The prince is more stable

Chapter 841 Ascending the Throne and Becoming Emperor (Part 1)

When he was about to assume that position, Zhao Xiaoqian viewed the Song Dynasty from the perspective of an emperor and realized that the Song Dynasty had far too many problems.

A century of accumulated problems cannot be solved overnight, and perhaps even less so by one or two emperors.

The fall of the Northern Song Dynasty in history, on the surface, was due to foreign invasion, but the root cause of its demise actually lay within the dynasty itself.

The reasons included an emphasis on civil affairs over military affairs, inconsistent policies, intense factional strife, and the increasingly acute conflict between landlords and peasants.

Problems include redundant officials, corruption, the military, land issues, the interest groups of scholars and merchants, and various other problems.

There were too many reasons and too many problems, so much so that when Zhao Xiaoqian tried to solve them, he was at a loss.

On the surface, it seems that this is the best period for the Song Dynasty, but Zhao Xiaoqian feels as if he has inherited a mess.

Every problem seemed to be an urgent matter, and every problem urgently needed to be solved as soon as possible.

But there can only be one emperor, while the ministers in the court each have their own thoughts and interests. At this time, Zhao Xiaoqian couldn't help but sigh that before he even became emperor, a whole host of troubles were already looming over him.

Zhao Xiaoqian's sudden inquiry into politics to Zhang Dun at this moment was naturally for his own purpose.

If we can't solve so many problems in a short time, then let's focus on solving the problems of the people who can solve them first.

For an emperor to govern the country, one person's strength is too weak; he needs a group of loyal and devoted ministers to assist him.

The prime minister of the imperial court is undoubtedly the first person with whom one must be of one mind and one heart.

Zhang Dun wasn't a bad person, although he was too harsh in his suppression of the old party, acted somewhat forcefully, fabricated wrongful convictions, and tacitly approved the new party's various attempts to exclude and frame the old party.

But his ideals and beliefs never died, and he was determined to carry on Wang Anshi's legacy of reform.

There was still light in his eyes, though it had dimmed considerably compared to before.

But it still hasn't gone out. Over the years, he has been in the imperial court, experienced ups and downs, seen the coldness and warmth of human relationships, and become accustomed to the struggle for power and profit. Fortunately, the light in Zhang Dun's eyes has not been extinguished.

As long as the light remains, Zhao Xiaoqian can rekindle it, and it will shine brightly from then on.

To accomplish something great requires a long period of time and extraordinary measures. It also requires a group of idealists to lead all the truly hardworking people through thick and thin.

Zhao Xiaoqian needs a group of idealists like this.

As his words grew increasingly harsh, Zhang Dun trembled all over, tears streaming down his face.

Every word was like a dagger to the heart, yet it seemed to unlock the floodgates of Zhang Dun's memories. The passion that had been sealed away for so many years, and the coldness of cruel reality, were now mingling in his heart like fire and ice, creating a bitter taste.

"Your Highness, I...I have done many wrong things." Zhang Dun lowered his head and choked with sobs.

Zhao Xiaoqian said earnestly, "Mr. Zihou, it doesn't matter if we've gone astray. A new dynasty brings new beginnings. Let's correct our course and continue on the right path."

"If you and I, as ruler and subject, are of one mind, we can solve most of the world's troubles. But if you and I continue to scheme against each other and waste each other's time, the entire Song Dynasty will be dragged down by us. How will the history books of a thousand years from now evaluate me and Mr. Zihou?"

"I need ministers who are sincere and honest in their work, and who are pure and down-to-earth. If you can do that, I don't mind giving you wealth and honor. If you can't, then... let's replace you with someone who can."

Zhang Dun gritted his teeth and said, "Your Highness, I can do it! Your Highness's words today are like a wake-up call, I have learned a lot."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled with satisfaction: "Mr. Zihou, the road ahead is fraught with difficulties. Let us support each other and take care of one another."

