AWB Chapter 327: The Imperial Decree
Chapter 327: The Imperial Decree
"Appoint the Emperor's fifteenth son, Prince Jia, Yongyan, as Crown Prince. Following the Emperor's instructions, decree that the calendar be issued on the first day of the first month of winter. The next year, Bingchen, will be designated as the first year of the Jiaqing reign. Once I am older and have completed the fasting period, the Crown Prince will move to Yuqing Palace to determine the succession.
The Crown Prince's biological mother, the Imperial Noble Consort, is designated as Empress. The relevant government offices shall review the established regulations and submit a report accordingly.
The first character above the Crown Prince's name was changed to Yong. The rest of the brothers, close relatives of the imperial clan, and all the memorials and documents, both internal and external, were all written with the original character Yong. This should not be changed. Qing Dynasty writing omitted a dot to indicate the difference in pronunciation and facilitate copying.
I am deeply grateful to the great favor of the emperor. Kangjiang has been blessed with good fortune. I will not tire of my work for a single day. I dare not slack off for a single day.
After returning to power, I will not ignore all matters of national and military importance, as well as matters of personnel and administration. I will personally guide them. The successor emperor will listen attentively to my instructions day and night, so that he will know what to follow in the future and avoid mistakes. Isn't this a great celebration for the country and the world? From the suburban altars to the ancestral temples and other sacrifices.
I have opened the Nine Ritual Hall this year. I fear I lack sufficient energy to perform the rituals of ascending and descending, bowing and kneeling, and am unable to convey sincerity and respect. Therefore, the successor emperor should personally perform the ceremonies. All memorials submitted by the ministries, government offices, and provinces, as well as ordinary presentations of civil and military officials, will be reviewed by the successor emperor.
"Please inform me of this and let me handle it. Share the burden with me, so that I can enjoy a more comfortable and carefree life. I have fortunately reached the age of 100 and will strive to meet the expectations of my subjects. This is my greatest wish. The time for the return of power is approaching. All the formalities of the enthronement of the Crown Prince are unnecessary. The ceremonials and rituals for the return of power next year will be discussed with the Grand Councilor and the relevant government offices. This will be announced to the public, both at home and abroad."
Along with the appearance of the secret decree hidden behind the "Zhengda Guangming" plaque, another imperial edict of extraordinary significance was also presented to everyone. It clearly stated that Yongyan was ordered to serve as regent and work together with the court officials to manage the government.
"My son obeys the order!"
Yongyan was the first to react, his voice clear and firm, his eyes burning as he kowtowed.
"The minister and concubine follow the order."
Yanwan was dignified and responded softly, with a look that could not hide a hint of secret joy.
Then all the court officials shouted in unison, the sound was so loud that it shook the palace, and everyone knelt on the ground and kowtowed in unison, their movements were in perfect unison.
"I will obey your orders!"
Yongyan felt as if he was in a dream at this moment, and everything around him seemed so unreal.
It was not until the bright yellow imperial edict slowly fell into his hands, his fingertips touched the brocade and gold-plated text, and the weight of the imperial edict pressed heavily on his palm that he woke up as if from a dream, his heart filled with shock and realization.
Only then did he realize that from now on, he would be the future emperor of the Qing Dynasty who would rule the world.
"Well, now that the imperial edict has been issued, I am tired."
The Queen Mother raised her hand and gently rubbed her brows, speaking slowly.
"Come here, escort the gentlemen out of the palace. I have one last, earnest warning. I hope you will engrave your oath today in your hearts, assist the Crown Prince with all your heart, and work together to protect the stability of our Great Qing..."
After saying this, the Queen Mother walked away slowly and unsteadily, carefully supported by the palace maids and eunuchs.
The figure of the legendary woman who witnessed the change of three dynasties is gradually fading away.
"Your Highness, we respectfully send you off, Her Majesty the Queen Mother!"
The court officials all bowed in salute, and the loud voice echoed in the hall for a long time.
As the Empress Dowager's procession walked further and further away and her figure completely disappeared from everyone's sight, the ministers also filed out one after another.
For a moment, in the originally solemn and crowded Qianqing Palace, only Yanwan and her son were left standing quietly.
Yongyan was still a little bit in disbelief. His eyes were wide open, full of shock and hesitation. He turned to look at Yanwan and asked anxiously.
"Mother, am I dreaming? Am I truly the Crown Prince now? This all happened so suddenly, I'm a bit dazed. And then there's the Emperor. He fell ill without any warning. Where is he recuperating now? Is he still in good health? I'm so worried and can't wait to visit him. Would you allow me to see the Emperor?"
As he spoke, his brows furrowed, his face full of worry, his anxiety evident in his words.
When he came to his senses, his worry about the emperor's illness made him panic, and he completely lost the calm and composed attitude he had shown in front of everyone just now.
Seeing Yongyan so anxious, Yanwan raised her hand and gently stroked his smooth forehead with heartache, and comforted him in a soft voice.
"Silly child, this isn't a dream; it's absolutely true. You're now the Crown Prince. From now on, this vast empire depends on you, and I, too, will be the mistress of the harem. Your Royal Father has been toiling away for years, working day and night for the court and the people. His health has been severely strained. This autumn hunt on the grasslands, with its strong winds and unpredictable weather, has caused him to fall ill... But don't worry. As soon as I heard the news, I immediately recruited renowned doctors from around the world. They will surely be able to restore your Royal Father's health."
Speaking of this, a hint of sneer arose in Yan Wan's heart.
She had finally defeated him, it would be strange if she could cure him.
"But……"
Yongyan's brows were still furrowed, and the feeling of uneasiness in his heart was always with him. He always felt that there was something strange about this matter.
But as soon as he opened his mouth, before he could finish his words, Yan Wan interrupted him.
"Don't say but, good boy."
Yanwan raised her voice slightly, speaking earnestly and with unquestionable determination.
"Your position is different now. Many matters, both large and small, are eagerly awaiting your decision and resolution. Your Royal Father is currently recuperating in the Old Summer Palace. It's a quiet and peaceful place, perfect for recuperation. You have a heavy responsibility and should prioritize state affairs. Once you have taken care of all the affairs of state, it won't be too late to visit him."
As she spoke, Yan Wan sighed softly, barely perceptible.
Yongyan was a well-behaved and sensible child since he was young. He was kind-hearted and extremely intelligent. He made her worry-free in everything, except for one thing.
He was raised so well.
Thinking of this, Yanwan couldn't help but worry.
Even though they were mother and son, Yongyan grew up in the palace and was pampered. He would never share the same feelings with the people below him, so he naturally could not understand their sufferings.
Moreover, he was raised by the emperor, was very filial to the emperor, and was the future emperor.
If she knew about her and Jinzhong, I'm afraid...
If it were Yongyan, he could still tolerate some loyalty.
But if he becomes the emperor, it will be difficult.