Coronation Ceremony and Lady Min Walks into the Trap

Prince Nolan placed utmost importance on both the Coronation Ceremony and the Empress Investiture, so the officials below dared not slack off. To ensure the event was flawless, Eastlyn spared no expense, pouring in vast resources and manpower to achieve perfection.

Led by the Ministry of Rites and coordinated by all departments, the entire ceremony was arranged in just a month—grand and dignified, without a single flaw to be found.

As the main protagonists, Prince Nolan and Serena Feng rose before dawn to change into ceremonial robes. Escorted by the Imperial Guards, they traveled to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, where the full civil and military court had already gathered—waiting only for the Emperor and Empress to arrive...

The two rode together in the same carriage, surrounded by layers of guards. Not even an assassin, let alone a fly, could get through. Lady Min and Clara Phoenixfield could only act from inside the Imperial Ancestral Temple.

Serena had been curious: how would Lady Min possibly break through such heavy security to enter the Imperial Ancestral Temple and reveal herself publicly? But after getting the exact details from Ezra Phoenixfield, Serena was disappointed.

"A secret tunnel? How completely uninspired. And yet, I never thought of such a simple trick myself—clearly, I lack the talent to be a villain." Serena bragged without a hint of modesty, making Prince Nolan laugh out loud.

With Serena around, even the most tedious state affairs became far more interesting.

Both the Coronation and Empress Investiture followed strict protocols. As soon as Prince Nolan and Serena arrived at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, Ministry of Rites officials stepped forward to guide them through each ritual at the designated time and place.

Every movement had exacting requirements—there was no room for even the slightest mistake. Prince Nolan and Serena spent days practicing to master these ceremonial actions for today.

Once the rites ended, Prince Nolan stood before the altar and read the sacrificial text. Immediately after, officials stepped forward to proclaim the edicts for his enthronement and Serena's establishment as Empress.

Serena could barely make out the contents of the edict—the ceremonial robes were so heavy she could hardly breathe. All she knew was that once the edicts were finished, a venerable elder stepped forward to crown Prince Nolan.

After the coronation came the homage: Serena and Prince Nolan stood tall at the foot of the steps as the civil and military officials, led by the ritual officers, knelt in perfect unison and shouted, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress!"

Even though she knew 'long live' was just a fantasy, hearing those cries in person still sent a jolt through Serena's heart.

The scene was overwhelming—rows upon rows of officials kneeling at her feet, submitting before her. This wasn't something a TV screen could ever convey; only by experiencing it firsthand could one understand what it meant to stand atop the pyramid, holding others' lives in her hands. The thrill was indescribable.

No wonder princes and royal heirs fight to the death for the throne. The feeling of standing above all, worshipped and revered by thousands, was simply intoxicating.

Traditionally, after the court's homage, the new emperor would grant titles and declare a general amnesty. But Prince Nolan did neither—he had already hinted to the Ministry of Rites, and they simply announced the ceremony was complete.

The civil and military officials frowned, sensing something ominous. Prince Nolan had already taken the throne before holding the ceremony, and at that time he gave neither amnesty nor rewards. Now, even at the formal coronation, he still withheld them—what did it mean? Was he dissatisfied with the bureaucracy? If so, they were in trouble.

The more anxious, timid officials grew restless, pulling at their neighbors to ask questions. But before they could speak, a eunuch's sharp voice cut through: "His Majesty orders all ministers to return to the palace immediately. No delays permitted."

"Return to the palace? For what?" someone asked, but the eunuch only replied coldly. William Wang Jinling stood alone at the edge of the crowd, watching the commotion. Something seemed to dawn on him; suppressing his own disappointment, he straightened up and advised, "Gentlemen, you'd best return to the palace quickly—don't delay His Majesty's business."

William's words carried a deeper meaning. After speaking, he clasped his hands behind his back and stood in the wind, looking inscrutable. The others couldn't help but wonder—did William Wang know something they didn't?

Speculation was one thing, but no one dared approach and ask directly. The ministers had worked with William Wang Jinling for years and knew his character well—if he didn't want to talk, no one had ever managed to get answers out of him.

With William's warning, the officials didn't dare linger. They hurried out in large strides, afraid that any delay would provoke Prince Nolan's displeasure.

The once-crowded Imperial Ancestral Temple emptied quickly. Aside from a few shadow guards and trusted confidants, Prince Nolan sent everyone else out, clearing the great hall.

The chief eunuch, quick-witted as ever, soon brought over two large chairs for Prince Nolan and Serena, then served them hot tea. Without needing instructions, he withdrew a good distance, leaving them private space.

Serena lifted her cup and discovered it was red-date tea. She couldn't help but praise, "Your attendants are truly attentive."

"Let him serve you," Prince Nolan offered. He disliked palace maids, keeping only eunuchs at his side—a well-known fact. Serena, on the other hand, preferred not to be served by eunuchs: "No need, I have Spring and the other three. That's plenty."

Serena hadn't brought Jada and Mira Tang into the palace. As soon as Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter—the Four Seasons Beauties—entered, they became her principal palace maids, assisting Serena with all inner-palace affairs.

Right now, Prince Nolan's harem had only Serena. There wasn't much to manage; almost all palace matters were handled by the Four Seasons Beauties, with Serena only needing to give brief instructions.

"They're not young anymore—soon they'll need to be released from service. You should start cultivating new close attendants, especially for Little Dumpling." Prince Nolan spoke calmly, reminding Serena it was time to build her own trusted network. But Serena saw no need to train them herself; she knew Nolan already had plenty of candidates. She replied directly, "Just send a few young girls for Spring and the others to train. For Little Dumpling, it's not urgent—nurses and matrons are enough for now. When he's older, we'll pick study companions."

Study companions are future confidants and key aides—they must be raised alongside Little Dumpling from childhood. Not just the children themselves, but their families, must be loyal to him alone.

Prince Nolan's devotion to Little Dumpling was obvious, so Serena had no reason to hide her plans to build a loyal faction for her son.

She was confident Nolan would never become like Kangxi, guarding against the very crown prince he raised—especially not now.

Sure enough, Nolan agreed without hesitation, seeing nothing wrong with Serena's approach. He'd already handed over the three hundred thousand troops Ezra Phoenixfield brought to Little Dumpling, making it clear he intended to give everything to his son.

Little Dumpling was just a baby—if he were already grown, Prince Nolan would have handed over the throne without a second thought, since he didn't enjoy being emperor at all.

Compared to ruling the empire, he much preferred conquering it...