Jinghe Year Sixteen, the first day of the fifth month.
New and Full Moon Court Audience.
Audiences on the new and full moons numbered only a little over twenty each year.
Before dawn had fully broken, the square before the Hall of Supreme Harmony was already packed.
The wind of the fifth month already carried summer's heat, setting the official robes throughout the hall snapping and fluttering.
Under Zhou's statutes, a Grand Court Audience was held on the new and full moons, with all officials assembled...
Even those on leave or claiming illness had to attend, so long as they could still walk.
This was the dignity of the Court, and the majesty of the Son of Heaven.
Upon the Imperial Throne, Crown Prince Jiang Heng sat upright in the Regent's seat.
Once the thunderous acclamations ended, solemn silence filled the hall.
"My ministers." The Crown Prince's voice echoed through the cavernous hall.
"At today's Grand Court Audience, we shall first discuss one matter."
"The Court has settled its course regarding the Northwest assignment."
Every gaze in the hall turned toward him.
An Imperial Attendant stepped forward, unfurled the Imperial Decree, and read aloud:
[Wei Nisheng, Vice Director of the Selection Bureau of the Ministry of Personnel, is loyal and devoted to the state, with a profound understanding of frontier affairs. I have personally read his submitted "Pacify the Rong Strategy" and find myself in deep agreement.
With the Northwest now beset by troubles, I hereby command you to bear the imperial credentials westward as Imperial Envoy, exercising overall command of military affairs in the garrisons of Ningxia, Yansui, and Guyuan, while also administering the Northwest's military farmland, tea-horse trade, and salt licenses.
You are granted the Royal Command Banners and Tablets, with authority to act as circumstances require.