The New Emperor's First Sacrifice for a Bountiful Harvest

The night was deep and the ink was as thick as ink, enveloping the entire imperial palace. However, within the silent palace, undercurrents were surging. Before dawn, the busy footsteps and low orders had already broken the silence.

Minister of Rites, Mr. Zhang, with a solemn expression and in a hurry, arrived at the sacrificial hall. Inside the main hall, the candlelight flickered, and the light and shadow danced on his face, reflecting his furrowed brows.

His eyes were as sharp as those of an eagle, scanning every corner of the hall inch by inch. The sacrificial vessels were polished to a bright new luster, giving off a cold glow, as if telling of the solemnity of the past sacrifices. Exquisite silk ribbons were wound around every pillar of the main hall, gently swaying with the breeze, as if welcoming the arrival of this grand ceremony.

Lord Zhang's hand gently stroked the sacrificial vessel and carefully examined the way the ribbon was tied. A hint of unease still lingered in his heart like a dark cloud.

After all, this was the first royal sacrificial ceremony after the new emperor ascended the throne, which was related to the fortune of the country and the prestige of the new emperor. There could be no slightest mistake. Even the slightest oversight could be exploited by those with ulterior motives, causing a stir in the imperial court.

The bedroom of the new emperor Li Muyang was brightly lit by candlelight. He sat upright in front of the bronze mirror, with a straight posture, just like a tall pine tree. The palace maids quietly dressed him in the magnificent sacrificial robe embroidered with golden dragons. Every stitch and every thread is infused with the majesty and glory of the royal family. The golden dragon is so lifelike that it seems about to soar into the air.

Li Muyang looked at himself in the mirror, his gaze deep and resolute, revealing a mixture of anticipation and a hint of tension in his eyes. He was well aware that this sacrificial ceremony was not merely a ritual but also an important opportunity for him to demonstrate his determination to govern the country to the world.

His thoughts drifted back to the early days of his accession to the throne, those days when he discussed governance strategies with his ministers day and night, and those moments when he sketched out the blueprint for the country's future.

Now, this crucial moment had finally arrived. His heart was beating slightly faster, feeling both excited and a little nervous. He silently swore in his heart that he would surely make this sacrificial ceremony a complete success, pray for the well-being of the country and the people, and open the door to a prosperous era.

Meanwhile, Emperor Taishang Li Yi was in his palace, dressed in a plain long robe, with a calm and peaceful expression. He sat quietly on the couch, slowly turning a string of prayer beads in his hand. The soft sound of the beads colliding echoed in the silent palace. His eyes looked into the distance, as if they had traveled through a tunnel of time and space, returning to the day he ascended the throne.

At that time, he was full of vigor and enthusiasm, brimming with ambition, eager to lead the country to prosperity and strength. Nowadays, seeing Li Muyang is just like seeing my former self, and my heart is filled with countless emotions.

In his heart, he silently prayed for the new emperor and the country, hoping that Li Muyang could successfully complete the sacrificial ceremony and lead the country to an even more glorious future. Governing a country is by no means an easy path; it requires wisdom, courage and perseverance. He believed that Li Muyang was capable of shouldering this heavy responsibility, but he couldn't help worrying about him. After all, the road ahead was full of uncertainties and challenges.

Empress Dowager Lin Yue, surrounded by her maidservants, was carefully choosing accessories. Her eyes were filled with tenderness and concern, and the jade hairpin in her hand shone with a warm luster in the candlelight. She picked up a hairpin, examined it for a moment, and then gently put it down. She repeated this several times, as if she could never find the one that best suited this ceremony.

She was worried that Li Muyang would be under tremendous pressure during this ceremony. After all, this was his first major event since ascending the throne, and every move he made was closely watched.

She recalled the little things of Li Muyang's childhood. That innocent child who used to play and laugh around her had now grown into a monarch shouldering the heavy responsibility of the country.

She is extremely proud of her son's growth, but at the same time she is deeply worried about his future. She hopes that Li Muyang can successfully complete the sacrificial ceremony and embark on a prosperous chapter. She also hopes that in his spare time from busy government affairs, he can take good care of himself and not be overly overworked.

When the first ray of sunlight gently fell on the glazed tiles of the imperial palace like golden threads, the clear and melodious sacrificial bells rang out slowly. The chimes pierced through the morning mist and echoed in every corner of the palace, as if announcing to the world the start of this grand ceremony.

Surrounded by a group of guards and ministers, Li Muyang marched towards the sacrificial square with steady and determined steps. The guards were dressed in shiny armor, holding long spears, with upright postures and an imposing presence. The ministers, dressed in splendid court robes and with solemn expressions, followed closely behind the new emperor, like a long black dragon.

The sacrificial square was already crowded with civil and military officials, dressed in neat court robes and arranged in order of their positions, resembling a solemn black ocean. Everyone had a solemn expression on their face, and their eyes revealed awe for the new emperor and loyalty to the country.

The common people also gathered outside the palace one after another. They were dressed in simple clothes and their faces were filled with expectant expressions. They looked forward with anticipation, standing on tiptoe, hoping to catch a glimpse of this solemn and sacred moment and feel the prosperity and flourishing of the country.

After arriving at the sacrificial square, Li Muyang steadily walked up the altar. On the altar, incense smoke rose gently, swirling and ascending, exuding an air of mystery and solemnity. His gaze slowly swept over everyone present, revealing dignity and confidence in his eyes.

Then, he slowly picked up the incense and candles with both hands. The flames of the incense and candles swayed gently in the breeze, as if leaping with the flames of hope. He bowed deeply to the sky, his movements steady and devout, with his forehead almost touching the ground. Smoke rose gently, carrying his reverence for the heavens and his wishes for the country, slowly drifting towards the distant horizon.

