Chapter 244: Ascending the throne

The Emperor’s death was announced to the capital at sunrise. By the time the second hour of the morning arrived, the Imperial court was already overflowing with ministers.

They stood beneath the great pillars of the hall in clusters, speaking in hushed voices while servants hurried between them.

Some looked frightened of what was coming while others were calculating. A few had already begun measuring the shifting balance of power with the cold precision of men who had survived too many changes of rulers to mourn one for long.

At the far end of the hall, the throne remained empty. The sight of it unsettled everyone, but no one dared say a word aloud.

The emperor had occupied the seat for decades. Even when he was ill, even when he was furious, that golden seat had never been empty for long.

Now it waited beneath the carved dragon canopy waiting for someone to occupy it.

The large doors of the hall opened and everyone’s attention diverted to it. Empress Lihua entered, and every conversation died immediately.

She wore black and gold mourning robes, the phoenix embroidered across her chest subdued beneath layers of dark silk. A single jade hairpin held her elaborate coiffure in place.

Her face was calm, almost serene as she walked to the center of the hall. ℯℯ𝑙.

The ministers bowed. "Your majesty."

Empress Lihua stopped before them. "Rise."

They all straightened.

She let the silence around them linger for a couple more seconds before she spoke. "You have all heard of the Emperor’s passing."

A murmur moved through court.

Empress Lihua continued. "The royal physician tried his very best to manage the Emperor’s health. But despite his efforts, the Emperor could not be saved."

Minister Zhou, an elderly man who had served the imperial family for nearly forty years, lowered his head. "May his Majesty rest beneath the protection of the heavens."

Several ministers echoed his words.

Empress Lihua looked at them with a bored expression. "Today, however, we are not gathered merely to mourn." Her eyes moved across the hall. "We are gathered because the empire cannot afford to remain without a ruler, even for a day."

That sentence immediately made the atmosphere intense.

Minister Zhao stepped forward. "Your majesty, the crown prince should step up as the rightful heir to the throne."

"Yes," another agreed quickly. "The crown prince must be summoned immediately."

Several voices joined them.

"The succession is already established."

"The crown prince is the emperor’s only legitimate child since the princesses have been exiled and stripped of their title."

Empress Lihua listened to it all without interruption. When the noise finally subsided, she said, "You are all correct."

The ministers exchanged uncertain glances. They hadn’t expected her to agree with them.

She folded her hands before her. "By tradition, the crown prince should ascend the throne."

Minister Zhao bowed. "Then hee is no reason for further discussion."

Empress Lihua scoffed. "If only it was that easy. The crown prince is not capable of ruling. He has been confined to his chambers for some time due to his worsening state of mind."

A minister from the military faction stepped forward. "That is only temporary. His highness has merely suffered grief and emotional distress because of recent events. With proper care and counsel, he can recover."

Empress Lihua’s mouth tipped at the corner in a mocking smile. "Can he?"

The minister hesitated and that was the only opening the Empress needed.

She turned to the assembled court. "You are asking this empire to place its future in the hands of a man who has become incapable of distinguishing reality from obsession."

Several ministers shifted uneasily.

One whispered, "The crown prince’s condition has indeed deteriorated..."

Another quickly answered, "That does not remove his right to the throne."

Empress Lihua looked toward the military officials. "What do you think? Is the crown prince capable of commanding the imperial army and defending this empire?"

One of Han Zheng’s senior cohorts stepped forward. "Your majesty, regarding that aspect. General Han Zheng remains the most senior commander capable of stabilizing the empire. As we all know, an empire is only as strong as its military base."

The man bowed. "The general has served the imperial family faithfully for decades. Even if the crown prince requires time before assuming his responsibilities, General Han Zheng can oversee military and state affairs until the crown prince is fit to rule."

A few ministers nodded in agreement, Empress Lihua marked all their faces.

Then, she replied in a cool voice. "While I agree with you, I’d also like to inform you of the unfortunate turn of events." She put her hand on her chest in a mock display of grief. "General Han Zheng was killed while trying to protect the shipment containing weapons for the military."

A collective gasp moved through the ministers.

She continued. "You speak of the general like he can save the empire. When in truth, he couldn’t even save himself. And for the crown prince, he is unfit to rule."

Minister Zhao stepped forward again. "With respect, your majesty, you cannot simply declare the crown prince unfit because you disagree with his condition. Perhaps, you’re being sentimental because he’s your son."

Empress Lihua’s eyes turned cold. "I am not declaring it, minister. I am informing the court." She turned toward the royal physician who was standing at the edge of the hall. "Tell them."

He stepped forward, rather reluctantly. "Crown prince Zhao Chen has suffered severe psychological deterioration," he said carefully. "He is frequently confused, agitated, and fixated on matters that do not correspond with reality. He has repeatedly endangered himself and those around him."

The court fell silent.

Minister Zhao looked toward the other officials. "And who will rule if not the crown prince?"

The Empress stood straight. "I will."

The words struck like thunder. Several ministers immediately protested. "Your majesty!"

"That is unprecedented!"

"The throne cannot be passed to a woman—"

"The imperial bloodlin—"

Empress Lihua walked forward, her robes whispering across the polished floor. She reached the bottom of the imperial dias. Then she stood in front of the throne.

She remembered sitting beside the emperor during court assemblies, smiling when necessary, lowering her gaze when expected. She listened while men discussed the empire as though she were merely an ornament beside the ruler.

That time was over.

She turned and sat down on it. She settled against the back of the throne and looked down on the ministers as they stared openly at her.

"But—" Minister Zhao wasn’t giving up without a fight. "You have no imperial decree."

Empress Lihua leaned forward, a wide smile on her face. "I am the only person left capable of issuing one. Those who believe the empire should descend into chaos may continue to stand, and those who wish for order should kneel."

Some of the ministers lowered themselves to the ground in defeat while the rest stood in obvious defiance.

Empress Lihua gestured to the soldiers she had placed at every entrance prior to the meeting. "Kill everyone here who wishes for chaos in the empire."