The light in Zhang Dun's eyes had brightened considerably, and he nodded vigorously, saying, "As long as Your Highness still needs me, I am willing to die for Your Highness and for the Great Song Dynasty."

…………

May 28th is an auspicious day.

At midnight, Zhao Xiaoqian sat in the courtyard of the Chu King's mansion, gazing up at the stars in the night sky.

Light footsteps sounded behind him. Zhao Hao walked to his side, followed his gaze, and asked in confusion, "Qian'er, what are you looking at?"

Zhao Xiaoqian said calmly, "I'm looking for the Ziwei Star... It's said that the Ziwei Star represents the emperor. I want to see if it's bright or dark tonight, and what it signifies for the future of the Song Dynasty."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Hao's expression tightened, and he hurriedly followed him to search.

Neither the father nor the son was good at this; finding the Purple Star among countless stars would be incredibly difficult.

After a long pause, Zhao Hao sighed in resignation and said, "I can't find it. Oh well, I think the Ziwei star will be shining brightly tonight."

Zhao Xiaoqian smiled wryly and said, "Those mystical Taoist sorcerers throughout history, how come they can so keenly predict what major events will happen to a country just by looking up at the stars? Is there any real reason behind it, or is it just superstition? I've been looking for a long time and I can't see the slightest clue."

Zhao Hao sighed, "Dynasties rise and fall, changing every few hundred years. The Purple Star sometimes shines and sometimes dims, all because of the ruthlessness of Heaven."

"Qian'er, with your temperament and abilities, you will surely be a wise and enlightened ruler, and you will definitely bring a different atmosphere to the world."

"It will be dawn in two hours, and the coronation ceremony will begin. Qian'er, are you ready to change this world?" Zhao Xiaoqian took one last look at the complex and mysterious stars in the night sky, then looked away and said calmly, "I won't make any grand pronouncements. If I take each step steadily, I will be worthy of myself and the people of the world."

Turning to look at Zhao Hao, Zhao Xiaoqian said in a low voice, "Father, I thank you. Only I know what you have done for me."

Zhao Hao's eyes reddened, but he smiled and said, "You're the emperor now, why are you spouting such nonsense? Isn't it only natural for a father to sacrifice for his son?"

Zhao Xiaoqian pursed his lips.

Other fathers give their children food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, striving to provide the best material things for their children and supporting them with all their might, watching them go from stumbling along the way to flying high before reluctantly letting go.

But Zhao Hao, as a father, made even greater sacrifices.

Originally, Zhao Hao had been striving for the throne his whole life, but in the end, he handed it over to Zhao Xiaoqian without any reluctance.

Throughout history, rulers, ministers, fathers, and sons have often turned against each other for the sake of supreme imperial power. However, this father and son are an unprecedented example in history of mutually supporting each other.

May future generations see this rare father-son affection amidst the cold and indifferent words, close the book with a smile, and raise a glass in remembrance.

…………

As dawn broke, Zhao Xiaoqian donned his magnificent imperial robes and a twelve-tasseled imperial crown, and slowly walked out of the Chu Prince's residence.

Zhao Hao, dressed in formal court attire and a Liang crown, followed behind him. Beside Zhao Xiaoqian was Zheng Chunhe, whom they hadn't seen in a long time.

Zheng Chunhe put on his crimson eunuch robes again, and habitually bowed slightly, carefully supporting Zhao Xiaoqian's arm as he escorted him onto the emperor's carriage.

Before boarding the imperial carriage, Zhao Xiaoqian suddenly paused, turned to look at Zheng Chunhe, and smiled slightly: "Eunuch Zheng, from now on, I will entrust my food, clothing, and lodging to you. I would like to thank you for your help."

Zheng Chunhe was taken aback. Hearing Zhao Xiaoqian's heartwarming words, he couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

"It is my honor to serve Your Majesty. Your Majesty may call me by my name from now on, but please do not use my official title. I am too weak to bear such a title."

