, isn't she going to follow the example of Emperor Taizu and devote herself to cultivating the Mysterious Realm?"

Upon hearing that his father had passed away a few days ago, the prince did not show a trace of sadness on his face. However, when he heard that the ministers had gone to invite Princess Xining, Liu Wuji's face suddenly changed.

The young eunuch didn't dare to answer.

"You will stay by my side and await my orders. Do not return to Tianxin City."

After dismissing the young eunuch, Liu Wuji fell into deep thought.

There was no way that Princess Xining could compete with him for the throne, but Kang Guangxu and others had to be on guard. After all, Academician Kang, like his father Kang Yingqian, was a power-hungry person and was by no means a good person.

All the doubts that had been lingering in the prince's mind these days finally disappeared at this moment.

"No wonder Kang Guangxu kept urging me to return to Yanjing a few days ago. As expected, something unexpected happened in Tianxin City! My father is gone, yet those treacherous ministers are keeping the news a secret. What are their real intentions?"

The counselors on both sides all advised: "The opportunity is too great to miss. If we don't raise an army immediately, the country will fall into the hands of a woman! The late emperor will die with regret!"

"Your Highness, now that Emperor Guangde has passed away, the country cannot be without a ruler for a single day. Please return to the capital as soon as possible to take charge of the overall situation. This is to prevent Kang Guangxu and other treacherous people from taking advantage of the opportunity to seize power."

Liu Wuji said bitterly, "It would be better if my father died a few days earlier, so that I wouldn't have to go back again."

In the eyes of the Crown Prince, it was only natural for him to inherit the throne after Emperor Guangde's death. What annoyed Liu Wuji was why his father did not announce the edict during his lifetime, but had to torment him back and forth.

He didn't know that Liu Kan had already passed the throne to Princess Xining in his will. His advisors advised, "Tianxin City is easy to defend but difficult to attack. Your Highness should enter the capital under the pretext of clearing the court of corrupt officials. Bring more troops with you to prepare for any unforeseen circumstances."

Liu Wuji said with disdain, "I am the Crown Prince of Daqi, the heir appointed by my father. When my father passes away, I will succeed him. What do I have to worry about?"

"I'm afraid Kang Guangxu will be desperate and take the initiative to support Princess Xining."

Liu Wuji shook his head nonchalantly. He didn't take Kang Guangxu seriously at all. As for his sister Princess Xining, she was just a woman, a foolish woman obsessed with Taoism. What kind of trouble could she cause?

"Tens of thousands of troops are already on their way to the capital, and officials from all provinces are disgusted with the new policies. I command a large number of troops and have the support of the people. If I return to the capital now and issue my orders to the world, who would dare to disobey?"

Liu Wuji was filled with infinite pride and passion, and for a moment he seemed to be possessed by Emperor Taizu. He stood up suddenly and ordered his personal guards to put on his armor. Ignoring the advice of his staff, he resolutely walked out of the camp gate and led the East Palace guard back to Tianxin City.

~~~~~~~~~~~
In August of the 22nd year of Guangde, under the earnest pleas of Kang Guangxu and others, Princess Xining finally left Wudang Mountain and arrived at Tianxin City, ending her ten-year long retreat.

On the fifth day, Princess Xining entered the palace through Guang'an Gate, surrounded by her ministers.

On the seventh and tenth day, officials and civilians in Tianxin City, relatives, envoys from Korea, Annan and the four barbarians, monks and Taoists requested to support the princess as emperor.

Princess Xining firmly declined on the grounds that Emperor Guangde was in great mourning.

Not long after, officials in the capital reported that "phoenixes have gathered in Shangyang Palace and red sparrows have appeared in the court recently", which was an auspicious sign from heaven.

On the 15th day, Princess Xining dreamt that Taizu appeared in her dream. In the dream, Liu Zhaosun personally presented his granddaughter with a jade seal of the state weighing more than ten kilograms. He also told Princess Xining:

"My grandson should be like Yao and Shun!"

At the beginning of September, Princess Xining agreed to the request of officials and people, and on the ninth day of September, she ascended the Zetian Gate Tower, read out the Guangde Emperor's will, issued a general amnesty, ascended the throne and proclaimed herself emperor, changing the reign to Tianshou.

On the 11th day, the ministers bestowed upon Princess Xining the title of "Holy and Divine Emperor." She established Tianxin City as the divine capital, abolished the royal family status of Crown Prince Liu Wuji and other members of the imperial clan, and declared the Crown Prince's faction a traitor to the Great Qi, declaring them to be traitors.

(End of this chapter)