Chapter 280 Consort Fucha
Chapter 280 Consort Fucha
Hongchang officially ascended the throne and changed the era name to "Longchang". The chubby emperor abdicated and became the retired emperor.
Fucha Peiyun and Nian Shilan were both honored as Empress Dowagers.
With Hongchang's ascension to the throne,
The other concubines in the harem of the fat orange also needed to have the title "Supreme" added before their titles.
Because of the existence of the retired emperor, Big Fat Orange.
Hongchang's coronation ceremony was not too grand.
Hongchang himself is not a person who likes to show off; he values practicality and efficiency more.
Therefore, the scale of the coronation ceremony was deliberately reduced.
Everything was kept simple, avoiding excessive waste and cumbersome rituals.
However, despite this, the solemnity and majesty of the coronation ceremony remained undiminished.
The entire ceremony was filled with a solemn and sacred atmosphere.
Every step was carefully designed and arranged.
This was to ensure that the new emperor's ascension to the throne proceeded smoothly and was recognized by the people.
Before ascending the throne, Hongchang first had to offer sacrifices to Heaven and Earth.
The sacrificial ceremony was held at the Temple of Heaven, an important site for emperors throughout history to worship Heaven, pray for good harvests, and pray for rain.
Hongchang, dressed in solemn sacrificial robes, slowly walked toward the Circular Mound Altar of the Temple of Heaven.
His every step appeared firm and composed.
Civil and military officials and princes followed closely behind, all dressed in court attire.
With solemn expressions, they stood neatly arranged around the Circular Mound Altar. As the music began, the sacrificial ceremony officially commenced.
Hongchang ascended the Circular Mound Altar, facing south.
Holding the offerings high with both hands, they chanted incantations and devoutly prayed to the gods of heaven and earth for protection.
"May Heaven and Earth bless our Great Qing Dynasty."
The new emperor, Hongchang, ascended the throne by divine mandate.
May the gods of heaven and earth bless our dynasty, ensuring its lasting stability, favorable weather, and peace and prosperity.
"I, Hongchang, will certainly govern the country diligently and live up to the Emperor's grace."
His voice was clear and firm, echoing throughout the entire Temple of Heaven.
The officials all knelt down and shouted in unison, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
Hongchang dispatched the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to the Imperial Ancestral Temple and the Altar of the Land and Grain to conduct the sacrificial ceremony.
Hongchang officially ascended the throne only after offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth.
The Grand Secretariat, together with officials from the Ministry of Rites and the Court of State Ceremonial, set up tables for imperial edicts, memorials, imperial decrees, and writing implements in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
A yellow table was set up on the steps outside the palace.
The imperial guards displayed their ceremonial regalia in front of and within the courtyard of the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
From the Hall of Supreme Harmony to the imperial road outside Tiananmen, there were huge processions and palace bands on both sides.
Hongchang got up early and went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to pay his respects to the big fat orange.
Big Fat Orange could only barely sit back in the chair, watching Hongchang kneel at his feet.
Perform the three bows and nine kowtows ceremony
After Hongchang finished bowing, he straightened up, looked firmly at the big fat orange cat, and solemnly said:
"Father, I will certainly follow your example, govern the country diligently, and live up to your trust."
The chubby orange cat smiled slightly, nodded, and then turned its gaze to Su Peisheng beside it.
He gestured for him to hand the jade seal, which he had already prepared, to Hongchang.
Su Peisheng held the jade seal in both hands, slowly walked to Hongchang, and respectfully handed it over.
Hongchang accepted the jade seal with both hands, feeling its weight.
He knew that this was not just a piece of jade, but a heavy responsibility and mission.
Hongchang raised the imperial seal high, signifying that he would place the entire Qing Dynasty on his shoulders.
Shouldering the responsibility of being the ruler of the Qing Dynasty
Big Fat Orange nodded in satisfaction and waved for Hongchang to continue the ceremony.
