Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

The first step in becoming a state emperor was often a rigorous education, a crucial step in laying the foundation for their future rule. Palace tutors were responsible for imparting the Four Books and Five Classics, statecraft, and etiquette, aiming to cultivate the emperor's moral character, political wisdom, and leadership. During this period, the young emperor was expected to demonstrate maturity and diligence beyond his years, absorbing the wisdom of his predecessors and preparing for his future as a ruler.

When a young emperor ascends the throne, actual power often rests with the Empress Dowager, powerful ministers, or regents. This is an extremely delicate period, during which a young emperor must learn to observe and learn under the protection of authority figures while remaining vigilant against the risk of manipulation. During this period, they must cultivate connections and establish their own sphere of influence, enabling them to smoothly transition to power when the time is right.

As he grew older and more capable, the Emperor Qian longed to shed his puppet status and personally take charge of state affairs. The transfer of power to the regent became a crucial turning point. This process could be peaceful or fraught with conflict, testing the emperor's political acumen and decision-making abilities. History is filled with examples of individuals who, through cunning, courage, and even force, ultimately regained power.

Once officially in power, the young Emperor Qian faced multiple tasks, including consolidating imperial power, stabilizing the situation, and implementing reforms. This required them to possess strong political will, excellent judgment, and the ability to handle government affairs. They not only had to navigate the various conflicts of interest within the court, but also address major issues such as border security and the welfare of the people, striving to cultivate an image of fair and just rule and win the support of the people.

After ascending to power, the young Emperor Qian must also possess a long-term strategic vision, considering the nation's long-term development direction and formulating policies that align with the times. This requires inheriting the legacy of his ancestors while also being innovative and adapting national strategies to changing domestic and international circumstances. Furthermore, prioritizing the training of a successor is crucial to ensuring the empire's long-term stability and prosperity.

The young Emperor Qian's path to power was a thorny yet glorious one. It demanded both extraordinary courage and intellect, as well as patience and perseverance, to navigate a complex and volatile political landscape and ultimately become a great emperor whose legacy lives on. In this journey, personal growth was inextricably linked to the fate of the nation, and every decision could determine the course of history. Consequently, the story of the young Emperor Qian is imbued with legendary charisma, a shining example of human nature and a profound exploration of the nature of power.

Shen Zhenguo has been sitting on the throne of Emperor Qian for many years. He is now 17 years old and can get married. The wedding will mark the beginning of his road to ruling the country. However, after choosing among various noble families, none of them has chosen the person they like.

Wang Yuyan, dressed in a gorgeous palace dress, sat in the palace, her beautiful and gentle face revealing a hint of anticipation. She gently raised her jade hand and instructed the palace maid beside her, "Go and call my son."

Soon, a tall, handsome young man hurried over. He was Wang Yuyan's son, Shen Zhenguo. Upon seeing his mother, Shen Zhenguo's face immediately lit up with a brilliant smile. He quickly stepped forward to greet her, saying, "Your Highness, I pay my respects to you! May I know why you summoned me?"

Wang Yuyan looked at her son with a smile and said softly, "Zhen Guo, go and tidy up the memorials in the imperial study first, and put them in order before coming to mother." Upon hearing this, Shen Zhenguo nodded without hesitation and replied, "I will follow mother's orders!" After that, he turned and walked towards the imperial study.

After Shen Zhenguo sorted out the memorials, he returned to the palace where his mother was. As soon as he entered the palace, he saw his mother sitting quietly at the table, looking at the door affectionately, as if she had been waiting for his arrival.

Shen Zhenguo was deeply moved and quickly took a few steps to his mother. He said happily, "Mother, is there something important that you want me to do? I haven't seen you for a long time and I miss you so much!" As he spoke, deep affection flashed in his eyes.

Wang Yuyan's heart was filled with warmth when she heard this. A gentle smile appeared on her beautiful face, and she said softly, "Mother, you have indeed not seen me for a long time. I have been busy with many things these days and have not been able to visit you often. I hope you will not blame me."

At that moment, a clever and well-behaved young palace maid tiptoed into the hall, steadily carrying a plate of fresh fruits and delicate pastries, which she placed on the desk. Wang Yuyan raised her hand slightly, signaling, "You may withdraw for now." After the young palace maids respectfully bowed and left, Wang Yuyan turned her gaze back to her mother, her eyes filled with anticipation and curiosity.

