Sheng Tang: What is Liu Jianjun going to do today?

Chapter 188 The Crown Prince's New Dynasty Ceremony
On the way back to the Prince of Pei's residence, Li Xian couldn't quite describe the feeling in his heart.

It was empty and desolate, as if something had been lost, leaving a sense of melancholy.

In addition, there was a very special kind of relief. This relief was not because the Empress Dowager's ascension to the throne meant that the time for him and Liu Jianjun to "destroy" them was getting closer.

Rather, it's because after her mother ascended the throne, she would be safer than before—before, she had to be wary of being eliminated by her mother as an obstacle, but now that her mother had ascended the throne, as the supreme person, there would be no more obstacles in her eyes.

Therefore, Li Xian felt somewhat ashamed of this ease, for he was taking pleasure in his own selfishness when the fate of the nation was at stake.

The streets of Luoyang seemed even more bustling as news of the Empress Dowager's ascension to the throne spread rapidly throughout the city.

Li Xian lifted the curtain of the carriage, and bold people in the streets and alleys were already spreading the news, their faces beaming with excitement and curiosity, as if they were welcoming not a world-shaking change of dynasty, but a grand festival worth celebrating.

Liu Jianjun is right. Ordinary people don't care who sits on the highest throne. As long as the Empress Dowager's ascension to the throne allows them to live and live a little more peacefully, what difference does it make whether the emperor is surnamed Li or Wu, male or female?

Li Xian silently lowered the curtain, as if bidding farewell to the hustle and bustle outside the window.

……

Back at the Prince of Pei's residence, the study was warm from the burning charcoal fire, dispelling the chill brought in from outside.

Liu Jianjun lay sprawled on the tatami mat, a book pressed against his navel. Perhaps hearing his own voice, he asked without raising his head, "You're back?"

"Okay." Li Xian walked over and sat down.

After thinking for a moment, I calmly recounted what I had seen and heard that day, including my thoughts on the way back.

After listening, Liu Jianjun smiled and said, "Those who celebrate may not be truly supportive; they are just going with the flow or have no other choice. Those who lament may not be able to turn the tide; they are mostly just indulging in old dreams. Politics is never about who has the loudest voice or whose reasoning is right, but about who controls the power and knows how to use it."

Li Xian felt that what Liu Jianjun said was too esoteric, and he didn't quite understand it.

Fortunately, Liu Jianjun didn't continue the topic and suddenly asked, "What year is it tonight?"

“In the first month of the third year of Chuigong…” Li Xian paused, then added, “Now it should be the first year of Tianshou.”

Liu Jianjun then asked, "How old is your mother?"

Li Xian thought for a moment and replied, "Sixty-three."

Liu Jianjun seemed to be deep in thought, muttering to himself, "The third year of Chuigong, the first year of Tianshou, sixty-three years old... ascended the throne at sixty-three years old."

Then a complex expression suddenly appeared on his face that Li Xian couldn't understand.

Li Xian asked, "What's wrong? Is something the problem?"

Liu Jianjun shook his head and said, "Your mother entered the palace at the age of fourteen, became empress at the age of thirty-two, was called the Two Saints along with your father at the age of forty, was promoted to Empress at the age of fifty, became Empress Dowager at the age of sixty, and now, at the age of sixty-three, she has finally come to rule the world."

"legend."

Liu Jianjun said two words at the end, his face showing a deep sense of emotion.

Li Xian took it as him lamenting his mother's life, and for a moment he also felt a little sad and sighed, "Yes, Mother... Her Majesty... truly became the first person in history, unprecedented, and I wonder if there will be anyone like her in the future."

Liu Jianjun scoffed: "You think there will be anyone like her? That old woman has broken the traditions of China for thousands of years. In the past, emperors could confidently hand over power to their wives when the crown prince was young. Do you think future emperors will dare to do that?"

"This old woman is not only unprecedented, but she has also cut off the path for those who come after her."

