Esmeria

After waiting for the night to pass, Peng Xian gently opened the door to the ceremonial hall and stepped inside, where Wu Zhao lay asleep, still holding Jian Yi’s body close. He quietly approached her, careful not to startle her, and gently woke her.

“Princess, King Wu left an edict with me a few weeks ago,” Peng Xian said softly. “He also entrusted me with a letter for you.”

Wu Zhao rubbed her eyes and took the letter from Peng Xian. As she unfolded it, her father’s familiar handwriting greeted her:

To My Beloved Daughter,

By the time you read this, I will have departed from this world. It pains me deeply to think of the grief you must be feeling, and for that, I am truly sorry.

I regret that I was not the father you deserved. If only I could turn back time, I would have given you more of my love, more of my time. But life often demands harsh choices, and with them come the burdens of regret. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me.

I now entrust the future of Luo Yang to you. I believe in your strength, your wisdom, and your heart. May you lead our people to greater prosperity and peace than I ever could. Peng Xian, to whom I have entrusted the edict of succession, is one of the few men I have complete faith in. Trust him as I have, for he will be your steadfast ally.

Even though I am no longer with you, know that my love for you endures beyond the boundaries of life and death. You will always carry a piece of my heart with you.

Forever Yours,

Your Father, Wu Shi Yue

The weight of her father's words settled heavily on her heart as she finished reading, tears brimming in her eyes.

Wu Zhao slowly rose to her feet, rubbing her face as she steeled herself. “I can’t mope around any longer,” she said, her voice firm. “Luo Yang needs me now more than ever.”

Peng Xian nodded solemnly, respecting her resolve. "Your strength will lead Luo Yang through these dark times, Your Highness," he said, his voice filled with quiet encouragement.

Wu Zhao took a deep breath, steadying herself. "We have much to do. Send word to the ministers and generals—I want a council meeting tomorrow."

"As you command, Your Highness," Peng Xian replied, bowing before swiftly exiting the ceremonial hall to carry out her orders.

Wu Zhao glanced back at Jian Yi’s lifeless body one last time, her heart heavy with sorrow, but she forced herself to focus. "I’ll make sure your sacrifice wasn’t in vain," she whispered, before turning to leave the hall, ready to face the challenges ahead.

After dressing and composing herself, Wu Zhao readied herself to face the gathered officials and generals in the grand meeting hall. The fact that the monthly court meeting was already scheduled provided a convenient pretext for this sudden assembly, a small mercy she was thankful for.

As she proceeded down the lavish hallway reserved for the ruler, her attendants followed closely, the weight of her new responsibilities evident in every step. The ornate decor and towering columns seemed to loom even larger, a silent reminder of the legacy she was about to uphold.

"Enter Princess Wu Zhao!" an attendant announced in a commanding voice as they neared the grand doors of the meeting hall.

With a nod, another attendant swung the doors open, revealing the vast room filled with waiting officials and generals. Wu Zhao took a deep breath, maintaining her composure, and then stepped inside. Her footsteps echoed softly on the polished floor as she made her way to the throne.

Reaching the throne, she paused briefly, allowing herself a moment of reflection before taking her seat. The room fell silent as all eyes turned toward her, and Wu Zhao prepared to address the court, fully aware that this was her first test as the ruler of Luo Yang.

At the forefront of the gathered officials and generals stood Peng Xian and Xiao Jie, their presence commanding attention. The officials exchanged uneasy glances, surprised to see Peng Xian among them, especially given the rumors swirling about his involvement in the death of King Wu. The absence of Gilles, a familiar figure at such gatherings, only added to their discomfort. Murmurs rippled through the assembly as the officials whispered among themselves, trying to piece together the events that had led to this unexpected situation.

“You may begin the monthly court meeting!” the royal attendant announced loudly as Wu Zhao gestured with her hand.

Whispers of conspiracy and treachery floated in the air, thick with tension and uncertainty. The officials' eyes darted between Peng Xian and Wu Zhao, searching for answers, while the generals remained stoic, awaiting the princess's words. Wu Zhao, sensing the undercurrent of anxiety, knew she had to address their concerns swiftly and decisively.

As she sat upon the throne, she allowed the murmurs to continue for a few moments longer, her gaze sweeping across the room, taking in the uncertainty etched on the faces before her. Finally, she raised her hand, signaling for silence. The room fell quiet, all attention focused on the young princess who now held the future of Luo Yang in her hands.

Wu Zhao’s eyes narrowed as she heard the murmurs of disbelief ripple through the assembly. “I understand your shock,” she continued, her voice steady and resolute. “But know this: I do not speak without proof. Gilles was the mastermind behind the assassination of my father, King Wu, and his treachery has been thoroughly investigated. Justice has been served.”

The officials exchanged uneasy glances, their surprise turning into skepticism. One bolder official stepped forward, bowing slightly before addressing the princess. “Your Highness,” he began cautiously, “if I may speak freely—this accusation is grave. Have you ensured a thorough investigation was conducted? And forgive me, but there are those among us who might wonder if this is not part of a larger scheme... a ploy, perhaps, to usurp the throne?"

Peng Xian stepped forward, his calm demeanor contrasting the unease that rippled through the room. "King Wu entrusted me with an edict," he began, his voice carrying authority and respect. "In the event of his untimely death, he instructed that this edict be revealed to the court."

