Under the watchful eyes of the entire nation, the sacrificial ceremony reached its climax.
Dressed in a dragon robe and wearing a crown, Zhu Youji, draped in symbols of the sun, moon, and stars, offered incense to the heavens and declared in a loud voice, "I, Zhu Youji, Royal Heir of the Great Ming Dynasty, stand in for the Emperor to sacrifice to heaven and earth."
"With respect to Heaven above, I pledge to uphold the principles of the world, to establish a destiny for the people, and to create peace for generations... May Heaven bear witness and bless our nation. Receive our offering!"
As his words fell, the sacrificial offerings on the altar began to emit an unusual light. In an instant, the wind and clouds stirred, and the heavens transformed, as if the world was howling before a storm, causing the faces of all the officials to change dramatically.