Li Xian remained silent, still somewhat resentful.

What makes Liu Jianjun so certain?
But when he put himself in her shoes, he wondered what his attitude would be towards the embroiderer if he were to actually ascend the throne.
I dare not think about it too deeply; it sends chills down my spine.

He already had such deep feelings for the embroiderer that he dared not think too deeply about it. What about other concubines who were taken in through marriage alliances?
Li Xian felt that Liu Jianjun seemed to be right again.

“The Zhou Dynasty…” Liu Jianjun sighed again.

Li Xian looked at him with a puzzled expression.

Liu Jianjun simply shook his head and said, "This is the tragedy of being born into a humble family. Even someone like your mother, whose ancestors had no particular glory, had to claim kinship with the Zhou Dynasty to prove the sacredness of her ascension to the throne. Where would scholars from humble backgrounds find a path to advancement?"

Li Xian thought he was thinking about his situation in Bazhou, so he asked, "Is there no imperial examination system in Bazhou?"

Liu Jianjun looked at Li Xian with surprise and asked, "Why are you asking this?"

Li Xian asked in confusion, "Isn't this the path to promotion you mentioned? Emperor Taizong has been promoting the imperial examination system since then, and since my father, it has been held regularly every year. Could it be that the poor and remote Bazhou has never even held an imperial examination?"

"Uh, you mean this..." Liu Jianjun glanced at Li Xian and asked, "Do you think my handwriting is good enough to pass the state's exam?"

Li Xian was speechless; Liu Jianjun was quite self-aware.

"Besides, the Mingjing exam is all about memorizing the classics and the meaning of words. I struggle to even remember the years, let alone memorize that stuff. As for the Jinshi exam, if it were just about miscellaneous essays, I could manage to pass by spouting a few lines of poetry. But the classics and current affairs essays are completely beyond my understanding."

Li Xian chuckled and said, "That's true. You didn't study with that demoted official for long enough, so you couldn't remember these things about the classics."

"It's not just a matter of time. In Bazhou, there are hardly any literate people. Given the general environment, people who want to study don't know where to go, let alone take exams."

"So whether or not there is an imperial examination, it doesn't really make any difference for such a poor and desolate place."

"The winds of Kaizhi cannot yet cross the towering mountains and deep valleys of Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture."

Li Xian seemed to be deep in thought.

Liu Jianjun didn't delve any further into the matter. He shook his head and said, "However, the promotion I'm talking about isn't this kind of promotion."

"What kind of promotion is that?"

"Uh... never mind!"

Liu Jianjun shook his head again, whetting Li Xian's appetite. "Let's talk about your mother's matter. 'Zhou' must have been decided by your mother herself, because the Zhou Dynasty is the dynasty most recognized by Confucianism and is also the ideal political system of Confucianism. What your mother lacked most was the recognition of Confucianism."

Li Xian nodded, indicating that he understood.

Liu Jianjun continued, "And one of the most deeply rooted ideas in Confucianism is male superiority and female inferiority."

Li Xian frowned, not quite agreeing with Liu Jianjun's statement, but couldn't quite put his finger on why, because Liu Jianjun was only talking about the most deeply ingrained ideas, not the core ones.

"Therefore, at this so-called ceremony of the new dynasty, what you need to do is to downplay her female identity as much as possible."

Liu Jianjun's words puzzled Li Xian, who asked, "What does that mean?"

Liu Jianjun said meaningfully, "Because to a certain extent, your mother was a challenger to the concept of male superiority and female inferiority, but she herself grew up in such traditional thinking. She broke free from the shackles of her status, but she could not break free from the constraints of her thinking."

“If she were to live in a different environment, this old woman might really… but now…” Liu Jianjun shook his head, hesitating to speak.

Li Xian only half understood what Liu Jianjun said, and he tried to ask, "So... you mean she doesn't like her female identity, so I shouldn't mention it later?"

