Chapter 396: Chu Hongyu Ascends the Throne
Imperial Study.
Chu Hongyu, small in stature, sat on the dragon throne, his presence somewhat diminished by its imposing size.
Four ministers of state stood below.
"I summoned you here to discuss the matter of sending troops to campaign against the east," Chu Hongyu said with a furrowed brow.
After news of his father's disappearance had returned, everyone had claimed his father was dead and advocated sending troops east to seek revenge and raze the Eastern Tomb Kingdom to the ground.
But after the emperor grandfather passed away, no one mentioned it again.
He was truly worried about his father and wanted to dispatch troops as soon as possible.
"Your Majesty, this matter may prove difficult," Grand Tutor Xu sighed as he spoke. "During every dynasty's transition of imperial power, internal and external troubles arise. Deploying troops east at this time would leave the capital vulnerable and likely cause unnecessary complications."
Minister Zhou nodded. "Moreover, of the previous 150,000 troops, only 20,000 were lost. The remaining 130,000 can still engage the Eastern Tomb Kingdom in battle."
Minister Qiu added, "Your Majesty is young and doesn't understand the implications of such matters. Furthermore, Your Majesty has not yet formally ascended the throne. Perhaps we should wait until after the coronation to discuss this."
Chief Li remained silent.
Having reached the position of chief minister, he was no stranger to political maneuvering. He could see clearly that aside from himself, the other three were all lackeys of the Regent.
He couldn't understand how a loyal minister like Grand Tutor Xu could collude with the Regent.
Among the five ministers of state, only he remained loyal to the young emperor. His influence had been suppressed, making little difference whether he spoke or not.
"What is Your Majesty doing?" Chu Rui suddenly pushed the door open and entered, cupping his hands in salute. "The late emperor entrusted me with assisting Your Majesty on his deathbed. Your Majesty gathers everyone for discussion yet excludes me. Does Your Majesty believe me unworthy of serving the state?"
His words brought silence to the Imperial Study, a palpable pressure bearing down on Chu Hongyu.
Chief Li's expression turned cold. To speak so harshly to a child—the Regent was truly overstepping his bounds.
Just as he was about to speak, the young emperor said, "I saw that the Regent handles so many affairs daily and must be exhausted. That's why I specifically didn't invite the Regent to join this discussion."
His soft, coaxing tone eased Chu Rui's expression somewhat. "Serving the court is my duty."
"Even so, you must rest properly," Chu Hongyu said, hopping down from the dragon throne. "Keeping vigil and mourning every day is exhausting. I'm going back to rest. You may do as you please."
He yawned and strode out of the Imperial Study, followed by a large entourage of palace maids and eunuchs.
These palace servants had been carefully selected by Consort Yin. Their family members were under her control, making it unlikely they could be bribed by others.
Chu Rui turned to Chief Li. "The imperial edicts regarding the titles of princes and princesses in the palace, as well as those appointing grand imperial consorts and the Empress Dowager, will require your attention, Chief Li."
Chief Li nodded. "Yes, Your Highness."
Though he held the highest civil service rank as chief minister and was the emperor's closest advisor—technically the most powerful official—he still stood a step below the Regent who controlled the court.
After the late emperor's body had lain in state for forty-nine days, deep autumn arrived, and the weather grew increasingly cold.
The new sovereign, accompanied by civil and military officials along with imperial family members, escorted the late emperor to the imperial mausoleum to be buried alongside the late empress. Following the funeral ceremonies, the emperor's coronation immediately commenced.
The imperial accession rituals lasted the entire morning.After Chu Hongyu ascended the throne, Chief Li proceeded to read the imperial edict:
The new emperor's father, Chu Yi, was enfeoffed as the Grand Emperor, titled Emperor Shizong.
The new emperor's mother, Lady Yun Chu, was enfeoffed as the Empress Dowager and would reside in Kunning Palace.
The new emperor's younger sister was enfeoffed as the Grand Princess, and his younger brother as Prince Yan, both to temporarily reside in the palace until they came of age.
All imperial princes were enfeoffed as princes, granted fiefdoms and mansions, to depart for their territories upon reaching adulthood.
All imperial princesses were granted titles, with marriage arrangements made for those of suitable age.
All imperial consorts were granted titles and would reside in the Consorts' Palace...
By the time the entire set of elaborate ceremonies concluded, it was already afternoon.
The first day ended in such exhaustion.
Upon arriving at Kunning Palace, Chu Hongyu immediately removed the imperial crown from his head and complained, "It's so heavy, the Dragon Robe is so heavy! Mother, being the Emperor is truly no job for a mortal."
Chu Changsheng hurriedly placed the crown in its proper position: "Brother, this crown was crafted by hundreds of artisans over forty-nine days. It's extremely precious—please don't damage it."
No sooner had she spoken than a chubby little hand reached out and tugged at one of the small pearls.
"Jue Ge'er, let go," Yun Chu said with feigned sternness. "If you don't listen, I'll spank your bottom. Let go now, don't pull it loose."
The little one pouted, reluctantly releasing his grip.
"Look at you," Chu Hongyu gently tapped the plump little hand. "You're Prince Yan now—you mustn't be so unruly anymore, understand?"
The child had no idea what "Prince Yan" meant. His chubby hand swung up and smacked Chu Hongyu across the face.
"You little rascal!" Chu Hongyu fumed. "Do you know who I am? I'm the Emperor now! Attacking the Emperor—do you realize what crime you've committed?"
"Giggle, babble—"
Thinking it was a game, Jue Ge'er slapped his brother again.
Chu Hongyu: "..."
He must be the most patient emperor in the world.
Chu Changsheng couldn't help bursting into laughter.
"Enough now," Yun Chu caught her younger son's mischievous hand. "Be good and eat your congee, no more mischief."
The wet nurse hurried over to carry the little one away for feeding.
"Tomorrow is your first morning court session—you should rest early tonight," Yun Chu said seriously. "I've assigned A Mao as your personal guard. The guards in the Hall of Mental Cultivation are all covert guards left by your father. You needn't worry about assassins—sleep peacefully."
Chu Hongyu pouted, "The Hall of Mental Cultivation is so far from Kunning Palace! Mother, I don't even want to live there."
Chu Changsheng added fuel to the fire: "The Palace of Earthly Tranquility is closer to Kunning Palace. If Brother gets an Empress, he could conveniently reside there!"
Chu Hongyu: "..."
He wasn't even eight years old yet—wasn't taking an Empress far too early?
He retorted indignantly, "Changsheng, once you come of age, you'll have to move into the Grand Princess Manor. Hmph! Then it won't be easy for you to visit the palace anymore."
Chu Changsheng shot back, "When Father returns, you won't be emperor anymore. Let's see how arrogant you'll be then!"
At the mention of Chu Yi, the mood in the room sobered slightly.
Even though they refused to believe Chu Yi was dead, after such a long time without news, even if he were alive, he likely...
"My first act upon opening court tomorrow will be to dispatch reinforcements," Chu Hongyu clenched his fist. "I must see him alive or confirm his death—I will bring Father back to the capital!""Good child." Yun Chu gently patted his head. "But you must understand, as a new emperor with an unstable foundation, it's difficult to challenge the opinions of the vast majority. When most people oppose you, table the discussion for another time—don't rush."
Nearly two months had passed since Chu Yi's incident.
From her initial state of frantic anxiety, Yun Chu had gradually calmed down... Her father had already dispatched people to the eastern front to investigate...
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