Hot flashes

Linchuan City did not become the last bulwark to block the Jingbei Army's southward advance, as Zheng You had hoped.

With the formidable military might of having utterly destroyed the Canglan River and burned down the navy, Xiao Jue personally led his army to the city's gates, where the people of this important Jiangzuo town were already filled with apprehension.

Zheng You's remaining troops, numbering less than ten thousand, retreated into the city. Their morale was low, and they were still shaken.

The city's garrison originally numbered over 30,000, but most of them were soldiers from prefectures and counties who had long been out of practice. Faced with the endless, menacing Jingbei army outside the city, they were intimidated before the battle even began.

Even more fatally, the officials, gentry, and even some of the garrison commanders in the city had already heard through their own channels about the “Prince of Jingbei’s” rather “restrained” actions to pacify the people in Hengshui, Luancheng, and other places, which stood in stark contrast to the incompetence and corruption of the Southern Capital court.

There were quite a few who secretly made contact with the enemy and intended to defect.

Xiao Jue besieged the city for three days but did not launch a large-scale attack. Instead, he used catapults to hurl surrender documents into the city each day, and sent elite cavalry to circle the city as a show of force. At night, drums and horns sounded, and fires burned all night, exerting continuous psychological pressure.

At the same time, through the secret agents already laid out by Shen Yu and others, they secretly contacted those in the city who were willing to submit, promising them official positions and protecting their property.

At dawn on the fourth day, the garrison commander of the east gate of Linchuan—a deputy general who had a long-standing feud with Zheng You and whose family businesses were mostly located in areas already controlled by Xiao Jue—suddenly launched an attack, leading his personal guards to kill the supervising officer and open the city gate.

Wang Ben's cavalry, which was already prepared, surged into the city like an iron torrent in an instant!

The defending troops inside the city were already demoralized, and upon seeing this sudden change, most of them immediately abandoned their weapons and surrendered.

Zheng You led a small group of loyal followers to retreat and defend the city lord's mansion. They put up a stubborn resistance, but the mansion was breached in less than an hour. Zheng You attempted suicide but was captured alive by Zhao Ting.

Linchuan, the gateway to Jiangzuo, changed its flag almost without bloodshed.

The news spread, shaking the rest of the prefectures and counties in Jiangzuo. The will to resist quickly crumbled before the "Prince of Jingbei's" victories and the clear signal that "those who submit will prosper."

Over the next month, Xiao Jue's army, using Linchuan as its base, divided its forces to seize territory and pacified the land with proclamations. Few resisted, and those who surrendered at the mere sight of him were as numerous as carp crossing a river.

The prosperous three prefectures of Jiangzuo were thus incorporated into the territory of the "Prince of Jingbei" at a speed that exceeded everyone's expectations.

By this point, Xiao Jue had effectively controlled the entire northern border, a large area of ​​northern Central Plains, and the three states of Jiangzuo, which could be called the granary of the world.

Its vast territory, large army, and abundant resources far surpassed the crumbling Southern Capital court, truly giving it the strength to contend for the throne.

All eyes in the world are focused on the southern bank of the Canglan River, near Linchuan.

On the first day of October, the sky was high and the clouds were light, and the autumn breeze was refreshing.

Outside Linchuan City, a nine-foot-high platform had been erected overnight on what was once an empty plain.

The platform is divided into three levels, made of rammed earth, covered with a blue curtain, and decorated with black banners. The high platform was built according to the ancient ritual of "circular mound". Although it is somewhat simple due to the time constraints, the regulations are strict and the atmosphere is solemn.

The square in front of the stage was vast, and 100,000 elite Jingbei Army soldiers, clad in bright armor, stood in solemn formation according to the five elements, their spears and halberds forming a forest, completely silent.

Further out, countless people who had heard the news rushed to watch the ceremony. The crowd was thronging, but there was no noise, only a sense of awe and reverence.

The auspicious time is approaching.

At the exact hour of Chen (7-9 AM), the powerful sound of horns pierced the air, long and resonant, echoing between heaven and earth. Immediately afterwards, bells and drums rang out in unison, solemn and magnificent, each sound striking the heart of every person.

A royal flag with a black background and the huge characters "Xiao" and "Jingbei" embroidered in gold thread was raised high in front of the stage, fluttering in the autumn wind.

