Chapter 201: The Grand Ceremony (End of Main Text)

Just as Chu Mingheng had said, the time for the grand ceremony—the magnificent ceremonial opening—was drawing closer.

As the weather grew colder, Lan Wu began learning the rituals of the ceremony from the court officials.

The ceremony was scheduled for winter, and Lan Wu’s ceremonial robe was delivered. This was the third time she would wear this luxurious garment.

The black outer robe was embroidered with intricate patterns in gold thread and inlaid with peacock feathers. Curling cloud motifs intertwined with phoenix designs adorned the robe. Though the decorations were not so excessive as to be overwhelming, a single glance revealed its nobility—something not to be lightly offended.

As Lan Wu put on the robe, she tugged at the hem and murmured softly, “It’s a bit heavy…”

“Your Highness will have to walk from the Chengwu Gate to the high platform of the Taiyong Hall during the ceremony, passing before all the civil and military officials. Step by step, in the cold weather, although this robe may be a little heavy, it will surely keep you warm. We would never let Your Highness feel cold.”

“Your Highness, please see if any adjustments are needed.”

Lan Wu examined herself in the mirror and gently shook her head. “It’s fine as it is. This is already very good.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

The palace attendants helped her remove the ceremonial robe and change into her everyday clothes, then carefully took the robe away to store it properly.

“Would Your Highness like to try on this headdress set?” Lian Qiao presented a tray and said, “It was delivered a few days ago, but Your Highness hasn’t tried it yet.”

It was a set of gold-wrapped red pearl and green jadeite headdress pieces. Though luxurious and exquisitely beautiful, Lan Wu felt a headache just looking at it.

It was too heavy. The other day, she had tried lifting the tray and needed both arms to raise it. The thought of wearing all that weight on her head made her head ache, and she had no desire to experience it in advance.

Yet she couldn’t avoid wearing it. After all, it was a grand occasion, and missing any part of the attire would make her seem ignorant of the rules.

Lan Wu shook her head. “Not now. Take it away.”

Well… alright.

When Chu Mingheng arrived, Lan Wu couldn’t help but grumble to him.

“I wish I could just wear a single crown too,” she said, standing on tiptoe to examine the crown on Chu Mingheng’s head that day. She then thought of the several pounds of weight she would have to wear on her own head and felt dispirited.

“Is it too heavy?” Chu Mingheng lifted her onto his lap, pinched her cheek, and asked with a smile, “You’re complaining about the weight, but deep down, you’re also pleased, aren’t you?”

He unceremoniously exposed Lan Wu’s inner thoughts.

Of course, Lan Wu was happy. She loved beautiful things. If she were truly made to wear only a crown to the ceremony, she might not say anything outwardly, but she would certainly be upset inside.

Lan Wu protested playfully at his words, burying her face in the crook of his neck and telling him to stop.

“Have you learned most of the rituals by now?” Chu Mingheng stroked her back, soothing her.

“Yes, the officials said I learned well.”

Though no one would dare say she hadn’t.

“Still nervous?” Chu Mingheng counted the days—only five remained. The entire palace was preparing for the ceremony, so it was natural for Lan Wu to feel nervous.

Lan Wu wrapped her arms around Chu Mingheng’s neck and replied, “Mm.”

Soon, she straightened up curiously and asked Chu Mingheng, “Weren’t you nervous when Your Majesty ascended the throne?”

To tell the truth, Chu Mingheng hadn’t been nervous at all. His ascension had followed the established rules and was something he had long prepared for. Everything had felt perfectly ordinary.

Before Chu Mingheng could speak, Lan Wu already knew his response and said somewhat enviously, “If only I could have a bit of Your Majesty’s calm composure, just a little would be enough.”

“Didn’t I say I’d be here with you? What is there to fear?”

“You’ve never been an Empress, so what do you know?”

Chu Mingheng met Lan Wu’s gaze, seeing the defiance in her eyes, and chuckled. He picked her up and carried her toward the Inner Palace. “Then today, let A’wu be the emperor, and I’ll be A’wu’s Empress.”

“What? I don’t—Chu Mingheng, put me down—”

Thanks to Chu Mingheng, Lan Wu no longer felt that the several-pound headdress was such a daunting matter.

