Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World.

Chapter 162 A Glimpse into the Lives of People in Bianjing!
Early July.

The sun rises over the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

The steps are majestic and the shrines are solemn.

Several wooden tablets, all ancestral tablets, were erected in the "Zhaomu system" (a system of ancestral worship).

A hundred paces away from the Imperial Ancestral Temple, there was an altar about ten feet high, where sacrificial vessels and wine vessels were placed.

The charcoal fire burned brightly, and the incense smoke curled upwards.

A jade carriage (a special vehicle for sacrificial rites), pushed and supported by palace officials, slowly passed through the temple gate.

The civil and military officials, led by Grand Chancellor Han Zhang, stood in orderly rows, holding their official tablets, their faces solemn.

Several younger members of the imperial clan stood facing west.

About half an incense stick later, the jade carriage collided with the steps of the sacrificial altar.

Emperor Zhao Zhen stepped down from the jade carriage, dressed in a black robe and skirt with twelve imperial symbols and twelve tassels on his head, looking very majestic.

Of course, the slightly pale lips somewhat detracted from the authoritative demeanor.

Empress Cao wore a yi (a type of traditional Chinese robe), a long robe with wide sleeves, embroidered with pheasant and falcon patterns, and a crown with nine dragons and four phoenixes on her head.

Both of them, holding sacrificial texts, ascended the steps together.

"Each official shall perform their duties!"

"Welcome the gods!"

The Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, serving as the official in charge of sacrificial rites, sang a hymn, and the chime bells and ox drums sounded together, playing the "Xing'an Music." Sixty-four noble sons, holding flutes and pheasants, performed a "civil dance" and walked in the "round mound ceremony."

All the civil and military officials bowed in unison and knelt on the prayer mats.

On the altar, the sacrificial text was slowly unfurled.

"In the third year of the Zhiping era, the succeeding emperor's minister Zhao Zhen respectfully presented a black jade tablet and a jade disc to the Supreme Heaven and the spirits of the King of Wei:"
I humbly believe that Heaven's mandate is ever-changing, but is based solely on virtue. My son passed away early, leaving no one to carry on the family line. I am filled with anxiety day and night, fearing the demise of our ancestral line. I have found a worthy successor among the descendants of my great-grandfather, a man of exceptional virtue and wisdom, possessing both literary and martial talents, perfectly emulating his qualities, truly resembling my son.

Following the advice of virtuous ministers and emulating the precedent set by Emperor Xuan of Han, we humbly accept the title of King of Wei as our father, and eternally offer sacrifices to him. The stars align in Kui, a sign of auspiciousness for our sage grandson. The Yellow River is clear, and we offer this praise, heralding a new era of revival. We earnestly pray that divine intervention will guide us, and that the dragon will soar to new heights.

May our borders expand to the northern deserts, and may the restoration of Yan and Yun bring me satisfaction. May your virtuous conduct be comparable to that of Yao and Shun, and may your glory shine in the annals of history to answer the call of Heaven.

May your spirit bear witness and may you enjoy this offering!

After speaking, he threw the eulogy into the fire.

The chime bells rang out, their long notes lingering for seven breaths, their cool resonance echoing around the beams.

The first instance of anything is always the most difficult.

With the adoption of five members of the imperial clan for sacrificial rites, this adoption of the "grandson" for sacrificial rites is naturally not the first case, and the process is almost identical.

The difference was that Zhao Zhen did not read out the names of the five younger members of the imperial family one by one.

but
To expand the northern borders and restore the Yan and Yun regions to satisfy my ambition?

Some perceptive civil officials glanced out of the corner of their eyes at several members of the imperial clan who were considered the most virtuous in martial arts.

Is it really possible to be a descendant of the founding emperor?

After the eulogy was recited, an official presented a jade cup containing brewed rice wine.

Conventionally, sacrificial rites include offering wine to honor ancestors.

Zhao Zhen nodded and was about to reach out his hand when he seemed to realize something, and his expression suddenly changed.

Almost in an instant.

"Uh~!"

Under the watchful eyes of all the officials, Zhao Zhen gagged, his face contorted, his eyes glazed over, and he swayed precariously.

Fortunately, Empress Cao reacted quickly and reached out to support him.

"Imperial doctor!"

A gasp of surprise rang out, and all the officials were shocked.

really!

The official's stroke was not truly cured.

Emperor Taizong died here, and Emperor Zhenzong died here.

Now, it's the government's turn!

All the civil and military officials watched intently.

"Turn around, everyone."

A sharp rebuke drew attention.

Grand Chancellor Han Zhang!

"The Holy Body is not functioning properly, everyone turn around!"

"Don't say you didn't predict what you said!"

Han Zhang snorted coldly, and his calm words sent a chill down one's spine.

