At the sight of the Imperial Edict in Duan Hongzhuo's hand, the ministers knelt one after another.
Duan Hongzhuo swept his gaze over those around him, his face brimming with satisfaction.
This day had finally come.
"A ruler must uphold Heaven's majesty above, succor the common people below, subdue the barbarians beyond his borders, and set his people's hearts at ease within..."
Duan Hongzhuo read the Imperial Testament word by word, his voice rising and falling. Anyone who paid attention could naturally hear the meaning behind his words.
But no one dared challenge him.
"A Son of Heaven without virtue may be deposed... Since His Majesty assumed personal rule, internal unrest has remained unresolved, while foreign threats have arisen time and again. In my judgment, he falls far short of 'benevolence and virtue.' Since he has failed the Late Emperor's solemn trust, today I shall once more carry out the task entrusted to me by the Late Emperor."
He slowly rolled up the Imperial Edict in his hand, then looked solemnly at the assembled ministers. "His Majesty lacks the necessary ability. We can only abide by the Late Emperor's wishes."
"This..." The ministers below were all bewildered and uncertain. Though they had long known the Regent King's intentions, seeing him announce them so openly to the world left them at a loss for how to respond.
Duan Ziqian looked at Duan Hongzhuo for a long moment, then suddenly laughed. "So, in your eyes, Imperial Uncle, I am this worthless."
So incompetent that even his place on the throne had to be at his uncle's mercy.
Duan Hongzhuo said, "Though you are naturally intelligent, you are still too green to conduct the affairs of an emperor. I am doing this for your own good as well."
Facing Duan Ziqian, Duan Hongzhuo