The Emperor had deliberately suppressed news of the Imperial Ancestral Temple's collapse.
But somehow, it had still gotten out.
First, an earthquake, and then the collapse of the Imperial Ancestral Temple—both happening on New Year's Day. It was impossible for people not to read into it.
The commoners were abuzz with discussion about it.
Some believed it was a warning from the heavens, a sign of treacherous villains wreaking havoc in the imperial court.
Others felt it was an omen of the Great Zhou Dynasty's impending decline.
In short, none of it boded well.
To stabilize public sentiment, the Emperor personally wrote a Self-blame Edict, declaring that all the fault lay with him. He promised to improve and hoped the heavens would forgive his past transgressions and continue to protect the Great Zhou Dynasty and its people.
The Empress Dowager also took the initiative, announcing her willingness to go to the Ten Thousand Buddha Temple to pray for the people.
