Chương 508: The Crown Prince's Temple Visit Ceremony

He stood up and gestured for the officials to rise: "You may all rise. Today's investiture of the Crown Prince is a joyous occasion for the nation. I have already issued an edict granting a general amnesty to the entire country, so that we may share in the joy."

Another wave of thunderous cheers erupted, like a tsunami.

The musicians played cheerful classical music, and the chime bells and stone chimes resounded together, the melodious music echoing throughout the hall.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites guided the officials to pay their respects to the emperor and the crown prince in turn, from dukes to marquises, from county dukes to county marquises, one after another, forming a long queue.

Liu Ce sat on his throne, receiving the congratulations of the officials, but his gaze would occasionally drift toward the Crown Prince beside him.

Liu Chen stood there, his little face tense, like a little adult.

When Cheng Yaojin stepped forward to pay his respects, he secretly winked at him. Liu Chen almost couldn't help but laugh, but he managed to hold it in.

Later, Cheng Yaojin whispered to Qin Qiong, "Your Highness, you look exactly like His Majesty. You'll definitely grow up to be a great hero."

Qin Qiong nodded and said, "Of course, like father, like son."

The ceremonies continued until noon.

After the ceremony, the officials left the main hall in turn.

Liu Ce took Liu Chen's hand and stepped down from the throne.

He looked down at his son and smiled gently: "You did very well today, without any stage fright."

Liu Chen looked up, a faint blush still lingering on his face: "Your subject dares not disappoint Father and Mother's expectations. Mother said that as the Crown Prince, I must set an example for my younger siblings."

Liu Ce laughed heartily and patted him on the shoulder: "Let's go back and get some rest. Tomorrow we'll visit the temple. Tell your ancestors that they have a new successor."

Then, the father and son walked out of the main hall side by side.

The sunlight shone on them, casting long shadows.

Outside the palace, the Imperial Guards still stood guard with their halberds, and the wind blew, causing their flags to flutter.

Cheers from the people of Luoyang could be heard in the distance, rising in waves.

On this day, the foundation of the Han Dynasty deepened once more.

After the court ceremony concluded, the edict granting a general amnesty was immediately sent out of the palace.

When the people of Luoyang heard the news of the crown prince's investiture, they rejoiced, and cheers gradually rose in the streets and alleys, creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.

With the crown prince appointed, the foundation of the nation is secure, and the Han Dynasty is on the verge of revival!

Some shopkeepers put up red paper at their doors, some elderly people carried wine jugs and toasted with their neighbors on the street, and some children ran around setting off firecrackers.

...

The following day was the ceremony of the Crown Prince visiting the temple.

Before dawn, Liu Chen, under the care of the palace eunuchs, bathed, fasted, ate vegetarian food, and calmed his mind. He then donned sacrificial robes and waited to depart.

He was so nervous last night that he didn't sleep well, and he was woken up early this morning. He was so sleepy that he kept yawning, but he still obediently let the nannies help him get dressed and put on his hat.

The prince, who was eating braised pork knuckle yesterday, can only eat vegetarian food today. He secretly told the eunuch beside him, "After the temple visit, I want to eat three pork knuckles!"

The eunuch quickly covered his mouth: "Your Highness, be careful what you say."

When the time came, the Crown Prince's entourage was ready.

The Imperial Guards and the Imperial Guards stood in formation on the left and right, with attendants in front and behind, their banners fluttering and their armor gleaming.

Liu Chen rode in a golden carriage drawn by four horses, departing from the Eastern Palace to the Temple of Gao and the Temple of Emperor Shizu, to offer sacrifices to the ancestors and complete the final recognition of his status as Crown Prince.

When the carriage arrived at the Sima Gate of Gao Temple, Liu Chen got out of the carriage and walked into the temple.

His small figure walked along the long corridor, followed by a large group of officials, a scene that was both solemn and somewhat comical.

Officials from the Ministry of Rites led the way, explaining etiquette and rules incessantly. Liu Chen listened attentively, nodding occasionally.

After entering the temple, Liu Chen stood at the foot of the steps, facing the ancestral tablets with a respectful expression.

The sacrificial vessels, jade, silk, wine, and other offerings were already laid out, incense and candles were lit, and the air was filled with smoke, creating a solemn and dignified atmosphere throughout the temple.

