Rebirth: Phoenix Riding the Ninth Heaven

On a sunny and clear day, a few pure white clouds float in the jewel-blue sky, and the breeze blows gently across the earth, bringing bursts of fresh and pleasant air.

At this moment, within the magnificent palace hall, Emperor Qian, clad in a magnificent dragon robe, sat upon the dragon throne, a symbol of supreme power. His eyes were piercing, his expression solemn and majestic, yet a subtle hint of excitement could still be seen from the slightly raised corners of his mouth.

Your Highness, the ministers were engaged in a heated discussion of court affairs, each expressing their own opinions, their voices rising and falling like a lively debate. However, as time passed, the day's agenda gradually came to a close. Then, the Emperor Qian gently raised his right hand and pressed it downward. In an instant, the previously boisterous court fell silent, and the ministers, all in awe, looked respectfully towards the Emperor Qian.

The Emperor then spoke loudly to the front, "My dear ministers, today I have a matter of vital importance to announce!" He turned to the Grand Chamberlain standing beside him and gave him a slight nod. Receiving the Emperor's order, the Grand Chamberlain stepped forward steadily, holding a bright yellow scroll of imperial edict. He bowed deeply to the Emperor, then turned to the courtiers, slowly unrolled the scroll, and prepared to read its contents. The atmosphere in the court suddenly tensed, everyone holding their breath, awaiting the momentous news this decree would bring.

According to heaven’s destiny, the emperor issued an edict:

I have been blessed by Heaven, entrusted with the great work of our ancestors, to nurture the people and maintain the state. Since ascending the throne, I have diligently sought peace and prosperity for the nation, with the sole desire of the people and the unwavering loyalty of the people. Today, thanks to the blessings of Heaven and Earth and the spirits of the ancestral temples, the country is at peace and the frontiers are tranquil. This prosperity is only possible thanks to the concerted efforts of all my men, both civil and military.

However, the matter of appointing a crown prince concerns the very foundation of the nation, a matter of grave importance requiring no caution. Since ancient times, the eldest son has been chosen as the heir, and the most virtuous have been chosen as the heir; these are unchanging principles. I have two sons, both born to me, each possessing strengths and potential, each capable of becoming the pillars of state. My eldest son, Shen Zhenguo, has been intelligent since childhood, prioritizing filial piety and respect for elders, and exercising self-discipline and rites, embodying the spirit of the ancients. My second son, Shen Zhenhao, possesses boundless talent and insight, and is also a true hero of his generation. However, in terms of seniority and character, my eldest son, Shen Zhenguo, is undoubtedly the best choice.

After careful consideration and extensive consultation, I have followed the laws of our ancestors and adhered to the will of Heaven and the will of the people. I have specially appointed my eldest son, Shen Zhenguo, as the Crown Prince to inherit the throne, in the hope that he can carry on the aspirations of our ancestors, glorify our dynasty, benefit the people, and prolong the country's prosperity.

The Crown Prince should be cautious from beginning to end, respectful and self-disciplined, manage his family, and govern the country to bring peace to the world. You shoulder this heavy responsibility and must diligently study, recruit talented individuals, be compassionate and guided by the rule of law. You must work diligently to govern the country, promote benefits and eliminate disadvantages, so that our descendants can share in the joy of a peaceful and prosperous age.

Admire this!

When the ministers in the court heard the emperor announce that the eldest prince Shen Zhenguo would be the crown prince, their reactions varied.

Some ministers who supported the eldest prince showed their delight. They believed that the eldest prince's character and ability were enough to take on the important task. They knelt down and kowtowed, shouting "Long live the emperor" to express their support for the emperor's wise decision.

Other ministers who originally supported the second prince seemed a little disappointed and frustrated, but they could only accept the reality helplessly and keep their heads down in silence.

There were also some neutral ministers who were quietly observing the situation and thinking about the future political direction.

Amidst all the clamor, the eldest prince's maternal grandparents remained extremely calm. They knelt respectfully to express their gratitude and thanks to the emperor, and stated that they would live up to the trust and do their best to serve the country and the people.

At this time, the Second Prince's maternal grandfather, standing nearby, although not convinced in his heart, still forced a smile on the surface and congratulated Prime Minister Wang. A power transition thus began...

The first rays of morning sunlight penetrated the mist, illuminating the majestic Forbidden City, draping this ancient imperial city in a sacred golden hue. Today, a historic moment would unfold: the young crown prince would be officially crowned the new emperor, carrying on the legacy of his ancestors and ushering in his own glorious era.

The Forbidden City has been awakened. Thousands of guards, eunuchs, palace maids, and craftsmen are busy at their posts, making final preparations for the upcoming grand ceremony. Eunuchs hold brooms and carefully clean every stone slab, not letting any dust stain this solemn occasion.

