Surrounded by an imperial procession of bright yellow, Emperor Ruicheng sat on the throne.
The Ministry of Rites Announcement Officer sang out loudly:
"Fall in line—
"Kneel..."
The Advanced Scholars filling the hall knelt in unison, their robes briefly fluttering. With their foreheads touching the ground, they did not dare gaze upon the Emperor's face. Every single movement displayed their utmost reverence and awe for the Royal Family.
"Long live the Emperor, long live, long, long live—"
Their voices rang out like a giant bronze bell, carrying far into the distance. Even the birds perched on Taihe Palace were startled by the resounding sound, hastily flapping their wings and going CHIRP CHIRP as they flew far away.
Finally, the Emperor called for them to rise. "You may stand."
His voice was neither loud nor soft, yet it carried an innate aura of solemn majesty. As his words echoed into every corner of the hall, everyone's nerves tightened once more.