"Okay, from now on I'll call you by your full name, or Old Zheng. There's no need for formalities between us."

As he spoke, Zhao Xiaoqian patted him on the shoulder and then boarded the imperial carriage.

With a smile on his face, Zheng Chunhe announced in a high-pitched voice, "Your Majesty, you are about to depart!"

Outside the imperial carriage, thousands of imperial guards marched in perfect unison. The banners before and after the carriage blocked out the sun, and the streets on both sides of the imperial road had been cleared. The emperor's procession was awe-inspiring, and no one dared to look directly at him.

Sitting inside the imperial carriage, as the carriage set off, Zhao Xiaoqian's body swayed slightly, and the twelve-tasseled imperial crown on his head jingled.

Di Zi, clad in armor and helmet, followed closely beside the imperial carriage.

His father-in-law had been appointed as the Commander-in-Chief of the Imperial Palace Guards, and the safety of the entire Imperial Palace was entrusted to him. There was no other way; Zhao Xiaoqian could not escape the common practice of entrusting the safety of the palace to the person he trusted most.

Lifting a corner of the beaded curtain of the carriage, Zhao Xiaoqian couldn't help but strike up a conversation with his father-in-law: "Father-in-law, I have already ordered Ying'er and the others to be brought back from Japan. They will be able to return to the capital in about two months."

Di Zi was exasperated. He stared straight ahead and said in a low voice, "These things can be discussed in private, Your Majesty. This is the enthronement ceremony. Be mindful of solemnity and dignity..."

Zhao Xiaoqian scoffed: "Those who set the rules don't have to follow them. Father-in-law, don't you know that? I'm the emperor now, do you think the censor would dare to impeach me?"

Di Zi remained expressionless, uttering a single word: "Dare."

Zhao Xiaoqian paused, and upon reflection, he realized it was true. The censors in the court were all incredibly bold; there was no one they wouldn't dare to impeach, especially the emperor. Once they caught the emperor in the act, they treated it like a battle against a powerful boss, showing no fear whatsoever, but rather becoming even more excited.

Before I became emperor, I was impeached by the censors, and after I became emperor, I was still impeached by the censors. Was I just a wasted emperor?
Reluctantly lowering the beaded curtain of the carriage, Zhao Xiaoqian had no choice but to sit upright inside, trying his best to maintain a dignified and solemn image.

When the imperial carriage arrived at Xuande Gate, the main gate of Yanfu Palace, the central gate of Xuande Gate was wide open. Thousands of court officials in the capital lined up in two rows outside the palace gate. When they saw the imperial carriage coming, they all bowed deeply.

Without pausing, the imperial carriage entered the palace gates. Only after it passed through the Daqing Gate, the second main gate of the palace, did Zhang Yi, the Minister of Rites, announce loudly: "The enthronement ceremony begins! Civil and military officials and envoys from various countries, come to pay homage to the Emperor!"

Officials lined up in the court and filed into the palace gates.

The ceremony had been rehearsed long ago. Last time, during Zhao Ji's enthronement ceremony, they almost went through the entire process. Today, with a new emperor ascending the throne in the Song Dynasty, the officials were naturally very familiar with the procedures for the enthronement ceremony.

The first step in the enthronement ceremony was to go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to offer sacrifices to Heaven, Earth, and the ancestors.

Zhao Xiaoqian alighted from the imperial carriage and arrived outside the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Under the awe-inspiring gazes of the assembled officials, he slowly walked up the white marble steps and headed step by step toward the altar of the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

At Zhang Yi's prompting, Zhao Xiaoqian knelt before the altar, bowed his head, and performed three kowtows and nine prostrations.

From this day forward, Zhao Xiaoqian will be the Emperor of the Great Song Dynasty.

The Son of Heaven is the son of Heaven, and the emperor's power is divinely ordained. The emperor only kneels and worships Heaven and Earth, not mortals.

(End of this chapter)