Chapter 175

When Qin Zhao ascended the throne as Empress, the common people could not accept it immediately, which Qin Zhao could understand.

But why did they have such numb expressions on their faces?

explained her doubts: “The Minister of Etiquette Zhang Hou has been secretly giving the common people hypnotic potions ever since the host ascended the throne.

He said that you usurped power, committed treason, disrespected your father, and defied imperial authority!

The common people were inclined to listen and believe. Some daring ones even gathered outside the imperial palace, cursing you loudly for being inhumane, unjust, disloyal and unfilial.

But Huo Jun led troops to suppress them, killing some ringleaders in public and uttering many ruthless words.

So the common people acted that way out of fear.”

Qin Zhao said, "What Zhang Hou said was not wrong. I am indeed that kind of person."

asked, "How is the host going to deal with Zhang Hou?"

"Eliminate him. It’s not because he offended me, but because he belongs to the conservative faction and will definitely become an obstacle for me to renovate Yue Country.

People on the same path as him will all go where they should go."

A chill crept up 502’s mind...

As Qin Zhao’s carriage passed through Chang'an Avenue, a man suddenly rushed out with a knife, shouting, "A woman cannot be Emperor! I'm going to kill you!"

The imperial guards stopped him and covered his mouth!

The man continued to struggle with all his might, the veins on his neck bulging!

He bit the guard’s hand with blood oozing out between his fingers like beads.

But the guard did not loosen his grip at all.

Qin Zhao silently praised that Huo Jun was a born general who, in just one month, had trained such resolute imperial guards.

She got off the open carriage and said to the guard, "Let him go."

The guard released his hand as told.

The man then rushed over like an arrow mouse!

Qin Zhao drew out a dagger and pointed it at the man. His eyes instantly turned terrified, but he couldn’t stop his feet and ran straight onto the blade! The dagger pierced deep. The man fell to the ground on the spot!

Seeing this, the surrounding civilians screamed. The quiet street was filled with noisy human voices for a while.

A smile tugged at the corner of Qin Zhao’s mouth. She said, "That’s right. Whether it’s cheers or sighs, there must be some noise.

And terrified screams like this are the best."

To this world, she was indeed destructive.

People should be scared! After looking at the chaotic crowd, Qin Zhao got back into the carriage.

Entering the imperial palace, in front of the Hall of Heaven and Earth, the ministers, princesses, clan elders and others had been waiting for a long time.

They had heard from the eyes of various ministries about Qin Zhao being rushed by civilians on Chang'an Avenue.

Seeing Qin Zhao, they were still calm as before.

Someone whispered, "Doesn't Her Majesty feel ashamed or angry that she is unwelcome by the commoners?"

The person next to him continued, "She has seen storms. How could she be shaken by such trivial things?"

"Why don't you say she has thick skin?"

"Shhh, stop talking. Her Majesty is coming over!"

Qin Zhao walked through the crowd, taking in everyone's expressions.

The more unwilling and dissatisfied they were, the happier Qin Zhao was!

According to the law of conservation of energy, the total amount of happiness in the world remains unchanged. If some people are happy, some others must suffer.

It also makes sense to say that happiness is established on the basis of pain.

Passing by her fifth sister Qin Yu, Qin Zhao blinked at her!

Qin Yu was slightly surprised. She didn’t expect her ninth sister who had become the Emperor would still want to be close to her.

She smiled back with her blessings contained in it.

As Qin Zhao walked on, Nangong Ling, Huo Jun, Mo Qianqiu...passed by from the side.

The hope in their eyes, she could see clearly.

Finally, Qin Zhao stopped in front of Qi Yan Su Luo.

Everyone secretly glanced over at them.

Qin Zhao reached out her hand to Qi Yan Su Luo and said, "Walk with me for the last stretch of road. I want you by my side."

Qi Yan Su Luo said softly, “Sure.” She then put her hand on top of Qin Zhao’s palm.

One was dressed in a black and gold dragon robe while the other wore a white, flowing, radiant long dress.

They seemed to belong together from the start.

