Chapter 9: Abdication

Deep into the night.

Zheng Yi’s consciousness sank into his sea of awareness. Upon the Record of Mortal Beauties, the aura of the mortal world had increased by three points once more.

Yet at this moment, he did not channel it into his lifespan or any martial cultivation technique.

Three points of mortal aura would amount to at most four years of cultivation—better than nothing, but far from substantial. He intended to accumulate dozens, even hundreds, of these wisps before putting them to use. Otherwise, it would be a waste.

What puzzled him now was why, after sharing a room with Qiu Chan, his vigor had increased!

He recalled that the last time he gained vital energy from a woman, it had been from Xiao Ruxue. He had long understood Xiao Ruxue’s identity: she had been sent by the Second Prince, Zheng Yuansen, to keep him under surveillance.

But Qiu Chan—who was she?

For her to yield vital energy meant that she too was a martial artist. Yet he had no inkling of her true strength or allegiance.

Could it be that the Second Prince, unwilling to trust Xiao Ruxue alone, had sent Qiu Chan as well? Or was she perhaps an agent of another power?

Zheng Yi pondered endlessly, but ultimately paid it little mind.

Now that his Longevity Cultivation had reached a state of divine mastery, he was at the peak of his condition. His martial prowess was firmly set at the Blood Refinement stage. As for Qiu Chan, by all appearances, she was no more than at the Bone Tempering stage—well within his ability to suppress.

He was determined to find out what this young woman truly intended, and whom she served.

Withdrawing his consciousness from his sea of awareness, he gazed at the delicate beauty sleeping beside him. Satisfied, he drew her into his embrace and drifted into slumber.

The next day, not only were the surrounding eunuchs and palace maids astounded by Zheng Yi’s transformation—even Xiao Ruxue was surprised. Zheng Yi brushed off their questions with a simple explanation: a breakthrough in martial cultivation.

His advancement stirred little discussion within Xingqing Palace. Even when Zheng Yuansen, the Second Prince, was informed, he paid it no heed. His mind was wholly occupied with the abdication ceremony and the enthronement that was soon to follow.

Meanwhile, both Xiao Ruxue and Qiu Chan, having been taken into Zheng Yi’s chambers, were specially provided with their own residences within Xingqing Palace.

Xiao Ruxue was granted the Southern Incense Hall, titled “Lady Xiao.”

Qiu Chan was granted the Agarwood Hall, titled “Lady Chan.”

Regrettably, due to the current court system, neither could be made consorts—they could only bear the title of “Lady.” Henceforth, unless circumstances changed, any woman taken into Zheng Yi’s chambers would bear only this title, never that of consort.

First Year of Wuyu’s Reign, Ninth Month, Third Day.

Year of the Fire Horse, Fire Monkey Month, Metal Dragon Day.

Auspicious for all undertakings.

Most fortunate.

Sunlight bathed the resplendent palace in gold; within the Forbidden City, festivity reigned.

The towering halls glistened in the morning light, their glazed tiles sparkling like a myriad of radiant gems, dazzling to the eye.

At the palace gates, guards clad in gleaming armor stood at rigid attention, their spears catching the sunlight with a silver gleam. Their gazes, sharp as hawks, swept the surroundings, alert for any threat to the ceremony’s security.

Within the inner palace, maids bustled through the courtyards, clad in embroidered gowns, bearing censers from which fragrant smoke curled, lending the palace an air of mystery and elegance. Their footsteps were light, lest they disturb the solemnity of the occasion.

Inside the grand hall, civil and military officials stood in neat ranks according to their station, their robes a sea of shifting color, like gentle waves undulating through the palace. The civil officials were refined and scholarly; the military, imposing and robust. Some conversed in whispers, others stood tall and proud, all discussing the day’s events.

Soon, a middle-aged eunuch in a purple robe adorned with python embroidery approached at a measured pace.

This was Ye Ge, the Second Prince Zheng Yuansen’s trusted confidant.

Behind him trailed another eunuch, this one elderly and dressed in deep blue robes.

He was Wang Zhonghai, Zheng Yi’s trusted chief eunuch.

The two faced one another: Ye Ge radiated vigor and pride, his gaze haughty; Wang Zhonghai’s expression was calm, though a hint of bitterness lingered in his eyes.

