The next day.
The sky was faintly lit.
The vermilion palace gates were wide open.
On both sides of the entrance stood bronze-armored guards.
Ning Que presented his golden seal and entered the palace smoothly.
“Haha, the Heir is quite early.”
“No, now he should be called Prince!”
Gu Mingzhi walked forward with a chuckle to greet him.
Ning Que merely nodded in acknowledgment, not paying much attention.
These smiling tigers were all thick-skinned.
Even political enemies would maintain appearances.
He continued straight ahead.
On both sides of the palace gate stood stone que, twenty zhang high. The stone que were unique stone carvings of Great Feng, used to display majesty. In front of the imperial palace gates were the Azure Dragon and White Tiger Que, respectively, with ancient designs, exquisite carvings, and lifelike depictions!
Ning Que did not walk fast, proceeding at a leisurely pace.
From time to time, court officials would come to greet him.
They were all officials attending the court assembly.
After all, today was his enthronement and coronation ceremony!
Such an important ceremony had to be held in Weiyang Palace. Weiyang Palace was the main palace of the Great Court, the political center and national symbol of Great Feng, located on Longshouyuan, the highest point in Chang'an. Emperor Feng usually resided in Weiyang Palace, where he personally handled documents, judged cases by day, and managed books by night.
Ning Que arrived in front of the hall and looked up.
What met his eyes was a grand imperial road paved with marble, adorned with exquisite patterns of mountains, seas, and clouds, and even divine dragons soaring through the clouds. Surrounding it were swirling clouds, exceptionally beautiful.
On both sides were layers of steps.
These were for the court officials to walk on.
Ning Que stepped onto the stairs, walking slowly.
He did not walk fast, but each step was steady.
When he reached the highest point, many court officials were already waiting.
Straight ahead was the majestic Weiyang Palace, with bronze Xuanbirds on the ridge, as if poised to spread their wings and soar. Each palace gate was adorned with jade, depicting maps of various prefectures and counties.
These were all specially renovated by Emperor Feng after he ascended the throne.
When he looked up, he could see the territory of Great Feng!
“Oh, isn’t this Prince Ning?”
“Nephew, this is your first time participating in the court assembly, you must be prepared.” Qi King Tian Zhongxun said with a fake smile. He had changed into a dragon robe, wore a purple gold jade crown, and held a purple jade gui in his hand. With a fake smile, he said, “A court assembly often lasts two or three hours. Can nephew sit steadily?”
The other court officials all looked at Ning Que.
They wanted to know how this Xiao Ning would respond.
Tian Zhongxun was clearly speaking with hidden meaning, mocking Ning Que with veiled barbs.
“This Prince is young and vigorous, and can sit for as long as he wishes. Qi King, at your age, how much longer can you sit? Don’t faint from sitting too long; then we’ll have to summon a imperial physician. Speaking of which, this Prince also knows a bit of medicine. Seeing the black spots on your face, dark ears, and yellow tongue, I fear you have a hidden illness…”
“You—”
Tian Zhongxun’s face turned red.
The officials nearby almost burst out laughing.
Hadn’t Tian Zhongxun suffered enough at the Gu Family banquet last night?
Of all people to provoke, he chose to provoke Ning Que?
Ning Que’s other abilities might be debatable, but his tongue was certainly sharp!
“Hmph, only good at verbal sparring.”
“Xiao Ning should still think about how to secure his position!”
“It’s not easy to have royal power.”
Tian Zhongxun coldly left a harsh remark.
Then he turned his head away, saying no more.
Ning Que, however, gave a cold smile.
This old man was truly uninteresting.
“Prince Ning, you still need to be careful.”
“There might be an unexpected turn during today’s coronation.”
Chancellor Sima Changqing walked forward.
He was over forty, with slightly graying temples.
As Chancellor, he was responsible for overseeing the Six Ministries.
He had studied the Six Arts and was proficient in the art of governance.
He was a direct disciple of Master Yu!
After Emperor Feng ascended the throne, he was quickly promoted.
Sima Changqing and Old Prince Ning had a decent relationship.
That’s why he chose to come forward and remind him.
Sima Changqing lowered his voice, “In the past, Emperor Wen once swore a white horse oath with Prince Ning, that Prince Ning’s lineage would not inherit the title of Prince without great merit.”
