The young lady is delicate and soft, yet she criticizes the powerful minister for bowing and scrapin

Three days later, at the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The entire hall was filled with majestic dragon-carved pillars, and civil and military officials lined up on both sides according to their rank, holding jade tablets, all in complete silence.

Xie Dongpo, who was the head of the civil officials, spoke in a low voice to Fu Chong beside him:

"Your Majesty appears grave today and has deliberately postponed the court session. Is there some pressing matter concerning the grain transport?"

"Although the matter of the canal transport is urgent, there is no need for His Majesty to do this. In my opinion, it is more like he has gotten up late."

Xie Dongpo glared at him and warned him not to slander the emperor's image in the court.

Both were important officials who had contributed to the rise of the new emperor and held extraordinary positions in the court.

The old ministers left behind by the late emperor whispered among themselves. Although the specific words could not be heard, they sounded sorrowful.

"His Majesty has arrived."

A high-pitched voice rang out from outside the palace.

Everyone held their breath and looked up.

Wei Jun slowly walked into the hall. He was not wearing the dragon robe that symbolized imperial power, but only a plain dress, which made him look even more simple and elegant.

All the officials were stunned, and Xie Dongpo, who was on the far side, stopped moving.

Wei Jun did not walk towards the high dragon throne, but instead stopped on the steps of the palace. His gaze slowly swept over everyone in the hall, his eyes calm and unwavering, and finally landed on Xie Dongpo and Fu Chong at the front.

The eunuch, carrying a bright yellow scroll, finally walked to Wei Jun's side and called out loudly:

"His Majesty commands, all ministers, heed the decree—"

All the civil and military officials knelt down and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

Xie Dongpo and Fu Chong exchanged a glance, their unease growing stronger.

"Since my ascension to the throne... I have been in poor health and unable to bear the burden. I am also concerned that I have no heir. Therefore, I abdicate and pass the throne to Wei En. An auspicious day will be chosen for the abdication ceremony."

Xie Dongpo dropped the jade tablet in his hand with a clatter to the ground and looked at Wei Jun in disbelief.

"Your Majesty! I object!"

"Has Your Majesty been misled by treacherous officials?!"

"Your Majesty, please consider the well-being of the nation and its people!"

Other officials voiced their admonitions, questions, and opinions.

But Xie Dongpo and Fu Chong knew that once Wei Jun made a decision, no one could persuade him otherwise.

"My mind is made up." Wei Jun's voice could penetrate the heart.

The officials in the Hall of Supreme Harmony immediately fell silent.

"Three days later, the abdication ceremony will be held as scheduled. You will all know the new emperor's talent in the future. I have been on the throne for three years, and you have only gradually come to understand me."

After speaking, Wei Jun turned and left without looking at the reactions of the crowd.

"Dismiss the court."

The officials looked at each other in bewilderment, ultimately powerless to reverse the situation.

Inside the Imperial Study, Wei En disregarded etiquette and strode in, looking anxious, clearly having run all the way.

"What's the panic? I haven't left yet." Wei Jun turned around, and when he saw it was him, a smile appeared on his lips.

"I am not flustered. It's just that Your Majesty is the supreme ruler, how can you abdicate so easily? Besides, Your Majesty has never asked for my opinion."

Wei Jun paused for a moment, then said, "I did ask you. I asked you if you were willing to dedicate yourself to this country, and you said you were."

"I……"

Wayne was willing.

He used to belong to the third branch of the Marquis's mansion, and he couldn't compete with the eldest branch for anything, which is why he retained his indifferent and unassuming personality.

But if resources are truly placed in front of him and fed to him, why wouldn't he eat them?

Therefore, the emperor sent him to gain experience. He complained, but he was actually happy, because at least he had been given an important position.

"I know you're willing," Wei Jun smiled. "These days, I've been training you on how to be a good emperor."

Wei En was startled and looked up at his elder brother.

It turns out this wasn't a spur-of-the-moment decision, nor was it a last-minute act. The path to today's outcome had been laid a year ago, or even earlier.

"But if I do not do well, I will fail your trust and, more importantly, I will fail the country."

"If you can think like this, you won't do too badly. With the people in your heart and trusting virtuous ministers, the ones I've kept are all your right-hand men."

In the small courtyard.

Qi Yunli was gently stroking the zither with her hands, occasionally glancing towards the alley entrance.

Strangely, ever since Wei Jun came last time, she always hoped that he would appear at the alley entrance one afternoon.

Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside the courtyard gate, and the young man called out in a slightly flustered voice, "Sister! Sister!"

"What's wrong? Why aren't you studying properly at the private school? What are you doing here?"

Qi Yunsi, panting heavily, pointed at the notice in her hand, her voice trembling.

"The abdication ceremony is really taking place. Notices are plastered all over the capital. His Majesty is really going to pass the throne to a prince. Everyone in the capital is talking about it now. At first, everyone thought it was just a rumor!"

Qi Yunli shook her head: "What did you say?"

"It's true. I heard the news a few days ago. At first, I didn't believe it, but today I couldn't contain myself and headed towards the palace. The music and ceremonies of the abdication ceremony were very loud."

At the grand ceremony.

Wei Jun stood up and walked down from the highest platform. His steps were light and quick, without stopping, as if he were walking a very ordinary path home.

He walked to the altar and received the Imperial Seal of the State.

He glanced down and gestured for Wei En to come forward.

"Your Majesty, I receive the imperial decree."

Wei Jun bent down and placed the imperial seal in his hand:

"Today, the country is in your hands, and the people are on your shoulders."

"Your subject will dedicate himself to the cause until his dying breath!" Wei En held up the imperial seal with both hands, his eyes slightly red.

How many people in the world can truly relinquish their immense power?

Wayne turned and slowly walked towards the high platform, finally sitting on the dragon throne.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The new emperor, dressed in a dragon robe, and Wei Jun, in plain clothes, turned and walked away.

There were no ceremonial guards, no escorts, and no officials to see them off.

There was only a silhouette.

Wei Jun returned to the courtyard and pushed open the door, where the aroma of food wafted out.

The charcoal fire was burning brightly. Qi Yunli was setting out bowls and chopsticks at the table, wearing a work dress with the sleeves rolled up, revealing her slender wrists.

"You're back?"

Qi Yunli wasn't surprised. She just glanced at him, then withdrew her hand and walked towards the kitchen. "You sit down. I have a bowl of soup that's just finished cooking. I'll go get it."

Wei Jun had indescribable feelings; the steaming courtyard always gave him the warmth of returning home.

He followed them up. On the stove was a steaming earthenware pot, bubbling and rolling, with mushrooms and ribs on the lid, emitting a wonderful aroma.

"Since it's such a joyous occasion today, I made a little extra. From now on, you'll have to eat pickled vegetables and steamed buns with me."

Qi Yunli picked up the soup pot and glared at him.

After the food and soup were laid out, Wei Jun gently hugged her from behind.

"Emperor Wei Jun is no more in this world, would you marry me?"

Qi Yunli did not answer, and Wei Jun became anxious.

"You're not willing anymore?"

His mind was filled with images of many different men, and Qi Yunli was chatting and laughing with them.

"I like you."

"How many people have you said similar things to?"

Wei Jun turned her around, but fearing he might hurt her, he could only glare at her angrily.

"I've told this to many people."

"Who are they! I'm going to settle accounts with them one by one!"

"I've told many people that I like Wei Jun, and they all know that."