The auspicious omen had only been unearthed for two days when the intelligence network in Jiangnan learned of this matter, but they regarded it with the same level of importance as learning that Wang Dao had purchased a pair of celadon lotus vases at great cost to include in the gift list.
They believed this was something contrived by those wealthy clans in Jiangnan to celebrate the new emperor’s enthronement, so although they recorded it, they did not take it seriously.
Meanwhile, Zhou Zhi and Wang Dao felt this matter was of great importance, and each time they discussed it behind closed doors secretly between just the two of them, to the point that the intelligence operatives completely failed to detect the special nature of this auspicious omen.
When Luoyang inquired, the Jiangnan intelligence department began searching through the previous month’s information. Finding little of use, they could only search further back, all the way to the first month’s records, and only then did they find the source from the pile of documents. “Lu Yuan?”
They hurriedly reported this, but by then a full ten days had passed, and the new emperor had already ascended the throne.
At this time, after making telegraph inquiries to the Jiangnan intelligence network, Zhao Hanzhang keenly perceived the difference between having Yuan Li present and not having him there. She said to Ji Yuan, “Gathering information is not difficult, but being able to quickly extract useful information from vast amounts of data like Yuan Li does, and then integrate and compile it—that is very difficult indeed.”
Ji Yuan also expressed admiration, “General Yuan truly has exceptional natural talent.”
Zhao Hanzhang said, “We still greatly lack people like Yuan Li. I want to establish a department at the Imperial Academy specifically to teach intelligence studies.”
Upon hearing this, Ji Yuan immediately objected, “The Imperial Academy is a place for studying the books of sages. Intelligence work is equivalent to espionage—how can such a subject be taught there?”
“Teacher, you and I have both managed intelligence departments. We should know how powerful information can be. A major reason we’ve always been able to achieve victory is that we know more information than others and collect information faster, is it not?”
Ji Yuan said, “Now that the realm is stable…”
“Prepare for danger in times of peace. The current stability is only temporary. Much of our territory still lies scattered beyond our borders, and we don’t know when warfare might break out again. Moreover,” Zhao Hanzhang paused before continuing, “even if students trained in this discipline don’t enter the intelligence department, they can still serve as scouts in the military or constables in government offices. Whether gathering military intelligence or investigating cases, they would be useful.”
Ji Yuan frowned, “These are all minor officials. Selecting people from the Imperial Academy for such positions doesn’t seem appropriate.”
Zhao Hanzhang lowered her eyes and thought for a moment before nodding. “You’re right. Having only the Imperial Academy as an official school is not enough. We should establish several more—military studies, medical studies—all should have people studying them. Even the investigation of natural phenomena should recruit more students.”
Ji Yuan: …
Zhao Hanzhang had someone bring over the capital city’s blueprints. “Schools should be both separate and together. Is there still land near the Imperial Academy?”
Seeing that Zhao Hanzhang was about to designate land for school construction, Ji Yuan quickly pulled the conversation back on track. “Your Majesty, we haven’t yet discussed how to handle the auspicious omen matter.”
Zhao Hanzhang lowered her eyes and pondered for a moment before saying, “Let’s leave it alone for now. Since Zhou Zhi is willing to take the blame, let’s just leave it. If we truly cannot find the person behind it, we’ll find a reason to punish him.”
Ji Yuan said, “After the grand ceremony, I will immediately release the news.”
Zhao Hanzhang nodded.
Some things need not be stated too clearly; everyone understanding in their hearts is sufficient.
In this matter, Zhou Zhi was rather unlucky. She also instructed, “No need for heavy punishment. After this matter passes, we can reward him then.”
Ji Yuan acknowledged the order.
Seeing that Zhao Hanzhang’s mood was still good and she hadn’t been much affected by this matter, Ji Yuan took the opportunity to ask, “After Your Majesty’s enthronement, what about the imperial harem?”
Zhao Hanzhang looked at him strangely and said, “The harem is managed by Ting He, so there shouldn’t be any major problems.”
Ting He was quite capable now, skilled at managing affairs and keeping accounts. Over these past few years, Zhao Hanzhang had entrusted all her household matters to her.
Ji Yuan immediately said, “The imperial decree appointing the Empress…”
Zhao Hanzhang interrupted, “Just change it to Imperial Consort. What’s so difficult about that?”
