Emperor Qi Yuan had no choice but to instruct Grand Scholar Huang Liangzhong of the Sports and Arts College to draft the imperial decree.
At the same time, he took out the Emperor’s Seal nearby and stamped it.
Looking at the seal in his hand, a wave of sorrow hit him again, and he couldn’t help but lean on the desk.
Wang Wan, however, ignored everything else, directly held up the Emperor’s Seal from beside Emperor Qi Yuan, left the imperial desk, and a group of ministers all wore smiles on their faces.
The major affair was accomplished.
Led by Wang Huan, they immediately marched grandly to the Prime Minister’s Mansion, preparing to present the Emperor’s Seal and ask the Prime Minister to ascend the throne.
Wang Xiao walked at the end of the procession. He hesitated slightly as he looked at Emperor Qi Yuan on the imperial desk, but Song Yingzhen pulled him along.
"Let’s go, Brother Wang! Our mentor is still waiting for us at the Prime Minister’s Mansion!"
Song Yingzhen’s voice was deep, yet it carried a strong sense of killing intent.
Wang Xiao instantly became aware.
At such times of monumental change, he could not afford the slightest mistake, or else not only his career would be jeopardized, but the Wang Family would be implicated as well.
At the Prime Minister’s Mansion, Zhang Zhao had been constantly dispatching family members to wait at the palace gates, with additional help from the Black-clothed Guards soldiers to gather news from within the palace.
Soon after the outcome within the inner hall emerged, it reached his ears.
"Rich rewards!"
He remained calm, only glancing at the centurion of the Black-clothed Guards before a family member beside him handed over a bronze box.
"Thank you, Young Master!"
The Black-clothed Guard weighed the box slightly, overjoyed, then slapped his own mouth.
"Pfft... Your humble servant thanks the Crown Prince for the generous gift!"
Upon seeing this, Zhang Zhao’s eyes darkened as he shouted, "Speak not recklessly! Have you forgotten the rules of the Prime Minister’s Mansion?"
Rebuked, the centurion immediately bowed to apologize and silently withdrew from the hall.
Once everyone had left, Zhang Zhao’s demeanor eased slightly. He went over any potential oversights in his mind, and a moment later, a faint smile appeared on his lips.
Beside him, a family member offered congratulations.
"Congratulations, Second Young Master! Our lord is ascending to the position of Emperor, and as the designated successor of the Zhang Family, you are undoubtedly the Crown Prince!"
Seeing his demeanor, Zhang Zhao quickly chastised him.
"Mind your tongue! Have you also forgotten the family rules?"
Upon hearing this, the family member’s expression changed slightly, quickly clasping his hands to apologize.
With this, Zhang Zhao’s expression improved significantly. The Zhang Family had strict rules for all its sons and masters, and exceptionally stringent requirements for the servants.
One such rule was the prohibition of discussing the family’s affairs behind its back or sowing discord among the Zhang masters. Violators could be expelled or even sold off.
In return, the Zhang Family offered highly generous pay, a method of garnering loyalty.
Zhang Zhao did not have to wait long outside the mansion before Grand Commandant Wang Huan, leading a cohort of civil and military ministers, hurriedly arrived to present their petition.
The procession had grown a fewfold compared to before entering the Imperial Palace.
Evidently, more ministers had gotten wind of the news and did not want to miss this rare opportunity to earn merit in supporting the new ruler.
After Wang Huan entered the Prime Minister’s Mansion, he explained their purpose to Zhang Jian and his son. Although he saw no change in their expressions, he noticed a hint of encouragement in Zhang Zhao’s eyes, and then he publicly read the abdication decree before all the ministers.
The decree declared: "I have ruled for eight years and faced the great calamities of the world. Thankfully, with the Prime Minister’s strategies, I was saved in the face of danger. Now, observing the stars and pondering the people’s hearts, it seems the mandate of Daqian has ended, and fortune falls upon the Zhang Family...!"
As the decree was read with ups and downs, Wang Huan’s expression was solemn, yet he glanced at Zhang Jian, who remained indifferent, while a faint smile played on Zhang Zhao’s lips.
