The meeting lasted for half an hour. After it ended, Fang Yuan dismissed the generals and specially kept the three Grandmasters who were present, holding a small meeting with them.
Liu Yuan walked out of the hall, full of confusion, and asked, "Given the current situation, it doesn't seem suitable to hold the coronation ceremony on such a large scale. Delaying it would be the most prudent choice. Why is His Majesty still proceeding with it?"
Zhong Chunhua's gaze was calm as he replied, "His Majesty's actions must have a deeper meaning. This country was saved by his own hands, and he wouldn't destroy it with his own hands."
"That's right. Based on His Majesty's past style, he is definitely not the kind of person who indulges in luxury," Jiang Tao agreed, "As ministers, we should just follow orders."
If it had been the previous Emperor Yanwen, Jiang Tao would have thought it was for personal pleasure. But with the new monarch... this must be a brilliant move.
In short, just trust him, and that's it.
---
The news of the regime change spread like a storm carrying thunder, sweeping across the entire country.
In a tea house in a county of Yongnan Province, the place was bustling with voices and excitement. The common folk sat together, discussing the sudden upheaval. In just one night, they had gone from subjects of the Great Yan to citizens of the Great Xia. It was all a bit overwhelming:
"How did the regime change so suddenly?"
"Who cares why, the old emperor died well, haha!"
"Now we can finally curse the Yanwen Emperor properly!"
"That's right, exactly!"
The crowd exchanged words, and the tea house was filled with a cheerful atmosphere. But suddenly, someone sighed and said, "I just wonder if our new emperor will be better than the Yanwen Emperor..."
As soon as this was said, the tea house fell into silence. The previous dynasty had imposed heavy taxes, and the demons' invasions had driven people to the edge. Now, though the new dynasty had just been established, no one knew if the future would bring fortune or disaster.
"Wait, don't you all know who the new emperor is?" A young man suddenly shouted, attracting everyone's attention.
At this, the crowd shook their heads. They were just ordinary citizens, busy with their livelihoods, with no opportunity to know about the affairs of the palace.
The young man saw that all eyes were on him and became more eager. He stepped up to the center of the tea house, slammed his chest, and loudly announced:
"Everyone, the new emperor is our Fang Hero! The one who helped us kill all the demons!"
As soon as this was said, the tea house, which had been lively just moments ago, instantly fell silent. Then, countless shocked gazes shot toward the young man.
"Fang Hero became the emperor?!" someone exclaimed in disbelief, their voice full of astonishment.
"No way, really?!" another voice trembled, as if they were dreaming.
"There can't be any doubt! I heard the news from the provincial capital and rushed back overnight!"
The young man pounded his chest with great conviction, saying, "The officials will probably release a notice soon!"
The crowd erupted into chatter, their voices overlapping as they discussed the news. After all, in Yongnan Province, who didn't know the heroic deeds of Fang Hero?
This man had helped them across the province, slaying countless demons. Now, he had become the ruler of the vast land. The news was truly overwhelming.
People who hadn't felt much about the regime change suddenly felt a surge of hope!
Good, support, mighty, there's hope now!
---
In the following days, fireworks were heard everywhere across the Great Xia, and the atmosphere was as lively as New Year's celebrations.
Upon learning that Fang Hero had become the emperor, the people were celebrating in their own ways.
Fireworks, new clothes, dining out... it was even more festive than New Year's!
Even the street performers, always quick to spot a business opportunity, began telling stories based on Fang Yuan, vividly recounting the legendary life of the new emperor… Well, or perhaps it was just the legendary six months of his life.
---
While the entire Great Xia was immersed in a jubilant celebration, the palace at Jianghai was calm and serene.
In the majestic hall, Chongwu Marquis sat facing Fang Yuan.
Looking at the man before him, who had once been his disciple, then his close friend, and now was revered as His Majesty, Chongwu Marquis felt a mixture of emotions, deeply moved.
"The noise outside is really quite lively. The common people are beating drums and setting off firecrackers. It seems that His Majesty's ascension is truly the will of the people..." Chongwu Marquis praised sincerely.
Fang Yuan smiled in response, "That's only natural. After all, I have always been working for the people."
He said this with great ease. As long as he implemented benevolent policies, he would naturally gain the support of the people. Although in this world where martial power was supreme, with Fang Yuan's peerless martial prowess, even without this, he could still intimidate the four corners of the world and solidify his rule.
"Also, we don't need to observe all these formalities. Let's just talk like ordinary people," Fang Yuan added, and then informed Chongwu Marquis of his plans for the coronation.
A month later, a grand coronation ceremony would be held... and he intended to invite all nations to attend...
Upon hearing this, Chongwu Marquis maintained a calm expression and asked, "Knowing your character, you are definitely not the type to seek glory for its own sake. There must be another reason behind this."
"Let me guess, are you planning to lure all the neighboring countries' enemies and wipe them out in one go?"
In fact, I do like seeking glory... Fang Yuan silently muttered to himself, then replied seriously, "You're right. I do have other plans, but it's not to draw the enemies over."
After all, one coronation ceremony would not be enough to bring all the enemy leaders together. Moreover, having war break out in his own country and harming innocent civilians was also a loss to him.
"Then what is it?" Chongwu Marquis asked, full of curiosity.
"I plan to use this period to infiltrate the Ice Plains and carry out an assassination mission," Fang Yuan revealed his true intentions.
He intended to use the coronation preparations as a cover, to lull the surrounding nations into letting their guard down, thus making his assassination plan more unexpected.
If the nomads of the Ice Plains could infiltrate his Great Xia alone, then he could certainly do better, and even do it alone!