Seeing the humble and fearful appearance of Yin Fifteen, Fang Yuan once again sighed, "Ah, this pitiful thick barrier is getting thicker and thicker."
"What's the deal with this Tai Mountain sacrifice?" asked Chong Wu Hou, who was beside him, puzzled.
"Oh, I plan to hold a grand ritual to worship heaven and earth before my coronation," Fang Yuan patiently explained.
"I will build an altar at the summit of Tai Mountain to worship heaven, symbolizing that 'the king's power is granted by heaven'; at the foot of Tai Mountain, I will set up a site to worship the earth, symbolizing 'virtue and capacity are supported by the earth.'"
Although there was no tradition of Tai Mountain sacrifices in the previous dynasty, this world still recognized the Five Mountains, with Tai Mountain being revered as the "chief of the Five Mountains."
Fang Yuan had a sudden whim and came up with this idea.
Of course, aside from indulging in the emperor's role, like the coronation ceremony, this was another trick Fang Yuan intended to use to deceive other countries.
Chong Wu Hou naturally understood Fang Yuan's intentions and nodded slightly, speaking in a deep voice, "The Tai Mountain sacrifice... sounds like something a true emperor should do."
Then he turned to Yin Fifteen and said, "You immediately summon the Chong Wu Guards to the hall to greet His Majesty."
Fang Yuan was about to venture alone to the icy plains. Before that, perhaps he wanted to meet everyone.
"Yes," Yin Fifteen immediately responded.
Before long, all the Chong Wu Guards gathered in the majestic hall. When they saw this individual, who had risen from subordinate to colleague, and now was an emperor, they all knelt on one knee and bowed deeply.
"Rise, everyone," Fang Yuan smiled and said, "We were once colleagues, and now that I have achieved this success, I will not forget any of you. I can grant each of you one wish."
Now that he was the emperor, ruling over the world, granting the wishes of others was but a simple matter.
As soon as these words were spoken, the Chong Wu Guards exchanged glances, their eyes showing a trace of excitement.
This was the emperor's personal promise, and such an opportunity was rare and should not be missed.
"Your Majesty, when the imperial city is rebuilt, may I visit it?" Qin Hai was the first to speak.
Although he had ambitions, facing the emperor, he dared not ask for anything too excessive.
"Of course," Fang Yuan nodded slightly. "Not only can you visit, but once the imperial city is built, all of you, including Chong Wu Hou, can live there."
"The treasures and martial arts manuals stored within the imperial city will be available for you to use freely."
The only two remaining relatives Fang Yuan had in this world were those he had sent away himself. If there was anyone closest to him, it would have to be the companions gathered here. It was only natural to treat his friends well.
Upon hearing Fang Yuan's words, Qin Hai's old face trembled slightly, his voice quivering with excitement. He repeatedly said, "Your Majesty, I have no other requests. I am already fully satisfied, this is more than enough!"
It wasn't just Qin Hai; Yin Fifteen, Bai Feng, Mo Wuhen, and the others were also speechless, their hearts filled with excitement.
Who needs to make wishes now? The treatment Fang Yuan offered was so generous it was beyond their wildest dreams, far better than any aspirations they had.
In the past, Mo Wuhen had been slapped by Fang Yuan twice, but now, all he wanted to say was, "I was slapped, and I am proud!"
How many people in this world could survive being slapped by the emperor, let alone twice?
To him, it was an honor, a special "blessing" from heaven—thunder and rain, both are divine favors!
Seeing that everyone had fallen silent, Fang Yuan asked again, "Anyone else still have dreams?"
"I do!" Liu Xiulian hesitated for a long time, but finally gathered the courage to speak loudly.
"What dream?" Fang Yuan inquired.
"Well..." Liu Xiulian didn't directly say it, but her voice was filled with hesitation, "May I dare to ask you a question?"
"Go ahead," Fang Yuan encouraged, his eyes showing understanding.
"Your Majesty, do you plan to select a consort?" Liu Xiulian said, her eyes full of longing, finally voicing the question that had been on her mind.
Fang Yuan: "..."
As soon as these words were spoken, the room fell silent, and Lin Jing immediately turned her gaze toward Liu Xiulian.
Looking at Liu Xiulian's robust figure, Fang Yuan's eyelid involuntarily twitched, and his smile stiffened slightly. "Sorry, I'm still young, I don't... select consorts yet."
Well, it seems that even though he was the emperor now, there were still many things that were out of his reach...
"Oh," Liu Xiulian's gaze immediately dimmed.
"Lin Guanzhu, how about you?" Fang Yuan then turned his gaze to Lin Jing, who had been silent.
Lin Jing smiled serenely and said softly, "I haven't thought about it for now."
Actually, she already had an idea in her heart, but since Fang Yuan had already given his answer, she remained silent.
"Then we'll talk about it when I return," Fang Yuan nodded. He couldn't stay in the capital any longer. After calculating the time, he had to set off.
...
The morning fog had not yet completely dissipated in the capital, but the streets were already crowded.
The common people whispered among themselves, discussing the news they had received. They had already been informed that the new ruler of the Summer Kingdom would go on a royal procession this morning to Tai Mountain to hold a grand ritual—The Tai Mountain Sacrifice.
At the time of Chen, a loud call echoed throughout the entire capital: "The Emperor is ready to depart!"
Then a procession like a slumbering giant dragon slowly emerged from the palace gates.
At the front of the procession, thirty-six Jinwu Guard soldiers rode high horses, exuding a mighty aura, while twenty-four dragon and phoenix banners fluttered in the wind.
Sixty-four guards, with coordinated steps, carried a yellow satin canopy, beneath which sat the emperor's palanquin.
Fang Yuan wore a crown and a golden dragon robe, sitting high in the palanquin. Behind him, officials like Jiang Tao and Zhong Chunhua rode in carriages, showing deep respect as they followed the procession.
As the procession appeared, the common people on both sides of the street immediately cleared the way, kneeling on the ground, not daring to make a sound, let alone look up at the emperor's true face.
The emperor's procession was solemn and majestic. The people were afraid that any mistake might cost them their lives, for this was how it had always been since ancient times.
Sitting in the palanquin, Fang Yuan gazed at the common people kneeling on both sides of the street:
There were strong, middle-aged men, innocent children, and trembling old folks...
"This feeling is... truly uncomfortable..." Fang Yuan sighed lightly. The grand spectacle of the emperor's procession and the people's homage didn't make him feel superior. Instead, it made him uneasy.
"Indeed, this decaying and diseased ancient society is still far from the ideal world in my heart..." Fang Yuan murmured to himself, "Once I pacify the world, I will definitely reform this world properly."
...
Just as Fang Yuan, as the emperor, was making his grand procession to hold the Tai Mountain Sacrifice, his true body had already crossed the borders of the Great Summer Kingdom and was advancing toward the icy plains of the Icefield Kingdom.
Braving the fierce blizzards, he scaled the snow-capped mountains and headed toward the direction of the Icefield Kingdom.
The beheading operation had officially begun.