Chapter Nine, Your Majesty receives the seal

No one dared to speak, yet Han Ruzi felt a surge of warmth in his heart. It turned out that the emperor was not merely a puppet disregarded by all; there were still those willing to sacrifice their lives to uphold the emperor's dignity

He tried his best not to think about anything, content to be a compliant puppet, even when he caught the defiant gaze of the King of the East Sea among the throngs of noble attendants, he remained unmoved

The enthronement ceremony was lengthy and tedious, concluding only at noon. The new emperor proceeded to the Hall of Diligent Government, where he would first convene with a few privy councilors to discuss state affairs as emperor. Han Ruzi held no expectations for this, as he was still surrounded by numerous eunuchs and had no communication with the ministers. Furthermore, the Empress Dowager was seated in the adjacent warm chamber, and ultimately, she still held the final say in all matters

Zuo Ji wiped the sweat from his forehead and said in a casual tone: "The Empress Dowager truly understands Lord Yang. The Empress Dowager said that Lord Yang is meticulous and does not follow the orders of the nameless, and indeed it is so, hehe"

Of course, Jing Yao said in astonishment

Han Rizi closed his eyes, peacefully falling asleep, and dreamed of his mother

Yang Feng straightened up and said, "Liu Jie, how can one be reckless in the Hall of Diligent Governance? Why don't you kneel down?"

In the later years of Emperor Wu, Han Rizi's grandfather became increasingly suspicious and distrustful, even towards his closest relatives. Over the course of ten years, he deposed two crown princes, and it was not until a year before his death that he designated Emperor Huan as the crown prince. Many believe that had Emperor Wu lived a few more months, he might have deposed the crown prince for a third time

Yang Feng bent down slightly to support the emperor's left elbow and whispered, "Your Majesty, please accept the seal." There was a deeper meaning in Yang Feng's gaze; in such circumstances, certain words must never be spoken.

However, these matters have little to do with Han Rizi; he merely came over to make a symbolic appearance, surrounded by a group of eunuchs, and he had not even had the chance to familiarize himself with the appearances of the five high-ranking ministers. The Director of the Central Secretariat, Jing Yao, announced on his behalf: "Your Majesty is fatigued and wishes to return to the palace to rest. All of you, please do your best; all matters, big and small, will be decided by the Empress Dowager."

Han Rizi left the still warm soft chair, escorted by a group of eunuchs led by Yang Feng, departing from the Hall of Diligent Governance and heading towards the deep inner palace, believing that he would never have the chance to leave this place of confinement; however, the opportunity came faster than his steps.

Many people in the palace do not like to speak, nor have I seen anyone go mad

Han Rizi was completely unprepared for this, standing there at a loss, his gaze involuntarily drifting towards Yang Feng beside him. He soon realized that almost everyone was staring at Yang Feng, as if this scene had been orchestrated by him in advance. Especially Jing Yao, whose gaze was aggressive, almost as if he were about to directly announce the charges.

Among them, Shujingyao was the most embarrassed. As the Director of the Central Secretariat, he was the direct superior of Liu Jie, the Keeper of the Imperial Seal. Yet, in front of the Empress Dowager, such a significant incident occurred, and he had no way to handle it. "Liu Jie, His Majesty has already arrived, why have you not surrendered the Imperial Seal? Today is the day of His Majesty's ascension to the throne. Your reckless behavior could lead to the extermination of your clan!"

Then they must be talking privately, just like we are now

This is the first day of the new emperor's formal ascension to the throne, and there are numerous matters that require his attention: he must construct a tomb for his deceased elder brother and determine the posthumous title, select an appropriate era name from the "Tao Te Ching" for the new year, and, in accordance with tradition, issue a general amnesty and a decree for the selection of virtuous and capable individuals. Additionally, there is a substantial number of official appointments and dismissals that need to be formally confirmed, and all these matters must be completed as soon as possible

Contrary to his expectations, and those of everyone else, the first council meeting before the emperor was supposed to be calm and uneventful; however, it unexpectedly became the first "situation" for the new emperor

There is no need to... If you truly wish to thank me, then do not always seek to make conversation; you have frightened everyone.