Hongchang handed the jade seal to Xiaohuzi, who then went to the side hall to change into his dragon robe.
After changing into his dragon robe, Hongchang slowly walked out of the side hall. The sunlight shone on him, making him appear exceptionally dazzling.
The dragon robe is embroidered with nine lifelike golden dragons, symbolizing the supreme imperial power.
After bowing respectfully to the large orange tree to say goodbye, Hongchang slowly turned around and walked steadily out of the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
His figure gradually faded into the shadows of the palace gate, eventually disappearing into the sunlight outside.
It also disappeared from Big Fat Orange's sight, and Big Fat Orange unconsciously gripped the chair armrests tightly.
Upon leaving the Hall of Mental Cultivation, Hongchang boarded the emperor's golden palanquin.
A group of eunuchs surrounded the golden palanquin, carrying it carefully to prevent the slightest bump.
Surrounded by eunuchs, the imperial palanquin moved slowly forward, passing through the left gate of the Qianqing Gate.
Although this gate is not as grand as the main gate, it still possesses a unique solemnity and dignity.
The guards by the door all knelt down, and only stood up after Hongchang's golden palanquin had gone far away.
The golden carriage continued its journey and arrived at the Hall of Preserving Harmony.
In front of the Hall of Preserving Harmony, the golden palanquin slowly descended, and Hongchang stepped down from it with light and solemn steps.
He first ascended the throne in the Hall of Central Harmony, sitting on the dragon throne that symbolized supreme power.
They accepted the three kneelings and nine kowtows performed by the officials in charge.
Then proceed to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The Hall of Supreme Harmony is the most magnificent building in the imperial palace and the place where the emperor held important ceremonies.
Upon entering the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Hongchang went straight to the high dragon throne and sat down steadily.
He looked down at his ministers, feeling as if the whole world was under his control.
Three whips cracked below the steps, at the command of the official in charge of cracking them.
The officials performed the ritual of kneeling three times and kowtowing nine times.
During the court ceremony, the music orchestra played the grand music of the imperial steps.
Amidst the music, the master of ceremonies proclaimed loudly:
"Your Majesty, all officials have finished their salutations. Please read the edict of accession!"
Hongchang nodded slightly, signaling the Minister of Rites beside him to present the imperial edict that had been prepared in advance.
The Minister of Rites held the imperial edict with both hands and respectfully presented it to Hongchang.
Hongchang received the imperial edict, slowly unfolded it, and his clear voice echoed in the hall:
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: I, the Emperor, am blessed by Heaven and Earth and protected by my ancestors. Now I inherit the great lineage and ascend the throne."
The reign title is changed to 'Qianchang' to accord with the Mandate of Heaven. May all subjects of the Great Qing Dynasty unite as one to safeguard our nation and its people forever.
From this day forward, I will prioritize diligence in governing and love for the people.
We must work diligently to govern the country and live up to the expectations of our ancestors and the trust placed in us by the people.
All my subjects must faithfully perform their duties to assist me. Any disobedience will be met with severe punishment under the laws of the land! This is my decree.
The officials all bowed and shouted in unison:
"Your Majesty, we humbly obey your decree! Long live the Emperor!"
The sound was deafening, echoing throughout the entire hall.
After reading the imperial edict, Hongchang rose, slowly walked down from the dragon throne, and came to the yellow table in the center of the hall.
All the necessary ceremonial items for the enthronement ceremony had already been prepared, including the imperial seal and sword, symbols of imperial power.
Hongchang personally picked up the imperial seal, held it high, and showed it to the officials. He then solemnly placed the seal on the yellow table.
This move symbolized that he officially took over the Qing Dynasty and became the new ruler.
Then, the Minister of Rites stepped forward again and said loudly, "Please, Your Majesty, bestow the seal!"
Hongchang turned around and handed the imperial seal to the Minister of Rites.
