pdf-ebookys Chapter 279 Consort Fucha
Chapter 279 Consort Fucha
Three days later, Hongchang's investiture ceremony was held as scheduled. On this day,
The entire Forbidden City was immersed in a solemn and dignified atmosphere.
From the Meridian Gate to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, a red carpet was laid out along the way, symbolizing the prince's nobility and glory.
In the imperial court, civil and military officials, dressed in their court robes, stood in neat rows on both sides, awaiting the start of the investiture ceremony.
The chubby orange cat was also brought to the scene today to witness Hongchang becoming the crown prince.
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan stood together, looking at Hongchang.
Hongchang, dressed in the golden robes of a crown prince, looked exceptionally dignified.
His gaze was firm and composed as he walked forward step by step without any hesitation.
As the ceremonial music began, the investiture ceremony officially commenced. The Minister of Rites, holding the imperial edict, read it aloud:
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The sixth son of the Emperor, Hongchang..."
He was intelligent from a young age and possessed both virtue and talent, so he was specially appointed as the crown prince and put in charge of governing the country.
"I urge the Crown Prince to study diligently and live up to my expectations, so as to safeguard the Qing Dynasty and its people. So be it!"
Hongchang stepped forward, respectfully accepted the imperial edict, then turned to face the officials and proclaimed in a loud voice:
"Your subject Hongchang will do his utmost to live up to Father Emperor's high expectations and the trust placed in him by the people!"
The officials shouted in unison, "Long live the Crown Prince!"
After the investiture ceremony of Hongchang, he officially took over the court and governed on behalf of the eldest son, Da Pangju.
In the imperial court, another chair was placed beneath the dragon throne.
Hongchang sat in the chair that had been prepared especially for him.
His gaze swept over the civil and military officials in the court, his expression solemn and calm.
His voice was clear and firm, carrying a dignity beyond his years:
"My lords, from this day forward, I will act as regent for the Emperor."
I hope that everyone will work together to help stabilize our Great Qing Dynasty.
The officials all bowed and said in unison, "Your subjects obey!"
At this moment, the Minister of Rites stepped forward and said in a loud voice:
"Your Highness, according to ancestral rules..."
A regent needs to appoint a minister to assist His Highness in handling state affairs.
Please make the decision, Your Highness.
Hongchang pondered for a moment, his gaze sweeping across the court before finally settling on several veteran officials.
He slowly said, "In my opinion, all the ministers in the court are people whom Father Emperor has relied on for many years, and each has his own expertise."
Starting today, Grand Secretary Zhang Tingyu,
Minister of Revenue Fumin, Minister of War Ortai,
The four officials, including Li Wei, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, will temporarily serve as regents to assist the Crown Prince in handling state affairs.
What do you all think?
Zhang Tingyu and the others quickly stepped forward and respectfully said:
"Your Highness, we are willing to serve you with utmost loyalty and will do our utmost to live up to your expectations!"
The officials echoed this sentiment, praising His Highness the Crown Prince for his ability to recognize and appoint capable people.
Many ministers felt that the maturity and composure displayed by the young crown prince far exceeded their expectations.
However, some ministers felt that no matter how mature and composed the crown prince appeared, he was still just a greenhorn.
They're definitely easier to fool than the emperor.
However, Hongchang's performance quickly changed the minds of these ministers who had been hoping for a lucky break.
In the days that followed, Hongchang rose early every morning to attend court and handled government affairs meticulously.
He sat in the chair that had been prepared especially for him, his expression focused and his eyes piercing.
The memorials to the emperor piled up like mountains, but he never dealt with them perfunctorily.
He carefully reviewed each one, and even offered his own insights and solutions for some complex issues.
His words were clear and organized, leaving those officials who thought they could get away with it clueless.
Furthermore, the ministers never expected that the previously unruly Nian Gengyao would support Hongchang, this young upstart.
What surprised the ministers even more was that General Nian Gengyao, who was always unruly and difficult to tame,
They actually stood up to support Hongchang, this greenhorn!
This is truly unexpected.
Even more surprisingly, Prince Dun, who had frequently contradicted the emperor in court,
Now he's even speaking up for the Crown Prince!
It's important to know that Prince Dun was one of the key figures in the struggle for succession among the nine princes during the reign of the late emperor.
He had always been a member of the Eighth Prince's faction and had no respect for the Emperor.
It can be said that in the imperial court, as long as one is not a naive and ignorant greenhorn,
Almost everyone knows about the thrilling struggle for the throne among the nine princes during the reign of the late emperor.
Prince Dun was an important figure in the Eight Princes Party back then.
He had always harbored resentment towards the emperor, and could even be said to regard him as an enemy.
After the Emperor ascended the throne, Prince Dun did not show him much respect.
He continues to oppose the emperor, just as before.
They even tried every means to get the Eighth and Ninth Princes out of the Imperial Clan Court.
