Accession to the Throne

The night was illuminated by the return of the Ziwei Star. Though it was dark, a brilliant, pearly-white radiance—unlike sunlight—bathed the land. Old Dang Mo rested a hand on the windowsill, gazing at the starry sky and staying awake the entire night.

Mo Wenxi cast divination signs repeatedly, each result filling him with joy and surprise.

In the mountain forests, the grass and trees remained wakeful; tigers and leopards lifted their eyes toward the sky. A profound silence blanketed everything.

Within the Imperial City, several experienced elders knelt formally on straw mats. Tea and fine wine were set before them as if awaiting a guest, yet no one came throughout the night.

The master of Heaven Beyond Heavens emerged from seclusion, a rare event that went unnoticed. He simply gazed quietly at the Imperial City, nodding, then shaking his head. "One calamity has just ended, another tribulation returns. The causality surrounding 'Zi' remains as inscrutable as ever!"

Confined to his quarters, Su Xian spent his days drowning his sorrows in drink before Feng Xi's spirit coffin. Catching an unintended glimpse of the Imperial City, he shook his head with a sigh and took another drink.

Su Xian was deep in thought, planning for the grand ceremony the next day. Judging by the notebook filled with writing before him, he had likely worked out most of the details. He was now busy coordinating the final arrangements with Lian Yong and other residents of the Imperial City.

The soldiers rose early, drilling on their own accord. Among them were the Imperial City's former defenders, though most were newcomers. It seemed that while the two sides hadn't reconciled, their attitude toward the next day's ceremony was remarkably unified. There was little conversation, yet their coordination was seamless.

As the first hint of sunlight appeared, the common folk emerged spontaneously. They gathered at the square, joining the newcomers in decorating the venue. They exchanged no words, yet their intentions were understood. There were no arguments, no clamor, not even any prior rehearsals.

Su Jin remained completely unaware of all these events. He had gone to bed early the previous night and woke early the next morning, feeling he had slept exceptionally well, perhaps because he was back home.

He pushed open the window, bathing in the first rays of the morning sun and enjoying the gentle dawn breeze. Suddenly, he saw the entire city adorned with red decorations, which puzzled him. Immediately, a series of urgent knocks sounded at his door. Sensing something major was happening, yet feeling an unusual, inexplicable reluctance, Su Jin dawdled for a long while before finally answering.

Xun Kong was at the door, uncharacteristically dressed in formal attire with none of his usual casual sloppiness. "Elder Brother! Hurry up!" Upon seeing Su Jin, he pulled the bewildered man from his residence straight to the former Crown Prince's residence. Su Xian and Su Wu had been waiting and, fearing the maids might miss something, personally helped Su Jin change and wash up.

In the blink of an eye, the bright sun hung high in the sky. The noon sun illuminated the Imperial City. From the Great Temple, bronze chime bells suddenly rang out with a clear, penetrating sound; the deep tones of xun flutes echoed in response, startling the slumbering capital awake. The streets inside and outside the Imperial City had long been cleared. Now, rows of armored soldiers holding halberds lined both sides of the avenues, their bronze helmets and spear-tips glinting coldly in the morning light. An aura of stern solemnity washed over the scene.

Upon the altar stood the new Heterodox Emperor, clad in a dark robe and crimson skirt embroidered with the twelve imperial symbols, a crown with hanging tassels upon his head. Jade pendants chimed softly at his waist. Below the altar, the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, wearing deep robes and holding ritual jade tablets like the yazhang and gugui, stood in rows according to their rank. The Master of Rites, wearing a tall hat and holding a bamboo scroll, recited the achievements of former kings and the Mandate of Heaven for the new sovereign in a powerful, resonant voice. His words pierced the morning mist, echoing over the entire royal city.

After the ceremonial address concluded, six musicians played the "Great Cloud Gate Music." Thirty-six dancers, wearing headdresses adorned with beast mask patterns and clad in colorful feathered garments, grasped shields and axes, stepping to the rhythm as they began their dance. The new king walked slowly toward the ding and zu sacrificial vessels at the center of the altar. He lifted a jade dou vessel filled with sacrificial offerings and the five grains with both hands, bowed to the four directions, and solemnly presented the offerings to Heaven and Earth. Wisps of blue smoke rose, as if messengers communicating with the deities.

Upon completing the Heaven-offering rites, the new king descended the altar and proceeded to the Great Temple amidst the surrounding crowd. Inside, candle flames flickered before the tablets of former kings and ancestors. The new king respectfully presented ceremonial wine, performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows, and reported his ascension to the line of forefathers. Subsequently, the Grand Astrologer unrolled a yellow silk scroll and proclaimed the edict of the new king's enthronement. Its contents declared principles of governance such as reverence for Heaven and protection of the people, and the implementation of benevolent rule. The voice echoed for a long time within the vast, empty temple.

