Once he ascended the throne before the late emperor's bier, more than half the work was done.
Su Ziji took the final decree from Zhao Bingzhong. Stroking its bloodstains, he wailed, overcome with grief. Everyone fell to their knees and wept, unable to bear looking up.
"Your Majesty!" Yu Han stepped forward and supported Su Ziji, who had cried himself faint. "The departed emperor entrusted the throne to you. You must put affairs of state first and quell the rebellion to console his spirit."
"Her Majesty can only look to you now, too!"
Only after repeated persuasion and assistance did Su Ziji wipe his tears. "I am a man of little talent. I never imagined His Majesty would entrust the realm to me at such a moment. Since matters have come to this, I can only shoulder the task despite my shortcomings. Indeed, our greatest priority now is to quell the rebellion."
"Zhao Bingzhong!"
"Your servant is here!"
"You were commander of the Imperial City Office. I hereby restore you to your former post. Go at once and take control of the Imperial City Office, keeping orders and communications flowing freely. Convey my decree: all officials are to remain at their offices and await instructions. None may act rashly. Suppress the unrest in the Capital City!"
"Yes!" Zhao Bingzhong did not mention that the emperor-no, the late emperor-had already appointed him. He merely knelt to receive the order.
"Yu Han!"
"Your servant is here!"
"Take command of the Eternal Joy Guard at once. Secure the palace, clear the palace gates, and above all, protect Her Majesty. There must be no mistakes!"
"Yes!"
"Gao Ze!"
"Your servant is here!"
"With the realm undergoing this upheaval, we must guard strictly against treacherous villains taking advantage of the chaos. Issue a decree: the