Do You Know?: Rule the World.

Chapter 140 Conferring the Title of Empress, Grand Master of the Golden Purple Light

The palace servants stopped crying slightly.

Several eunuchs who had been arranged in advance stepped forward to bathe, change the clothes, and cover the face of the deceased emperor, carrying out the initial encoffining.

The Hanlin Academy was brightly lit, with many officials hunched over their desks, engrossed in drafting various imperial edicts and documents.

The edict formally proclaimed to the world, the new emperor's accession decree, the obituary sent to various government offices and military camps, and the official letters informing neighboring countries such as Liao, Dali, and Jiaozhi.

Meanwhile, Zheng Xiao has led the Palace Guard to seal off the palace, allowing entry but not exit, and no word is to be leaked before tomorrow's court assembly.

At the exact hour of Mao (5-7 AM), before the morning light had fully risen, the surroundings were solemn and completely silent.

"Dang——dang——"

A somber death knell suddenly tolled, echoing through every corner of Bianjing City.

Many people were awakened from their sleep, silently counting the chimes in their hearts.

The sound of forty-five claps symbolizes the supreme ruler, and is part of the funeral rites for the emperor.

"It's the Emperor, the Emperor has passed away..."

"Quickly, take down the lanterns outside the door and bring in the colorful banners!"

Almost simultaneously, the doors of shops along the street were opened one after another.

Several people dressed in plain clothes came outside and, with tears in their eyes, removed all the brightly colored items.

The civil and military officials wore plain-colored official robes and ox-horn belts around their waists.

They entered the palace in order of rank, stood outside the Daqing Hall, their expressions solemn and sorrowful.
After exchanging glances with Shen Shiqi and several other important officials, Han Zhang stepped forward and announced loudly, "Last night at the third quarter of Hai hour..."

"His Majesty was seriously ill. Despite the best efforts of the imperial physicians, they were unable to save him. His Majesty has passed away in the Funing Palace!"

Upon hearing this, cries suddenly arose outside the hall.

Several court officials, including the Duke of Qi, Sheng Hong, and Liang Hui, wept uncontrollably, their shoulders trembling, and some even nearly fainted.

At times like these, even if you can't cry, you have to roll up your sleeves and pretend to cry.

To avoid being accused of disloyalty and disrespect by malicious individuals in the future.

"On his deathbed, the Emperor summoned us to the palace."

"Before the dragon throne, he spoke of the crown prince's ascension to the throne, the funeral rites and regulations, and even the border defenses, explaining everything in detail."

As soon as he finished speaking, Han Zhang took the imperial edict from Zhang Maoze. Upon seeing this, the officials stopped sobbing and listened attentively.

"I, of humble birth, have been granted the throne and have ruled the world for forty-one years. I have been diligent and cautious day and night, never daring to be negligent or complacent... Crown Prince Zhao Han is benevolent, filial, intelligent, wise, and possesses great talent and ambition. He is fit to inherit the throne. All civil and military officials, both inside and outside the court, must work together to assist him. The Empress shall be honored as Empress Dowager... The funeral shall be simple and frugal, avoiding any expense that would burden the people... This proclamation shall be made throughout the world so that all may know."

After reading the imperial edict, Han Zhang turned to Zhao Han, cupped his hands, and said, "A country cannot be without a ruler for a single day!"

"Your Highness, please accept our condolences. You must prioritize the well-being of the nation and ascend the throne as soon as possible to bring peace to the land!"

Zhao Han wiped away his tears and shook his head, saying, "My father has passed away suddenly. How can I ascend the throne at this time?"

"After I have devoted myself to keeping vigil for my father and fulfilled my duty as a son, we will discuss this matter again."

He has no choice but to decline today, otherwise he will surely be criticized by the censors in the future.

"Your Highness, things are still unsettled in the northwest of the Great Zhou, and people's hearts are unsettled."

"Your Highness, please prioritize the well-being of the nation and the legacy of our ancestors!" Han Zhang spoke first.

Shen Shiqi stepped forward immediately, cupped his hands, and said, "Lord Han is absolutely right!"

"Your Highness, you should take heed of your grief as soon as possible and ascend the throne, so as not to fail the trust placed in you by the late Emperor last night."

Outside the Daqing Hall, the officials exchanged glances, then lifted their robes, knelt down, and said, "We second your proposal!"

Zhao Han still looked hesitant; the process wasn't finished, and she had to keep declining.

