Shocking! Five men are in love with the same woman!

Half a month passed in the blink of an eye, and the auspicious day finally arrived.

The entire imperial city seemed to awaken from its slumber, dressed in its finest attire to await this world-renowned coronation ceremony, which was also the ceremony for bestowing the title of empress.

The two complement each other, together composing a new chapter in the grand royal event.

As dawn broke, the imperial palace was already a hive of activity.

Eunuchs and palace maids, dressed in their finest attire, moved about between the various palaces and halls.

He was meticulously preparing for the final stages of the coronation and investiture ceremonies.

The red carpet stretched from the inner palace to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

The palace lanterns on both sides of the road swayed and shone, and the white jade railings radiated a cool and holy glow under the dawn light.

The Imperial Guards, clad in gleaming armor and displaying high morale, stood guard on both sides of the road and around the palace.

As the auspicious hour approached, the bells and drums of the Bell and Drum Towers rang out with a melodious and solemn sound, resounding throughout the capital.

Xiao Muyao wore a bright yellow dragon robe embroidered with nine five-clawed golden dragons and a twelve-tassel crown.

The jade beads on his crown swayed gently with his steps, making a crisp sound.

His face was stern, and his eyes were deep and dignified.

Lingyan wore a phoenix coronet and embroidered robe, surrounded by pearls and jade.

She wore a magnificent red gown embroidered with golden phoenixes, exuding elegance and grace, showcasing her imperial majesty.

The two stood side by side, surrounded by a group of attendants, and slowly walked toward the Hall of Supreme Harmony.

Behind him, a eunuch held the Imperial Seal of the State in both hands.

The jade seal, housed in an exquisite brocade box, radiated a warm luster, symbolizing supreme imperial power.

Another eunuch followed closely behind, carrying the imperial scepter symbolizing the emperor's authority.

Xiao Muyao and Lingyan stepped onto the white marble steps of the Hall of Supreme Harmony in sync, each step steady and powerful.

The two, their robes fluttering, moved as if a dragon and a phoenix were carrying auspicious omens, accompanying each other on their journey.

The hem of the dragon robe and the long skirt of the phoenix skirt swayed gently with each step, creating a dignified and harmonious effect.

Upon entering the main hall, one sees it brightly lit and filled with the smoke of incense.

The civil and military officials were already arranged neatly on both sides of the main hall according to their official ranks.

They wore court robes, brightly colored and solemn, with embroidered patches displaying their official ranks.

As Xiao Muyao and Lingyan entered, everyone shouted in unison, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"

The shouts were deafening, echoing throughout the hall and lingering for a long time.

In the very center of the Hall of Supreme Harmony stands the dragon throne, symbolizing the supreme ruler of the world.

Slightly lower to the side is the phoenix throne specially designed for the empress.

Xiao Muyao walked steadily toward the dragon throne, while Lingyan also walked gracefully toward the phoenix throne.

The two men slowly swept their gazes over the assembled officials, their eyes revealing authority, confidence, and anticipation for the future.

The moment their bodies landed on their seats.

A ray of golden sunlight shone through the caisson ceiling of the palace and fell directly on the two of them.

It was as if auspicious light, bestowed by heaven, enveloped them, adding to their sacred and inviolable aura.

At this moment, the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies stepped forward with solemn steps and unfurled a golden scroll of sacrificial text.

First, the enthronement ceremony addressing Heaven and Earth was read aloud: "In this new era of the Great Zhao Dynasty, the succeeding Son of Heaven, Xiao Muyao, dares to solemnly declare to the Supreme God of Heaven and the Divine Earth: I humbly acknowledge that Your Majesty governs the world with your sagacious virtue, the Mandate of Heaven has been bestowed upon you, the divine regalia has been entrusted to you, and all the people rely on you. With the passing of the late Emperor, I, as the legitimate heir, have been entrusted with this mandate and have humbly received this precious throne. From this day forward, I shall revere Heaven and follow the example of my ancestors, diligently govern and love the people, spread benevolence and nurture them, implement virtuous policies to benefit them, ensure the eternal stability of our land and rivers, and bring peace and prosperity to our nation. I pray that the divine beings will bless me and witness this sincere devotion..."

The eulogy was lengthy and sincere.

It praises the achievements of the late emperor, expresses Xiao Muyao's determination to inherit the throne, his reverence for heaven and earth and the gods, and his responsibility and commitment to the country and its people.

The Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies then read aloud the proclamation announcing the investiture of the Empress.

"In this new era of the Great Zhao Dynasty, we respectfully present this document to proclaim to Heaven, Earth, the gods, and the spirits of our ancestors that this is the matter of bestowing the title of Empress upon the Lingyan Pavilion."

