From cute to empress

Golden sunlight streamed into the chamber through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the floor. I sat before the bronze mirror, letting the palace maids dress me. The heavy phoenix coronet weighed on my head, each pearl and jade gleaming with dazzling brilliance, reflecting my slightly pale complexion.

"Your Majesty, have you really made up your mind? You will lead the army in person tomorrow..." The palace maid behind her asked in a low voice, her tone full of worry.

I took a deep breath and looked at the unfamiliar me in the mirror, my eyes gradually becoming firm. "I promised him that I would protect this country and our homeland."

"My lady..."

"Okay, stop talking." I interrupted her, stood up, and looked out the window at the blue sky. "Let's go see how the preparations are going."

When I left the palace, Zhen Youcai had been waiting outside for a long time. He was dressed in military uniform, standing tall and straight. There was a hint of fatigue between his brows, but it couldn't hide his innate confidence and determination.

"Everything is ready." He whispered as he saw me approaching, "but..."

"Just what?" I stopped and turned to look at him.

"The eldest prince..." He hesitated, "Although he agreed on the surface, I'm afraid..."

I understand his concerns. After all, the eldest prince is the late emperor's eldest son. Now that I, a woman, have ascended the throne, how could he not feel resentment?

"Don't worry." I patted his shoulder, speaking calmly. "When the enemy comes, we will fight with our troops; when the water comes, we will block it with earth. I believe he will understand what is the best choice for this country."

Zhen Youcai looked at me, his eyes filled with complicated emotions, and finally just nodded slightly.

As night fell and the lights came on, the palace was ablaze with light, a scene of golden splendor. I, clad in a gorgeous phoenix robe, stepped up to the high altar.

Below the stage, civil and military officials, royal relatives, and representatives of various factions gathered together, their eyes fixed on me. I could sense awe, curiosity, and even a subtle hint of suspicion and resistance in their eyes.

My gaze swept through the crowd, finally landing on a young man in a bright yellow brocade robe. He had his head lowered, so I couldn't see his expression, but his clenched fists showed that he was not at peace.

He is the eldest prince.

I took a deep breath, slowly raised my hands, and was about to speak when suddenly there was a commotion in the crowd, and a sharp voice echoed throughout the hall:

"Wait a minute!"

The sudden voice startled me, and my grip on the Imperial Seal tightened slightly. Everyone's eyes turned to the source of the voice. An elderly man in court robes, supported by several ministers, stepped tremblingly forward. His graying beard and eyebrows trembled slightly with excitement, but his cloudy eyes gleamed with determination. I recognized him; he was a veteran of three dynasties, a highly respected Grand Tutor.

"What's the matter, Grand Master?" I tried to sound calm, but inside, a storm was brewing. Could it be that my coronation ceremony was about to run into trouble?

The Grand Tutor said nothing, but slowly knelt down, followed by several ministers behind him. Then, one after another, officials, generals, and even some representatives of the people knelt on the ground, and the shouts of "Long live the emperor" resounded through the sky.

"Long live my emperor! Long live!"

This sudden turn of events caught me off guard. I stared blankly at the mass of people kneeling before me, not knowing how to react. Weren't they here to stop me?

"Your Majesty, this is what the people want!" An old lady beside me excitedly held my hand, her cloudy eyes filled with tears.

I took a deep breath, suppressed the surging emotions in my heart, and slowly spoke, my voice echoing in the empty hall: "Everyone, please stand up—"

Under the gaze of the crowd, I began my coronation speech. I pledged to the people of the land that I would be a diligent and devoted emperor, safeguarding the peace of the nation and the well-being of its people. My voice, though gentle, was packed with power, and every word resonated with the hearts of everyone present.

After the speech, the deafening roar of "Long live the emperor" rang out again, echoing for a long time inside and outside the palace. I looked around at the faces flushed with excitement, and a surge of ambition and ambition surged in my heart that I had never felt before.

"Mengmeng..." A familiar voice rang in my ears. I turned and saw Zhen Youcai standing beside me, his eyes full of pride and love. He had a warm smile on his face and nodded gently, as if to say, "You did it."

Yes, I did it. From the bewildered moment of entering this alien world to my current reign as king, this journey has been filled with thorns and challenges, but I ultimately overcame them all. At this moment, I feel no fear, no anxiety, only endless joy and satisfaction.

I stepped down from the podium and, under the gaze of the civil and military officials and representatives of the people, slowly approached Zhen Youcai. He was wearing a red wedding gown, which only accentuated his handsome figure, making him look like a god descended from heaven. I reached out and placed my hand in his.

"Youcai, thank you," I said softly, my eyes slightly moist, "Thank you for always being by my side, supporting me, and encouraging me."

He took my hand in his, and the warmth spread to my heart, dispelling all the chill. "Silly, this is what I should do." His voice was low and gentle, with a doting smile. "You are my wife, my queen, and my world."

We smiled at each other, holding hands tightly, accepting the blessings from all sides. At this moment, I felt so happy, as if I owned the whole world.

However, happy times are always short-lived. Just as I was immersed in joy, there was a sudden commotion among the crowd.

"What's going on?" I shuddered, turning to look in the direction of the commotion. The crowd parted, and a figure in a black cloak slowly emerged. He lowered his head, and I couldn't see his face clearly, but the cold, murderous aura emanating from him sent a wave of fear through my heart.

"Protect the Empress!" Someone shouted, and the entire square instantly fell into chaos... He slowly raised his head, revealing a pair of eyes filled with hatred. He stared at me, and a cold light flashed in his hand...