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

Then, the chief priest unfolded the sacrificial text, first reading Xiao Muyao's words of worship to Heaven: "Heaven above, Earth below, today the new ruler of the Great Zhao, Xiao Muyao, leads all officials and common people to worship at the Temple of Heaven. Since the founding of the country by our ancestors, we have been blessed by Heaven, with favorable weather and abundant harvests, and the country is prosperous and the people are at peace."

"Now that the late emperor has passed away, I have received the mandate of heaven to succeed to the throne. At this time, I swear that I will govern the world with benevolence and filial piety, treat all people with justice, promote civil administration, strengthen military power, and ensure the eternal stability of our Great Zhao land and the peace of our nation. I pray that heaven will have mercy on my country and bestow blessings upon it, so that the people may live in peace and prosperity, the granaries may be full, and all nations may come to pay tribute. If I break this oath, I am willing to be punished by heaven."

Then, the words concerning the Lingyan Pavilion's assistance in praying for the emperor were read aloud.

"Heaven above, Earth below, today Lingyan Pavilion is blessed with the Emperor's grace and honor, and I am honored to hold the position of Empress. I respectfully bow before the Temple of Heaven. Since entering the royal family, I have served the Emperor, devoting my utmost efforts to the court, seeking the well-being of the people and the safety of the nation."

"Standing here today, I pray that Heaven will bless us, that the Great Zhao's civil administration will be illustrious, and its military prowess will be magnificent. May it drive away evil and wickedness like autumn wind sweeping away leaves, and welcome the virtuous and wise like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea. May the emperor and his ministers be of one mind in the court, and together we will forge a glorious and prosperous era. I further pray that the nation will enjoy lasting peace, that the people will live in peace and prosperity, that granaries will be full, and that the markets will be bustling. May the name of the Great Zhao resound throughout the world, and may its grace last for a thousand autumns. I will do my utmost to live up to the grace of Heaven and the expectations of the people."

After the eulogy was read, Xiao Muyao and Lingyan led the officials in performing the three kneelings and nine kowtows ceremony.

Everyone slowly knelt down, placed their hands on the ground, and touched their foreheads to the ground.

He muttered incantations, expressing his reverence and gratitude to Heaven.

For a moment, the only sounds in the square were the thud of knees hitting the ground and soft breathing.

After the worship was completed, the attendants offered sacrifices such as jade, silk, grains, and wine to the altar.

Xiao Muyao personally picked up the wine vessel and poured the fine wine around the altar.

The wine flowed down the altar, nourishing the earth.

Lingyan also personally held a jade cup and poured fine wine to express her sincerity.

At this moment, the musicians played the sacrificial music for the heavens.

The majestic sound of the chime bells, the crisp sound of the chime stones, the distant sound of the xun, and the melodious sound of the chi are intertwined.

Like heavenly music, it echoed in the sky above the Temple of Heaven.

The music seemed like a hymn to heaven, and also like a vision of a bright future for humanity.

As the last note faded, the sacrificial ceremony drew to a close.

Xiao Muyao bowed deeply once again, and Lingyan also bowed gracefully.

Then Xiao Muyao slowly turned around, his voice booming like a bell: "Blessed by the blessings of my ancestors and the expectations of the people, I have ascended the throne and should usher in a new era. I hereby change the era name to 'Jingxi'. I wish this dynasty to be as bright as the spring sun, warming the mountains and rivers, illuminating all people, bringing vitality to the nine provinces, and dispelling the gloom in all directions. Therefore, I am honored with the title 'Emperor Jingxi'."

"The Empress is exceptionally capable, a rare talent throughout history, with abilities that rival any man. Therefore, she is honored with the title 'Yu Qian' (御乾), meaning 'ruling the Qian' (御乾) in the Jingxi era, to forge a glorious and prosperous era for our dynasty, to be remembered in history, and to live up to the expectations of the people!"

After he finished speaking, sunlight pierced through the clouds and shone on the stage, as if paving a brilliant path for a new journey.

The courtiers bowed in submission, shouting "Long live the Emperor!" Their voices echoed through the heavens.

Congratulations to the new emperor and empress! May the Great Zhao Dynasty prosper and flourish.

…………

The enthronement ceremony and the coronation ceremony were successfully completed.

But the entire palace and even the capital were immersed in the joy and solemnity of this historic moment.

People are praising the new emperor's wisdom.