Empress Cao, dressed in a plain white robe, without her hairpins and jewels, looked haggard. "Han'er, don't be so stubborn anymore."

"The emperor's filial piety lies in the eternal stability of the country; the matter of ascending the throne should not be delayed."

In an instant, all the civil and military officials shouted in unison, "Your Highness, we respectfully request that you ascend the throne!"

Zhao Han stood on the steps of the palace, his gaze slowly sweeping over the assembled officials. After a moment, he took a deep breath.

He kowtowed heavily towards the direction of Zhao Zhen's coffin, "Father... Your unfilial son has no choice but to temporarily break his wish to keep vigil!"

After receiving the imperial seal from Zhang Maoze, Han Zhang knelt down again, saying, "Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty, and wishes Your Majesty a long life!"

"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"

"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"

In an instant, outside the Daqing Hall, all the officials knelt down in unison, their voices resounding through the heavens.

Zhao Han raised his hand slightly, "My lords, there is no need for such formalities. After I ascend the throne, I hope that you will work together to support the nation."

"Your Majesty's decree will be obeyed!"

"..."

After receiving the homage of all the officials, Zhao Han summoned several ministers to the Wenhua Hall to discuss the funeral arrangements.

Most emperors began constructing their mausoleums as soon as they ascended the throne.

However, Emperor Zhao Zhen did not do so. Building a mausoleum would require conscripting tens of thousands of laborers, which would be a waste of resources and manpower.

After ascending the throne, he vowed to be a benevolent ruler who implemented benevolent policies and loved his people like his own children, so he kept putting off this matter.

When Zhao Zhen was thirty years old, ministers such as Han Zhang had submitted a memorial proposing this matter.

However, considering that he had no children, his sudden and grand order to build a mausoleum would surely arouse suspicion in the court and among the people, causing widespread panic.

It could even lead to infighting among members of the royal family and other events that threaten the very foundation of the state.

Until last year, he felt extremely unwell and feared that he would not live much longer.

Only then was the construction of the mausoleum put on the agenda, and it was decided to be located in Yong'an County, northwest of Beijing, with the mausoleum name Yongzhao.

Shen Shiqi was appointed as the mausoleum commissioner, responsible for overseeing all affairs during the construction of the imperial mausoleum.

Hai Yanping, the Minister of Works, was appointed as the Bridge Commissioner, responsible for constructing and ensuring the unobstructed passage of roads and bridges leading to the mausoleum.

Han Zhang was appointed as the Master of Ceremonies, responsible for matters such as ceremonial guards, clothing, sacrificial texts, and the drafting of posthumous titles.

Gan Yuanzhong, the Minister of War, served as the Commissioner of the Imperial Procession and the Commissioner of Ceremonial Guards, specifically responsible for managing the ceremonial guards of the funeral procession, including the arrangement and dispatch of vehicles, flags, and canopies.

Several months later, the construction of Yongzhao Mausoleum was nearing completion. The emperor was to be buried in July, and all matters needed to be completed within July.

As for the reign title, it was usually changed in the following year to show respect for the late emperor.

Three days later, the funeral ceremony was completed.

Every morning and evening, civil and military officials would go to the Daqing Hall to mourn, while members of the imperial family and high-ranking officials would take turns standing guard in front of the coffin.

An altar was set up outside the Donghua Gate for common people and officials whose rank was not high enough to enter the palace to worship. Altars were also set up in various prefectures and counties.

Meanwhile, after discussions among the cabinet and officials of the six ministries, the late emperor was given the temple name Ren and the posthumous title Shenwen Shengwu Mingxiao Emperor.

The emperor's mourning period was changed from days to months.

Twenty-seven days later, in the Wenhua Hall, a ceremony to mark the end of the mourning period was held, signifying the return of the court to normalcy.

As for the late emperor's funeral, we will have to wait a few more days.

Meanwhile, in the Liao Kingdom, in Shangjing, Linhuang Prefecture.

Above the throne, Yelü Hongji, dressed in a brocade robe with dragon patterns and the left lapels overlapping the right, held the letter of state handed over by the envoy of the Great Zhou Dynasty, his gaze slowly sweeping over it.

A moment later, his hands trembling, he choked out, "His Majesty the Emperor of Great Zhou... has passed away..."

Several Liao ministers in the hall exchanged glances, then immediately composed themselves, lowered their heads, and stood aside.

