Chang'an, Zichen Hall.
Above nine tiers of jade steps, the Dark Bird imperial throne stood majestic. Chen Yu sat upright, his black imperial robes draping down. Behind the strands of beads hanging from his twelve-tasseled crown, his gaze was as tranquil as a deep pool. Within the hall, civil and military officials stood in separate ranks, solemn and silent. A month had passed since the world-shaking battle in the N-7 Sea Area, and seven days since the sacrifice to Heaven and his proclamation as emperor. The smoke had dispersed, and seawater had washed away the blood, but the scars and achievements of war needed to be remembered, rewarded, and transformed into the foundations of the Empire's advance.
Today was the day to reward merit and settle the realm.
Holding a Jade Tablet, Xun Yu stood at the head of the civil officials. His clear voice echoed through the vast, magnificent hall:
"Your subject, Xun Yu, Minister of Personnel, presents the record of merit by imperial command. In the unification of the West Blue and the battle at N-7, our soldiers fought with their lives, and our civil and military officials acted as one, finally overcoming a powerful enemy and securing the West Blue. This was due to Your Majesty's abundant blessings, and also to the bloody battles fought by all assembled here. The register of merits and faults has now been verified. We await Your Majesty's judgment."
Chen Yu nodded slightly. His voice was calm, yet carried unquestionable authority. "Read it."
"As you command." Xun Yu unfolded the register of merit, bound with golden Dark Bird patterns. His voice was solemn, every word distinct:
"Chancellor, Liu Bei."
Liu Bei stepped out and bowed beneath the jade steps. He wore the purple court robes of the Chancellor, his bearing composed and