For the final part of the ceremony, the new king ascended the lofty main hall of the royal palace to receive the homage of the feudal lords and assembled officials. The lords came forward in turn, presenting the gui and bi jades symbolizing submission, and loudly proclaimed, "Long live the Heterodox Emperor!" Outside the hall, ceremonial cannons fired in unison, drums and music filled the air, and colorful banners fluttered in the wind. The entire Imperial City was immersed in an atmosphere of solemn yet fervent celebration.

It was all a very natural process, yet only Su Jin seemed somewhat lost throughout. It wasn't until he raised the imperial seal in his hand that he finally realized: he was already standing before the throne in the imperial palace.

The tassels of his crown veil obscured his face, concealing his bewildered expression along with it.

Finding himself with no one else to rely on in that moment, he seized the opportunity before the assembly dispersed to speak up again.

"My esteemed ministers, beyond our Imperial City, predatory forces watch us hungrily. Within, old and new factions are at odds, with many matters left unsettled. My own cultivation is lacking, and I have attained this position only due to the exigencies of the current situation, having bypassed the established rites." He deliberately paused. "Therefore, to ensure our Imperial City stands firm amidst the encircling wolves and to reunite our Heterodox Clan, I have decided to enter seclusion for quiet cultivation while gradually familiarizing myself with the Imperial City's affairs. During this period, State Preceptor Dang Mo shall preside over major matters. All affairs, save for critical policies and foreign relations, shall be led by the State Precedent and overseen by the populace!"

Immediately, Dang Mo stepped forth from the crowd, bowed, and said, "This servant accepts the decree! Your Majesty may proceed with your closed-door cultivation in peace."

"Very well!" Su Jin nodded at Dang Mo, then continued, "We appoint Our fifth brother as Mountain Spirit of the Heterodox Clan and confer upon him the title of Guardian Duke! Consult with him on all matters of national policy!"

"We appoint Our third brother as the Marquis of Leisure and also confer upon him a ducal title!" After receiving acknowledgment, he looked toward the distant Nameless Mountain. Leading the officials personally, he arrived before a blank tombstone. Drawing his sword, he carved the two characters "Su Shi" upon it. "This is the tomb of Our younger brother. He perished defending our Imperial City. Our Imperial Father had promised him the title of the Divine, Brave, and Invincible Great General who Guards the Nation. We now posthumously confer upon him the title of Guardian Duke!"

Afterward came some routine speeches and the like, which need not be elaborated on further.

As for the few from the Sub-Institute, they were naturally treated as honored guests and well looked after.

During this time, Lian Yong also had Lian Fulan take Yan and the others to see some historical sites and ruins of the previous dynasty within the Imperial City. She also acted as a guide, providing them with detailed explanations of the city's history.

They stayed for quite a while. When affairs had mostly settled, the group followed Senior Brother Yutian back. However, Yun Feng chose to remain there temporarily, and Su Xian went along as well.

After returning to the Sub-Institute, Cui Yuan and Cisheng led the welcome. Seeing everyone, especially Yan, safe and sound, they breathed a sigh of relief. Cui Yuan had prepared a feast, waiting for Yan's return. After bidding each other farewell, they parted ways. Su Xian went directly to find the old dean, declining Cisheng's invitation.

After that, Chi and Master Lan explained Lan Jinxi's situation, requesting a few days' leave so Chi could seek the harmonization technique from her maternal clan. He believed his own neglect had led to her current state and was determined to try.

Master Lan smiled, a rare sight, looking at Yan with approval. "Your father told me your talent was so great you often overlooked others, so he asked me to temper you. I thought this ordeal would make you realize you should consider others when seeking help, but I never expected you to shoulder it all yourself! Frankly, I was about to change my approach. The result of this trial truly took me by surprise!"

Chi was stunned, his head spinning a little. "Wait, Master... are you saying I'm arrogant?"

"Not exactly. Because you're a prodigy yourself, you subconsciously expect others to be like you. You unintentionally hold them to the same standard, especially those closest to you. Precisely because you know each other so well, you end up overlooking them!"

"Fortunately, the Imperial City's performance was solid this time. It served as a wake-up call, making you recognize this shortcoming. That's how you can better befriend people across the land and gain an extra layer of security for yourself!"

Master Lan patted Chi's shoulder and handed him a map and a token. "Remember your manners at your future mother-in-law's! If begging doesn't work, beg again. Bring up the Sub-Institute, your Master, your family background—use whatever you can!"

"If you still can't get it, resort to... unconventional means! If you think it's worth it for your fiancée, then act. I'll cover for you if trouble arises. The only rule is: no killing!" Then Master Lan gave Chi a push, waved his hand, and returned to his cave abode with his gourd to drink.