The sound of horses' hooves grew louder and more orderly as they approached. A troop of knights in black armor and robes escorted a black jade chariot pulled by six steeds, slowly entering the square and proceeding to the foot of the high platform.

The carriage curtain was lifted.

Xiao Jue slowly got out of the car.

He was not wearing armor today, but instead wore a specially made ceremonial robe for the Prince of Jingbei.

The formal attire is based on black, solemn and deep, with mountain and river patterns and cloud and thunder patterns embroidered in dark gold thread on the collar, sleeve edges and hem. A nine-ring gold and jade belt is tied around the waist, and a three-foot Longquan sword hangs from it.

Wearing a seven-tasseled black crown, the tassels and beads hanging down, partially obscuring his face, yet adding to his dignified and solemn presence. His posture was as upright as a pine tree, his steps as steady as a mountain, as he stepped onto the red-carpeted stairs.

With each step taken, the 100,000 soldiers below slammed their swords and spears into the ground, letting out a low, unified roar: "Ho!" The sound surged like a tide, advancing in waves and shaking the surrounding area. The spectators were all deeply moved.

Zhou Heng was seated in a viewing area with curtains covering the side of the stage.

Through the gauze curtain, he watched the figure ascend the steps and gradually become the sole focus of attention in the entire room.

As the head of the civil officials, Shen Yu, dressed in solemn sacrificial robes, was already waiting on the platform.

After Xiao Jue ascended to the top floor and stood facing south, Shen Yu stepped forward, unfurled the sacrificial proclamation written in cinnabar and stamped with the seal of the Prince of Jingbei, and spoke in a loud voice that pierced the clouds:

"Heaven blesses the people and establishes a ruler to govern. Now, the Zhao family of Nandu has lost its virtue and gone against the Way, favoring treacherous officials, disrupting the court, and persecuting loyal and virtuous people, causing the land to fall into ruin and the people to suffer. Heaven is wrathful and has punished this land!"

"Xiao, the Prince of Jingbei, was endowed with extraordinary talent and inherited the aspirations of his predecessors. He rose from humble beginnings in the north and used his martial prowess to stop the war."

The dust of the borderlands has been swept away, and the injustices buried deep beneath the earth have been redressed; the people have been mourned and the guilty punished, and those suffering in dire straits have been relieved. Hengshui has displayed its might, Luancheng has demonstrated its strategy, the Canglan River has been breached, and the hearts of the people of Jiangzuo have turned to it. This is not due to human effort, but truly the mandate of Heaven and the will of the people!

He paused, his tone rising even higher, and turned to the thousands of soldiers and civilians below the platform: "Today, the royal army has pacified the northern lands, its might extends throughout the land, all people look up to it, and the three armies are ready to serve! We, your humble servants, along with civil and military officials, elders of the army and civilians, dare to use our black oxen to proclaim to Heaven and Earth—"

Shen Yu turned to face Xiao Jue and knelt deeply: "The Mandate of Heaven is here, the divine artifact has a worthy master! I humbly beseech the Prince of Jingbei to obey Heaven and the people, to rightfully assume the throne, to secure the nation, and to comfort the people!"

"May the Prince of Jingbei ascend the throne and inherit the great throne!" All the civil officials on the platform, all the generals below, and even the 100,000-strong army shouted in unison, their voices like a tsunami, one wave higher than the next, rolling and echoing across the wilderness, startling countless birds in the distant forest.

Xiao Jue stood atop the high platform, his crown tassels swaying slightly. He slowly raised his hands and pressed them down.

As the cheers subsided, the entire venue fell into utter silence once more, broken only by the whistling wind and fluttering banners.

He stepped forward and walked to the altar. On the altar were displayed sacrificial offerings such as the finest grains, five kinds of rice, jade, and silk, with incense smoke curling upwards.

Accepting the three sticks of incense offered by Shen Yu, Xiao Jue faced south, solemnly bowed, and made three deep bows. Then, he inserted the incense into the huge bronze incense burner.

The wisps of smoke rose straight up, merging into the clear autumn sky.

Then, he accepted the "land and grain soil" presented by another official, a mixture of newly harvested soil from Jiangzuo and water from the Canglan River. He raised it high above his head, his voice deep and powerful, clearly resounding in all directions:

"Heaven above, Earth below! Your subject, Xiao Jue, respectfully offers this sacrifice to Heaven with the soil of Jiangzuo and the waters of Canglan!"