With a measured movement, Peng Xian produced the sealed document, holding it up for all to see. The room fell silent, eyes fixed on the scroll that bore the late king's seal, a symbol of his final decree.

Peng Xian carefully unrolled the edict and began to read its contents aloud:

“By the grace of the heavens and in accordance with the laws of our land, this edict is issued by me, Wu Shi Yue of Luo Yang.

Should I, Wu Shi Yue, no longer be present to fulfill my duties, it is my will and decree that my daughter, Wu Zhao, shall ascend to the throne as the rightful ruler of Luo Yang. Her wisdom, strength, and dedication to the realm have earned her this honor.

This edict is affirmed and sealed with my personal seal, and it is my final wish that all officials, generals, and subjects offer their unwavering loyalty and support to her as she takes up the mantle of leadership.

Thus, by my hand and seal, I command that this edict be acknowledged as the legitimate decree of succession.”

The edict was duly completed with King Wu's seal, affirming its authenticity and irrevocability.

The opposing officials were left speechless, their disbelief palpable. They had underestimated King Wu's resolve and did not anticipate that, even in his weakened state, he would have the fortitude to issue an edict securing his daughter's succession. The weight of the edict's authority was undeniable, and their hopes of overturning the situation were effectively shattered.

Xiao Jie and Peng Xian knelt down and bowed deeply. “All hail Queen Wu!” they declared.

One by one, the generals and several officials followed suit, their voices rising in unison, “All hail Queen Wu!”

Reluctantly, the remaining opposing officials had no choice but to genuflect as well, acknowledging Wu Zhao’s new position with subdued acceptance.

“Queen Wu, to formally ascend the throne, you must receive the blessings of Feng and Huang at Mount Kun Lun,” Peng Xian advised.

“I have heard of these revered birds,” Wu Zhao replied. “They are said to bless the land with fertility and prosperity. I will undertake the journey to complete the ceremony and secure their blessings.”

“I can escort you only to the base of Mount Kun Lun,” Peng Xian explained. “From there, you must make the climb on your own. Feng and Huang have made their nest at the summit.”

“We should prioritize addressing the immediate needs of our city first,” Xiao Jie argued. “Feng and Huang can wait.”

“Feng and Huang are of the utmost importance,” Peng Xian insisted. “Queen Wu must receive their blessings before anything else.”

“What blessings do they even give?” Xiao Jie questioned. “Isn’t it just a formality to pray to them when Luo Yang is at peace?”

“Oh my, they are said to embody the very life and essence of Luo Yang,” Peng Xian explained. “Without their blessings, Luo Yang would be plagued by drought and famine. They bestow vitality upon the land, which in turn grants us the power of the land itself.”

“How long does the ceremony take to complete?” Wu Zhao inquired.

“To reach Mount Kun Lun from here takes about a day,” Peng Xian explained. “However, the time required to climb to the top depends on your own stamina and perseverance, Queen Wu.”

“The previous kings all undertook the climb as adults!” Xiao Jie protested. “Isn’t this too arduous for Queen Wu?”

“I will be alright,” Wu Zhao replied resolutely. “I shall complete the climb and receive their blessings to prove to everyone that I am the rightful heir once and for all.”

“We will open King Wu’s wake to the public and hold the ceremony to move him to the royal catacombs. The day after, I will undertake the ceremony to receive Feng and Huang’s blessings,” Wu Zhao declared.

“Are there any objections or important matters to address?” Wu Zhao asked, surveying the room.

The officials remained silent, their expressions unreadable.

“Then we shall adjourn the meeting and reconvene in a week,” Wu Zhao announced.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the generals and officials responded in unison, their voices echoing through the hall.

“Court meeting is adjourned; you are all dismissed!” the royal attendant declared loudly as Wu Zhao signaled with a graceful wave of her hand.

“All hail Queen Wu!” Peng Xian and Xiao Jie proclaimed, and the generals and officials followed suit, their voices echoing through the grand hall as Wu Zhao made her exit.

After the meeting, Peng Xian sought out Wu Zhao to discuss the challenges ahead.

“Queen Wu, although every past king has succeeded in receiving the blessings of Feng and Huang, the ceremony is never to be taken lightly,” Peng Xian began.

“Hm? Is there something you didn’t mention during the meeting?” Wu Zhao asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Yes,” Peng Xian replied, “The pair of birds are said to be mystical beings with divine powers. They do not hesitate to eliminate any beings they deem as evil. Their judgment is absolute and unforgiving.”

“Wouldn’t I be fine, then?” Wu Zhao asked, seemingly untroubled.

“I’m concerned because of the essence you absorbed from that assailant,” Peng Xian explained. “Her darkened soul might affect you, making Feng and Huang refuse to grant their blessings.”

“I shall see how it goes,” Wu Zhao responded with resolve.

“If necessary, should I accompany you secretly?” Peng Xian offered, his concern evident.

“Then you would be breaking the rules, wouldn’t you?” Wu Zhao said. “I will be fine. Do not worry about me,” she added with a reassuring smile.

“I wish you the best of luck, Queen Wu,” Peng Xian said, his expression a mix of hope and concern, before departing.