Chapter 9, Ascension to the Throne
The Son of Heaven sets out to conduct a ritual at the Grand Ancestral Temple, respectfully informing the ancestors. The officiating eunuch called out loudly, as the civil and military officials accompanied the chariot of the Son of Heaven and the Empress Dowager to the Grand Ancestral Temple to pay homage to the past emperors of the Han Dynasty. Following this, they proceeded to the outskirts to offer sacrifices to the state and the mountains and rivers, completing the entire enthronement ceremony only when the sun had set behind the western mountains
The General said, "Although the Son of Heaven is still young, he possesses a strong sense of independence; Cao Jie serves as a cautionary example." Yin Xun showed no intention of stopping.
The Son of Heaven sets out! With the loud call of the eunuch, Liu Hong ascended the azure canopy imperial carriage. Under the protection of three thousand soldiers, he majestically drove towards the Jiade Hall, where civil and military officials, dressed in court attire, awaited him in the cold wind
Your Majesty's graciousness, it is merely an old minister... Chen Fan indeed declined politely. Although the Emperor had good intentions, as a subject, how could he... However, before he could finish his words, he was interrupted by Liu Hong.
Seeing the expression on Dou Wu's face, Chen Fan couldn't help but shake his head, thinking that the imperial relatives would always be imperial relatives and should not be worked with
In front of the Jiade Hall, Liu Hong stepped down from Zhang Rang's back, under the gaze of the officials, walking along the red carpeted path towards the front of the hall, where the imperial throne was set up with the Imperial Seal, the sword of Emperor Gaozu of Han that slayed the white serpent, and the thirteen ceremonial crowns of the Son of Heaven.
"Grand Tutor, I have summoned you today to request your assistance with a matter." As the carriage drove into the palace grounds, Liu Hong stated the purpose of his request to Chen Fan.
"Grand Tutor, His Majesty requests your presence in the carriage." Just as Sima Fang had finished issuing the edict, Gao Hu, who had just been appointed as the Palace Attendant, arrived. The imperial carriage was not far away, and despite Dou Wu's cultivated demeanor, his expression turned ashen. Although Chen Fan was highly respected, the emperor was the one he had supported. Now, in front of this great general, to summon Chen Fan to share the carriage placed him in a difficult position.
Empress! Seeing the Empress in a daze, the trusted female official behind Dou Miao could not help but call out softly, for this is the coronation ceremony of the Son of Heaven, allowing for not the slightest mistake
"Later, summon Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong to see me," said Wang Fu, whose expression fluctuated between dark and light. He had arranged for Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong, two of the most distinguished eunuchs, to be by the Emperor's side in order to gather intelligence.
"By imperial decree, Grand Tutor Chen Fan, the court has reported. " As the curtain of the carriage was lifted, Sima Fang, who was beside Emperor Liu Hong, mentioned that Chen Fan had recommended him to Dou Wu. Originally just a Palace Attendant, Sima Fang became the first court official of scholarly background to serve as a Central Gentleman since Emperor Xiaojin.
Indeed! Sima Fang responded in a deep voice, as he is now the focus of the world. Scholars unanimously believe that the Emperor's actions are a clear demonstration of favoring virtuous ministers while distancing himself from petty individuals. The burden on him is not light.
Feeling those piercing gazes like blades, a cold sweat broke out on Dou Wu's forehead. Looking at his daughter, his eyes were filled with anxiety
"Your Majesty, please give your orders; as long as it is within my capabilities, I will certainly accomplish it for you." Seeing the Emperor's serious expression, Chen Fan felt a stir in his heart, thinking that the Emperor intended to eliminate the eunuchs.
Upon seeing Dou Wu in anger, he mounted his carriage and departed. Yin Xun sighed; his original intention was merely to remind Dou Wu to consider the feelings of the Emperor in his actions. After all, it is not easy for the Han Dynasty to produce a wise ruler, and the accumulated issues over several decades cannot be resolved by a single general.
While the court was busy with the coronation ceremony of the new emperor at https://m.hetushu.com, no one noticed that the eunuchs within the palace had quietly divided into two factions. One faction was led by Wang Fu, while the other, composed of upright eunuchs, changed their previous non-confrontational stance and began to unite against Wang Fu, making it difficult for him to gain full control over the entire provincial palace.
"There is no need for the Grand Tutor to decline; just act according to my wishes." Although Liu Hong spoke softly and slowly, his demeanor and expression were such that they could not be defied. Even Chen Fan was momentarily taken aback, but ultimately agreed.
"Your servant, in obedience to the imperial decree." Inside the carriage, upon hearing the edict, Chen Fan did not even greet Dou Wu and simply got out of the carriage.
"One must not speak recklessly; the thoughts of the Son of Heaven are not to be casually speculated upon." Dou Wu's expression darkened as he halted Yin Xun. At this moment, he had only recently become the Grand General and still retained the demeanor of a scholar
Regarding the matter of the eunuchs, I have already made arrangements. What concerns me most now is the rebellion of the Qiang people. The treasury is currently depleted, and if the war drags on, the court may find it difficult to cope. Therefore, I intend to appoint Li Ying as the Protector of the Qiang. Liu Hong said with evident worry, as the Eastern Han dynasty fell due to the Qiang rebellion, and five pacification campaigns consumed military resources amounting to several hundred billion coins, further burdening an already strained imperial treasury.
Inside the carriage, Liu Hong's gaze fell upon the Imperial Seal of the Realm in his hand. According to tradition, before his coming-of-age ceremony, the seal would be managed by the Empress Dowager. Today was merely a formality; in a few days, the Northern Palace would reclaim the Imperial Seal.
