Chaotic World Book

No matter how complex the composition of officials in the Capital was, how many belonged to the Aristocratic Families, how many were opportunistic, how many were secretly conspiring with the powerful Wang, Yang, and Li clans, and even those who were undercover agents of the God Demon... in the end, the court officials had no troops at their command. On the contrary, the Four Symbols Sect, under the covert operation of Huangfu Qing, had been building its influence for many years, and its latent power was indeed considerable.

The final battle-ready contingent of the Forbidden Army had gone to support the battlefield at Puyang, and their experience in warfare might have made them even more elite by now. Now that the battle at Puyang was over, this contingent was most likely urgently returning from the battlefield. The journey wasn't too far... But once this contingent arrived, it would be Vermilion Bird who would be even happier.

Because the general commanding the troops was her own younger brother, and his urgent return could only be to help his sister.

It wasn't that Xia Longyuan had suddenly developed a conscience at the time and was willing to give Huangfu Shaozong military power to march to war; rather, it was because when the opponent was the Wang Family, you couldn't find many commanders in the Capital that were definitely not colluding with the Wangs. Even if you were certain, the Cui Family would still not dare to trust them, which could cause unnecessary suspicion among the soldiers at the front. The only reinforcement who could quickly gain the trust and cooperation of Cui Yuanyong was Huangfu Shaozong. There weren't many options.

Now with the military power both inside and outside in the Four Symbols Sect's hands, it was the best opportunity to take control, and others were several beats too slow to take control of the core.

Under the absolute suppression of martial force, it really didn't matter if Vermilion Bird herself wanted to ascend to the throne; she could prop up a pig as a figurehead if needed. But what needed to be considered was the aftermath: how to gain broader support and how to build a foundation. To extend her influence across the land, she couldn't act recklessly.

At the very least, she had to make the face of the matter look good and stand firm. The Azure Dragon Technique was an excellent stepping stone for this purpose.

Everyone knew that it was only for the Son of Heaven with strong troops and horses, but it couldn't be too blatant, or otherwise, it wouldn't last long. Simply put, others also needed to find a justification for their allegiance, which would greatly increase their sense of identity and participation.

Whether they recognized this so-called Azure Dragon Technique or accepted this stepping stone, the only force that could really stand up to the Four Symbols Sect was the Demon Suppression Department led by Tang Wanzhuang. Even if they couldn't win, just rallying their troops meant the Four Symbols Sect would have to shed a lot of blood, which would look very bad, and they would be halfway to defeat before achieving anything.

The result was Tang Wanju strongly supported it, because Xia Chichi was truly the daughter of the late Emperor.

When the military force of the Four Symbols Sect and the Dharma Image and public sentiment represented by Tang Wanzhuang were united, what erupted was the unquestionable supremacy of the yellow robe of authority.

Some with more knowledge also thought of some legacies, it was said, just said, that many members of the Four Symbols Sect were remnants of the old dynasty. For example, some suspected that Huangfu Qing was actually Vermilion Bird, and that the Huangfu Family was a surrendered general of the former dynasty; some suspected that Xuanwu was the daughter of Hai Pinglan of the Southern Dynasty, and the last mention of the Chaotic World Book about him "sitting down and passing away" in front of his daughter provided evidence for this suspicion; there was also a saying that the original White Tiger Saintess was a Princess of the former dynasty. Thus, the Four Symbols Sect became a nest for rebels.

If Xia Chichi was the daughter of the White Tiger Saintess, she also had the halo of the old dynasty on her. Some old loyalists from the former dynasty might get excited about that, after all, the founding of the nation was only about thirty years ago, and the loyalists were not all dead yet.

With the real buffs stacked, wherever she went, she would give people a way out, and some weren't just ways out, but truly could gain people's acceptance.

For instance, the Azure Dragon Technique—no one else might mention it, but members of the Four Symbols Sect had already been extremely excited. At this moment, some people couldn't restrain themselves any longer, and took the lead to kneel and say, "We implore the Holy Daughter to ascend to the throne early to stabilize the foundation of our nation!"

With someone taking the lead, the entire Four Symbols Sect chanted in unison, "We implore the Holy Daughter to ascend to the throne!"

Tang Wanzhuang had already stood up by this time and turned to look at the roaring crowd around her and calmly said, "Please ascend to the throne."

If the rest didn't follow through at this point, they would truly be fools. Including Lu Jianzhang, not a single one hesitated as they all knelt and chorused, "We implore Your Majesty to ascend to the throne!"

Xia Chichi quietly watched the people's voices all around, her eyes somewhat vacant, feeling as if it was all very distant and somewhat unreal.

Lu Jianzhang still wanted confirmation, "Your Majesty has stated the intention to establish a new dynasty, may I inquire as to the proposed name?"

Internally he mused, if you still want to call it Great Xia, then we really need to consider restitution matters... But if you truly change it, then this matter can really be done. We'll help you search the records for a fitting name, rest assured; we are most professional with these rituals.

At the same time, he was assessing whether this young woman had the temperament of an Emperor, or if she was someone who had to ask her master or men about everything, which would be truly laughable.

But Xia Chichi calmly said, "Our Four Symbols Sect takes the stars as our symbol, and naturally our name should reflect the Star River. After comprehensive research in the ancient texts, it corresponds to just a single word."