Once the decree reading concluded, Wang Huan and the ministers again called out in unison.
"We implore the Prime Minister to accept the decree!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Jian finally showed a hint of emotion. With a sigh, he said, "I am unworthy of His Majesty’s trust. Please inform His Majesty that I, with my shallow virtue, am undeserving and urge him to seek a greater sage for the throne!"
"This..."
Hearing this, the ministers were taken aback. Now that the arrow was on the string, how could the Prime Minister decline the decree?
Wang Huan glanced over at Zhang Zhao.
Zhang Zhao smiled faintly and stepped forward to the assembly of ministers, then led Grand Commandant Wang Huan and Minister of Justice Wang Wan into a side hall.
With a smile, Zhang Zhao said, "Grand Commandant, Minister of Justice, do not be disheartened. My father refuses the decree not out of unwillingness, but to avoid the slander of the world!"
At this, Wang Wan was taken aback: "The decree and seal are all in place, and we have numerous civil and military officials from the Court as witnesses. How could the world doubt the Prime Minister!"
Zhang Zhao shook his head and said, "You misunderstood. Although the decree and seal have arrived, my father should now submit a formal refusal. After several such refusals, we will establish a Sacrificial Altar for the Emperor to personally abdicate in front of the world, thus..."
With this strategic guidance, Wang Huan understood Zhang Zhao’s plan.
They intended to emulate the ancient sages, refusing thrice before accepting the throne. Although such a ceremony was somewhat cumbersome, it had its benefits.
Under the witness of the civil and military officials, the citizens of Haojing City, and even the various deities of heaven and earth, the Zhang Family would then assume power, gaining legitimate authority.
After the ministers departed, Zhang Jian revealed a slight expression, calling Zhang Zhao close and handing him a list.
The list detailed the intricate processes for ascending the throne, with key aspects being the country’s name and reign period. Zhang Jian also intended to fulfill an old promise at the enthronement ceremony, conferring the title of National Guardian Divine Beast.
This would serve as an auspicious sign, boosting the confidence of officials and the common populace alike in the New Dynasty.
There were other arrangements as well.
Such as the re-appointment of people from Dong Shen Temple and the conferment on True Monarch Zhanmo.
In addition, Madam Bai, Zhang Yi, and Zhang Zhao, among others, were to be temporarily called back from abroad, which would benefit them as well.
...
At that moment, Wang Wan confidently assumed the task of ’refusal’ and once again led Wang Xiao into the palace.
Inside the inner hall, upon learning of Zhang Jian’s refusal of the decree, Emperor Qi Yuan’s face showed a hint of joy, and he looked expectantly at Wang Wan, saying:
"The Prime Minister is humble and will not accept the throne. What should I do?"
Seeing the Emperor’s innocent expression, Wang Wan thought to himself that the monarch was overthinking.
It was not out of unwillingness but about not hastily accepting the decree.
With that, he said sternly:
"In ancient times, sages often refused high positions several times before decrees commanded them to accept. Your Majesty can emulate the ancient sages by issuing several decrees; the Prime Minister will surely consent!"
Emperor Qi Yuan’s face fell at this, and he remained silent for a long time. Faced with Wang Wan’s intent gaze, he looked helpless but, after some thought, voiced his concern:
"Minister of Justice, tell me, am I...?"
Wang Wan, understanding Emperor Qi Yuan’s thoughts at a glance, sharply replied:
"Your Majesty need not worry. The Prime Minister is compassionate and capable of governing the people; of course, he will treat you well!"
This reassured Emperor Qi Yuan considerably.
Throughout history, the last emperors often met ill fates, like Emperor Ai of the Former Shu, whose corpse was buried in the Dragon Vein for hundreds of years, unable to find peace—worse than death itself.
So, he mustered himself to draft a new decree.
...
In the Imperial Court, within the Zhijie Palace, Empress Dowager Qi was informed of the events unfolding in the palace, her expression turning to incredulity.