“Thank you for the Chancellor’s reminder.”
“Prince Ning, there’s no need to be polite.” Sima Changqing smiled, patting Ning Que’s shoulder, “I’ve heard about your affairs. Let go of them sooner, and look forward sooner. His Majesty often talks about you in front of me. This extraordinary coronation for you is in hopes that you can serve the country.”
“Understood.”
Ning Que nodded knowingly.
He had guessed that Tian Zhongxun would play tricks.
And, he must have thought of Emperor Wen’s oath.
Emperor Wen was the second Emperor Feng.
An unexpected event occurred shortly after his ascension.
Old Prince Ning was gravely ill and needed to select a suitable successor.
The eldest legitimate son was mediocre, not particularly outstanding in ability.
The second legitimate son was skilled in both civil and military arts, and had military achievements to his name.
Logically, the eldest legitimate son should inherit the princely title.
But the second son’s generals disagreed.
They directly bypassed Prince Ning and remonstrated Emperor Wen with military force.
Emperor Wen had no choice but to consult with Prince Ning.
Finally, the two killed a white horse and swore an oath.
From then on, the Prince Ning lineage would be inherited by the most capable.
To inherit the princely title, one must achieve great merit!
And also gain the recognition of all officials.
Tian Zhongxun knew, and he naturally knew too.
“Enter the hall!!!”
The palace gates on both sides opened simultaneously.
Civil and military officials entered from both sides.
Ning Que, as Prince Ning, walked at the very front.
The interior of the hall was paved with black jade.
It was spotless, even reflective.
Inside were one hundred and twenty load-bearing pillars.
Each pillar required several people to encircle.
The beams were made of unique red wood, with a peculiar fragrance.
Everywhere was brushed with tung oil, quite tidy.
Ning Que sat on a futon, with military generals behind him.
Tian Zhongxun sat opposite him, with civil officials behind him.
Prince Ning’s Manor was a family of generals.
Throughout history, they had been the head of military generals!
Although Ning Que had never participated in a court assembly, he knew the rules. A court assembly was an extremely solemn occasion, so one had to observe propriety. No rash movements were allowed, nor whispering. Otherwise, the supervising ritual officials behind them were not to be trifled with.
“Silence—”
“His Majesty arrives—”
Chief Steward Hu’s clear voice rang out.
The palace gates on both sides closed simultaneously.
The imperial gate in the center was pushed open.
All officials looked towards the palace gate at the same time.
Emperor Feng was seated in a dragon carriage, carried by eight warriors, passing over the imperial steps. At this moment, he had changed into a dragon robe, wore a mianliu crown, and had a treasured sword hanging from his waist.
After entering the hall, all officials simultaneously rose and bowed deeply.
“We respectfully greet His Majesty!”
“May His Majesty live ten thousand years, may Great Feng live ten thousand years!”
Great Feng rarely performed the great kneeling ceremony; since its founding, it advocated co-governance with the literati. The monarch and ministers were considered equal, hence the saying of being enfeoffed as a marquis and appointed as a chancellor. It emphasized that while a minister bows to the monarch, the monarch also bows to the minister.
“All my lords, you may rise!”
“Thank you, Your Majesty!”
All officials took their seats.
Emperor Feng sat on the imperial couch.
His gaze swept over each person one by one.
Finally, it landed on Ning Que.
He rarely showed a slight smile, and with a flick of his sleeve, said, “I presume all my lords know. Today is the coronation ceremony of the new Prince Ning, and I have invited all my lords to bear witness. Cao Shangshu, this matter is still under the responsibility of your Ministry of Rites.”
“Your Majesty, I have an objection!”
Emperor Feng looked at Tian Zhongxun, frowning slightly.
Finally, he waved his hand.
“There’s no hurry for objections; let’s discuss them after the coronation.”
“I believe it’s better to clarify it first.”
Tian Zhongxun walked out slowly.
Showing no respect to Emperor Feng at all.
“Qi King!”
“Does Your Majesty still remember Emperor Wen’s white horse oath?” Tian Zhongxun turned around, his gaze fixed on Ning Que, and said coldly, “Emperor Wen once swore an oath with Old Prince Ning that the Prince Ning lineage would be hereditary and co-exist with the nation. But to inherit the princely title, one must have great merit for the country!”
“May I ask all of you, what merits does this Xiao Ning have?!”