lcionline Chapter 346 With you, General, here, what do I have to fear?
Chapter 346 With you, General, here, what do I have to fear?
Zhao Yunci clasped her hands together, a struggle evident in her eyes: "A monk is free from worldly desires and attachments, I..."
Just as the court was at a stalemate, footsteps sounded outside the hall.
Prince Yong, dressed in plain clothes, entered the main hall. After bowing to Zhao Yunci, he turned to face the assembled civil and military officials.
"My lords, please allow me to say a word." Prince Yong's voice was not loud, but every word was firm and resounding.
"Our Eastern Jin Dynasty is currently beset by internal and external troubles. The late emperor has just passed away, and the people's hearts are unsettled. If there is no wise ruler to govern, I fear that the country will be in turmoil."
He turned to Zhao Yunci, his tone earnest.
"Although the Third Prince has studied Buddhism since childhood, Buddhism emphasizes the salvation of all sentient beings. Now, all people in the world need your guidance. Isn't this precisely the path of salvation that the Buddha hoped for?"
A glint of light flashed in Zhao Yunci's eyes, but she quickly regained her composure.
“The Prince of Yong is right,” the Minister of Rites immediately echoed.
"Third Prince, the late Emperor entrusted the empire to you on his deathbed. This is a heavy responsibility, and also your destiny. If you refuse, it would be unfilial!"
"Yes, Third Prince, for the sake of all the people, please accept the throne!"
"Your Highness, please consider the well-being of the nation!"
The ministers pleaded in unison, their voices echoing throughout the hall.
Zhao Yunci looked at the kneeling court officials, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
He sighed softly and nodded as if in resignation.
"Since you are all so earnest, for the sake of the stability of the Great Zhou Dynasty and the well-being of the people, I... am willing to accept this important task."
As soon as he finished speaking, a thunderous cheer erupted in the hall.
"Your Majesty, we offer our congratulations!"
"Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"
Zhao Yunci stood in the hall, his gaze sweeping over everyone, and a smile finally appeared on his lips.
The Minister of Rites pressed his advantage, saying, "Since the Third Prince has decided to ascend the throne, why not choose an auspicious day and hold the enthronement ceremony as soon as possible to reassure the people?"
Prince Yong stepped forward: "The late emperor has not yet been laid to rest, I'm afraid..."
Zhao Yunci raised her hand to interrupt: "Uncle Yongwang is right. My father's body is not yet cold. If I rush to ascend the throne, I fear it would be considered unfilial. It is not too late to hold the enthronement ceremony after my father is buried."
The ministers agreed and then discussed the various funeral arrangements.
Outside the hall, Gu Junze stood under the corridor, listening to the sounds inside, a cold smile appearing on his lips.
Everything was proceeding according to their plan, but the Third Prince's act of making excuses was a bit over the top.
Three days later, the court was once again filled with civil and military officials.
Zhao Yunci had changed into the imperial robes of Emperor Taizong and sat upright on the dragon throne. He announced his first decree after ascending the throne—a general amnesty.
"The late Emperor has passed away, and Heaven and Earth grieve together. I have succeeded to the throne and wish to weather this difficult time with all my subjects. From this day forward, I hereby grant a general amnesty. Except for the ten most heinous crimes, all prisoners shall have their sentences reduced by three degrees."
Zhao Yunci's voice was not loud, but every word was clear and resonated throughout every corner of the hall.
"Furthermore, I wish to appoint Gu Junze as the Grand General Who Protects the Nation, and give him command of the three armies."
As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the hall.
Although everyone knew that Gu Junze had made contributions in the Pingzhou campaign, such an important task still made many people have doubts.
"Your Majesty, General Gu is still young and I'm afraid he is not up to the task..." the Minister of War cautiously advised.
Zhao Yunci's gaze turned cold: "General Gu is loyal to the country, and more importantly, he exposed the case of Prince Su, removing a major hidden danger for our Eastern Jin Dynasty."
"My actions are a reward for meritorious service. Do any of you ministers have any objections?"
Seeing the emperor's resolute attitude, the officials all bowed their heads and agreed.
Gu Junze stepped forward, cupped his hands in gratitude, and said, "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great favor. I will do my utmost to protect our territory."
Inside the imperial study, Zhao Yunci removed his court robes and changed into a set of casual clothes.
He stood by the window, looking at the scenery of the palace outside.
"Your Majesty, General Gu requests an audience," a young eunuch whispered from outside the door.
"Let him in," Zhao Yunci said without turning her head.
Gu Junze entered the imperial study and bowed to Zhao Yunci, saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty."
“No need for formalities, there are no outsiders here.” Zhao Yunci turned around and gestured for Gu Junze to sit down.
"You acted quite well; I almost believed it myself." Gu Junze smiled slightly and sat down opposite Zhao Yunci.
Zhao Yunci chuckled lightly: "We need a legitimate reason for this!"
"check it out."
Zhao Yunci took out a golden scroll from a drawer on the desk and handed it to Gu Junze.
Gu Junze took the scroll, opened it, and raised an eyebrow slightly.
The imperial edict clearly stated that Chu Ruohan was granted the title of Lady of the Imperial Decree, with a bright red seal and neat handwriting.
"You're quite generous." Gu Junze closed the imperial edict, his tone calm, but a hint of a smile flashed in his eyes.
Zhao Yunci picked up her teacup and slowly took a sip.
"Don't want it? If you don't want it, I'll take it."
"Who said I didn't want it?" Gu Junze carefully put away the imperial edict, a hint of tenderness in his eyes.
"Han'er would be overjoyed if she knew this news."
Zhao Yunci put down her teacup and looked at Gu Junze with a subtle expression.
"Do you still remember the promise we made?"
"Naturally remember."
Gu Junze's expression grew cold. "The case of Prince Su has been solved, and you have already ascended the throne. Next, it's time to fulfill our agreement."
Zhao Yunci got up and walked to the window, her back to Gu Junze, her gaze fixed on the distant palace wall.
Do you think I would be a good emperor?
"That depends on you," Gu Junze said in a deep and firm voice.
"But as long as you govern in accordance with our agreement, reduce taxes, lighten burdens, and love the people like your own children, you will not be a bad emperor."
Zhao Yunci was silent for a moment, then suddenly turned around: "To be honest, I never thought I would sit in this position one day."
"Fate is cruel." Gu Junze stood up and stood next to Zhao Yunci. "Back then, when you were practicing asceticism in the Buddhist monastery, did you ever imagine that this day would come?"
"Perhaps this is Buddha's arrangement."
A relieved smile appeared on Zhao Yunci's face. "Entering the world to help people is more effective in saving all sentient beings than leaving the world to cultivate oneself."
Gu Junze remained noncommittal, then said, "The late emperor has just been buried, and various factions in the court will surely be eager to make their moves."
A sharp glint flashed in Gu Junze's eyes. "You need to be careful."
Zhao Yunci chuckled lightly: "With you, the Great General Who Protects the Nation, here, what do I have to fear?"
"Don't rely on me too much," Gu Junze warned. "In the end, you're the only one on the dragon throne."
Zhao Yunci nodded, her expression turning serious again: "Before the late emperor passed away, did he really see... my aunt?"
Gu Junze's eyes darkened as he recalled the scene of the emperor's death.
"Perhaps it's an illusion, or perhaps... there's a divine will at play."
The two fell silent, the only sound in the hall being the flickering candlelight.
"Your mother's revenge has been achieved. What are your plans now?" Zhao Yunci broke the silence, her gaze fixed on Gu Junze.