We look forward to the Great Zhao Dynasty, under the leadership of Xiao Muyao, embarking on a new and glorious chapter.

Today, the curfew in Kyoto has been lifted, and the city is ablaze with lights.

Singing, dancing, and various performances; a gathering of people from all directions.

Carriages and horses were endless, and pavilions stretched as far as the eye could see.

Everyone was overjoyed to celebrate the new emperor's coronation and the empress's investiture.

Little did they know that the two main characters of today were currently disguised and hiding among the bustling crowd.

They walked past rows of shops, taking in the bustling, lively atmosphere of everyday life.

The lantern designs of Da Zhao were unparalleled in the world, not only in their exquisite shapes but also in their ingenious craftsmanship.

Lanterns of all sizes and shapes.

Common types include dragon and phoenix lanterns, revolving lanterns, tree and ground lanterns, angular lanterns, flower basket lanterns, firework lanterns, and gauze lanterns.

There are even designs shaped like the twelve zodiac animals, truly a dazzling array.

They walked past stalls displaying all sorts of lanterns, calligraphy and paintings, screens, porcelain, books, and more.

Walk past the moat, illuminated by colorful lights and its waters shimmering.

Walk through the bustling crowds.

Finally, it stopped atop the majestic corner tower of the city wall.

With its upturned eaves soaring into the sky, the vermilion pillars and carved railings exude a simple and solemn charm under the lamplight.

The two stood atop it, leaning on the railing and looking down.

The entire capital city was like a brocade spread out before you, with crisscrossing streets and alleys, winding river of lights, and the wind ruffling your clothes.

It's as if we're observing this peaceful and prosperous scene from a high vantage point.

Thousands of lights converge into a sea, shining brightly.

Like the Milky Way cascading down to earth, the city's prosperity and the world's joy are all within sight.

The grand blueprint for the future seems to be beginning to take shape in these gleaming lights.

Lingyan and Xiao Muyao sat side by side at the highest point in the capital.

Her clothes fluttered gently, rustling softly, as if whispering to the evening breeze.

Lingyan raised her eyes and gazed at the starlight that blended with the city lights, creating a dazzling spectacle.

He couldn't help but sigh softly, "This everyday life is exactly what we, in our current positions, yearn for."

Xiao Muyao nodded slightly, his deep eyes reflecting a myriad of brilliant lights.

Nodding in agreement, he said, "Yan'er is absolutely right. This prosperous scene is what we all desire in the future. We only hope that the world will be filled with splendor year after year."

After he finished speaking, he turned to look at Ling Yan, his eyes filled with starlight and deep affection.

Those eyes were like stars shining brightly in the dark night, encapsulating years of companionship, day after day, year after year.

How lucky he was in his life.

To be able to walk hand in hand with the most beautiful, kindest, most talented, and most righteous woman in the world for many years.

And they will spend their lives together.

From the initial fleeting glance at their first meeting to walking hand in hand through the vortex of power struggles and hardships.

Every smile, every gesture of hers was like a poem or painting etched in his heart, becoming the most beautiful scenery in his soul.

At that moment, the lamplight illuminated her face.

His heart was filled with cherishing and longing, and he only wished that time could stand still and that the rest of his life could be long.

They can all stand shoulder to shoulder with her, witness the splendor of the world, and safeguard the great Zhao land.

Let this deep affection be woven into a beautiful tapestry that will never fade.

Xiao Muyao gazed intently at Ling Yan, his eyes burning with intense affection that instantly overwhelmed him.

Then he suddenly reached out and gently but firmly wrapped his arm around Lingyan's shoulder, pulling her tightly into his embrace.

Lingyan also opened her arms and hugged his waist and back.

Their fingers were intertwined, as if she wanted to merge herself into his body.

At this moment, the world seemed to be silent, with only the thunderous beating of their heartbeats.

Xiao Muyao leaned forward slightly, lowering his head to find her lips, his action as devout as a believer worshipping a god.

With cherished feelings and a promise, the gentle touch of their lips unleashed a torrent of long-suppressed love.

Lingyan tilted her head back to meet his kiss, her lips slightly parted, her eyes closed in ecstasy, responding to his kiss.

The air was filled with tender, intertwined breaths, like colorful clouds chasing the moon.

At this moment, the city is ablaze with lights and the sky is filled with stars.

It all seemed to transform into a romantic veil, witnessing this perfect couple expressing their unwavering love amidst the hustle and bustle of the world and on a high platform.