Once, he had been the chief of all palace eunuchs. Even Ye Ge would have hailed him as “Elder Ancestor.” Now…

With each new emperor came a new court.

Not only Wang Zhonghai, but most of the officials gathered below were unfamiliar faces, clearly confidants and ministers elevated by the Second Prince.

Quickly composing himself, Wang Zhonghai called out, “His Majesty arrives!”

From behind the screen, Zheng Yi appeared, clad in dragon robes and a ceremonial crown, flanked by two palace maids. He ascended with steady steps and seated himself upon the dragon throne.

“All ministers bow before His Majesty—may the Emperor live ten thousand years!”

The assembled officials knelt and shouted their homage with overwhelming fervor.

Outside the hall, eunuchs, maids, and other officials lacking the rank to attend the ceremony likewise knelt and cried out in unison.

“All ministers bow before His Majesty—may the Emperor live ten thousand years!”

Gazing upon the sea of kneeling officials, Zheng Yi let out a long, silent breath.

This was what it meant to be Emperor.

Yet, from this day forward, he would no longer hold that title.

“Summon… His Highness the Prince Xuan!”

Before long, the Second Prince, His Highness Prince Xuan—Zheng Yuansen—entered, surrounded by several eunuchs.

He wore a black robe embroidered with four-clawed pythons, his eyes resolute, his features elegant, his expression serene.

As he approached, the officials turned as one to salute him.

Zheng Yuansen soon came to stand below the dais and bowed respectfully to Zheng Yi.

“Your son, Zheng Yuansen, pays his respects to Father.”

“Mm.” Zheng Yi nodded lightly, turning his gaze to Wang Zhonghai.

With a quiet sigh, Wang Zhonghai drew a bright yellow scroll from his sleeve and slowly unfurled it.

His clear, resonant voice rang through the hall:

“By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:

From my humble person, I have ruled the world, striving day and night, ever fearful of failing my ancestors’ trust and the hopes of the people. Now, after deep reflection and consideration of the nation’s destiny, I see that the age calls for men of talent and virtue to secure the realm’s enduring peace.

Zheng Yuansen, second son of the Zheng clan, is gifted with both character and ability—benevolent, filial, respectful, and frugal—with the heart to care for the world and the power to bring peace to the people. From his conduct and virtue, I am certain he is worthy to be sovereign over all.

Therefore, I resolve to abdicate in favor of Zheng Yuansen, effective immediately, and retire to another palace to enjoy my remaining years.

May the new sovereign not fail the trust I place in him—honor Heaven and the ancestors, cherish the people, govern with diligence, and preserve the prosperity of our realm.

Let all ministers unite in loyal support of the new sovereign, faithfully performing their duties and pursuing the great enterprise together.

Thus decreed.”

This was the abdication edict long agreed upon by the ministers.

Today, Zheng Yi was but a puppet, fulfilling the prescribed rites.

As the decree ended, Zheng Yuansen, still kneeling, immediately responded, “Your son obeys the decree!

Rest assured, Father—your son will fulfill his duties, devote himself wholly, and safeguard our great Yu dynasty!”

“The ceremony is complete!”

Wang Zhonghai proclaimed. Zheng Yuansen rose slowly, while the civil and military officials knelt again in homage.

“All ministers bow before His Majesty—may the Emperor live ten thousand years!”

In an instant, eunuchs and palace maids emerged and gathered around Zheng Yuansen, helping him out of his old robes and into the new dragon robe prepared for his enthronement.

At the same time, two eunuchs approached Zheng Yi to guide him from the throne.

Of course, the abdication ceremony was not so simple. This was only the first step. Next, offerings would be made at the imperial ancestral temple and at the altar of Heaven and Earth, proclaiming the event to the world.

Only then would Zheng Yuansen, in both law and public esteem, be truly Emperor—accepted by officials and revered by the people.

Following the two young eunuchs, Zheng Yi’s gaze drifted to the one on his left, his expression suddenly odd.

This eunuch… why such a shapely figure?

Her waist was slim and supple, her walk lithe as a willow swaying in the breeze, a certain alluring grace about her.

Zheng Yi nearly slapped himself. Was he really so desperate, to be enticed by even a mere eunuch? He was a true man, after all!

“Wait—no!” His expression shifted sharply. This eunuch was no eunuch at all—she was a woman!

In that instant, chaos erupted.