"Hmm...more or less. After all, the tone we set is that you fight for the position of crown prince to make your succession legitimate. So, you should still fight for the position of crown prince. As for Danzi, since he is the former emperor, your mother will definitely not make him crown prince in order to prevent him from making a comeback."

"Therefore, you only have two competitors right now."

"two?"

"Let's not talk about Wu Chengsi, your mother's nephew. His advantage is that he shares the same surname as your mother, Wu. Another advantage is that he is Xianzi."

Li Xian was taken aback: "Brother Xian?"

"Nonsense, Xianzi is, after all, the heir to the throne appointed by your father's will. Although he previously practiced nepotism, which chilled the hearts of the court officials, he has a much better chance of winning than you in terms of the status of heir."

Li Xiangang wanted to say that Li Xian wouldn't compete with him.

But Liu Jianjun seemed to know what he was going to say and preemptively said, "This is not a matter of whether Xianzi or you are competing for it. He is currently in Fangzhou. If he is to be made crown prince, it is only a matter of your mother informing him. His consent is not required at all."

"And if your mother spreads the news that he has been named the crown prince, even if the prince himself comes to refuse, it won't work."

"Because your mother is already a saint, and a saint's words carry the law of heaven. Whatever she says must be done."

Li Xian pursed his lips; Liu Jianjun's words made sense.

"So, we need to think of a way to deal with these two. We can ignore Wu Chengsi for now and focus on Xianzi."

Why can Wu Chengsi be ignored?

“There are people specifically assigned to handle this, so you don’t need to worry about it,” Liu Jianjun said vaguely, then added, “Xianzi’s situation is both difficult and easy.”

"The difficulty lies in its legitimacy, but the simplicity also lies in its legitimacy."

Li Xian felt that Liu Jianjun's speech was becoming increasingly incomprehensible.

"Have you forgotten what happened back then?" Liu Jianjun gave him a meaningful look.

A thought flashed through Li Xian's mind: "You mean... the treason case from back then?"

Liu Jianjun nodded: "That's right, it's time to overturn this old case. As long as your treason charge isn't established, you are Emperor Gaozong's legitimate son, the most likely successor to the Tang Dynasty. With Wu Chengsi out of the running, you are the only candidate for crown prince." "But... how do we overturn it?"

Although this belated exoneration came too late, Li Xian was still thrilled.

After all, he lost everything because of the treason case.

Now that the treason case is about to be overturned, I am somewhat hesitant.

It would be very simple for them to overturn the treason case now. First, Shangguan Wan'er has the loan documents from back then, and second, there is evidence that the Empress Dowager instructed Shangguan Mazi to frame her.

Secondly, Liu Jianjun possessed the indenture of Zhao Daosheng, the chicken farmer, which he had previously obtained from Wu Youji.

But it's also very difficult.

The treason case was, in essence, a frame-up by the Empress Dowager. If he were to clear his name, it would mean pointing the finger at the Empress Dowager for framing her own son, which would be tantamount to provoking her when she had just ascended the throne and was at the height of her power.

Liu Jianjun seemed to have anticipated this, and he shifted to a more comfortable reclining position, tapping the edge of the couch with his fingers: "Who told you to go and beat the Dengwen Drum so loudly now, shouting that your mother wronged you?"

Li Xian was taken aback: "Then what should we do?"

“Use your brain, Your Highness Prince Pei.” Liu Jianjun glanced at him sideways. “Overturning a case doesn’t necessarily have to be done openly and openly, making things tense. Sometimes, the undercurrents are more effective.”

He sat up and lowered his voice: "We definitely can't use that evidence with Wan'er. If we do, your mother will know that we are in cahoots with Wan'er. A deposed prince, yet he has connections with the lady-in-waiting closest to her. Knowing your mother's personality, she doesn't need any evidence. We and Wan'er will both be finished."

"So...we'll use the evidence in Wu Youji's possession?"

"That's right, you see, the problem is quite simple. Eliminate the wrong options, and what's left is the only one we can choose."

