Early the next morning, the lights in the Heaven Dou Imperial Palace came on earlier than usual.
Officials of the third rank and above, the heads of the Six Ministries, senior military figures, and members of the imperial clan all entered the palace. The Imperial Clan Court's representatives had arrived early as well. Ning Fengzhi, Sect Master of the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect, stood at the front of the civil officials, while Ge Long remained on the military side. Everyone knew something had happened in the palace yesterday, but no one truly knew what would be announced at today's grand court assembly.
The first news to spread was that the Imperial Seal had been recovered.
Then came word that Xue Ye had personally affixed the final impression of the Imperial Seal to the Succession Edict. The named successor was still Crown Prince Xue Qinghe.
So when that familiar figure entered the hall, most of those watching showed little surprise.
Xue Qinghe still wore the crown prince's ceremonial robes, with gentle features and steady steps. Today, however, she did not take her usual place as heir apparent, but walked straight to the center of the hall.
Lu Yuan did not accompany her. At a time like this, standing too close would only have been inappropriate. He remained among the military officials, watching her step by step enter the focus of the assembled court.
Above them, Xue Ye was already seated on the imperial throne.
After a night, his face was still pale. The imperial physician had advised against forcing himself to attend the grand assembly today, but Xue Ye had come anyway. Some things, after all, could not be settled by leaving behind an edict alone.
Once the hall doors slowly closed, he neither asked about affairs of state nor