The queen gently took Wang Yuyan's hand, looked at her lovingly, and said slowly, "My child, I want to ask you something today. Do you have someone you like? Which girl could catch my eye?"

When Shen Zhenguo heard this, his originally fair face instantly flushed with a faint blush, just like the first peach blossoms in spring. He bit his lip lightly and said shyly, "Mother, what are you talking about!"

Wang Yuyan, seated high up in the throne, gazed at her son with a solemn expression, speaking earnestly, "Son, if you have someone you like, please inform us and see if we can confer her the title of Imperial Consort. However, your wife must be a daughter of one of the four great families. The foundation of our Dashun Dynasty is still fragile, and the four great families are intricately intertwined, controlling nearly half of the economy. To consolidate your throne and stabilize the country, you must choose a virtuous woman from among them to be your Empress."

Upon hearing this, Shen Zhenguo's smile faltered slightly, his expression dimming slightly. But he quickly regained his composure and quickly adjusted himself. He bowed respectfully to his mother, then replied solemnly, "I will follow your instructions. Everything is up to you. Whichever woman you choose as my wife, I will treat her with sincerity and will never betray her deep affection."

Wang Yuyan looked at her sensible and filial son, and a wave of relief welled up in her heart. She knew that this decision might not be entirely her son's, but as the ruler of a country, she sometimes had to prioritize the greater good. Thinking of this, she nodded gently, her eyes filled with love and expectation.

As dawn broke, a gentle orange-red hue gradually crept across the eastern horizon. The Forbidden City awoke in the morning light, as if awakening from a millennium of slumber, ready to welcome this special day. Atop the city walls, red lanterns were already alight, emitting a warm glow through the mist, guiding the path to happiness. Beyond the palace walls, the streets of the capital were meticulously decorated, adorned with colorful ribbons and flowers. Merchants temporarily closed their businesses to join in the celebrations, and the entire city was filled with an indescribable festive atmosphere.

The Imperial Gardens seemed to have been transformed into festive new attire overnight. Artisans meticulously arranged the gardens, paving every path with soft petals and buffing every leaf to a lush green hue. Even the air was filled with the delicate fragrance of flowers and earth. Everything was perfectly arranged. The birds seemed to be infected by this joy, happily hopping from branch to branch, occasionally chirping, adding a touch of life to the quiet morning.

As the first rays of sunlight pierced the clouds, a bustling crowd filled the area in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony. A ceremonial guard of several hundred elite soldiers, clad in uniform silver-white armor and armed with spears and shields, stood in a neat square formation, guarding both sides. Their gazes were resolute, their steps firm, like loyal guardians of this auspicious marriage. The band members tuned their instruments, and the sounds of flutes, xiaos, and drums blended together, creating a solemn and warm atmosphere, heralding the imminent commencement of the ceremony.

The young Emperor Shen Zhenguo, though still in his youth, exuded an innate aura of kingship. He stood tall and majestic atop the high platform of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, draped in a deep blue robe meticulously embroidered with a lifelike pattern of soaring golden dragons, as if the dragons would at any moment rise from his sleeves and soar into the heavens. A smooth, white jade belt, inlaid with jade that radiated a soft and captivating luster, complemented the robe and accentuated his noble character. The golden crown atop his head was a truly opulent sight, studded with rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and other rare gems. The shimmering brilliance of these gems resembled a galaxy of stars, illuminating his handsome and majestic features.

His handsome young face was defined by sharp brows, a straight nose, and lips slightly raised in a confident smile. Yet, deep within those bright, star-like eyes, not only did he gleam with anticipation for the uncertain future, but he also held a profound sense of responsibility born of shouldering the weight of the nation's success and failure. At that moment, he gazed far into the distance, past the numerous palaces and towers, to the vast expanse of land beyond. His heart surged with not only a vision of a grand future but also a deep longing and boundless tenderness for his gentle and virtuous wife, who had always stood silently by his side.

The bridal procession danced slowly down the street like a gorgeous ribbon. The magnificent sedan chair, like a blooming red lotus, was being steadily carried by eight sturdy and imposing eunuchs. Their steps were perfectly synchronized, each one solemn and powerful. The sedan chair in their hands seemed as steady as if it were resting on the ground.