Li Xian frowned and said, "Then...should we hand over Zhao Daosheng's indenture to the Empress Dowager directly? But wouldn't that expose our relationship with Wu Youji?"
"Or... do you plan to frame Wu Youji, saying he made a mistake in keeping it safe, or some other way?"

"That won't do!"

Liu Jianjun stood up as if he'd been stepped on, saying, "Wu Youji is my good brother now! I have to add... Sorry, wrong channel..."

He waved his hand awkwardly and said, "Anyway, Wu Youji is one of our men now. We can't just present this evidence directly. We need to find a suitable opportunity."

Li Xian was already used to Liu Jianjun's sudden outbursts. He asked, "A suitable opportunity? How do we find it?"

"Wait."

"Should we wait?"

"Yes, your mother is about to make a foolish move, and that's our chance. Dealing with an emperor is very different from dealing with an empress dowager."

……

On the second day of the second month of the first year of the Tian Shou era, the dragon raised its head.

Myriad God Palace.

In the huge square in front of the palace, banners blocked out the sun, and the ceremonial guards were solemn.

Civil and military officials, imperial relatives, envoys from foreign lands, and representatives of monks and Taoists stood in order of rank, stretching to the very end of the line of sight.

Dressed in princely robes, Li Xian stood at the front of the royal family procession, slightly raising his eyes to gaze at the lofty main hall of the shrine.

Today, his mother, Her Majesty the Divine Empress, will complete her final ceremony there and officially become the founding emperor of the Great Zhou Dynasty.

The auspicious hour has arrived, and the deep, resonant sound of the bell rings out.

The first step was a solemn sacrificial ceremony to thank the Supreme God of Heaven and to posthumously honor the ancestors of the Wu clan as emperors and empresses, and to have them worshipped in the Mingtang (Hall of Brightness).

A series of intricate and precise rituals were carried out in an orderly manner under the loud pronouncements of the master of ceremonies. Incense smoke swirled and the sacrificial texts were recited aloud, as if the entire Wanshang Shrine was shrouded in a sacred halo.

Li Xian stood respectfully with his head bowed, following the etiquette requirements to kowtow and rise, without ever overstepping the bounds.

With the sacrificial rites completed, the most crucial moment finally arrived.

The Master of Ceremonies, with a strong voice, proclaimed clearly throughout the square: "Your Majesty, please don the imperial robes and crown, ascend the Zetian Gate Tower, and proclaim to the world that you have rightfully assumed the throne!"

A moment later, under the watchful eyes of countless people, the main gate of the Myriad Manifestations Palace slowly opened.

Empress Wu, or rather, the Empress of the Great Zhou Dynasty, appeared before everyone.

She no longer wore the empress or empress dowager attire she wore when she ruled as regent, but instead wore a solemn imperial robe with black top and red skirt, in accordance with the rites for the emperor.

The black upper garment symbolizes heaven, while the crimson lower garment represents earth, implying the supreme significance of divine right of kings and communication between heaven and earth. The imperial robe is meticulously embroidered with twelve symbols, including the sun, moon, stars, mountains, dragons, and pheasants, using colorful silk threads, showcasing the emperor's unique virtue and authority. He wears a flat crown with twelve white jade beads hanging from it. The beads sway slightly, partially obscuring his face, making it difficult to see his true thoughts, and adding to his mystery and majesty.

Li Xian gazed at that figure from afar, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Liu Jianjun is right. That specially made imperial crown and robes minimized her feminine physical characteristics and highlighted a pure symbol of power that transcended gender.

She climbed to the top of the Zetian Gate Tower and stood leaning against the railing.

His gaze, following the twelve white jade beads, swept over the dark mass of subjects below.

The square fell silent instantly; even the wind seemed to stand still.

The eunuch bowed and presented the prepared edict of accession.

