The Empress has abandoned me? I'll support a new emperor and destroy your kingdom!

The morning light of Linde Hall shines through the exquisite ice-crack patterned window frames on the high windows.

Countless fine gold threads were cast onto the gleaming gold brick floor, and also onto the civil and military officials standing solemnly like a forest inside the hall.

The purple, crimson, and green official robes were imbued with an almost sacred aura, yet the pervasive, almost stagnant heaviness and somber atmosphere remained.

Today's ceremony may not be a grand one, but it is more magnificent than a grand one.

Officials of the fifth rank or above in the capital, members of the imperial family with titles, nobles, and even several princes who had rushed back from their fiefdoms to prepare for the "grand funeral," all held their breath and bowed their heads, lining up on both sides of the imperial road.

The vast hall was so quiet that you could hear the howling north wind outside, your own heart pounding like a drum, and the suppressed coughs that seemed to be about to break off from the throne.

Emperor Yun Hong was almost half-reclined on the dragon throne, which was covered with several layers of soft cushions.

Today, he wore a full set of imperial robes, a rare sight indeed. Twelve strings of white jade beads hung down, covering most of his face, but they could not hide his sallow complexion, sunken eye sockets, and his withered hands gripping the armrests, veins bulging, trembling incessantly.

Two eunuchs, one on each side, were practically supporting him with their bodies to keep him in a seated position.

On the emperor's desk, there were not mountains of memorials, but only a few items.

A sandalwood tray holds bright yellow silk.

Another option is the princess's golden book and seal, as well as a short sword with an ancient design and a scabbard inlaid with seven treasures.

All eyes, whether openly or secretly, were focused on the lone figure standing below the steps.

Princess Jingguo, Yun Jin.

Her attire today is the "Princess Zhenguo's" court dress, which was hastily made overnight by the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department and specially approved beyond the prescribed limits.

With a black background, it is embroidered with the sun, moon, stars, and twelve symbols in gold and peacock feather patterns, making it extremely solemn and luxurious.

Her hair was styled into a high bun, and she wore a nine-phoenix crown with pearls hanging down from it. The pearl tassels hanging down from the front of the crown swayed gently, reflecting her calm and serene face.

She did not bow her head, nor did she show stage fright; she simply calmly accepted the gazes from all directions, each with its own meaning.

There was envy, jealousy, scrutiny, worry, and even deeper apprehension and hidden hostility.

Her gaze briefly met that of the Third Prince Yun Huan, who was also dressed in a prince's robe and had a gentle smile on his face, standing beside the throne.

Yun Huan's smile was flawless, and he even nodded slightly to her, but the deep chill in his eyes was colder than the north wind outside the palace.

"Cough...cough cough..." The emperor coughed violently again, and the eunuch quickly handed him ginseng slices.

He held his breath for a moment before managing to suppress it, and spoke in a hoarse voice. Although his voice was not loud, it was clear to everyone in the quiet hall.

"My lords... I'm sure you all already know. The great victory in the northern frontier was achieved through the bravery of our soldiers, the blessings of Heaven, and the good fortune of our ancestors."

Princess Yun Jin of Jingguo, who was appointed to tour the country on behalf of the Emperor, was entrusted with a critical mission. She guarded the pass and defeated the enemy. Her merits are great for the country and will benefit future generations... Cough cough... He coughed a few more times, took a moment to catch his breath, and then continued.

"His loyalty, bravery, wisdom, and strategic acumen are evident to all. What is even more commendable is his compassion for the people, his keen insight into the ills of the time, and his significant contributions to national governance and the people's livelihood..."

With each word he spoke, the expressions on the faces of the officials below changed.

That's incredibly high praise!

It almost pushed the praise a princess could receive to its peak.

"I...have recently felt unwell, and I fear that I am powerless to help with state affairs."

The emperor abruptly changed the subject, his words startling: "For the sake of the nation and its people, I, today in the Linde Hall, before my ancestors and all my ministers, here issue this decree—"

He tremblingly reached out his hand and pointed to the bright yellow silk on the imperial desk.

