Yun Chi remained as before, seemingly unchanged, with the same devastatingly handsome appearance and a dignified grace.
The civil and military officials watched as Yun Chi stepped into the Golden Hall, one after another. They felt joy, astonishment, confusion, and speculation, but all quickly masked their feelings, bowing in unison, "Long live the Crown Prince!"
The shout of acclamation shook the heavens, and the tiles of the grand hall trembled.
Yun Chi walked slowly, making his way from the entrance of the Golden Hall to the golden throne reserved exclusively for the Crown Prince, the throne that the Emperor had ordered to be made during his regency, placed beside the Emperor's own golden throne.
His regency of four years had seen this golden throne bear witness to the establishment of his position as Crown Prince.
Yet, the foundations laid during those four years were still too shallow to allow him to rule over a Nanchu that was entirely at peace and free of corruption.