Throughout history, there have been similar rules regarding "not being able to look up at the emperor."

Of course, in societies where literary culture flourishes, even if similar regulations exist, their enforcement is not strict.

Disputes between rulers and their subjects were commonplace, let alone "looking up at the ruler."

However, this does not mean that subjects can openly watch their monarch make a fool of himself.

At the very least, unless you are a Grand Secretary of the Cabinet, it's best not to look at these things carelessly.

If things really don't go well, the emperor might actually launch a purge!
The officials were startled and quickly turned their backs.

"The emperor was so diligent in his duties that he fell ill. He was worried about the affairs of the state and never tired of making decisions in court."

Holding his tablet, Han Zhang slowly said, "I expect that with proper medical care from a renowned doctor, I can recover completely."

"Your Excellency is right." "The heir apparent has been secretly chosen!"

"That's very well said!"

Several Grand Secretaries of the Cabinet echoed this sentiment.

Regardless, at the very least, the news must be kept under wraps and people's hearts must be appeased.

After the senior officials spoke, many officials gradually echoed their sentiments.

The phrase "secretly designating an heir" does indeed offer some reassurance.

Of course, this does not mean that people's hearts are completely at ease.

The adoption of the imperial grandson and the sacrifice to Heaven were destined to be a case of starting strong but ending weak!

Bianjing, Jiying Lane.

The Sheng Mansion, Shou'an Hall.

"So, in full view of everyone, the Emperor actually suffered a stroke?" Old Madam Sheng's teacup trembled, quite astonished.

On the left, Sheng Hong stroked his beard and sighed, "This is certainly true. After the eulogy was read, His Majesty suddenly lost his balance. If it weren't for Her Majesty the Empress's quick reflexes, he would have fallen off the altar."

"this?"

Grandma Sheng's eyelids drooped slightly, unsure how to comment.

Ultimately, she was also a woman confined to her home.

Compared to other women confined to their homes, she simply had more experience, which broadened her horizons and knowledge.

The king's illness and loss of all dignity were beyond her comprehension.

After a few breaths, Old Madam Sheng sighed and shook her head: "These are turbulent times!"

"Now that Zhao Ge'er has been dismissed from his post and both families have declined, the Sheng family is a small and humble household, so it's best to keep a low profile," Old Madam Sheng advised.

In any case, keeping a low profile is never a bad thing.

"Mm." Sheng Hong nodded.

"Lord Gu has passed away, and Ming'er has already married him."

Grandma Sheng raised an eyebrow: "Remember to remind General Gu not to cause controversy out of nowhere."

This refers to matters related to mourning.

With Gu Yankai's death, Gu Tingye was undoubtedly required to observe three years of mourning.

Unfortunately, he also got married.

A man in his mid-twenties is full of vigor and blood. If he cannot control himself during the mourning period and his wife becomes pregnant, he may be dismissed from his post or exiled.

Sheng Hong nodded.

Prince Yan's Mansion.

Her slender waist swayed gracefully, and her lotus-like steps were elegant and graceful.

"Who do you think the emperor might appoint as his successor?"

The beautiful woman danced lightly, but the Prince of Yan had no interest in appreciating her.

Instead, he looked at his eldest son, Zhao Shiyi.

The establishment of sacrificial rites meant that the struggle for the throne continued into the generation of the "sacred grandson".

The generation of "princes" who fought each other in secret has completely become a thing of the past.

The key point is that, like father, like son, the King of Yan was very aware of his eldest son's abilities.

Can this thing compete with the others?

Zhao Shiyi pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "Anyway, it's unlikely to be me."

He was quite confident about the competition among the older generation.

His father, the Prince of Yan, was quite capable.

If he doesn't drag the team down, there's still a good chance of winning.

As a result, it has now become a struggle among the younger generation.

The most valuable quality in a person is self-awareness!
The King of Yan remained silent.

After a few moments, the Prince of Yan sighed deeply, "This is going to be difficult!"

"The heir apparent has been secretly chosen, and the Duke of England will command 100,000 imperial guards."

"They didn't even have the chance to rebel!"

“It’s not that there’s no way out,” Zhao Shiyi interjected. “When I entered the palace to study, the Duke of Lu taught me how to protect myself.”

"My son, you should try to protect yourself," Zhao Shiyi added, his head bowed in dejection.

"Self-protection?"

The Prince of Yan frowned, somewhat disbelieving: "How can you protect yourself?"

"Adjust your mindset and your position," Zhao Shiyi said earnestly.

"Scholarly nonsense!"

The King of Yan did not believe it at all.

Prince Yong's Mansion.

The Prince of Yong and his son were also unusually silent.

If you have to choose just one of these five options, no one dares to say they can win!

(End of this chapter)