Ji Yuan said in a low voice, “There are voices in the court suggesting that the Imperial Consort should remain in the palace to handle inner court affairs.”
Zhao Hanzhang asked, “Whose suggestion is this? The Minister of Personnel is so capable—have him stay in the harem managing inner court affairs, just staring at those few account books? Did the person who suggested this just have their financial report rejected by the Ministry of Finance?”
Ji Yuan couldn’t help but laugh, bowing and saying, “It’s good that Your Majesty has no such intention. I also think it’s inappropriate.”
Zhao Hanzhang narrowed her eyes, looking him up and down before asking, “Is this just a suggestion from some court officials?”
Ji Yuan wouldn’t tell Zhao Hanzhang who it was, only saying, “Some people follow old precedents, believing that the front court and rear palace should be separate; some people act from private desires—if Minister Fu leaves, the position of Minister of Personnel will become vacant; and some worry that Your Majesty will follow the Han dynasty’s example, with imperial relatives monopolizing power and destabilizing the nation.”
Zhao Hanzhang joked, “Rather than worrying about imperial relatives growing too powerful, they should worry about the imperial clan monopolizing power.”
Ji Yuan immediately seized the opportunity, “Your Majesty, this is also what we ministers worry about. If the imperial clan monopolizes commerce, wouldn’t that be competing with the people for profit? When it comes to doing business, who in the realm could compete with the imperial clan?”
Zhao Hanzhang gave him a slight smile. “After the grand ceremony, we’ll discuss this in detail.”
Seeing that she was actually willing to relinquish some of the imperial clan’s power, Ji Yuan was deeply moved and felt relieved.
The fifth day of the eighth month was an excellent day.
When the sky was barely light, Zhao Hanzhang opened her eyes. Almost as soon as she turned to sit up, Fu Tinghan awoke.
He also sat up, smiling softly and saying, “Congratulations.”
Zhao Hanzhang couldn’t suppress the smile on her face and simply let it bloom, beaming brilliantly as she said, “Thank you. Today is your good day too.”
It was still early, and the two were in no hurry to let the palace servants enter. They simply sat on the edge of the bed, watching the faint light streaming through the glass into the room, very peaceful.
Fu Tinghan asked her, “At this point, do you still want to go back?”
“If the country gets on the right track and we have the chance to return,” Zhao Hanzhang asked him, “can you find the way back?”
Fu Tinghan shook his head. “I can’t find it.”
“You’re very honest now. Before, you didn’t answer me this way. Whenever I asked, you’d say it was possible and you’d try your best.”
Fu Tinghan said, “I was very afraid you’d be disappointed then, but the facts have proven you’re more adaptable to this era than I am.”
By today, Fu Tinghan finally no longer worried that she would be sad about not being able to return, so he could face this question honestly.
Light, orderly footsteps came from outside the door. Zhao Hanzhang knew it was the servants who attended to them arriving, so she got up to open the door.
Neither of the couple liked having people keep night watch in their bedroom. Zhao Hanzhang even had the habit of locking the door, so unless they opened it from inside, palace servants could not enter freely.
Ting He led two teams of palace maids and eunuchs waiting outside. Seeing the door open, they first all knelt in salute, then respectfully carried things inside.
The palace maids attended to Zhao Hanzhang’s washing and dressing, while the eunuchs served Fu Tinghan.
Today both wore ceremonial robes. Zhao Hanzhang’s was the most elaborate—just putting on the clothes and arranging her hair took half an hour.
Daylight brightened, approaching the auspicious hour.
Eunuch Dong’s adopted son, Lai Qing, walked quickly to the door and reported softly, “Your Majesty, the hundred officials have all arrived, and His Majesty the Prince of An is also ready.”
Ting He had also inspected Zhao Hanzhang from head to toe twice, confirming there were no errors or omissions before saying, “Your Majesty, all is ready.”
Zhao Hanzhang took Fu Tinghan’s hand and went out together. Outside, officials from the Ministry of Rites were waiting. They also checked Zhao Hanzhang’s attire, confirmed there were no omissions, then escorted her to the palanquin.
She would enter through the front gate of Taiji Hall.
The enthronement ceremony would be held in Taiji Hall, the main hall of the Northern Palace.