Prince Dun has only become much more restrained in recent years.
Logically speaking, since Prince Dun so disdains the Emperor,
Then he probably wouldn't have a good impression of the Crown Prince either.
But now he is openly speaking up for the Crown Prince, which is truly baffling!
This angered those courtiers who wanted to rely on their seniority and control Hongchang.
We dare not act rashly for the time being.
They were merely trying to subtly test whether the crown prince was easy to control, in order to gain benefits for themselves.
He didn't want to offend the Crown Prince, whose position was secure and who would eventually become the Emperor.
They were also afraid that the crown prince would hold a grudge against them after he ascended the throne.
Time is like a wisp of smoke; it vanishes without a trace with a gentle flick of the fingertip. Two short months have passed in the blink of an eye.
However, for Big Fat Orange, these two months felt like an endless ordeal.
Although his condition has been temporarily brought under control, it has not improved at all.
He could still only lie on the dragon bed in the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
His body was unable to move, and even speaking became a luxury.
The chubby orange cat reluctantly accepted this cruel reality.
He knew his situation was beyond redemption, and from now on...
He'll probably just have to lie in bed all day and wait to die.
As the saying goes, "A new emperor brings a new court," and Big Fat Orange understands this better than anyone else.
He is now powerless to reverse the situation, and the rise of Crown Prince Hongchang is a foregone conclusion.
Despite his deep reluctance and unwillingness, he had to admit that this was an inescapable fact.
Big Fat Orange slowly closed its eyes, its heart filled with a mixture of emotions, as if a bottle of mixed feelings had been spilled.
His life was full of ups and downs, filled with countless trials and tribulations.
From that thrilling struggle for the throne among the nine princes back then,
Now, confined to his sickbed and unable to control the court, he has experienced the full spectrum of power's joys and sorrows.
Looking back on the past two months,
Prince Zhuang, Prince Heng, and other members of the imperial clan kept praising Hongchang's outstanding performance in his ear.
And Xia Yi reported Hongchang's every move to him every day, which made Da Pang Ju sigh deeply.
He knew that these people were paving the way for Hongchang's rise to power.
And it was time for him to make a decision for the Qing Dynasty.
The chubby orange cat lay on the bed, its body trembling slightly, as if every movement required tremendous effort.
He reached out with difficulty and slowly tugged at the bell beside the bed.
Soon, Su Peisheng hurriedly pushed the door open and came in.
He bent down, walked quickly to the bedside of the big, fat orange cat, and asked softly:
"Your Majesty, what are your orders?"
The chubby orange didn't say anything, but simply pointed to the foot of the bed.
Su Peisheng looked in the direction the chubby orange cat was pointing and saw a delicate box wrapped in yellow silk at the foot of the bed.
Su Peisheng walked over and gently held the box in his hands.
Then he returned to the bedside of the big fat orange cat and respectfully asked, "Your Majesty, is this what you want to see?"
The chubby orange cat nodded slightly, his expression somewhat serious.
Seeing this, Su Peisheng placed the box next to Da Pangju's bed and then gently opened the lid.
Inside the box was an imperial edict wrapped in gold velvet.
The imperial edict was brightly colored, with the four large characters "Imperial Edict of Succession" written in vermilion on it.
The chubby orange cat's gaze fell on the imperial edict, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes.
The chubby orange pointed to the pre-written edict of succession.
Su Peisheng carefully took out the imperial edict and unfolded it in front of the chubby orange.
Big Fat Orange's eyes were fixed on those familiar lines of handwriting; he had written them himself.
"The sixth prince, Hongchang, is of noble character and closely resembles me. He will surely be able to carry on my will and become the emperor."
The imperial edict was issued, and the sixth prince, Hongchang, ascended the throne.
It is hoped that all officials will work together to assist the new emperor and ensure the eternal stability of the Qing Dynasty.
So be it.
Su Peisheng asked cautiously, "Your Majesty, is this an imperial edict to be read aloud?"
Su Peisheng's voice trembled slightly; he knew this edict was of extraordinary significance, and once it was read aloud...
The entire political landscape of the Qing Dynasty will undergo earth-shattering changes.
Big Fat Orange looked away from the imperial edict, a hint of weariness flashing in his eyes, but it quickly returned to its firmness.
He nodded slightly.
Su Peisheng suppressed his excitement after receiving affirmation from the chubby orange.
He asked again, "Is Your Majesty sure you want to issue an edict to read this decree aloud?"
Big Fat Orange nodded again
Upon seeing this, Su Peisheng immediately bowed and replied, "This servant will take care of it immediately."
He carefully rolled up the imperial edict again, put it back in the box, and turned to leave.
After Su Peisheng left the large orange-haired boy's bedroom, he addressed Xiao Xiazi and the others who were guarding the door.
"Go and convey the imperial decree to invite Prince Heng, Prince Dun, Prince Zhuang, and other princes of the Zong clan."