The palace maids meticulously arranged the various decorations—red silks, green curtains, gold and silver utensils—every detail embodied the royal luxury and honor. Meanwhile, the court officials had gathered outside the Taihe Gate early, arranged neatly by rank, awaiting the ceremony. Their faces were filled with solemnity, yet also with anticipation and curiosity about the new emperor. After all, this young crown prince had earned everyone's respect since childhood for his exceptional talent and noble character.

Days in advance, the court had begun intensive preparations. Eunuchs busily swept the halls, wiping every glazed tile to ensure impeccable cleanliness. Palace maids oversaw the decorations, hanging red silk and golden tassels, symbols of good fortune, in every corner. The entire palace, both inside and out, was adorned with a magnificent, solemn atmosphere.

The court officials were even more cautious, as they repeatedly reviewed the ritual procedures and checked the completeness of the sacrificial vessels, fearing any mistakes. This was especially true of the officials from the Ministry of Rites, who oversaw the entire ceremony, from the crown prince's attire to the formation of the officials, striving for perfection in every step.

As the sun rose fully into the sky, bells and drums tolled, heralding the official start of the coronation ceremony. The Crown Prince, clad in the dragon robes of supreme authority and crowned with twelve tassels, stood majestically before the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Behind him, civil and military officials lined up according to rank, forming a magnificent procession. Their faces were solemn, their hearts filled with awe and anticipation.

At this solemn and dignified moment, the grand ceremony officially began. The master of ceremonies, dressed in a magnificent formal attire, stepped steadily onto the podium. His resonant and solemn voice echoed throughout the hall: "Today is a day of great joy for our country!" With these opening remarks, the atmosphere instantly became tense and filled with anticipation.

Then, the highly respected Grand Tutor slowly entered the stage with steady, powerful steps. Carefully cradling the imperial seal, symbolizing supreme imperial power, he walked towards the Crown Prince. Each step seemed to carry the weight of history and the future of the nation.

Finally, the Grand Tutor arrived before the Crown Prince. With a solemn expression, he gently placed the Imperial Seal in the Crown Prince's slightly immature yet powerful hands. In that moment, time seemed to freeze, and the entire audience fell into a hushed silence. Everyone's eyes, like a spotlight, were focused on the young heir, their eyes filled with both hope for the new ruler and concern for the future of the nation.

The crown prince steadily accepted the imperial seal. A flash of determination and confidence flashed across his eyes. He took a deep breath, then, in a resonant voice, began his declaration of accession: "Thanks to our ancestors' blessings, I now inherit the throne. I will faithfully adhere to their teachings and dare not slack off in the slightest. I will diligently govern, recruit talented individuals, and implement benevolent policies, all for the eternal stability of our dynasty and the peace and prosperity of our people. May Heaven protect our dynasty, bringing prosperity and prosperity to our people!" As the crown prince finished his words, thunderous applause and cheers erupted from the audience. Shouts of "Long live the new emperor" rang out in celebration of his accession, while also expressing their hope and confidence in their country's bright future.

Although the prince was only in his teens, every word he said was so powerful that people could not help but forget that he was still a child and instead believed in his oath.

As the Crown Prince concluded his speech, thunderous applause and cheers resounded through the air. Officials knelt in reverence, chanting "Long live the new emperor!" to express their loyalty and best wishes to the new emperor. Civil officials praised the new emperor's erudition and talent, promising him a prosperous era. Military commanders pledged their loyalty to the death, guaranteeing border security and upholding national dignity. The scene was grand and imposing, fully showcasing the majesty of imperial power and the unity of the nation.

During the ceremony, many veteran officials shed tears, having witnessed the transition from the old to the new in Dashun, feeling overwhelmed with emotion. Meanwhile, younger officials were filled with excitement and anticipation, seeing hope for the country's future and believing that under the leadership of the new emperor, Dashun would usher in another round of prosperity and strength.

The news quickly spread to every corner of the capital, and the people spontaneously organized themselves, hanging lanterns and decorating the streets, setting off firecrackers, and a festive atmosphere permeated the streets and alleys. Merchants hung red lanterns, and couplets congratulating the new emperor on his accession to the throne were posted on their doors. Children dressed in new clothes and played happily, and the entire city seemed to be dressed in festive attire.

Ordinary families also hosted banquets in their own courtyards to entertain relatives and friends. Everyone sat together, toasting and praying for national stability and a happy life. At this moment, whether high-ranking officials or ordinary people, everyone's hearts were connected by the same vision: hope for the new emperor and a yearning for a better future.

The Crown Prince's coronation not only marks the dawn of a new era of rule, but also a heightened awareness of the nation. It embodies the hopes and dreams of countless individuals, symbolizing national unity and its direction forward. On this special day, everyone feels a sense of belonging and purpose, witnessing and participating in this historic journey together, writing a significant chapter for their own era. With the new emperor's ascension, the empire enters a new chapter, and the Crown Prince will shoulder greater responsibilities, leading the nation toward an even more glorious future.