Chapter 843: Chapter 849-850: Establishing the Nation’s Name
Wu Mi wore a slight smile, having politely declined the emperor’s abdication decree thrice before. This time being the third issuance, the tradition dictates it can no longer be refused, and it aligns with the people’s will, advancing further.
Though Wu Mi isn’t particularly concerned with fame or fortune, who wouldn’t be pleased to ascend to the position of Empress if possible?
Wu Mi’s sentiments were mirrored by the other women, naturally even more elated.
Among them, Xiao Yunxi, Chu Juan, and Chu Ran were particularly enthusiastic.
After all, one was the Former Princess Consort Huai, the other a Vassal Prince Consort wielding military power, another the daughter of Prince Huai, and one a Da Song Princess, the former daughter-in-law of a former Prime Minister with real power.
Before they became enamored with Chen Mo, their status and position were indisputably above his.
Being taken by Chen Mo, they lost such halos. While they didn’t show it externally, inwardly, they’d somewhat compare Chen Mo with their past lives and former partners, feeling somewhat unsatisfied.
But as Chen Mo’s status and power grew, that trace of dissatisfaction gradually faded to nothing.
Now, it is completely gone.
Chen Mo took the abdication decree sent from the palace. This time, he wasn’t modest but instead, summoned Geng Songfu.
Geng Songfu arrived swiftly, from the time Chen Mo sent the notice, it only took about fifteen minutes for him to arrive at the mansion, making it hard not to suspect he had been waiting outside Prince Wei’s Mansion.
Seeing Geng Songfu’s speedy arrival, Chen Mo was briefly surprised, then smiled slightly before returning to calmness, saying, "Since Your Majesty has ceded so generously, it would be improper for this prince to decline again."
Geng Songfu continued to pave the way for Chen Mo, saying, "Prince, with your modesty towards fame, loyalty to Great Song, and devotion to Your Majesty, I am truly in awe. But the throne outweighs mountains and seas, and as the Emperor considers himself shallow in knowledge and unable to bear great responsibilities, transferring the throne to the Prince aligns perfectly with the will of heaven and the people. The Prince should follow the will of heaven and the people to succeed the throne."
"Since Your Majesty, Chancellor Geng, all the ministers, and the common people support this prince so much, this prince will follow the will of heaven to inherit the throne. Chancellor Geng, please have Lord Chen prepare the abdication ceremony."
"Understood."
Geng Songfu bowed and withdrew.
After leaving Prince Wei’s Mansion, with his legs not as agile as before, he resolutely refused to sit in a sedan chair, and briskly headed to Han Yuan Hall.
In Han Yuan Hall, Zuo Lianglun, Chen Cultivator, Wu Yanqing, and other ministers did not leave, anxiously waiting.
Seeing Geng Songfu return, they eagerly approached to inquire, "Chancellor Geng, how did it go?"
"Chancellor Geng, did Prince Wei agree?"
"Chancellor Geng..."
Geng Songfu purposely kept them in suspense, heightening the anticipation, then turned to Chen Cultivator: "Lord Chen, quickly prepare the abdication ceremony."
Though the words weren’t a direct answer, the message was clear—Prince Wei agreed.
At once, the ministers were elated. If not for their status and care for propriety, they might have danced for joy.
Geng Songfu’s gaze shifted from Chen Cultivator to a man in gray robes.
This man in gray robes was Xu Zheng of the Astronomical Bureau.
He also helped open the Soul Devouring Array for Lu Sheng in Luonan last time.
In Great Song, private studies of astronomy are illegal, so those who can read the stars are extremely rare, and Xu Zheng is a master among them, a talent hard to cultivate.
For this reason, Chen Mo didn’t punish him last time, and after reaching Celestial River, he still allowed Xu Zheng to serve as Supervisor of the Astronomical Bureau.
"Lord Xu, please choose an auspicious day." Chen Cultivator said.
"Rest assured, Chancellor Geng, this task is on me," Xu Zheng was deeply grateful to Chen Mo for not punishing him and allowing him to continue serving as Supervisor of the Astronomical Bureau, but ordinarily, the bureau was not needed, and he couldn’t showcase his skills. Now that the opportunity came, he was determined to pick a favorable day for the abdication ceremony.
"Lord Xu, try to schedule it as early as possible. Hopefully, everything can be completed before winter, facilitating the introduction of the new calendar." Zuo Lianglun was considering the broader implications.
...
When Emperor Yong’an learned of Chen Mo’s agreement, mingled with the humiliation and resentment was a sense of relief as a burden finally dropped from his heart.
At least he no longer had to live in fear.
Yet he still felt it wasn’t entirely secure.
To ensure more security, these days, he was nearly harassing Wu Xian every day, hoping she could bear him a child soon.
But this couldn’t be guaranteed within a set time.
So he needed to make dual preparations.
He personally prepared the ink and started writing on a white sheet of paper.
After a flourish of pen strokes.
Emperor Yong’an looked at his own writing on the paper, his face fleetingly showing reluctance and pain, but recalling the deeds done to him, Emperor Yong’an collected his resolve, saying, "Come."
"Your Majesty." An eunuch quickly walked in.
Emperor Yong’an handed a letter to the eunuch, saying, "Take this to Kunning Palace, give it to... Empress Zhao."
...
Zhao Yushu was deposed by Emperor Yong’an alone and not by the ministers, so she still resided in Kunning Palace, still the Empress.
Since making sense of her thoughts, or perhaps believing Emperor Yong’an was forced by Chen Mo, she anticipated reuniting with Emperor Yong’an after his abdication, her mindset improved, she ate regular meals, and her complexion gradually brightened, awaiting that day.
Learning of Emperor Yong’an’s third abdication today, although she hadn’t yet received word if Chen Mo agreed or not, her mood lifted significantly, given the tradition of three refusals and three concessions, unless Chen Mo truly didn’t intend to "usurp."
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