Liu Chen ascended the steps according to etiquette, his crimson court robe trailing behind him.

He walked slowly and steadily, each step firm and deliberate.

They walked to the altar of Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang, knelt down, offered incense, poured wine three times, and bowed and kowtowed.

The Grand Master of Ceremonies, holding the prayer text, read it aloud:

"On the day of Renshen in the first month of the first year of Shenwu, the filial grandson, Crown Prince Chen, dares to make this solemn announcement to the spirit of Emperor Taizu Gao:

"The Han dynasty has risen again, and the Great Han has inherited its throne. Our late Emperor Gaozu swept across the land and restored peace to the Central Plains. Following ancient custom, he established his eldest son as heir apparent. We respectfully offer this offering—a single offering of precious herbs—to Emperor Gaozu and Empress Lü. May they accept this sacrifice."

After the prayer was read, Xun Yu performed the second offering ceremony, and Fang Xuanling performed the final offering ceremony. The ceremony was thorough and there was no room for error.

Every bow and every kowtow is performed strictly in accordance with ancient customs, without the slightest carelessness.

Liu Chen knelt there, his knees aching, but he gritted his teeth and didn't move.

After the ceremony, Liu Chen drank the blessed wine, received the sacrificial meat, bowed again and returned to his original position. The food was removed, music was played, and he left the temple to perform the rites. The whole process was solemn and orderly, and the children showed no signs of panic.

When he took the glass of blessed wine, it was very spicy, but he drank it without changing his expression. He almost choked, but he held it in.

Subsequently, Liu Chen followed the same rituals and went to the Temple of Emperor Guangwu to offer sacrifices to Emperor Guangwu. He praised the merits of his ancestors, explained the matter of establishing the crown prince, and prayed for the ancestors' protection of the country.

After going through all that, Liu Chen was exhausted, but he still persevered to the end.

After completing the temple visit ceremony, Liu Chen returned to the palace and went to the Chongde Hall to pay his respects to Liu Ce and Empress Cai Yan. He bowed and reported, "Your subject has completed the temple visit ceremony and expresses his gratitude to Father Emperor and Mother Empress for their teachings."

Liu Ce nodded, his eyes filled with satisfaction.

Cai Yan's eyes reddened slightly. She knelt down, took her son's hand, and softly asked, "Are you tired?"

Liu Chen shook his head, puffed out his chest, and said, "Not tired! Your subject is the Crown Prince!"

Cai Yan smiled, her eyes slightly red.

Liu Ce ordered a banquet to be prepared to celebrate the successful completion of the Crown Prince's ancestral temple visit, thus ensuring the stability of the state.

At the banquet, Liu Chen finally got to eat the braised pork knuckle he had been longing for. He ate with gusto, his mouth dripping with oil. Cai Yan smiled and wiped his mouth, saying, "Eat slowly, no one will take it from you."

Liu Chen mumbled, "Mother, visiting the temple was too tiring. I need to eat three braised pork knuckles to replenish my energy."

Liu Ce laughed heartily: "Eat! All you can eat!"

...

One day later, in the evening.

In the imperial study, the candlelight flickered.

Liu Ce sat behind his desk and looked up at the two men who stood with their heads bowed.

Su Wan was originally the most capable female official in the Prince of Yan's mansion, shrewd and capable, and never made a mistake.

Li De, the chief eunuch, was an old servant of Liu Ce, loyal and reliable in his work.

"I have summoned you here today for only one thing: to establish the regulations for the imperial harem." Liu Ce's voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable authority.

"I have established the ranks of the imperial harem in my dynasty. Remember them clearly."

Su Wan picked up her pen and took quick notes, the pen tip scratching on the paper. The candlelight reflected on her face, making her look exceptionally focused.

"The first rank is naturally the Empress. There is only one Empress, who is the mother of the nation and oversees all affairs of the six palaces. The Empress's orders are equivalent to my decrees, and all personnel of the Six Departments, Twenty-Four Offices, and the Inner Palace Administration must obey unconditionally. Anyone who dares to disrespect the Empress will be the first to be punished by me."

Su Wan kept writing, taking notes at lightning speed.