"Grand Tutor, I have ordered people to prepare a large couch within the palace." Chen Fan had a fondness for spacious wooden couches, but the only person he could invite to sit and talk on it was Xu Ru from Yuzhang. Liu Hong, aware of his preferences, commanded that a large couch be sought from the palace treasury. After all, this elder could be considered the most upright and loyal minister of the empire at present, holding an irreplaceable position in the hearts of scholars across the land. Naturally, it was essential to foster a relationship of sincerity between ruler and minister.
As the imperial procession returned to Luoyang, although Chen Fan shared a carriage with Dou Wu, his closeness to Dou Wu had diminished since Liu Hong secretly sent Gao Hu to meet with Chen Fan. Initially, Chen Fan's alliance with Dou Wu was based on the fact that, despite being a maternal relative, Dou Wu had a notable reputation and could serve as a support for the party members, rather than being Chen Fan's original intention.
Dou Miao watched the approaching Emperor, suddenly feeling a sense of fear. She could not articulate the reason, but there was a strong feeling of unease in her heart
Watching Chen Fan depart, Dou Wu fiercely drew his sword from his waist and struck it against the cart. In recent days, he had followed Chen Fan's instructions, bestowing titles upon those close to the Emperor, only to be met with such treatment. This truly left him filled with indignation.
"Enough, do not speak further. As a subject, I shall naturally be loyal to the Emperor and devoted to the affairs of the state." Dou Wu interrupted Yin Xun, as he was truly afraid that if he continued to listen, he would develop resentment towards the Emperor.
The news of the Emperor summoning Chen Fan to enter the palace quickly reached Wang Fu. Despite his usual composure, he could not help but feel anxious, as Chen Fan was a sworn enemy of the eunuchs. Reflecting on this, he found himself somewhat nostalgic for Cao Jie, who was confined by the Emperor in He Nei. If Cao Jie were present, he might have been able to discern the Emperor's intentions. However, this thought was fleeting, as Cao Jie was above him in rank, and if he returned, it was likely that the position of leader would not fall to him.
Dou Wu was eager to express his feelings regarding the matter of Empress Dowager Rìjiān to Chen Fan. However, upon careful consideration, he felt that doing so would only lead to a misunderstanding by the inherently strong-willed Chen Fan. He hesitated several times, wanting to speak but ultimately refrained, leaving the atmosphere in the carriage exceptionally heavy. At that moment, the carriage suddenly came to a halt. Just as Dou Wu was taken aback, a young yet composed voice sounded from outside the carriage, "Imperial Edict, Grand Tutor Chen Fan, a report from within the palace."
As Liu Hong took each step, the guards and officials on both sides knelt down in unison, resembling a crimson-black wave surging forward, yet silent and still, as if gathering the immense force capable of shattering clouds and piercing stone.
Within the imperial carriage, Chen Fan, who was over seventy years old, appeared somewhat reserved in front of Liu Hong. Although he had previously stated during the reign of Emperor Huan of Han, "For those who serve the state, the state is paramount; for those who serve the sovereign, pleasing the sovereign is paramount," distinguishing between the state and the sovereign and asserting that the sovereign does not equate to the nation, when Liu Hong, who embodied the image of a wise ruler in his mind, appeared before him, he became just like those young Confucian scholars.
In the voice of the female official, Dou Miao regained her senses and hurriedly followed the ceremonial protocol, presenting the Imperial Seal and the sword used by Emperor Gaozu to the Son of Heaven. She then personally placed the crown of the Thirteen Edicts upon the Son of Heaven's head. "Long live, long live, long long live!" At the moment Liu Hong was proclaimed, the civil and military officials, along with the soldiers below the steps, shouted in unison, shattering the earlier silence.
Within the Jianzhang Palace, attended by the palace maids, Liu Hong donned the emperor's ceremonial robes beneath the auspices of https://www.hetushu.com. Surrounded by eunuchs on either side, he stepped forth. Outside the palace gates, the Imperial Guards, the Golden Whip, and the five battalions of the Northern Army had long been waiting, their dark black and bright red banners nearly obscuring both sides of the imperial path
"General, it seems that the Emperor has begun to harbor suspicions towards you." Behind Dou Wu, the figure of the Minister of Personnel, Yin Xun, gradually became clear. At around forty years of age, he was known for his intelligence and strategy, and could be considered half of Dou Wu's advisor.
Seeing Chen Fan's troubled expression, Liu Hong did not urge him further, but simply said, "Grand Tutor, let us first go to the palace to rest and have a meal before discussing anything else." After saying this, he personally went to support Chen Fan, which greatly moved this elderly man who had served through four dynasties yet had not been given significant responsibilities.
Chen Fan remained silent. Since Emperor He, the Qiang people have continuously rebelled, transforming the Sanfu region into a place beyond the reach of the gentry from Guandong. All knowledgeable individuals in the world are deeply pained by this situation. It is fortunate for Liangzhou that the current emperor has this understanding. Li Ying is well aware of his own capabilities; if he were appointed as the Protector of the Qiang, he could pacify Sanfu and secure time for the court to recuperate. However, with Dou Wu currently in power, it may be somewhat difficult to gain his consent.
Among the officials present, Chen Fan and several ministers noticed the hesitation of the Empress Dowager, and all eyes turned to Dou Wu, their expressions cold. The death of Emperor Zhi was an unforgettable pain for these scholars throughout their lives. The wise Emperor Zhi had been entrusted with the hopes of the scholars for the governance and revival of the Han Dynasty, yet he was poisoned out of fear by Liang Ji. Now, the new emperor's actions along the way exemplify the demeanor and grace expected of a wise ruler. What does the Empress Dowager's hesitation at the new emperor's enthronement ceremony signify