Chương 778: Yongle

Xu Jingxian paused for a moment, then blushed and gently lowered her head:

"Your Majesty... isn't this a bit too fast?"

"I'm not happy." Liu Chen took her hand and looked at her gently.

"You've been with me for so many years, you've worked hard."

The position of Empress was rightfully yours.

Chengqian is the eldest son of the legitimate wife, and the position of crown prince also belongs to him.

......

Mid-December of the 40th year of the Shenwu reign.

With the New Year fast approaching, the new emperor ascended the throne, and according to custom, the reign title was to be changed.

The new era name must be decided in advance and officially put into use on the first day of the Lunar New Year.

Liu Chen pondered for several months, and the officials consulted countless classic texts and came up with dozens of reign titles, but he was not satisfied with any of them.

Either too domineering, lacking composure; or too refined, lacking magnanimity.

I'm torn between these options and can't make up my mind.

That day, he simply ran off to find his father.

Liu Ce lived a very comfortable life in the Daming Palace.

He sleeps in late every morning, practices Tai Chi, teaches the imperial grandsons to read in the afternoon, strolls in the imperial garden, goes fishing, and drinks and plays chess with the old ministers.

They lived a carefree life, and their complexions became much rosier.

When Liu Chen came in, Liu Ce was squatting by the fishpond feeding the fish, holding a handful of fish food and scattering it with great enthusiasm.

Standing nearby were several old men, including Xun Yu and Fang Xuanling, who were also feeding the fish, chatting as they fed them, just like retired old men in a park.

"Father." Liu Chen walked over and bowed.

"Oh, you're here." Liu Ce didn't even look up, continuing to scatter fish food.

"What's wrong? Finished with state affairs? What are you doing here?"

"I'd like to discuss something with you," Liu Chen said.

"Next year we're going to change the era name, and I've thought of a few, but I'm not quite satisfied with any of them."

I'd like to hear your opinion.

"The reign title, huh?" Liu Ce clapped his hands and handed the remaining fish food to the eunuch beside him.

"Let's go inside and talk."

"You guys feed them yourselves, I'll be right back."

Xun Yu and the others smiled and nodded, continuing to feed the fish and chat.

Upon entering the Zichen Palace, the two sat down, and a palace maid served them tea.

"How many have you thought of? Tell me." Liu Ce picked up his teacup and took a sip.

Liu Chen counted on his fingers: I thought of "Jingping," but it felt too gentle; I thought of "Wu Xing," but then I felt it was too forceful.

I also considered "Jian'an", but I felt it was not quite right.

Which one do you think is better?

After listening, Liu Ce smiled:

"None of them are very good."

The reign title doesn't need to be too fancy; as long as the meaning is clear, that's enough.

What are you trying to say?

Liu Chen thought for a moment, then said seriously:

"I want all the people in the world to live in peace and prosperity, and for all time to come to live in peace and prosperity."

I just want... for the world to be forever peaceful and prosperous.

"The people's lives are good, that's the most important thing."

Liu Ce paused for a moment, then whispered:

"May there be lasting peace and tranquility..."

"Yongle?"

This name is interesting.

He smiled, didn't say anything, and just nodded:

"That's a good idea."

Have you decided what era name to use?

"I've made up my mind." Liu Chen nodded, his eyes resolute.

"Let's call it 'Yongle'."

The name "Yongle" signifies that the people live in peace and prosperity, that there is lasting peace and happiness for all.

I want the world to be peaceful and prosperous forever, so that all people can live a good life.

Do you think... is that okay?

Liu Ce looked at his son's serious expression and suddenly smiled.

Historical coincidences are truly fascinating.

But it doesn't matter, calling him Yongle is fine.

Who wouldn't love the Yongle era of prosperity?

"Okay." Liu Ce nodded with a smile.

"Very good."

Yongle... May you enjoy eternal peace and prosperity.

Good name.

Let's use this one.

With his father's approval, Liu Chen breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.

"If you think it's good, then it's fine."

"Then I will go back and instruct the Ministry of Rites to make preparations for the official change of reign title on the first day of the first lunar month."

"Okay, go ahead." Liu Ce waved his hand.

"Do a good job."

Let us not let down the people, nor let down this era.

"Your subject has remembered." Liu Chen nodded solemnly.

..................

The first day of the first month of the 41st year of the Han calendar.

Before dawn, the Taiji Hall was already brightly lit.

The first grand court assembly held on New Year's Day after the new emperor ascended the throne.

Liu Chen, dressed in a brand-new dragon robe, sat on the dragon throne and received the congratulations of all the officials.

The official proclaiming the imperial edict loudly read out the edict changing the reign title:

"The edict said: I, in my humble position, have succeeded to the throne and have been diligent and conscientious day and night, never daring to be negligent.

Thanks to the brilliance of the late emperor and the assistance of his ministers, the world is at peace and the people live in prosperity.

Now we change the era name to Gengshi, and this year will be the first year of Yongle.

May peace prevail forever, and may all people enjoy happiness and prosperity.

Let us start anew with the world and usher in a prosperous era together.

This proclamation is hereby issued to the world, so that all may know.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Han Dynasty!"

All the officials kowtowed in unison and shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

The sound resounded through the sky.

The first month of the first year of the Yongle reign.

A new era has officially begun.

Inside the Daming Palace, Liu Ce stood on a high platform, gazing in the direction of the Taiji Hall in the distance, listening to the faint sound of bells, and smiled slightly.

He picked up his wine cup and gently raised it towards the direction of the Taiji Hall.

Kid, it's your turn now.

The sun and moon remain unchanged, and the mountains and rivers endure forever.

The story of the Han Dynasty is far from over.

The wind blew through the eaves of the Daming Palace, and the copper bells jingled softly.

The era of Shenwu has come to an end, and the era of Yongle has begun.

A relay between two generations, a continuation of a prosperous era.

This vast land will continue to thrive, generation after generation.

..................