Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 257 Conferring the Title of Empress

As the purple aura dissipated, the lingering auspiciousness remained in the hearts of everyone at the Circular Mound Altar, transforming into boundless awe and fervent faith in the new empire and the Emperor of Heaven. The sacrificial ceremony to Heaven concluded successfully in a solemn and dignified atmosphere, but the ceremony was not yet over. The Emperor's entourage did not return directly to the Imperial City, but instead moved to the newly built Imperial Ancestral Temple, adjacent to the Circular Mound Altar.

The Imperial Ancestral Temple, majestic and imposing, enshrines the ancestral tablets of Chen Xing's posthumously honored ancestors. Here, Chen Xing, as the newly enthroned emperor, burned incense and offered sacrifices to his ancestors, formally entrusting the founding of the dynasty and the establishment of the capital in Chang'an to their spirits, and praying for their protection. This was also an indispensable political ceremony, closely linking imperial power with family blood ties and filial piety, further consolidating the legitimacy of his rule.

After the ceremony at the Imperial Ancestral Temple concluded, the grand imperial procession finally set off, slowly returning to the capital city under the increasingly scorching sun, along the imperial road from which it had come, amidst the even more enthusiastic cheers of the people. At this moment, Chang'an City had become a sea of ​​joy and reverence. Every household was decorated with lanterns and colorful streamers, and people spontaneously burned incense and kowtowed to celebrate the establishment of the new dynasty and the ascension of the true dragon to the throne.

At the hour of Wei (1-3 PM), the imperial carriage entered through Chengtian Gate, passed through Taiji Gate, and finally arrived at the vast square in front of the Taiji Hall, the core of imperial power. Civil and military officials had already re-established their ranks below the steps in front of the hall, awaiting the important ceremony to come.

Chen Xing changed his ceremonial robes behind the Taiji Hall, from the solemn and elaborate sacrificial robes to a more magnificent and majestic imperial ceremonial robe. Murong Mingyue, in a side hall, assisted by palace maids, changed into her most formal empress's robes. The robes were made of deep blue brocade, embroidered with colorful pheasant and falcon patterns, and paired with a deep blue knee-covering, wide belt, jade pendant, and sash. She wore a nine-dragon, four-phoenix crown, her hair adorned with pearls and jade, exuding supreme elegance and nobility. When she stood before the mirror, fully dressed, even the old palace maids who had served her for many years couldn't help but hold their breath in admiration. The woman in the mirror remained beautiful, but the heroic spirit between her brows was slightly softened by this extremely noble attire, adding to her an aura of imperial majesty, dignified and unapproachable.

"Your Majesty, the time is approaching," the female official reminded softly.

Murong Mingyue took a deep breath, suppressing the complex emotions surging in her heart, and nodded slightly. Surrounded by eight palace maids holding fans and sixteen female officials guiding the ceremony, she walked gracefully out of the side hall and headed to the worship position that had been set up in front of the Taiji Hall.

Meanwhile, Su Xiaoxiao, Lin Wan'er, and Lan Fenghuang, dressed in formal attire befitting their upcoming ranks, stood solemnly in a designated area on the other side of the square, guided by female officials. Their gazes were all fixed on the woman in a ceremonial robe who was walking towards the altar. Their feelings varied, but at that moment, they felt only the deepest reverence and obedience.

In front of the Taiji Hall, the bells and chimes rang again, and the music of "Yonghe" was played.

Chen Xing slowly walked out of the hall and stood at the highest point of the steps, looking down. His gaze first fell on Murong Mingyue. Their eyes met briefly in the air before separating, but they both saw in each other's eyes the tacit understanding and unwavering determination that had weathered many storms together.

The chief and deputy envoys, holding the golden book and golden seal, stood on the central steps of the imperial staircase.

The master of ceremonies announced loudly: "Proceed with the ceremony of bestowing the title of Empress—"

The Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices stepped forward, unfurled the edict written in gold ink with ornate language, and read aloud: "...You, of the Murong clan, are a distinguished family, virtuous and gentle, endowed with graceful beauty and wisdom... You assisted me in my time as a prince, your merits lying in the inner palace; you guarded the rear, your virtue benefiting the people... Now, I, having received the favor of Heaven and inherited the great foundation of my ancestors, have ascended to the throne, and in accordance with ancient rites, hereby appoint you as Empress. You shall be reverent in managing the household affairs, set an example for the six palaces, diligently cultivate the virtues of the inner palace, and assist in propagating the teachings of the underworld... Respectfully Yours!"

After the document was completed, the chief and deputy envoys presented the imperial edict and seal to Murong Mingyue before her taking her seat. Following protocol, Murong Mingyue knelt to receive the golden edict and seal, then handed them to a female official behind her. She bowed again to express her gratitude.

The master of ceremonies announced again: "The Empress ascends the throne—"

Supported by a female official, Murong Mingyue rose and walked step by step up the specially designed imperial path to the Danbi (Imperial Steps). Finally, she sat gracefully on the phoenix chair belonging to the Empress, slightly behind Chen Xing's throne. From this position, she could clearly see the officials below and feel the steady and powerful presence emanating from her husband beside her.

"All officials pay homage to the Empress—" the master of ceremonies announced at the end.

Below the steps, led by Jia Wen, all the civil and military officials, along with all the noblewomen and palace maids present, faced the Emperor and Empress on the steps and performed the grand ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows, shouting:

"Your Majesty, we offer our congratulations! May Your Majesty live a thousand years! A thousand years! A thousand thousand years!"

The roar was deafening, shaking the palace. This was not merely a ritual, but a formal recognition and reverence of the Empress's status by the entire ruling class of the empire.

Murong Mingyue sat upright on the phoenix chair, her gaze calmly sweeping over the kneeling crowd below. She slightly raised her hand, her voice clear and majestic: "All of you, rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty the Empress!"

The grand ceremony of bestowing the title of Empress is now complete. Murong Mingyue has officially become the founding Empress of the Xingqi Empire, ruling the world with maternal grace, sharing honor and responsibility with the Emperor.

Chen Xing turned his head to look at his wife on the phoenix throne beside him. The morning sun shone through the eaves of the palace, falling precisely on the nine-dragon, four-phoenix crown she wore, reflecting a brilliant yet gentle light that illuminated her calm yet resolute profile. At this moment, she was no longer the woman in red who fought alongside him, but had truly become the symbolic mistress of this vast empire, the most important and legitimate partner in his political career.

An indescribable feeling of emotion and tenderness welled up in his heart. He reached out and, hidden by the wide sleeves of his robe, gently took her hand, which was resting on her knee.

Murong Mingyue's fingertips trembled slightly, then she firmly returned the grip. No words were spoken, but everything was understood. This gentle handshake was a confirmation of ten years of weathering storms together, a vow to share countless responsibilities in the future, and the most precious warmth and reliance they could find within the depths of the palace.

With the investiture ceremony complete, the next step will be the investiture ceremony for the Noble Consort, Virtuous Consort, and Wise Consort. The structure of the harem will soon be established in the most formal and authoritative way. This grand ceremony in front of the Taiji Hall will also be recorded in history as one of the most glorious footnotes to the founding of Xingqi, and will be passed down to future generations.