After Han Rizi ascended to the throne, there were some changes in the Hall of Diligent Governance. The five high-ranking ministers became six, with the new addition being the Emperor's maternal uncle, Shangguan Xu, who replaced Cui Hong as the Grand Marshal of the Southern Army, while Cui Hong took on the role of Grand Tutor and participated in governance. Meanwhile, the East Warm Pavilion, originally a place for ministers to take a short rest, was transformed into the Empress Dowager's place for listening to state affairs. Although it was called a place for listening to state affairs, all memorials had to be submitted to the Empress Dowager for her review, while the new Emperor Han Rizi sat aside, reduced to a mere ornament.

Yang Feng's gaze swept around half a circle, finally landing on Prime Minister Yin Wuhai, "Lord Yin, what on earth is going on?"

The Hall of Diligent Governance was enveloped in silence, with five high-ranking ministers standing apart, each fearful of being misunderstood as discussing matters of state, their expressions awkward. The scribes in the hall were nowhere to be seen, while two eunuchs stood at the entrance of the Empress Dowager's Council, displaying an air of tension as if facing a formidable adversary

Thank you. Han Rizi said to the palace maid that he had no other extravagant wishes for the time being, only hoping that someone could engage in conversation, creating a more friendly environment within ten steps, making life in the palace a little more comfortable.

On the 18th day of the 3rd month in the first year of his reign, according to convention, the remaining days of this year would still use the era name of the late emperor. Han Ruzizi officially ascended the throne, and he was the most watched figure on this day, yet he could not shake off the feeling that everything was unrelated to him.

"Lord Jing, please understand, this is the rule." Yang Feng said

Beside the wall pillar stood a man, evidently a eunuch, around forty years of age, unremarkable in appearance, yet with a face displaying an incongruous anger. He held an open brocade box in his arms, one leg forward and the other leg back, as if he were about to charge headfirst into something.

Han Rizi remained still, first glancing in the direction of the Empress Dowager's Council Chamber, and then looking towards Yang Feng beside him

Han Rizi's "drive" refers to his legs. After walking quite a distance for most of the day, his legs felt slightly sore and numb. He had not eaten a single bite yet, but he still felt a bit excited in his heart. He stepped forward along the original path towards the Hall of Diligent Governance, and in the line of attendants, he caught sight of the East Sea King's uncertain gaze, which he found amusing.

It has been nearly twenty days since he entered the palace, yet he still has not seen the true face of the "Empress Mother"

"Those who have been released from prison are without family or clan, and Liu's life is tied to the imperial seal; his death is not to be mourned." Liu Jie looked at the emperor, slightly nodded, lowered his voice, and said, "Your Majesty, please take the seal; in all the world, only you can take the imperial seal from my hands"

A eunuch named Liu Jie knelt on one leg, his hands still holding up the brocade box, displaying a posture of facing death with resolve, and loudly said: "Your Majesty, please accept the seal!"

Jing Yao's face turned red, and with a stamp of his foot, he turned to head back to the Qinzhen Hall. Just then, a eunuch came running over, panting. Zuo Ji held a piece of paper in both hands and directly presented it to Yang Feng, saying, "The Empress Dowager's decree is here."

Han Rizi cast a pleading glance at Yang Feng. He had a slight impression of Liu Jie, as this eunuch was present at every ceremonial occasion, being one of the many attendants of the emperor. He had never spoken a word, nor had anyone introduced him, and Han Rizi had always been unaware of this person's official position.

He wore the crown left by the founding emperor and donned a dragon robe specially made for him. He walked from the palace to the ancestral temple, and then from the ancestral temple to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, during which he made three stops and changed his attire three times. The roads on both sides were filled with people; they knelt down and shouted long live the emperor, and then each returned to their respective places, believing that from then on, the world would be at peace

Yang Feng received it with both hands, opened it to read through, and nodded, saying: "Indeed, please Your Majesty prepare to return to the Hall of Diligent Government"

Jing Yao was even more surprised, "You, you..."

This scene is too strange; Han Rizi had considered various possibilities on his way back, but he never anticipated that it would be such a situation

Regardless, the ordinary prince suddenly became the new crown prince, lacking sufficient governance training. Therefore, before his death, Emperor Wu appointed five regents to assist the inexperienced new emperor. The five were Chancellor Yin Wuhai, Grand General Han Xing, Right Censor Shen Mingzhi, Grand Marshal of the Southern Army Cui Hong, and Minister of Personnel Feng Ju

Meng E's tone was harsh, not only towards the Emperor but also when speaking with other eunuchs or palace maids. Among a group of obsequious individuals, she resembled a naive country girl who had stumbled in by mistake. Yet, it was she who became the Emperor's personal maid, sharing a room with him, with no substitutes.

