Bestowing both a temple name and a posthumous name on the deceased emperor at the same time was an innovation for the court, and everyone was quite excited.
Founding a nation and establishing institutions brought an indescribable thrill, and taking part also gave one a sense of sharing in the glory.
After they finished discussing Liu Bang's funeral arrangements, Lü Zhi finally raised the issue that concerned her most.
Luo Xin said solemnly, "A thousand years ago, the Sage King saw that the states lacked propriety: they were insufficiently respectful when seeking an audience with the Son of Heaven, had no rules governing the use of ceremonial vessels, and observed no etiquette between states. Thus, he composed the Rites of Zhou.
"When the Feudal Lords saw the grandeur of these rites, they stood in awe of the Son of Heaven. When the ministers and grandees saw the Five-Cauldron Feast, they obeyed their lords.
"From then on, the Son of Heaven, Feudal Lords, ministers, grandees, gentlemen, and commoners each performed their own duties.
"Until the rites collapsed and the music fell into ruin.
"Now all under heaven belongs to the great Han, yet powers and responsibilities are in such disarray.
"Once the Empress Dowager's commands leave Chang'an, local officials refuse to carry them out.
"This is like holding the Tai'e Sword by its blade, the earth rising above the heavens, or flames burning the Great River dry. It cannot be tolerated.
"Commandery governors and commandery-state chancellors struggle against one another, even coming to blows.
"Commandery governors call commandery-state chancellors vassal officials, while commandery-state chancellors call commandery governors subordinate officials. How absurd this is.
"Officials' powers and responsibilities are unclear, and a single matter cannot be decided in a month. This is wrong.
"Rules and institutions are incomplete, and lawbreakers abound. This