His Majesty was so grieved that they naturally had to feign sorrow as well. "From this day forward, the world will never again have such a benevolent ruler, who has shared over forty years of peace. I..."

Before he could finish speaking, Yelü Hongji was already in tears, waving his hands repeatedly. A eunuch beside him hurriedly handed him a handkerchief.

The envoy was somewhat surprised to see this scene.

After glancing at him subtly out of the corner of his eye, he bowed and said, "Your Majesty is overwhelmed with grief; please take care of your health."

"If the spirit of our late emperor in heaven knew of the profound affection and righteousness of His Majesty of your country, he would surely be deeply gratified."

Upon hearing this, the Liao minister immediately added, "May Your Majesty take care of your health!"

Yelü Hongji kept wiping away his tears, and he looked up at the sky and sighed.

"I regret that I cannot personally go to your country to pay my respects. Guards, prepare a cenotaph. I wish to personally compose a eulogy to express my sorrow!"

The envoy immediately bowed deeply and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, on behalf of the Great Zhou Dynasty, I thank you for your profound kindness."

"Such friendship is rare throughout history. After returning to my country, I will certainly convey Your Majesty's profound sentiments to the new emperor of our dynasty."

After the envoy left, Yelü Hongji quickly wiped away his tears, and his gaze suddenly became serious.

"The new ruler of the Zhou Dynasty is no ordinary person; the peaceful days are likely to be over!"

One of the ministers snorted, his face showing disdain.

"Your Majesty is overly worried. Our cavalry is rampant in the northern frontier, unlike the weak Western Xia."

"If the Zhou Dynasty dares to break the alliance, we can follow Emperor Taizong's example, lead our troops south, and take Bianjing directly!"

On the other side, in Tibet, at Qingtang City.

Since the fall of the Western Xia Dynasty, Gusiluo lived in constant fear, and his health deteriorated day and night.

His son, Dong Zhan, was exhausted both physically and mentally. With the support of the Zhou Dynasty, Mu Zheng's power grew stronger and stronger, and Qingtang City was already in grave danger.

"The Zhou Dynasty emperor has actually passed away." Gusiluo shook his head and sighed, his face filled with sorrow.

Dong Zhan had no interest in this matter at all.

He clasped his hands and said, “Father, Mu Zheng has changed his surname to Zhao. The new emperor of the Zhou Dynasty personally bestowed upon him the name Zhao Sizhong.”

Upon hearing this, Gusiluo's eyes widened, and he looked at him in disbelief.

"What? This bastard..."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly coughed up a mouthful of blood. His own grandson had changed his name to oppose him and Dong Zhan!
"Father!" Upon seeing this, Dong Zhan quickly stepped forward to support him and sent someone to fetch a doctor.

-

In the eighth year of the Jiayou era, in mid-June.

Empress Dowager Cao has recently moved to Qingshou Palace. At present, Zhao Han's position is stable, the court officials are subservient, and there is no dispute over the imperial father.

Therefore, she had no intention of ruling from behind the curtain.

Consort Rong resided in Baoci Palace, located to the west of Qingshou Palace. This area was used to support the Empress Dowager and the other consorts.

Inside the Renming Hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Hua Lan stood inside the hall, dressed in a dark blue robe and wearing a crown with dragon and phoenix flowers. Her eyebrows and eyes were relaxed and gentle, and her whole demeanor was noble and composed.

A group of eunuchs in scarlet robes approached slowly, carrying an imperial edict, and read it aloud: "Your Majesty, the decree reads:"

Crown Princess Sheng was gentle and virtuous, and she was prudent in her conduct. Since entering the Eastern Palace, she had been a dutiful wife, serving the Empress Dowager and assisting the Eastern Palace. Her virtue and talent were outstanding, making her worthy of being the head of the six palaces and a model for the nation.

Now, we hereby establish Lady Sheng as Empress, placing her in the central palace to govern the inner court.

Awesome! "

Hua Lan's eyelashes trembled slightly as she suppressed her excitement and accepted the imperial edict with both hands. "Your Majesty, I will obey your command."

She became the empress!
The daughter of a minor official of the fifth rank back then actually became the empress, the mother of the nation!
Cai Zan, who was part of the dowry maid, is now the head maid of Renming Palace.

She grabbed a handful of gold melon seeds from the sandalwood box and stuffed them into the eunuch's hand, saying, "Thank you for making this trip, Eunuch Qingyun."