She reached out and took it, unfolded it, and did not read it aloud immediately, but remained silent for a moment, as if feeling the moment when the world changed hands and the universe was held in her palm.

Then, her clear and steady voice rang out, relayed through specially arranged messengers, echoing clearly across the square:

"I have heard that the mandate of Heaven is not something that can be secured by human affairs; the strengthening of the foundation by martial prowess is truly the praise of the spirits... I have considered myself of meager virtue and have had no choice but to decline... Now, due to my unworthy and incompetent nature, I have been entrusted with this auspicious destiny... It is appropriate to follow the ancient precedents, ascend the throne and rule the court, change the Tang dynasty to the Zhou dynasty, change the era name to Tian Shou, grant a general amnesty, and start anew with the people..."

Li Xian lowered his head as he listened to the edict announcing the end of the Li Tang dynasty and the beginning of the Wu Zhou dynasty.

He forced himself to maintain a facade of calm, and even as the imperial edict was read aloud and the shouts of "Long live the Emperor!" began, he was the first to lift his robe and kneel down with utmost obedience, joining the crowd in a clear, slightly excited voice:
"Long live! Long live! Long live!"

The cheers were like a tsunami, one wave higher than the next, sweeping across the entire square and eventually culminating in a city-wide celebration in Luoyang.

Empress Wu, standing atop the Zetian Gate Tower, slightly raised her hand.

The shouts gradually subsided.

She looked down upon her subjects and her kingdom.

"Everyone is safe."

She spoke, her voice emanating from the tassel beads, carrying a haughty tone.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Everyone stood up and stood respectfully with their hands at their sides once again.

Next came a series of ceremonies accompanying the establishment of the new dynasty, including investiture and bestowal of titles.

First, he conferred titles upon imperial heirs Wu Lun, Prince Li Xian of Pei, Prince Li Xian of Luling, and other members of the imperial clan. He also honored his father, Wu Shihu, as Emperor Taizu Xiaoming Gao, and venerated King Wen of the Western Zhou Dynasty as Emperor Wen, the founding ancestor. Wu Chengsi, Wu Sansi, and other members of the Wu clan were all conferred titles of kings, and his aunts were all conferred titles of princesses. All people with the surname Wu in the world were exempted from taxes and corvée labor. Many meritorious officials who supported the ascension of the emperor were also conferred titles and rich rewards.

The ceremony is still ongoing.

Next, it was announced that the Li Tang Imperial Ancestral Temple in Chang'an would no longer be preserved, but would be renamed the Xiangde Temple, where the memorial tablets of Emperor Gaozu, Emperor Taizong, and Emperor Gaozong of Tang would continue to be enshrined.

Empress Wu declared that her throne was inherited from the three emperors of the Li Tang dynasty, and continued to acknowledge her identity as a daughter-in-law of the Li family, replacing her son as emperor as a mother.

The ceremony lasted all day, until the sun began to set.

As the last rays of dawn disappeared below the horizon, the Myriad Manifestations Palace and the entire city of Luoyang were illuminated by countless lights, as if it were daytime.

The grand celebration banquet began, with the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments filling the air, and a variety of songs, dances, and performances presented, showcasing the prosperous atmosphere of the newly established dynasty.

A Hu woman danced the Hu Xuan dance in front of Li Xian's seat, and the air was filled with praise and compliments. Occasionally, officials would shout "Cai!" (a Chinese expression of joy), and the atmosphere was filled with clinking glasses and laughter.

Li Xian remained silent for a long time, then suddenly raised his glass and drank the entire glass of wine in front of him in one gulp.

I didn't get to enjoy myself to the fullest.

He suddenly missed Liu Jianjun's harsh "alcohol," because at this moment, it seemed that only that kind of strong liquor could make someone drunk in an instant.

He raised his cup and suddenly shouted at the oriental woman who was spinning like a colorful flag:

"color!"

In a daze, the wine in my throat seemed to become as spicy as alcohol diluted with water.

……

(End of this chapter)