Seven days later, in the Golden Carriage Hall.
Morning light pierced the newly renovated glazed dome, spilling across the mirror-bright golden tiles.
The civil and military officials knelt in orderly rows. Prince Shangwu and Peng Lie stood at the head of the officials, yet both had their eyes closed in concentration, as though waiting for something.
"The Late Emperor's final decree—"
The chief ceremonial eunuch's shrill voice echoed through the hall, startling many officials into abruptly raising their heads.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees—"
His trembling voice reverberated through the hall. The five-clawed golden dragon embroidered upon the bright yellow Imperial Decree in the chief eunuch's hands gleamed brilliantly in the morning light.
"The Thirteenth Prince, Lu Xumin, is gifted and intelligent, loves the people as his own children, is gentle and refined, restrains himself while serving the public, and possesses benevolent virtue and generous kindness... He has deeply won Our favor. Let the throne be passed at once to the Thirteenth Prince. Thus decreed!"
The entire court erupted in uproar. Several veteran ministers were so shocked that even their beards and hair trembled.
The Thirteenth Prince, Lu Xumin, was succeeding to the throne—then what of His Highness the Crown Prince in the Eastern Palace...
"Another decree—" the eunuch's sharp voice continued to proclaim.
"Imperial Uncle Peng Lie has been loyal to his sovereign and devoted to the state, exhausting himself in service. Prince Shangwu, Lu Zhanshi, has likewise served the state with public loyalty, laboring day and night in office. They are hereby appointed Supporting Ministers of the State, to jointly assist in governing the court. Thus decreed!"
Behind the beaded curtain, the faint outline of a young figure could be seen, seated upright upon the broad Dragon Throne.
Meanwhile, in the shadows beside a hall