It was almost dawn when Fengwan arrived back in her palace. Her eyes were swollen but there was a new sense of determination between her brows.
Did the empress dowager honestly believe that she was that stupid? She understood all too well what was happening. Empress dowager Cixui selected Li Shan not because of her or Wan Li but because she was employing what she did to Gongxu to the child. It was a repeat of history.
However, that wasn't what made her indignant.
She was positive that the empress dowager had something to do with Gongxu's death. For how could she prepare the edict and brought in the child in such a short span of time?
Aside from that, did she think that she did not notice her subtle demands and veiled threats for what they were? Did she think that she would give her the opportunity to touch Wan Li like she did to the poor child earlier?
Never. Not even over her dead body.
--
At 9 in the morning, the doorway of heavenly purity has been filled by the top-ranking officials and the members of the grand council waiting for the empress dowager to arrive.
Everyone present already have their ideas on why they were there. Thus, with baited breaths they waited for emperor Gongxu to arrive.
However, when the designated time came, only Empress dowager Cixui walked in.
Those who have been on the dowager's faction, whether having played a part or not on the scheme, felt relieved.
Those with greater aspirations felt thrilled. Their minds already coming up with new possibilities and ideas.
Meanwhile, those from the emperor's faction had their suspicions answered. Those who were loyal to him were incensed but had to conceal it. Those who only recently sided with him felt trepidation.
Still, no matter what they felt at that time, they were all showing a united expression of great sadness and sorrow.
As Empress dowager Cixui finally stood before her seat, the officials all kowtowed as they greeted with a resounding 'Lao Foye'.
After the ceremonial greeting, Cixui took her seat and began their meeting.
"Today, zajia has gathered everyone to announce matters of great importance. First and foremost, it is with great sorrow that zajia informs you the passing of Emperor Gongxu. The mourning rituals shall be observed strictly and followed accordingly"
Then, like an act in an opera, the officials present all kowtowed, shed some tears (crocodile tears for some), while grievingly shouting 'huang shang!!!'
Empress dowager Cixui let them perform for a minute before proceeding to her next agenda, which was what everyone has been waiting for.
"Second, before Emperor Gongxu has passed, Huangdi issued an imperial edict, to which zajia believes, the purpose was for the peaceful succession to the throne."
With that, head eunuch Li opened the imperial scroll containing the edict and read it aloud. "Proclaimed to all under the heaven, let it be known that in light of emperor Gongxu and empress Ruyi having no son, Aisin Gioro Li Shan, shall be adopted to the palace and shall be awarded the title Heshuo Qinwang (prince of the first rank)."
After the announcement, the officials started murmuring with each other. Many were already having doubts but before anyone could raise their concerns out loud, the imperial scroll was handed down to let everyone authenticate the said issued edict.
Even if they all have their doubts, the unmistakable seal of the emperor was stamped on the imperial scroll. No one can refute it as the emperor was already dead and this was his last testament.
"Lastly, given that the deceased emperor did not have any other son or heir, Zajia, has issued the imperial mandate proclaiming Li Shan's ascension to the throne. Zajia believes that this is also the will of huang di."
After saying those words, Empress dowager Cixui observed the expressions of those present.
Prince Zaili's face was grim, but he stayed silent. As expected, Gongxu's faction must have met after Li Shan was taken. If not, given Zaili's temperament, he would have already made a scene earlier. Their faction must have come to the conclusion that given the current circumstance; this outcome was not bad. The death of the emperor has backed them to the wall, but, by her having Prince Zaili's son as emperor, she has given them a ray of hope and something to look forward to in the future.
On the other hand, she can see that the leader of her de facto faction, her younger brother, seems satisfied. Although there were other prince candidates from their faction, a child emperor would be much easier to manipulate. Li Shan's ascension would mean that his daughter would be the new empress dowager and it won't be far for him to be the true ruler.
Based on these, she knew that her calculations hit the nail on the head. She has thrown a meat in the middle of the two factions and in the end, like the fisherman, it was she who would benefit the most.
Since there were no protests, the minister of rites was delegated to disseminate the information and select an auspicious day for the new emperor's ascension ceremony.
--
TBC
Glossary:
doorway of heavenly purity- the threshold that separated the outer palace from the inner palace of the forbidden city which is venue for meetings of grand council, top ranking officials, and emperor (plus dowager/ regent)