Making those who wanted to persuade Qin Zhao not to violate etiquette so blatantly unable to speak up.

Qin Zhao led Qi Yan Su Luo to walk in front while the others followed behind as they entered the Hall of Heaven and Earth one by one.

Reaching the jade steps, Qin Zhao let go of Qi Yan Su Luo and climbed up the stairs alone.

Staring at Qin Zhao’s back, Qi Yan Su Luo withdrew her gaze after a long while.

Like the others, she lowered her head slightly in a respectful manner.

Qin Zhao stopped in front of the dragon chair, turned around and sat down.

On August 15th of the 19th Year of Yuanjia Reign, the new emperor ascended the throne and changed the reign name to Tian Qi.

The Grand Housekeeper Ling Long, holding the imperial edict, walked out from a side door and stood to the right of Qin Zhao.

Qin Zhao said, "Read it." "Here you go, Your Majesty."

Ling Long unrolled the edict, "The Emperor who inherited the mandate of heaven hereby decrees, to confer upon Nangong Ling the title of carefree Duke for being clever and agile like a jewel tree in the imperial garden.

To confer upon Mo Qianqiu the title of Duke of Ingenuity for having a skillful mind and heart of wood and stone.

To confer upon Huo Jun the title of General of the State's Defense Forces for his wisdom, valor and loyalty.

To confer upon the Fifth Princess Qin Yu the title of Xuanping Prince for her kindness and humility.

To appoint Xiao Ang Ming, whose thinking is meticulous and has profound knowledge of nature and humanity, as the Chief Minister.

To appoint Liu Yu, whose talent overflows and promotes innovation, as the Grand Secretary...

All those who contributed in Qin Zhao’s process of seizing power received promotions or rewards.

For a time, the atmosphere in the hall was high, with some families delighted and some distressed.

Just as Ling Long was about to continue reading, Qin Zhao said, “Stop. Let me announce the last sentence myself.”

“Here you go.”

Ling Long put away the edict and withdrew to one side.

The ministers were curious and expectant. Who was the one that had the fortune of being conferred by the Emperor personally?

They then heard Qin Zhao say, "Qi Yan Su Luo has outstanding beauty, graceful deportment, blessing of fortune and wisdom, unmatched in the world. She is hereby conferred the title of King of Western Lin!"

Tears welled up in Qi Yan Su Luo’s eyes. Her throat choked up but she tried hard not to cry.

She bowed and said with cupped fists, "Thank you for Your Majesty’s grace."

Qin Zhao looked at Qi Yan Su Luo’s bowing head and said, “Rise.

I have fulfilled my promise to you.

You should also have something in return.”

Qi Yan Su Luo stood straight and asked, “What does Your Majesty mean?”

Qin Zhao looked at the ministers. “It is said that it’s cold at elevated places and I feel extremely lonely being at such a high position alone. I hope to have someone accompany me by my side forever. Qi Yan Su Luo is the person I have chosen. I want to make her my Empress.

Ministers, what do you think?”

Zhang Hou was the first to stand out and object, “Your Majesty, marriage between women goes against rituals. Especially for Your Majesty as the ruler of a country, if you take the lead in destroying traditions, it may have disastrous effects that lead to commoners competing to emulate, thus undermining the customs of our country!”

This remark was echoed by many ministers.

“Your Majesty, please think thrice. You are the model for the common people. If you mess up, the entire Yue Country will be in chaos!”

“I think that if Your Majesty likes King of Western Lin, you can let her accompany your left and right often without necessarily conferring her the title of Empress!”

“What Zhao said is right. Doing this will neither lead to social unrest, nor separate Your Majesty from the King of Western Lin. It’s the best compromise!”

...

Qin Zhao frowned and said, “One lives for one’s own happiness. I like Qi Yan Su Luo and I will make her my Empress.

As for people imitating, this is nonsense!

Common people have the ability to think. If they cannot derive happiness from this, they won’t do it. If it can increase their sense of happiness, who else has the right to interfere?

My decision is made. Anyone who raises an objection again will be flogged to death!”