His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Ming issued an imperial decree.
As it was read aloud, everyone in the royal palace apart from the Ming soldiers, who responded with clasped fists, knelt and listened respectfully.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees!"
"In the past."
"Goryeo failed to recognize the rightful rule of Our Great Ming, pledged itself to the Northern Yuan, and repeatedly violated Ming territory. This crime cannot be forgiven."
"Now."
"Yi Seong-gye, the former Great General of Goryeo, has turned his heart toward the Celestial Dynasty, severed all ties with the Northern Yuan, and rebuilt Goryeo."
"This greatly pleases Us."
"From this day onward."
"The former King of Goryeo is deposed and stripped of his throne. By the benevolent decree of Our Great Ming, Yi Seong-gye is invested as king."
"Goryeo was formerly a vassal of the Yuan, and its national name may no longer be used. Henceforth, the former nation of Goryeo shall be renamed Joseon."
"Yi Seong-gye shall be the first ruler of Joseon, a vassal state of Our Great Ming."
"Bestowed are a royal seal and royal robes."
"Respect this."
Zheng Yi read aloud in a booming voice.
The imperial decree displayed the Emperor's boundless grace.
At that moment.
The entire royal palace fell silent, yet Yi Seong-gye was incomparably excited.
"Your subject, Yi Seong-gye."
"Offers thanks for His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Ming's immense grace."
"Our Joseon of the Yi clan shall remain vassals of the Ming Dynasty for generations and pay tribute to the Ming Dynasty."
Yi Seong-gye bowed deeply and shouted.
Then.
Several officials from the Ming Dynasty's Ministry of Rites carried boxes over to Yi Seong-gye.
"Bestow the royal robes and royal seal."
Zheng Yi shouted.
The two officials opened the boxes in their hands, revealing