This palace hall was Cao Pi’s vision, built by Emperor Ming of Wei. Its meaning was to reside in the center and establish the pole, corresponding precisely to the North Star, so Taiji Hall had significant symbolic importance.
Generally, New Year’s grand court, new emperor enthronement, and great pardons with era changes were all completed in this palace hall.
Unfortunately, when the young emperor ascended the throne, he was away. After returning to Luoyang, this palace hall was severely damaged. First, Zhao Hanzhang lacked money; second, she also felt the young emperor wouldn’t need it, so she didn’t repair it. They held court and handled government affairs in Deyang Hall all along.
Until she needed to ascend the throne.
Only then did the Ministry of Works and Ministry of Rites urgently repair this palace hall.
Because time was tight and the task heavy, they only performed simple repairs—patching roof tiles, painting some pillars and door frames, and replacing some severely damaged stone slabs.
In one month’s time, they had to both prepare for the enthronement ceremony and the altar, and also repair the palace hall. Fu Tinghan very visibly lost fifteen pounds, and his ceremonial robes had to be altered repeatedly.
Fu Tinghan took a shortcut to arrive at the hall first, standing in his position from the rear side.
Ji Yuan, positioned below him, and Ming Yu, Zhao Ming, and others across from him all nodded at him.
Fu Tinghan imperceptibly nodded in return, then turned his head toward the plaza entrance.
Today, all officials of the seventh rank and above in the capital could attend the grand ceremony, along with envoys from regional governors and princes from various regions, as well as some clan patriarchs, renowned scholars, and recluses, all honored to be in attendance.
This Taiji Hall plaza could accommodate ten thousand people. At this time, the plaza was only about one-third full, with Imperial Guards stationed at the edges, solemnly and gravely watching the center.
Nothing is greater than proper positioning; no ritual is grander than changing the era name.
There was no ceremony more magnificent than today.
The plaza was silent. Suddenly the sound of a whip cracking rang out, and everyone grew even quieter, so silent you could hear a pin drop.
In this complete silence, orderly footsteps could be heard approaching.
All the officials turned their heads to look and saw Zeng Yue guarding the imperial palanquin as it approached. Zhao Hanzhang sat upright on the imperial palanquin, lifting her eyes to look directly at them.
Everyone lowered their heads in submission, except for Fu Tinghan, who smiled at her once before also lowering his head.
Zhao Hanzhang stepped down from the imperial palanquin, looked up at Taiji Hall at the top of the steps, smiled slightly, then lifted her foot and walked up the center path.
Civil and military officials lined up on both sides. After she had ascended nine steps, they followed from the left and right sides.
Entering the great hall—of course, most officials were left outside on the plaza. Basically, only officials of the third rank and above entered the hall, able to personally witness Zhao Hanzhang sitting on the dragon throne.
The young emperor and Xun Fan were already waiting inside the hall.
Besides these two, there was also Guo Pu standing to one side.
When Zhao Hanzhang walked up to the dragon steps, Guo Pu stepped forward to announce Heaven’s decree.
That’s right, Heaven’s decree. The meaning was that Zhao Hanzhang’s succession to the imperial throne had been approved by Heaven. He had performed divination three times and each time received the result of great fortune—Heaven’s will was with Zhao Hanzhang.
Zhao Hanzhang listened quietly. Only when he finished did she say, “I am deeply grateful for Heaven’s choice. In receiving this great treasure, first I must thank the people of the realm for their trust; second, I must thank the soldiers in the military for their support; third, I thank all of you. The realm is vast, and with my strength alone, it would be difficult to govern.”
“The ruler is the parent of the people, carrying out the duties of teaching, protecting, and governing; officials serve the ruler and also serve the people. This realm is governed jointly by ruler and people, and jointly with all of you! Only when ruler and ministers are harmonious, when ruler and people are in accord, when officials and people love each other, can we accomplish great achievements and bring great prosperity to the realm!”
The hundred officials bowed and knelt, saying with heads lowered, “We ministers obey Your command!”
Guo Pu said, “Please have the new emperor receive the seal.”
The young emperor, who had been watching in a daze, immediately stepped forward holding the jade seal, bowing as he handed it to Zhao Hanzhang.