Also included were Grand Secretary Zhang Tingyu, Minister of Revenue Fumin, and Minister of War Ortai.
"Li Wei, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and several other regents should hurry to the palace."
Soon, Prince Heng, Prince Dun, Prince Zhuang, and other princes of the imperial clan,
Several regents, including Zhang Tingyu, Fumin, Ortai, and Li Wei, arrived outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Their steps were hurried, and after seeing who had been summoned...
My suspicions began to form in my mind.
The group stood on the steps outside the Hall of Mental Cultivation, exchanging few words with each other.
He simply stared silently at the tightly closed palace gate.
Everyone's breathing became shallow and long, as if afraid to make the slightest sound to break the suffocating silence.
Time passed slowly, and finally, Su Peisheng walked out of the hall.
His steps were steady and solemn, and his face carried an indescribable solemnity that inspired awe.
After Su Peisheng stood still, he announced in a loud voice: "Your Highnesses and Lords, His Majesty summons you to the palace."
His voice was exceptionally clear in the quiet atmosphere, instantly breaking the silence.
Upon hearing the sound, the crowd filed in and entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
The light inside the hall was dim, and the large, fat orange cat lay quietly on the dragon bed.
His face looked somewhat haggard, and he had lost a lot of weight.
But at this moment, his gaze was unusually firm.
The hall was deathly silent, without a sound, except for the mingling of everyone's breathing in the air.
The somber atmosphere was like an impenetrable net, tightly enveloping everyone.
Prince Heng spoke first, his voice sounding somewhat abrupt in the silence:
"Your Majesty, did you make up your mind to summon me today?"
The chubby orange nodded slightly, signaling Su Peisheng to take out the edict of succession.
Su Peisheng carefully took out the imperial edict, held it in both hands, and slowly walked to the bedside of the big fat orange cat.
He respectfully unfolded the imperial edict, held it above his head, and proclaimed in a loud voice:
"Your Highnesses and Lords, the Emperor has decreed that the edict of succession is here. Please listen attentively."
Everyone held their breath, their eyes fixed on the gleaming golden imperial edict.
Prince Heng, Prince Dun, Prince Zhuang, and other princes of the imperial clan,
Zhang Tingyu, Fumin, Ortai, Li Wei, and other regents knelt down and said in unison:
"Your Majesty, we respectfully listen to your decree."
Su Peisheng cleared his throat and read the imperial edict in a loud and solemn voice:
By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:
The sixth prince, Hongchang, is of noble character and closely resembles me. He will surely be able to carry on my will and become the emperor.
The imperial edict was issued, and the sixth prince, Hongchang, was to ascend the throne.
"It is hoped that all officials will work together with one heart and one mind to assist the new emperor, so as to ensure the eternal stability of the Qing Dynasty. So be it."
Everyone present knew of the existence of this imperial edict.
After confirming that the contents of the imperial edict were correct
The crowd chanted in unison, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! We, your subjects, will obey your decree!"
Prince Heng and others then stated their position, saying, "Your Majesty, we will do our utmost to assist the new emperor and live up to Your Majesty's trust."
Big Fat Orange nodded and waved for them to leave.
The next day, at the start of court, the Forbidden City was already bustling with activity as dawn broke.
In the square in front of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, civil and military officials had already gathered.
They were dressed in court robes, their expressions solemn, and arranged in order of rank.
Today's morning assembly was different from usual; a tense yet expectant atmosphere filled the air. Everyone knew that...
A new era is about to begin.
As a melodious bell rang, the court assembly officially began.
All the officials knelt down and kowtowed to the dragon throne.
After everyone had stood up and stood still, Su Peisheng stepped forward and read the edict of succession to the court officials once more.
Then he had the guards bring a ladder and took out the secret box under the plaque of the Hall of Righteousness and Brightness.
He opened the box, took out another edict of succession, and read it aloud again to show it to the world.
Hongchang heard yesterday that a member of the royal family and a regent had entered the palace.
My suspicions began to form in my mind.
Now that everything is finally settled, I feel a huge sense of relief.
His mother had always placed high hopes on him, and now he had finally lived up to those hopes.
Soon he will be able to realize his grand ambitions and fulfill the shared wish of his mother and himself.
After Su Peisheng finished reading the edict of succession, the court was silent for a moment.
The officials shouted in unison:
"Your Majesty, we humbly obey your decree! Long live the Emperor!"
Nian Gengyao was the first to address Hongchang, saying, "Please, Your Majesty, take a seat."
The officials, realizing what was happening, quickly echoed, "Please, Your Majesty, take a seat."
Hongchang smiled slightly, his gaze sweeping over the civil and military officials in the court, his expression solemn and composed.
He slowly walked to the dragon throne, paused slightly, then lifted his robes and slowly sat down.
"My beloved subjects, rise."