"Today is a joyous occasion for the investiture ceremony. Our Empress is deeply grateful. Please accept these gifts as a token of our appreciation for the eunuchs' tea."

Qingyun smiled sincerely and bowed, saying, "It is a great honor to be able to deliver the imperial decree for Her Majesty. In the future, please feel free to give any orders to Renming Palace."

"But I have to go to Yanfu Palace and Rouyi Hall to deliver the imperial decree, so I cannot stay any longer. I shall take my leave."

After bowing deeply, Qingyun slowly left with the eunuchs behind him.

As Cai Zan helped Hua Lan toward the inner palace, she said, "Your Majesty, this Qing Yun is quite clever."

"When has Your Majesty ever misjudged anyone?" Hua Lan said with a gentle smile.

After Zhao Han ascended the throne, he personally selected Qingyun as his personal attendant, while Zhang Maoze volunteered to guard the tomb after the late emperor's burial.

In the imperial harem, besides the Empress, there were Consort Gui, Consort Shu, Consort De, Consort Xian, and Consort Chen.

Among them, the Imperial Concubine held a prestigious position, serving as the deputy head of the harem.

The ranks of concubines included Zhaoyi, Zhaorong, Zhaoyuan, Xiuyi, Xiurong, and Xiuyuan, totaling sixteen people.

Next are the ranks of Jieyu, Meiren, and Cairen, with no limit on the number of people.

Now, Shulan has given birth to a princess and has been named Consort Shu, residing in Yanfu Palace, while Yanran has been named Consort Xian and resides in Rouyi Palace.

Meanwhile, inside the Wenhua Hall, Zhao Han, dressed in a moon-white casual robe, looked at Sheng Hong with a smile.

“Ningzhou was once the capital of the Western Xia Dynasty, where the people's customs were complex and the government affairs were numerous and complicated.”

"During the time that Changbai served as the prefect of Ningzhou, he cared for the people and governed with integrity, which greatly pleased me."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong chuckled dryly twice, "Your Majesty flatters me. This is merely his duty as a subject, nothing to mention."

Xu Pingyuan and Wei Ling had already gone to the Northwest to guard the frontier.

The eldest daughter-in-law of the Xu family poisoned her concubine without cause, and according to the law, she should be exiled.

However, most families would not take such matters to the authorities; they would only handle them within the clan.

Under pressure from the old lady, Marquis Yongyi Xu Ji had no choice but to harden his heart and send her back to her parents' home with a letter of divorce.

"Judging by the time, the imperial edict to confer the title of Empress has already arrived at Renming Hall, and Sheng Qing is the Emperor's father-in-law."

"Moreover, during this western expedition, there were no mistakes or omissions in the supply lines, so I should reward you handsomely."

Upon hearing this, Sheng Hong raised an eyebrow, a hint of surprise and delight flashing in his eyes.

When one person attains enlightenment, even their chickens and dogs ascend to heaven. With Hua Lan being crowned Empress, the status and identity of the entire Sheng family will inevitably rise accordingly.

"By imperial decree, the Emperor's father-in-law is hereby granted the title of Grand Master of the Golden Purple Light."

"His mother, Lady Xu, was the Grand Lady of Wei. His wife, Lady Wang, was granted the title of Lady of Yongjia County and bestowed with an imperial decree, official robes, and a hundred bolts of silk as a sign of imperial favor."

The title of Grand Master of the Palace was merely an honorary title, without real power, but it was extremely prestigious and held a highly respected position.

Those who hold the rank of second grade official can wear purple official robes and gold fish belts, thus joining the ranks of prominent officials.

Zhao Han had already made arrangements for the Sheng family.

In three to five years, grant Sheng Hong a noble title and a quiet, leisurely post so he can enjoy his retirement, thus making way for Sheng Changbai.

"Your subject, Sheng Hong, kowtows in gratitude for the Emperor's grace. The entire Sheng family will certainly fulfill our duties of loyalty and filial piety!"

Sheng Hong knelt down to express his gratitude, swallowing hard. His hands trembled slightly with excitement beneath his wide sleeves.

Zhao Han chuckled and said, "Lord Sheng, there's no need for such formalities. Please rise and reply."

About an hour after an incense stick has burned, Sheng Hong respectfully withdrew from the Wenhua Hall and walked gracefully toward the palace gate.

(End of this chapter)