maidservant

Chapter 35: The New Emperor Takes the Throne and Pardons the World and Conferring a New Concubine
From then on, no matter when he was handling military affairs during the day or facing the bright moon alone in the dead of night, every time he recalled the gentleness between her eyebrows and the unique Guanyin mole between her eyebrows, his love would grow like a vine, gradually becoming uncontrollable, and all of this was secretly surging in the young general's heart.

The threads of fate have quietly intertwined, and a new chapter in the story has begun.

Inside this solemn and dignified palace, the atmosphere was so heavy that it seemed as if water could be squeezed out of it.

The imperial physicians, with solemn expressions, conducted a thorough and rigorous examination and ultimately confirmed that the emperor's death was due to normal illness and exhaustion. The ravages of time had eroded his body, and his energy had been exhausted. The entire process was completely normal and there was nothing strange about it.

The historian standing by, dressed in plain clothes and holding a pen and ink, carefully and thoroughly recorded the major event of the emperor's death on bamboo slips. Every stroke was made with utmost solemnity to preserve historical facts.

Originally, some court officials were dissatisfied with the prince and secretly speculated on his various intentions, attempting to find an opportunity to cause trouble when the emperor passed away and prevent the prince from ascending the throne.

But now, they have lost their excuse and reason and can only give up secretly.

The prince looked solemn, changed into mourning clothes, and summoned important officials to gather in the court.

When everyone was present, he slowly stood up and announced the emperor's death in a low and powerful voice.

The courtiers in the palace were stunned at first, as if struck by a heavy hammer. Then, a cry of grief resounded throughout the hall.

There was genuine sorrow in that voice, grief for the deceased monarch; there were also complex emotions stemming from one's own position.

It was hard to tell how much of the crying was out of genuine grief for the misfortune in the royal family, and how much was out of worry about the future and fate of themselves and their families. The entire court was instantly shrouded in a sad atmosphere, with cries rising one after another, as if to convey this heavy news to every corner of the palace.

Immediately afterwards, Zhongshu Ling Li Yin took the lead, his expression solemn, and his voice resounded throughout the court: "The country cannot be without a ruler for a day, please let the crown prince succeed to the throne!"

Then the cheers rose one after another, gathering into an unstoppable force, echoing in every corner of the court.

The prince raised his hand slightly, his expression solemn and steady, and spoke slowly:

"Let's put this matter aside for now. The most urgent task is to properly arrange the funeral for my father. During this period, I will temporarily take over the position of regent and manage all court affairs. After my father's funeral is completed, the coronation ceremony will be held."

The ministers and officials of the Ministry of Rites made preparations and arrangements day and night.

Finally, the grand moment of the crown prince's succession to the throne arrived.

On this day, the palace was filled with both solemnity and joy. Zong Zheng Yang Zhao, clad in a magnificent dragon robe, walked with steady and resolute steps toward the throne, symbolizing supreme power. Witnessed and worshipped by the crowd, he officially ascended the throne, ushering in his own era.

After the emperor ascended the throne, he immediately issued several decrees.

First, the Crown Princess was canonized as the Queen, Lin Yu and Cui Wan'er were canonized as concubines, and Li and Yang were canonized as concubines.

Second, his mother, Consort Li, was canonized as the Holy Mother Empress Dowager.

Third, a general amnesty was issued. Death row prisoners, unless they had committed serious crimes such as treason or rebellion, could have their sentences commuted to exile. Those in exile were allowed to return to their place of origin.

Fourth, the imperial examinations were opened with special privileges and the spring imperial examinations were added. These were intended to recruit talented individuals from around the country, inject fresh blood into the court, expand the ranks of officials, and assist in government administration. News of the general amnesty and the additional special privileges spread like a spring breeze, melting the snow of this cold winter.

The entire court became busy in an instant. Officials at all levels were aware of the heavy responsibility and threw themselves into handling related affairs.

The Ministry of Justice had to compile a list of prisoners who met the amnesty conditions, and local officials also had to arrange related matters within their jurisdiction. For a time, there was a tense and orderly busy scene.

At the same time, the news of the enthronement was like a huge rock thrown into a calm lake, causing waves in the Eastern Palace.

It was early spring and the snow had not yet melted, and the entire Eastern Palace was in turmoil.

The palace maids were moving back and forth, the eunuchs were also hurrying, and the female officials were also stationed in the East Palace to prepare for the upcoming ceremony.

Lin Yu was promoted to the position of concubine and was placed in the Liuhua Palace in the palace. This palace has a unique scenery.

As first-class palace maids, Yunshan and Yunjin were given two sets of clothes suitable for their status by the female officials of the Shangyi Bureau according to the palace uniforms.

They wore pale blue palace gowns embroidered with light purple orchids, the hems meticulously outlined with gold thread. Their collars and cuffs were trimmed with soft fox fur, and their hair was styled in flowing cloud buns, simple yet elegant. The two women simply inserted the pearl hairpins they had been given diagonally into their buns, the pearls swaying gently with their movements, not too ostentatious yet maintaining the dignity of the Marquisate and Concubine Lin.

The moment Yunshan stepped into the palace, she saw palace servants busily moving around, making final arrangements.

The tables and chairs in the hall had been wiped spotlessly clean. The carved window frames were hung with thin gauze curtains, gently fluttering in the breeze. The bed was covered with a soft quilt embroidered with exquisite patterns.

Precious porcelain and elegant incense burners are placed on the table. Curls of green smoke rise up, emitting a faint sandalwood scent, adding a quiet atmosphere to the entire palace.

Over there, the Crown Princess ascended the throne of Queen and moved into the Fengyi Palace, which symbolizes nobility and majesty.

Fengyi Palace is magnificent, its vermilion walls towering and majestic, its golden glazed tiles gleaming in the sunlight. Majestic guards stand on either side of the palace gate, highlighting its unique character.

Walking into the palace, you will find the courtyard is spacious and tidy, the interior of the palace is decorated with utmost luxury, and famous calligraphy and paintings are hung on the walls, demonstrating the royal family's elegant taste.

The magnificent phoenix couch in the empress's bedroom was particularly eye-catching. Its curtains were crafted from the finest silk, embroidered with a lifelike phoenix, each feather appearing to come alive. The chamber was filled with a dazzling array of jewels and jade, neatly arranged, each displaying the empress's revered status.

The new emperor bestowed all dignity and honor upon this most noble woman in the world, seemingly sending a clear and strong message to all officials:
He and the Queen had a deep and loving relationship. Given such a deep bond, those who were attached to the Queen and the old ministers headed by the Duke of Ying would naturally not be punished for past events.

The news of the general amnesty spread to all states and prefectures like a swift wind in early spring, without reservation.

Yan Lie, who had been wandering outside, had the opportunity to return home and went all the way back to the capital city he had been away from for a long time.

The moment he stepped into the gate of the capital, this once familiar city brought him an endless sense of strangeness.

(End of this chapter)