The Minister of Rites respectfully accepted it, then turned to face the officials and announced loudly:
"His Majesty bestows the seal of office, and the Qing Dynasty returns to the new emperor. Long live the Emperor!"
The officials knelt down again and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"
With Hongchang's successful ascension to the throne, Fucha Peiyun could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
For the past few months, she hasn't said she was very nervous, but she's been on tenterhooks the whole time.
I'm just afraid that some small mishap might happen, making Hongchang's ascension to the throne less than perfect.
Now, the matter has finally been settled, and Hongchang has successfully ascended the throne.
A huge weight was lifted off Fucha Peiyun's shoulders.
There's no need to rush what comes next.
Fucha Peiyun was not in a hurry, but Nian Shilan became anxious.
Hongchang had only been on the throne for half a month.
Nian Shilan couldn't wait to bring Songzhi, Zhou Ninghai, and others to Kunning Palace.
Fucha Peiyun had finally relaxed a bit and was leisurely drinking tea in Kunning Palace, enjoying a moment of tranquility.
Suddenly, she saw Nian Shilan burst in, and quickly put down her teacup, smiling as she said:
"You've arrived! Perfect timing! Come and try this tea I brewed, and see how it tastes!"
Nian Shilan sat down next to Fucha Peiyun without any hesitation, and then said directly:
"You certainly have the leisure and inclination!"
I don't have it as easy as you. How long do you plan to keep that old guy in the palace?
With that old fellow in the palace, the emperor's actions would always be somewhat constrained.
In my opinion, it would be better if I took the old man to the Old Summer Palace, and brought all his concubines with me as well.
This would make things easier for the emperor.
Fucha Peiyun gently picked up the teapot and elegantly poured a cup of tea for Nian Shilan.
Nian Shilan felt a surge of warmth in her heart as she watched Fucha Peiyun's actions.
She smiled as she took the teacup, feeling the warmth travel through the porcelain to her fingertips.
Fucha Peiyun looked at Nian Shilan, a slight smile playing on her lips, and said softly:
"What's the rush? Look at this cup of tea. It's golden in color, has a wonderful aroma, and a mellow taste. It's a perfect combination of color, aroma, and flavor."
The essence of tea appreciation lies in one's state of mind.
Nian Shilan took a sip of tea. "This tea is good."
You always keep your composure; I'm still not as good as you.
"Hongchang has just ascended the throne, and his power base is not yet stable, yet he is in a hurry to move the retired emperor out of the palace."
This will likely lead to wild speculation.
Fucha Peiyun continued, "Moreover, if you leave the palace again, others will think that we cannot tolerate you."
Nian Shilan smiled dismissively.
"I will personally go to the old man to ask for his permission when the time comes."
He was advised to prioritize his health and go to the Old Summer Palace to recuperate.
I think he'll agree.
Nian Shilan was still somewhat confident.
Fucha Peiyun sighed, "Why are you in such a hurry to leave the palace?"
"You've all left the palace, leaving me all alone. Aren't you going to miss me?"
A hint of melancholy flashed in her eyes; having spent so much time with them in the palace, she had naturally developed feelings for them.
Nian Shilan said with a sigh, "We sisters have known each other for many years, so naturally I am reluctant to part with you."
Moreover, without you, I would probably be dead long ago, and the Nian family would have been completely wiped out by that old man.
However, this hatred had been building up in my heart for a long time.
I really want to end this as soon as possible, so that life will be easier afterward.
She paused, then continued, "If you miss me, I can go back to the palace for a while."
You can also come to see me at the Old Summer Palace. I'm still waiting for you to ride horses with me.
Fucha Peiyun's lips curled up slightly, revealing a faint smile:
"Your temperament is still the same as it was back then, unchanged at all, still so impatient."
However, since you've already made up your mind to do this, I won't say anything more.
However, you must be careful and cautious when you act.
Don't act impulsively, lest you cause unnecessary trouble.