Zhao Hanzhang accepted it. He then knelt together with Xun Fan, bowing and saying, “Your subject, Sima Ye, respectfully pays homage to Her Imperial Majesty.”
The hundred officials then rose and, following Guo Pu’s commands, performed three bows and nine prostrations, saying in unison, “We subjects respectfully pay homage to Her Imperial Majesty, we subjects respectfully pay homage to Her Imperial Majesty…”
On the plaza, several thousand people knelt and prostrated together, their voices resounding to the heavens, even carrying to the main streets of the inner city.
The common people who had crowded into the inner city early in the morning to listen for movement heard the shouting and all followed the sound to kneel and prostrate themselves.
People further back on the street couldn’t hear the voices at all, but seeing those in front kneel, they also knelt and prostrated.
From the inner city to the outer city, all the common people knew that today was the day of Zhao Hanzhang’s enthronement. Seeing those in front kneel, they all followed suit.
Street vendors abandoned their stalls, and even shopkeepers and proprietors ran out of their shops to lift their robes and kneel with the people.
Zhao Hanzhang, holding the jade seal, walked to the dragon throne and sat down. She raised her eyes to look into the distance, her gaze seeming to pierce through the great hall, the plaza, and the imperial palace, meeting the eyes of the people in Luoyang’s inner and outer cities.
Between Heaven’s will and the people’s will, she chose the people’s will.
Between Heaven’s mandate and the people’s mandate, she likewise chose the people’s mandate.
Ever since the Shang and Zhou dynasties established that emperors were children of Heaven, the concept of Heaven’s mandate had always existed. It wasn’t until Dong Zhongshu explicitly proposed the meaning of “imperial power divinely bestowed” that Heaven’s mandate of imperial power became a universal consensus.
Therefore, the people of the realm would uphold and respect the emperor as they upheld and respected the divine.
But after Cao Mao was killed in the street by the Sima clan, this consensus collapsed, and the legitimacy and rationality of Heaven’s mandate were questioned.
If the emperor was Heaven’s child, chosen by the divine as the people’s sovereign, how could he be killed in the street?
And the person who killed him became emperor himself.
If the Son of Heaven had no divine protection, could he still be called the Son of Heaven?
The collapse of this belief made dynastic changes occur even faster. Because there was no new theory to replace it, the legitimacy and rationality of the emperor’s succession were questioned, and struggles for imperial power remained intense. It wasn’t until the Ming dynasty that the concept of the emperor being mandated by the people’s will formally replaced Heaven’s will.
Zhao Hanzhang was of course willing to accept Heaven’s mandate. She wanted both Heaven’s mandate and the people’s mandate. She hoped the realm could establish a more accurate understanding.
The people’s will is Heaven’s will; Heaven establishes kings for the sake of the people.
Heaven’s will changes with the changes in the people’s will.
Reaffirming Mencius’s viewpoint that “the people are most important, the state comes next, the ruler is of least importance.”
However, she didn’t know how many of the assembled civil and military officials understood her hint. She wasn’t their teacher, so she would only hint at it.
After the hundred officials completed their three bows and nine prostrations, Zhao Hanzhang formally established the era name. “…The dynastic name shall be Hua, and the era name shall be Yuanzhen.”
This era name was decided by Zhao Hanzhang after much discussion with her ministers. It was taken from the first hexagram of the Book of Changes, the Qian hexagram: Yuan Heng Li Zhen.
All were very auspicious characters.
Zhao Hanzhang said, “Because the characters used in my name are extremely common, there is no need to observe taboo.”
Previously, considering the taboo, the hundred officials had disagreed with her using “Zhen” as the era name. After all, every time they wrote official documents saying “Year X of Yuanzhen,” they couldn’t very well reduce the strokes of “Zhen” or substitute it with another character, could they?
But Zhao Hanzhang counted the characters in her name—all four were commonly used characters. If all the people in the realm had to observe the taboo, it felt like life would become impossible.
So Zhao Hanzhang simply decided that there was no need to observe taboo for her name.
Only then did the hundred officials agree to her using the era name Yuanzhen.
Zhao Hanzhang was very magnanimous. Because most of this year had already passed, she only established the era name. The formal change of era would wait until the first day of the new year, so this year would still use the young emperor’s era name, Jianxing.
The young emperor was still somewhat moved. No, at this time he should be called the Prince of An.
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