The Prince Regent's birthday banquet concluded on the third day, and the ceremony for the Crown Prince's enthronement was officially held.
Emperor Qi's illness had also largely recovered, marking his first public appearance since falling ill. He appeared to be in good spirits.
Beside him was the jubilant Empress, whose demeanor was far brighter than Emperor Qi's, as if she had returned to the day she was crowned Empress, captivating everyone's attention.
The Crown Prince approached step by step from outside the great hall, adhering to protocol. The imperial yellow of his robes accentuated his tall and spirited bearing. His eyes held an undisguised excitement, coupled with a further yearning for power.
Watching his son stride with such authority, Emperor Qi felt a pang of age for the first time, sensing it was time to relinquish control.
This thought would have been unthinkable six months prior.
However, after the incident involving the Ninth Prince, he had grown weary of many things.
For instance, the sycophantic cheers of "Ten thousand years!" from the court officials, and the beauty and gentleness of the imperial concubines.
The Crown Prince knelt respectfully, listening intently to the imperial decree of enthronement, his smugness evident in the corners of his eyes.
"The eldest son of the Emperor, Xiao Yun Shen, as the primary heir of the imperial clan, and the legitimate son of the Empress. He is indeed destined by heaven. Therefore, in accordance with the initial decree, and in observance of ancient rites, heeding the sentiments of the populace, we hereby inform Heaven, the Ancestral Temple, and the State. We bestow upon him the imperial seal and tablet, and establish him as the Crown Prince, to occupy the Eastern Palace, thereby consolidating the eternal lineage and bringing prosperity to all corners of the realm."
As Eunuch Wang finished reading the decree, the Crown Prince immediately prostrated himself, shouting, "Long live, long live, long live!"
Behind him, a host of ministers also knelt in congratulation, their cheers surging like a tidal wave.
Hearing the clamor, Emperor Qi felt his headache return. He had initially intended to hold on until the banquet, but at that moment, he lacked the strength to even remain seated on the dragon throne. Thus, he could only muster his remaining breath and declare,
"I have been in poor health recently and may have been negligent in state affairs. Since the Crown Prince has been established, I hereby grant him the authority of regent to assist in governing. All matters presented by the officials shall be decided by the Crown Prince."
With that, he rose and departed.
"Your humble servants respectfully bid farewell to His Majesty!"
His steps were unsteady as he left, and the ministers, not being fools, surmised that His Majesty's health was likely failing.
Having been granted the authority of regent, the Crown Prince's excitement was palpable. He immediately addressed the assembled officials,
"Since my father has entrusted the great power into my hands, I shall dedicate myself wholeheartedly! I implore all my esteemed ministers to offer their guidance."
Fortunately, with the Crown Prince now settled, there was no immediate threat of chaos in the court. He then addressed the future new ruler,
"Your humble servants obey the Crown Prince's command!"
"All ministers, rise!"
"Thank you, Your Highness!"
Emperor Qi was indeed absent from the Crown Prince's enthronement banquet, as was Prince Ding, Xiao Ting Yi.
He had been a negligible presence for many years. Even after reports of his injuries being healed circulated, he seemed to have made no significant impact in the court.
Therefore, most people did not pay him much attention.
Consort Shu accompanied Emperor Qi and also did not attend. Consequently, all the honor and attention at the feast were focused on the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess.
Especially the Crown Princess, who radiated joy during this auspicious occasion.
On one hand, the future pinnacle of power was secured. On the other hand, she was likely carrying an imperial prince.
If this were indeed the case, she would be the one to bear both the eldest and second imperial grandsons, a glory beyond imagination.
It was still uncertain whether Wen Yuwei's unborn child was a boy or a girl. Even if it were a prince, it would be insignificant.
For he would not even be considered a son of a concubine, let alone be compared to her own two imperial sons.
The more she thought this way, the more delicious the banquet dishes seemed, and the more entertaining the dancers' performances became.
The Sixth Prince, now Prince Heshun, sat to the side, smiling faintly at everyone. He readily accepted any toasts.
He was even summoned by the Crown Prince, engaging in casual conversation that feigned "brotherly affection."
At this moment, the Crown Prince had no idea of the plans brewing in the mind of the person before him. If he knew, he would likely overturn the table on the spot and sever his head to calm his emotions.
Alas, this Sixth Prince was a master of concealment, much like his imperial mother in the harem. On the surface, he was harmless, but beneath lay a treacherous heart.
In Prince Ding's manor, Yang Zhao had safely returned to the Eastern Capital with Feng Jin Xu.
His physical depletion had been fully replenished by Madam Wen's constant care, with her soups and meals. Therefore, his appearance was mostly marked by the dust of travel, unlike the destitution he experienced when fleeing from Qingzhou to Shuzhou.
"You have worked hard this time. I heard from Yang Zhao that you were also injured. Are you alright?"
"Your Highness need not worry, your humble servant is fine."
Feng Jin Xu did not overthink why Prince Ding showed him such concern. Yang Zhao, however, was well-informed and already knew about the engagement between the Prince and the Third Miss Feng. Therefore, his attitude towards Feng Jin Xu was more cordial than before.
This was the elder brother of the future Princess Consort, and by extension, their Prince's elder brother-in-law. After spending some time together, Yang Zhao realized that Feng Jin Xu was different from that rascal Feng Er. It was better to serve him carefully, lest he face retribution later. He knew he couldn't outwit Feng Jin Xu.
"You shall stay in the manor to recuperate for the next few days. Everything else can wait until Consort Liu's birthday."
"Yes!"
Feng Jin Xu naturally missed his family. However, his current situation could not be revealed, as it would render everything inexplicable.
Xiao Ting Yi looked at Yang Zhao, but before he could speak, Yang Zhao responded,
"The Ninth Prince is indeed hiding in Qianzhou. The location where he trains his private army has been found. Similarly, he has followed our clues to Qingzhou. It is estimated that he has a grand gift for us this time."
Yang Zhao smiled, finding such dog-eat-dog drama most engaging.
One secretly trained an army with intentions of rebellion, while the other colluded with outsiders, attempting to plunge the Great Jin into war.
In essence, it was all for power and the throne. One wondered what Emperor Qi would think if he knew the capabilities of these two sons.
Compared to them, His Highness the Crown Prince was much more "benevolent."
At least he was striving for himself and his faction within the bounds of power, not exceeding too much.
"Indeed. Then you shall make the arrangements. Since it is a gift for Consort Liu, do not let outsiders spoil it."
"Yes! Your Highness!"
The three sat together, and with a few words, the court's situation was dramatically altered.
October soon arrived, and Consort Liu's birthday became the most important event at hand.
Under the Empress's deliberate arrangements, her birthday banquet also served as her investiture ceremony as a Noble Consort. Thus, early in the morning, Consort Liu went to the Empress's Changle Palace to offer her thanks.
Consort Liu, now attired in the imperial regalia of a Grand Noble Consort, appeared much more opulent than her usual elegant self. However, she lacked the dignified grace of Consort Wei.
It had to be said, it was akin to wearing the dragon robe but not looking like an emperor.
The Empress's expression remained serene, and she was as amiable as ever, but in her heart, she felt utter disdain. This Consort Liu was truly an unteachable failure!