Nian Shilan nodded quickly and replied, "I know."
I'll find a suitable time to talk to that old man about it.
Fucha Peiyun thought for a moment and then instructed:
"When you talk to him, you must be tactful in your words."
"Don't let the Emperor Emeritus think we're trying to get rid of him."
Nian Shilan patted Fucha Peiyun's hand, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
Fucha Peiyun hadn't expected that Nian Shilan was already aware of the situation, even though she had just left her Kunning Palace.
Then he led his men to the Hall of Mental Cultivation of the Big Fat Orange.
The Hall of Mental Cultivation was still a large, plump orange tree, but after Hongchang ascended the throne, it was moved to the Qianqing Palace, which had undergone simple renovations.
When Fucha Peiyun received Nian Shilan's message, she was both amused and exasperated.
However, Fucha Peiyun didn't think it was a big deal.
In fact, if this were to happen, she and Hongchang would be the real beneficiaries.
If it doesn't work, it's okay, it'll just be a little slower.
When Nian Shilan arrived at the Hall of Mental Cultivation, she changed to a worried expression.
She tucked the blanket around the big, fat orange boy, showing concern for his health.
Seeing that he was still the same as before, she rarely shed tears.
"Your Majesty... Your Majesty the Retired Emperor, you must get better. I cannot live without you."
When Big Fatty Orange saw Nian Shilan shed tears, he immediately felt sorry for her.
He reached out to wipe away her tears, but was utterly powerless to do so.
Shilan hadn't shed tears in a long time, how could this not break Big Fatty Orange's heart?
Unfortunately, his health is really not up to par these days.
I can't even bring myself to say a few words of comfort.
Despite feeling nauseous, Nian Shilan grasped the large, freckled orange hand.
Nian Shilan choked up and said, "Your Majesty, I see that your health is not getting better in this palace."
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) is beautiful with clear waters and fresh air; why don't you go there to recuperate? You might recover quickly.
Big Fat Orange looked hesitant after hearing this.
Suspicion began to creep into her mind: could it be that Empress Fucha Peiyun could no longer tolerate them staying in the palace?
They felt that he and Shilan were in the way of the palace.
Nian Shilan continued, "The emperor has just ascended the throne and is very busy with affairs."
If you visit the Old Summer Palace, it can also help the emperor to focus on his political affairs.
And as the emperor grows older, your harem has so many concubines...
"It's inconvenient to keep them in the palace; it would be better to take them to the Yuanmingyuan, thus avoiding putting the emperor in a difficult position."
Big Fat Orange listened to Nian Shilan's words and weighed them repeatedly in his mind.
He understood that Nian Shilan's words were not entirely without merit; Hongchang had just ascended the throne.
Staying in the palace might indeed make Hongchang hesitate in his actions.
Even if he stayed in the palace, he could only lie on this bed and could do nothing.
It would be better to go to the Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan) to recuperate peacefully; perhaps there will be some improvement.
Hongchang had the assistance of regents and the watchful eyes of Prince Zhuang and others.
With Hongchang's abilities, he should be able to handle the affairs of the court.
Thinking of this, the chubby orange cat nodded slightly.
Seeing that the big fat orange had finally relented, Nian Shilan...
A smile finally appeared on his face.
"Your Majesty, it's wonderful that you've agreed!"
Your Majesty, I will make the arrangements shortly. Once we arrive at the Yuanmingyuan,
Just rest and relax; you'll definitely get better soon.
It must be said that Nian Shilan did not spend so many years in the palace for nothing.
Her words not only cleverly dispelled the doubts in Big Fat Orange's heart,
It also rekindled the big fat orange's hope, and it began to look forward to going to the Old Summer Palace.
Nian Shilan showed rare patience, feeding him the bitter medicine spoonful by spoonful.
After Big Fat Orange finished his medicine, she kindly chatted with him for a while.
Show concern for his health and daily life.
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