Chapter 128    Enthronement 1

Three days after the Emperor’s departure, it was May 18th, the day of the Crown Prince’s enthronement.

Although the Emperor had long planned for this, the issuance of the decree and the Crown Prince’s enthronement were only a little over a month apart, catching most people off guard.

For instance, Prince Ming Ge in Shu County. Just as the Emperor issued the decree, Consort Zhang hurriedly relayed the news to him. However, now that the Crown Prince was about to ascend the throne immediately after receiving the news, there was no time for anything.

Prince Ming Ge gazed at the sky and let out a long sigh.

A sense of despair weighed heavily on his heart.

Shao Simin happened to enter and noticed Prince Ming Ge’s troubled expression. She asked, “Your Highness, what’s bothering you?”

Seeing Shao Simin, Prince Ming Ge didn’t display the affectionate demeanor he used to.

He simply said, “Simin, I want to be alone.”

Shao Simin’s face turned pale.

She had left everything behind to come to Shu County, and now, apart from Prince Ming Ge, she had nothing. Therefore, she was particularly sensitive to Prince Ming Ge’s emotional state.

Although Shao Simin was inherently strong-willed, she now lowered her head to conceal her emotions, then smiled brightly at Prince Ming Ge, saying, “Alright, Your Highness, take your time. I’ll leave first.”

Prince Ming Ge nodded lightly and didn’t pay further attention to Shao Simin.

Initially, when Shao Simin arrived, Prince Ming Ge was very pleased. Even when Shao Simin mentioned that she had left her status as Miss Shao behind, Prince Ming Ge didn’t take it seriously.

Shao Siyi’s only full-blooded sister, and having her by his side would eventually lead to Siyi helping him—it was just a matter of time!

However, in just over a month, news came from the capital that Shao Siyi had been stripped of his position as the leader of the Imperial Guards by the Emperor.

He was appointed as the magistrate of Yun Xie County.

While being a county magistrate was a significant position, for him, being the magistrate of Yun Xie County held little importance. It was as remote as his fief, far from his own territory.

From then on, his attentiveness towards Shao Simin waned.

However, Shao Siyi was still a county magistrate and a trusted confidant of the Emperor. There might be future opportunities, so he continued to placate Shao Simin.

Now that he knew the Crown Prince was about to ascend the throne, he felt a mix of emotions!

Shao Simin left Prince Ming Ge’s study.

Her expression softened.

Having been in Shu County for so long, Prince Ming Ge had yet to marry her. Initially, he had promised to prepare for their marriage, but later began to make excuses. Now, she still lived namelessly in Prince Ming Ge.

Today, Prince Ming Ge’s attitude made her feel a glimmer of clarity!

Recalling the words her mother and brother had said when she left home, Shao Simin began to feel anxious!

Her current status was that of an orphaned daughter of a wealthy merchant arranged by her brother in Shu County. Prince Ming Ge was far away in Shu County, distant from the capital. If he truly wanted to marry her, he could easily arrange a suitable status for her and seek approval from the palace.

However, after all this time, Prince Ming Ge had taken no action. He had become increasingly indifferent, making her doubt whether the man who had once made solemn vows to her was the same Prince Ming Ge now.

Returning to her room, Shao Simin felt a bit more relaxed.

Her personal maid, Yangtao, who had accompanied her to Prince Ming Ge’s residence, noticed Shao Simin’s uneasy mood and approached her, saying, “Miss, if you regret it now, I can find a way to send you back to the Shao residence.”

Shao Simin listened, looking surprised at Yangtao, “You!!”

Shao Simin was not foolish. In an instant, she understood, “Did my brother send you?”

Yangtao nodded affirmatively.

For a moment, Shao Simin felt like crying.

She had thought that her mother and brother had truly disowned her, disregarding her completely!

Unexpectedly, her brother had gone to great lengths to send someone into Prince Ming Ge’s residence.

After hesitating for a moment, Shao Simin shook her head, “I won’t leave for now. I want to wait a little longer.”

Yangtao didn’t say much and simply nodded, “I’ll stay here with you then.”

Shao Simin asked, “How many people did my brother send to Prince Ming Ge’s residence?”

“I don’t know,” Yangtao replied.

Shao Simin didn’t believe it, “Then how can you take me away?”

Yangtao answered, “The master arranged a house outside the mansion. If you want to leave, we need to exit the mansion. I’ll take you there, and someone will escort you back to the Shao residence.”

To ensure Shao Simin believed her, Yangtao continued, “It’s not easy for the master to arrange people into Prince Ming Ge’s residence from afar. I’m the only one who successfully made it to your side.”

Shao Simin nodded in understanding.

It had to be said that Yangtao’s presence had gradually eased Shao Simin’s unsettled heart during this time.

Fortunately, she still had an escape route.

…

In contrast to the desolate atmosphere in Prince Ming Ge’s residence, the capital was bustling with activity.

There was nothing more significant than the enthronement, and nothing more splendid than the era change!

Even with the limited time, the new Emperor’s enthronement ceremony could not be neglected.

The entire palace, along with the Ministry of Rites, had been in a frenzy since the Emperor’s decree, ensuring that everything was prepared just in time for May 18th.

The Empress’s court attire had been sent to the Palace in advance—court cap, court robe, court gown, court skirt, gold belt, neckband, earrings, court beads…

With the help of the court dressers, Qing Dai Yimei assisted Shu Yuwan in dressing in her court attire. Shu Yuwan silently rejoiced that these clothes were only needed for the Crown Prince’s enthronement and the annual ceremonies. Otherwise, dressing in these garments would be a hassle!

Finally, the day of May 18th arrived.

Early in the morning, Shu Yuwan opened her eyes to find the Crown Prince already dressed and ready.

“Why are you up so early, Your Highness?” she asked.

The Crown Prince smiled, “Couldn’t sleep, so I got up.”

Shu Yuwan chuckled. Seeing the Crown Prince nervous as well, her own anxiety seemed to ease a bit.