Yang Feng was also taken aback

The five high-ranking ministers were all granted privileges by the Emperor Wu, allowing them to refrain from performing the kneeling ceremony in the Hall of Diligent Government. Only Shangguan Xu was an exception; as a newly risen official participating in state affairs for the first time, he was extremely cautious. Upon seeing the emperor return, he immediately knelt down. The other five exchanged glances and had no choice but to follow suit, kneeling one after another. As a result, Yang Feng and the others also knelt down, leaving only the emperor and the eunuch who was preparing to collide with the pillar.

Han Rizi took a step forward, while Yang Feng remained in place, kneeling down again, not following.

Meng E refused to continue the conversation

The thirteen-year-old young emperor suddenly became one of the highest-ranking individuals in the room, feeling lost and at a loss. The etiquette taught to him by the officials of the Ministry of Rites was of no use at this moment, and he could only stand there, waiting for others to speak

The next few days were uneventful, aside from the ceremonies and fasting. Han Rizi continued to make an effort to converse with those around him, but made little progress. The new emperor was about to officially ascend the throne, and even though he was merely a recognized puppet emperor, there could be no negligence in service; the attitudes of the eunuchs and palace maids became increasingly respectful.

She must be a trusted confidante of the Empress Dowager, Han Ruzi thought, feeling no aversion in his heart; instead, he felt much more at ease. "That is why I talk to everyone; this way, I won't cause trouble for any one person, right? Moreover, if I remain silent all the time, I will... go mad."

The impulse flashed by, and Han Ruzi still sat on the somewhat uncomfortable dragon throne like a puppet. The military generals and civil officials were no different; they were not even wearing real armor, crawling on the ground and making the same gestures, uttering the same words, while no one looked up to glance at the new emperor

Yang Feng appeared very composed, which deepened everyone's suspicions. He asked, "Is this the Empress Dowager's decree?"

The ministers paid homage to the new emperor in batches according to their ranks and official positions. When the Grand Minister of Ceremonies loudly summoned a group of military generals to the court, Han Ruzi felt a surge of impulse, wanting to cry out for help. He did not recognize these military generals, but in stories, military men are always portrayed as more loyal and straightforward than civil officials.

"Please ... ... Your Majesty ... ... receive the seal." The Prime Minister Yin Wuhai, being the foremost among the officials, could not help but utter a few words, his voice as vague as it could be.

Yet he still remained silent; instinctively, he understood that the current situation was extremely delicate and perilous. A careless remark from him could potentially endanger the loyal and righteous Liu Jie

During the brief three-year reign of Emperor Huan, many significant changes occurred, and five ministers rose and fell in prominence, yet none were eliminated; they remained in the Hall of Diligent Government, wielding the core power of the Great Chu.

A group of people had just passed through two portals, and as they turned back, they could still see the flying eaves of the same hall. Suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard behind them, and the eunuch Jing Yao came running, panting, and uttered a surprising statement to everyone, "Your Majesty, please return to the Hall of Diligent Governance, there is a matter... there is a matter that requires Your Majesty's attention"

Yin Wuhai wore a bitter smile, coughing several times as if he could not speak. The eunuch Liu Jie interjected, "There is no need for Lord Yang to inquire about the Prime Minister; this is all the doing of Liu alone." Liu Jie's gaze was filled with reproach, "As the Keeper of the Imperial Seal, I am solely responsible for the seal on behalf of the Emperor. Even if the Jade Emperor were to descend to the mortal realm, he would not be able to compel me to hand it over personally. Today, I must offend the Empress Dowager and all the esteemed officials. It is said that it is better to be shattered like jade than to remain whole like tiles. If there is no imperial decree, I would rather die in this Hall of Governance, staining the seal with my blood!"

Jing Yao cast a glance at Yang Feng, and the hatred in his heart deepened further

Han Rizi cannot see the genuine concern in the eyes of others; the civil and military officials in the court are not much different from the eunuchs and palace maids. They are exceedingly respectful, yet no one truly wishes to come within ten steps of the emperor

Yang Feng extended his hand and said, "Please present it, Duke Jing."