Even Lu Jianzhang, who was erudite, was stunned for a moment. Most of the names considered were named after their founding locations, like Qin, Han, Sui, Tang, and others. If discussing stars, Xia barely qualified, at least it was about the right time. But Xia Chichi's meaning was clearly not Xia, and it could only really be one...

However, Xia Chichi simply stated, "The Star River is the Galaxy. In this world of Jiangshan, it shall be named Han."

No need to search the records anymore; it seemed this girl didn't skimp on her reading. Not many knew that Han also signified the Galaxy...

The officials had no objections. If you wished to change the dynasty, everyone would feel much more at ease. It also really suited the will of the Four Symbols Sect, and considering that the name Han has been a favorable name since the last epoch, there wasn't much to criticize. The young maiden Emperor seemed quite decisive, giving the impression that she did indeed possess the imperial aura... but please don't follow in your father's footsteps...

Instead, it was Vermilion Bird Tang Wan Zhuang and Zhao Changhe who unanimously looked at Xia Chichi's profile with some surprise in their hearts. Because Xia Chichi hadn't discussed this matter with anyone... a girl who spent her days fawning over the Venerable, always smiling and copying books, seemed to listen to everything the Venerable said, but on this matter, she made a unilateral decision without consulting the Venerable even once.

What made her cling to the name "Han"?

Changhe's blade would fall from the Nine Heavens, converging with the Worldly Society; the Galaxy hung in the sky, how could it not include me. The inverted Galaxy he often possessed when drawing his sword was unique among the Blood God Sect and seen by the Four Symbols Sect as akin to one of their own.

At least in the eyes of the Chaotic World Book, Zhao Changhe had always been described using the Galaxy.

What Xia Chichi was expressing was that this is your dynasty.

I am also yours.

Unfortunately, it was like casting sultry glances at a blind man; Zhao Changhe didn't understand at all. His feelings for Han were on a different level from everyone else in this era, and he was rather pleased with them, finding the name to be quite fitting!

Seeing his foolishly happy expression, Xia Chichi slightly smiled, the Azure Dragon Dharma Image emanated from her, with Dragon Energy solidifying as if a real dragon had appeared on earth, proudly soaring towards the heavens.

Although it was clearly morning, the sky abruptly filled with stars, the Four Symbols Star Constellations echoed above, and a Galaxy spanned across, a magnificent spectacle.

Below, the crowd chanted long live in unison, and Xia Chichi was robed in imperial yellow.

......

Xia Chichi was conducting the ceremony while Tang Wanzhuang assisted her. Zhao Changhe watched from the side.

For Xia Chichi, who hadn't the first time knowledge to recognize the faces of the hundred officials, it was very complex. If Zhao Changhe were to do it, just understanding what coronation rites were, as well as distinguishing the corresponding official ranks, would be enough to cause a headache. However, Xia Chichi had intentionally studied and was clear about the entire system, rites, and bureaucratic structure.

This was where she was much more suitable than Zhao Changhe; she was not born for the Worldly Society, unlike Zhao Changhe.

And within that, how to promote and reward her own officials, how to distribute the new interest groups; how her attributes of combining governance with teaching should establish a new system;

How to stabilize people like Lu Jianzhang at first, as well as observe if they can be used in the future, whether they should be dealt with, how to confront them, how to replace them, these were incredibly cumbersome tasks. Not to mention the myriad other issues that could not be completely stated, enough to vex a strongest being of the entire realm into not wanting to deal with it after a few months of diligent governance.

It's not something that can be well managed by having military force and killing alone, especially now when the world is torn into pieces, with countless foreign enemies.

However, for the time being, just remember one standard, don't overreach; first handle the coronation and the rewards properly. Just nod to Tang Wanzhuang's suggestions, veto whatever she indicates with her eyes to wait on, following her will do.

Although it was frustrating to be an emperor who had to listen to a love rival, an old coquette... this was currently the most cost-effective approach. Indeed, once Tang Wanzhuang's suggestions were adopted, things generally went smoothly without a hitch. If anyone objected, Tang Wanzhuang would rebuke them until they were utterly disoriented, sparing the Emperor from having to speak... the Emperor should not speak rashly either.

Even if annoyed by the love rival, one must admit that having such a woman help was truly a relief...

Originally, she thought that with the powerful support of Tang Wanzhuang on this first day of the ceremony, it would still handle it well, but what Xia Chichi didn't expect was that the first one to disrupt the ceremony was Tang Wanzhuang herself.

Because it concerned Tang Wanzhuang's own reward.

In theory, she should be high-minded and accept any reward gratefully, even refusing it. But Tang Wanzhuang actually spoke up, deeming the reward insufficient, "Your Majesty, I do not wish for promotion, nor to ascend in rank; please take back any bestowals of wealth or land."

Xia Chichi thought she was being modest and followed up with, "Then what does my minister desire?"

Tang Wanzhuang smiled a little sheepishly, "I am not young anymore, and it's time for me to marry. I wish for Your Majesty to grant me a marriage, it would be an honor for me."

Xia Chichi's eyes widened in shock, "?"

Vermilion Bird, "؟"

Zhao Changhe, "¿"

Tang Wanzhuang declared, "I once swore not to marry the Crown Prince or become an Imperial Concubine... Now that there is someone who is no longer the Crown Prince, and naturally, I will not become an Imperial Concubine, there are no more obstacles. I earnestly request Your Majesty..."

Xia Chichi interrupted, "Wait, wait a minute!"