The sky stretched clear for ten thousand miles, and the sunlight was just right.
The gold bricks in the hall reflected the young man. His Taibai long robe was free of crease or wrinkle, and every strand of his black hair was meticulously arranged. This morning, E Ying had personally soaked his hair in soapberry water, combed and washed it, then used a fine-toothed comb capable of scraping off lice to comb through it more than a dozen times. Each strand had been gathered and tucked beneath the White Jade Crown. Even the faint blue stubble on his face had been carefully shaved clean.
Holding the jade scroll, receiving the Imperial Jade Seal.
Rebirth, ascending to heaven in broad daylight.
Winds and clouds transformed the clan; sun and moon gained new splendor.
"Rustle."
Banners snapped and fluttered. Stilled breaths rose and fell once more. Every official was stunned by this unprecedented "scattered" fief, but before they could exchange glances, the eunuch in charge of seals presented a tray bearing an ivory-scroll edict.
The Prime Minister took hold of both ends and slowly unrolled it. Then he chanted from the heavenly steps. The crowd suppressed their unrest and bowed their heads again.
The new recipients stepped forward.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decreed:
"I have heard that to establish the pole and govern the world, one must esteem the path of filial piety and righteousness; to commend virtue and honor merit, one should extend the grace of favor and protection. King of Huai Liang Qu has attained Saint Tier and guards Jiang Chuan. His family, teachers, and friends have all labored to teach and support him—how could I forget them? I therefore issue this decree of grace, to make manifest the refinement of our customs.
"Princess of Huai Dragon