Immediately after that, he picked up the wine pot. The wine pot was engraved with exquisite dragon patterns and shone with a metallic luster under the sunlight. He slowly poured the fine wine into the sacrificial vessel. The wine flowed like silver threads, making a crisp sound, and the aroma instantly filled the air.

The aroma of wine and cigarettes interwoved, creating a mysterious and solemn atmosphere that immersed everyone present, allowing them to feel the sanctity and solemnity of this sacrificial ceremony.

During the sacrificial ceremony, every movement of Li Muyang was precise and standard, as if it had been meticulously rehearsed countless times. Every gesture and movement of his exudes an innate dignity and confidence, which can't help but make people admire him.

He read the eulogy loudly, his voice loud and powerful, reverberating like a bell over the square. In the eulogy, he earnestly expressed his gratitude to heaven, his earnest wish for favorable weather and national peace and prosperity, as well as his firm determination to govern the country.

His voice was firm and powerful. Every word seemed to carry a force that pierced through the heart, reverberating for a long time in the square. The officials listened quietly. Their bodies leaned forward slightly, their eyes focused, and a sense of respect for the new emperor welled up in their hearts. Looking at Li Muyang on the altar, they seemed to see the future and hope of the country, and their hearts were filled with trust and support for the new emperor.

Standing aside, Empress Dowager Li Yi and Empress Dowager Lin Yue had eyes full of relief and pride. Li Yi nodded slightly, and a barely perceptible smile appeared on his face. That smile was filled with recognition and expectations for Li Muyang.

He witnessed Li Muyang's growth and sense of responsibility. The child who once needed care by his side has now become a capable monarch who can handle things independently. He believes that Li Muyang will surely lead the country to prosperity and realize the grand blueprint in his heart.

Lin Yue couldn't help but have her eyes moisten, with tears welling up in them. Her gaze was filled with tenderness and pride. She is extremely proud of her son and full of hope for the future of the country. She watched Li Muyang's every move on the altar and felt a myriad of emotions in her heart.

She was well aware of how much effort and hard work Li Muyang had devoted to this sacrificial ceremony, and how much pressure and burden he had endured. Now, seeing him complete the sacrificial ceremony so splendidly, her heart was filled with relief and satisfaction.

After the sacrificial ceremony was over, Li Muyang turned to face the officials and the common people. A confident and warm smile appeared on his face, as bright as the sun, illuminating everyone's heart. He declared to everyone, "Today, on behalf of my court officials and people, I pray to heaven for blessings." May our country enjoy favorable weather and abundant harvests, and may the people live and work in peace and contentment. I will surely govern the country diligently and live up to the expectations of the world! His voice was firm and powerful, brimming with a sense of mission and responsibility, reverberating for a long time in the air above the square.

All the officials knelt down one after another and shouted "Long live!" Their voices were uniform and loud, as if they were about to break through the clouds. Their voices converged to form a powerful force, expressing loyalty and support for the new emperor. The common people also cheered and jumped for joy. Their faces were filled with happy smiles, waving the items in their hands to express their love for the country and their blessings for the new emperor. Cheers and shouts of "Long live" interwove, resounding through the clouds and lingering in the air above the imperial palace for a long time, becoming the most beautiful melody of this special day.

On the way back to the palace, Li Muyang sat in the sedan chair, his heart unable to calm down for a long time. His thoughts were still lost in the scene of the sacrificial ceremony just now, and his heart was filled with deep feelings. He is well aware that this sacrificial ceremony is just the beginning. The road ahead is still long, full of challenges and opportunities. He secretly vowed that he would take this sacrificial ceremony as an opportunity to work hard and make the country more prosperous and flourishing. He wants the people to lead a happy and healthy life, and under his rule, the country will become a peaceful and prosperous era, standing firm throughout the world.

After returning to the imperial palace, Li Muyang went straight to the palaces of the Supreme Emperor and the Empress Dowager. He walked into the palace and respectfully bowed to the two elders, expressing his deep gratitude. Li Yi said to him earnestly, "Muyang, today's sacrifice is just the beginning. The task of governing the country is long and arduous. You must always remain vigilant and prioritize the well-being of the people." His voice was deep and powerful, brimming with expectations and teachings for Li Muyang.

Lin Yue also gently reminded, "Son, take good care of yourself. Don't bear the difficulties alone. We are still by your side." Her eyes were filled with love and concern, making people feel the warmth and strength of maternal love. Li Muyang's eyes glistened with tears. He nodded firmly, his heart brimming with emotion and strength. He was well aware that his successful completion of the sacrificial ceremony could not have been possible without the support and guidance of his two elders, who were his most solid backing.

At night, the moonlight, like water, spills over every corner of the imperial garden, like a thin veil, casting a mysterious veil over the entire garden. Li Muyang came to the Imperial garden alone. His figure looked particularly lonely and resolute under the moonlight. He strolled along the path in the garden, the stone pavement beneath his feet making a slight sound. Recalling the sacrificial scenes of the day, his heart was in turmoil.

He gazed at the bright moon in the sky. The moon hung high, casting a cold glow, as if gazing at everything on earth. He prayed silently in his heart, "May Heaven bless our dynasty and enable the people to live a happy life." I will surely do my utmost to live up to this country and its people.

At this moment, a gentle breeze blew, and the flowers swayed gently, as if responding to his wish. The fragrance of flowers fills the air, making people feel relaxed and happy. Li Muyang took a deep breath, savoring this peaceful and beautiful night, his heart brimming with anticipation and confidence for the future. He knows that tomorrow is a brand new day. He will shoulder the expectations of the country and the people, keep moving forward and strive hard for the prosperity and strength of the country.