"From this day forward, I shall assume the title of Prince Jingbei, establish my own government and command, and govern the northern borders, the Central Plains, and the lands south of the Yangtze River! I shall diligently perform my duties, govern with care for the people, uphold discipline, and defend against foreign aggression! I shall quell internal strife and bring peace to the borders!"

"If I have failed in my duty to Heaven and gone against the will of the people, may Heaven and Earth bear witness to my actions and condemn me throughout the land!"

After making the vow, he slowly poured the "soil of the state" onto the ground in front of the altar.

Immediately afterwards, Shen Yu shouted again, "Please bring the royal seal and the imperial edict!"

Two officials carrying golden trays stepped forward. One tray held a newly cast, gleaming gold seal with a coiled dragon knob, bearing the inscription "Seal of the Prince of Jingbei"; the other tray contained the investiture edict, enshrined in white jade and boxed in gold.

Xiao Jue first took the golden seal, held it high, and displayed it to all sides. Sunlight shone on the seal knob and inscription, reflecting a dazzling light. Then, he solemnly placed the golden seal in the center of the sacrificial altar.

He then took the book and unfolded it. Engraved in solemn clerical script was the imperial edict bestowing the title of king, listing his achievements and clearly defining his authority and responsibilities. Xiao Jue read aloud the last few lines: "...I hereby bestow upon you the Black Jade Tablet, this book and this treasure, to forever guard the northern lands and bring peace to the four directions. Respectfully!"

After reading it, he closed the book and handed it to the official in charge of ceremonies.

At this point, all the ritual procedures—offering sacrifices to Heaven, informing the temple, bestowing the imperial seal, and proclaiming the imperial edict—were completed.

Shen Yu led the civil and military officials to kneel again, shouting in unison, "Your subjects pay homage to the Prince of Jingbei! Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince!"

The 100,000-strong army knelt down, the sound of swords and spears striking the ground like thunder: "Greetings, Prince Jingbei! Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince! Long live the Prince!"

The roar surged skyward and lingered for a long time. Across the wilderness, in the autumn wind, only this thunderous cry of "Long live the Emperor!" proclaimed the official birth of a new overlord and the grand opening of a new era.

Xiao Jue stood alone on the high platform, receiving the worship of the masses. Beneath the crown, his face was calm and expressionless, his gaze deep and unfathomable, looking beyond the kneeling civil and military officials and civilians, beyond the walls of Linchuan, and towards the vast rivers and mountains to the south.

The dark royal robe billowed in the wind, and the mountain, river, cloud, and thunder patterns on it seemed to come alive, resonating with the heavens and earth.

The ceremony lasted until the afternoon. The army returned to camp, and the people gradually dispersed. The high platform still stood, witnessing this historic moment.

In the evening, the former city lord's mansion in Linchuan City, now converted into the temporary residence of the Prince of Jingbei, hosted a grand banquet to reward civil and military officials and celebrate the enfeoffment ceremony.

The mansion was brightly lit and filled with lively music and singing. The generals removed their armor, changed into formal attire, and toasted each other in a jubilant atmosphere.

The civil officials recited poems and composed essays to praise the merits. Everyone's face was filled with excitement and anticipation for the future.

Xiao Jue sat in the main seat, receiving congratulations from everyone in turn.

He changed out of his heavy formal attire and crown, wearing only casual clothes, but the majesty between his brows was even greater than during the day.

Zhou Heng was also seated at the table, not too far from the head of the table. He ate silently, rarely speaking, but his gaze kept drifting unconsciously towards Xiao Jue in the head seat.

Watching him chat and laugh with his ministers, watching the ease with which he controlled everything as his gaze swept across the room, watching the occasional brief glance he cast across the noisy crowd.

Midway through the banquet, Xiao Jue seemed to have drunk a few too many cups, resting his forehead on his hand, looking slightly tired. Shen Yu, ever perceptive, immediately announced that the prince was tired and that they should enjoy themselves to the fullest. Although everyone was reluctant to leave, they tactfully rose and took their leave.

Soon, the noise subsided, and the large hall became quiet, leaving only leftover food and the lingering smell of alcohol.