Meanwhile, the seventh day of the twelfth month arrived.

On the day of the ceremony, Chu Mingheng would first ride in the imperial carriage to the Taiyong Hall, with Lan Wu following afterward.

But they rose together that morning.

It was still dark when they awoke early.

There was no rule for morning greetings in Lan Wu’s quarters, so she usually rose after daybreak. Today was an exception.

A splash of water washed her face, quickly rousing her fully awake.

After breakfast, palace attendants helped her into the ceremonial robe and placed the headdress upon her.

Before leaving, Chu Mingheng specifically instructed her to take her time and not rush.

Lan Wu slowed her pace, following the instructions of the female official, waiting before the hall for the envoys to arrive and proclaim the edict.

She didn’t have to wait long before the sky brightened.

Gradually, ceremonial music grew closer. The palace gates swung open, and two rows of people entered, followed by the chief and deputy envoys stepping forward to stand in the center.

The music paused.

Lan Wu, dressed in her splendid ceremonial robe, slowly emerged from the hall.

Female officials flanked her on both sides to guide her, while palace attendants stood behind her. The surroundings fell silent.

The female official’s voice rang out clear and bright: “Proclaim the edict—”

One envoy stepped forward holding the ceremonial scepter, while the other unrolled the edict and read it aloud.

Lan Wu had never heard this edict of investiture before, as Chu Mingheng had proclaimed it in court. Once issued, it was immediately handed over to the ritual officials.

After the edict was read, the female official beside her promptly called out, “Kneel—”

Lan Wu stepped forward and knelt on the prepared cushion, holding her hands level and open to receive the ceremonial treasures.

She knelt and rose three times in succession. The female official then stepped forward, took the ceremonial treasures from Lan Wu’s hands, and passed them to the palace attendants behind her. The envoys before her cleared the way, and the female official guided Lan Wu out of the palace gates.

Outside the gates awaited the imperial carriage.

The female official stepped forward and announced loudly, “We invite Her Majesty to ascend the carriage—”

As Lan Wu boarded the carriage, the ceremonial music resumed, and the procession set off toward the Taiyong Hall.

The Taiyong Hall was located in the northern part of the palace. Traveling from the rear palace required over half an hour to reach.

Though it was winter, it was a sunny day. As they passed through the final gate of the rear palace, the sky gradually cleared, and the warm sun began to shine, making the cold feel less biting.

As they approached the Taiyong Hall, Lan Wu heard the sound of drums beating.

Imperial guards stood watch on both sides, and the Chengwu Gate was also open. Outside the Chengwu Gate, the carriage came to a halt.

Lan Wu waited a moment until the female official outside gave her a slight nod, then she stepped out of the carriage.

It was the auspicious hour.

The Taiyong Hall was built upon a high platform. Passing through the Chengwu Gate, she saw a vast open ground, at the far end of which was a long staircase. Above the staircase stood another high platform—the one before the Taiyong Hall.

Lan Wu crossed the threshold alone. Though the distance was great, she could still see Chu Mingheng, who should have been waiting for her on the high platform, standing instead at the foot of the stairs.

When she saw Chu Mingheng, it was as if she had forgotten all the civil and military officials on either side. Everyone’s gaze was fixed on her, yet her eyes were only on Chu Mingheng.

Step by step, she moved toward him with firm and steady strides.

Finally, she stood before him.

Chu Mingheng smiled at her and reached out his hand.

Lan Wu placed her hand in his, following his steps as they ascended the platform.

She could not count how many steps there were, but when they finally stood atop the high platform, she looked down and took in the sight of everyone below.

A ceremonial official stood to the side, offering incense to the Emperor and Empress, announcing, “Your Majesty and Her Majesty, please bow to heaven and earth, and pay homage to the ancestors—”

The two stepped forward and placed their incense into the tripod.

A resonant sound of ceremonial instruments echoed in their ears, followed by the civil and military officials below kneeling in unison and proclaiming loudly, “We wish Your Majesty boundless blessings—and Her Majesty the Empress eternal peace and well-being—”

A hand slowly reached for hers, clasping it tightly.

Lan Wu turned her head and saw Chu Mingheng’s gentle, smiling gaze.

＜The End＞