The eunuch in charge of ceremonies immediately stepped forward, held the book in both hands, unfolded it, and read aloud in a high-pitched, solemn voice:

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:"

Princess Yun Jin of Jingguo, my imperial daughter, is gentle, virtuous, cautious, intelligent, brave, and possesses both virtue and talent.

In the past, he pacified the Jianghuai region, bringing peace and tranquility to the common people from suffering.

Now, guarding the northern frontier, we crush the barbarian invaders at the nation's gate.

His achievements shine as brightly as the sun and moon, and his virtue benefits all people.

I am delighted, and the whole world is convinced.

By the grace of Heaven and in accordance with public opinion, Princess Yun Jin of Jingguo is hereby promoted to the title of Princess Zhenguo, granted a certificate of merit and the honor of enjoying the salary of a prince, and ranking above all other princes!

Furthermore, once a government is established, the official can appoint his own chief clerk, military advisor, and other subordinate officials, with all ceremonies and regulations matching those of the Crown Prince!

He concurrently served as the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Northern Imperial Guards and as an advisor on the defense of the capital region!

He concurrently served as the inspector of the Ministry of Revenue's Department of Finance, responsible for investigating the nation's money, grain, and taxes!

I urge you, Erke, to be diligent and frugal, skilled in both literature and martial arts, to assist me in governing and stabilizing the nation. This decree is hereby proclaimed throughout the land, so that all may know. So be it—”

"The Princess Who Protects the Nation!"

"Establish a dental clinic in Kaifu!"

"Deputy Commander of the Northern Imperial Guards!"

"Inspector of the Ministry of Revenue's Department of Finance!"

A series of rewards and titles, like thunderclaps from the heavens, resounded in the sky above the Linde Hall, making everyone dizzy and almost unable to believe their ears!

Princesses having the power to establish their own residences and appoint their own officials is a power reserved only for crown princes and regents!

The Deputy Commander of the Northern Imperial Guards held real military power in the capital!

The inspectors of the Ministry of Revenue's Department of Finance had a firm grip on the imperial treasury!

Not to mention the almost presumptuous favors bestowed upon him, such as "being above all other princes" and "following the rites and regulations of the Crown Prince"!

This isn't a reward; it's clearly... a separation of powers! A check and balance! A decree to entrust the young emperor with his care!

Many officials turned pale, especially those who had close ties with the Third Prince or those conservatives who were deeply opposed to women's involvement in politics; they felt as if they had been choked.

A tightness gripped his chest, and he wanted to step forward to object, but he was forced back by the emperor's cold and sharp gaze, though he was sickly, and the third prince's seemingly calm but actually warning look.

The eldest prince has just "passed away," and the aftermath is still ongoing.

To offend the emperor at this moment and oppose this powerful and influential princess would be tantamount to courting death.

"Your subject...accepts the decree and expresses gratitude! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Yun Jin's calm voice rang out. She took a few steps forward and solemnly knelt down at the foot of the imperial steps.

He raised both hands high and accepted the golden book, golden seal, and the seven-jeweled short sword that symbolized the power to establish his own government and military headquarters from the eunuch.

His movements were steady and his manners impeccable.

The emperor looked at her, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes—a mixture of relief, expectation, and a deep-seated guilt and helplessness.

He waved his hand, his voice growing weaker: "Rise... I hope you... will not disappoint me..."

"Your subject will certainly devote himself wholeheartedly to the cause, even unto death, to repay the Emperor's grace!"

Yun Jin stood up, holding the golden seal and short sword, turned around, and faced the officials in the hall.

At that moment, he was dressed in black robes and a pheasant-feathered crown, his hair adorned with je

She was no longer just Princess Jingguo, but Princess Zhenguo, one of the highest rulers of the empire who held real power, had her own residence and authority, and was above all the princes.

The aura that emanated naturally, a blend of iron-fisted authority and wise composure, caused many officials who had initially held a contemptuous attitude to involuntarily lower their heads.