"Lingyan was born into a prestigious family. She was pure and kind, virtuous and radiant. From a young age, she was taught family traditions and etiquette. She possessed a gentle and refined nature and a benevolent heart. Her talents were hidden, and when faced with important national affairs, she could think deeply and offer suggestions, displaying extraordinary insight. She also made earth-shattering contributions to the long-term stability of the country."

"By the grace of Heaven and the decree of His Majesty, she shall now be the Empress, holding the Phoenix Seal, and serving as the mother of the nation. May the Lingyan Pavilion maintain peace and tranquility in the years to come. May Heaven have mercy and protect this virtuous Empress, ensuring her health and well-being, assisting our Great Zhao Dynasty, the flourishing of the court, the eternal stability of the nation, the blessings that will last for generations, and the glory that will shine for a thousand autumns. May she enjoy eternal blessings and welcome great happiness."

After the Minister of the Court of State Ceremonies finished reading the eulogy, the musicians played solemn and dignified court music.

Musical instruments such as chime bells, chime stones, zither, se, sheng, and xiao played together.

The melodious music was like a grand and majestic bell, full of power and grandeur.

Amidst the music, the officials first performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows before Xiao Muyao.

Then perform the three kowtows and nine bows to Lingyan.

Their movements were perfectly synchronized, demonstrating their utmost respect for imperial power.

Xiao Muyao sat upright on the dragon throne, his expression solemn and dignified.

Even when Lingyan sat on the phoenix throne, she maintained a dignified demeanor and a majestic expression.

Then Xiao Muyao slightly raised his right hand and waved it gently, signaling the officials to rise.

Lingyan nodded and smiled gently, showing her magnanimity.

Upon seeing this, the courtiers slowly rose, still keeping their heads down, not daring to look directly at the emperor and the phoenix.

Subsequently, the Minister of Rites stepped forward and presented Xiao Muyao with maps and household registers that symbolized his power and sphere of influence.

Xiao Muyao took it, gently flipped through it, his gaze firm.

At the same time, the female official presented the golden book and seal for the investiture of the empress to Lingyan.

It was exquisitely carved and inscribed with the Empress's honor and duties. Lingyan accepted it with both hands, her demeanor composed.

Next, the envoys from various countries stepped forward one by one to present their credentials and gifts to Xiao Muyao.

Finally, Xiao Muyao delivered his enthronement edict, his voice deep and powerful, clearly resounding throughout the hall.

"I, with my meager virtue, have been blessed by Heaven to inherit the great throne and rule over all under Heaven. At this juncture, I am keenly aware of the weighty responsibilities I bear. I will dedicate myself wholeheartedly, working tirelessly day and night, to promoting what is beneficial, eliminating what is harmful, and ensuring the well-being of the people and the stability of the nation. I hope that all my civil and military officials will be of one mind and one heart to assist me. May all the people of the land live in peace and prosperity, sharing in the glory of this era. All matters shall be conducted in accordance with the established system. Any reforms must be carefully considered and discussed in court before implementation..."

The edict outlined his governing principles and preliminary plans for the governance of the country.

The group then proceeded to the Temple of Heaven outside the city to offer sacrifices to Heaven.

Xiao Muyao and Lingyan continued to walk side by side.

Wherever they went, they were heavily guarded by the Imperial Guards.

When they arrived at the foot of the Temple of Heaven, the area was already heavily surrounded by imperial guards to ensure the safety and sanctity of the ceremony.

Xiao Muyao and Lingyan climbed the steps; there were ninety-nine steps in total at the Temple of Heaven.

Each level seems to bear the weight of history and destiny.

The two walked steadily and slowly, each step seemingly a conversation with the heavens.

Behind them were eunuchs and servants carrying various sacrificial vessels.

There were exquisite jade and silk, the jade being pure white and flawless, and the silk soft and delicate, precious offerings to heaven.

There were also gui vessels filled with grains and zun vessels filled with fine wine.

These represent the abundance and prosperity of humankind, and we pray to heaven for bountiful harvests year after year and for the well-being of the people.

Upon ascending the Temple of Heaven, one sees a massive circular altar in the center.

The altar is made of bluestone and is decorated with various auspicious patterns, such as dragons and phoenixes bringing good fortune and unicorns offering blessings.

Xiao Muyao stood in front of the altar. The Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices stepped forward, took the water from the servant, and washed Xiao Muyao's hands and face.

This is to express piety and respect for the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven.

Lingyan was also served by female officials to wash her hands, as a sign of solemnity.

After washing his hands, Xiao Muyao accepted the incense offered by the priest, raised his hands above his head, and bowed deeply.

Then insert the incense sticks into the incense burner in the center of the altar.

Lingyan followed closely behind, offering incense in turn.

The smoke curled and instantly filled the air.

It was as if a bridge of communication had been built between heaven and earth.