RWNEFE -Chapter 687 The Sacrificial Ceremony at Mount Tai

Cheng Zheng had been buried in the imperial mausoleum, Wei Dongzhu nearby, and Xiao Fang and Ban Sicao also near the mausoleum.

He thought about it too.

But the memories of Dongchuan were far too beautiful. He couldn’t help but immerse himself in them, ignoring everything else.

It was as if he was back on the road to exile in Dongchuan, still that young, elegant young nobleman.

He stood right beside her.

Not long after Liu Yanhui’s passing, officials in the court were replaced once more.

One day, a minister boldly risked his life to submit a petition:

“Your Majesty has reached an advanced age. You should abdicate and pass the Dragon Throne to a younger heir.”

The moment these words were spoken, every official was stunned.

Her Majesty had performed sixty sword strikes that very morning—her physical condition better than most.

This was the first time anyone had dared call her old since she ascended the throne.

Shen Lanxi smiled faintly. “Then, according to your advice, who would be suitable to ascend?”

The minister glanced at the “Zheng Da Guang Ming” plaque behind the throne, then bowed and cupped his hands. “The heir is naturally chosen by Your Majesty herself.”

Shen Lanxi’s smile faded. Calmly, she asked, “I’ll ask once more—who has the ability to ascend?”

The civil official, terrified by her question, collapsed to his knees.

“Your Majesty, I am only fulfilling my duty as a minister. I have no regrets.”

Shen Lanxi suddenly laughed. “I like those who dare to speak the truth. What is your current position?”

Trembling, the official said, “I am currently Censor-in-Chief.”

Shen Lanxi said, “I need someone honest by my side. From today onward, you no longer serve as Censor-in-Chief. You will serve as my personal aide!”

The Censor-in-Chief had never expected a single sentence from Her Majesty to remove him from office. It felt like a bolt from the blue.

He instinctively looked toward Shen Yuanjing. Before he could protest, Shen Yuanjing had already collapsed.

Shen Yuanxu, who had fainted in the hall two days prior, was reported by the Shen family to have little time left.

For such founding ministers, Shen Lanxi would certainly escort them on their final journey.

Before death, Shen Yuanxu’s face could no longer hide his resentment.

Yet he was still conscious. He couldn’t voice his discontent, only closing his eyes in reluctant acceptance while looking at Shen Lanxi, blessed by time.

The same fate befell Shen Yuanjing. Within days, he too passed away.

Shen Lanxi personally accompanied him on his final journey.

That same month, she received letters from Dongchuan reporting the passing of Qiushuang and Chunxue.

These two, along with Nanny Li’s family, had been sent to Dongchuan in the second year of her reign.

Perhaps they had already guessed the reason. After arriving, they married, had children, and lived ordinary lives.

In the following years, reports of old ministers’ deaths arrived from every region.

Of those who had entered the capital with her, seven or eight out of ten had passed away.

Time flew, and before she realized it, two more groups of officials had come and gone in the court.

Shen Lanxi’s gaze swept over the new faces in the court.

As Her Majesty aged, talk of abdication shifted to wondering how long she could maintain her vigor.

Almost a century old, she could still perform sixty sword strikes daily, moving more nimbly than younger men.

Sometimes, officials would stare at the “Zheng Da Guang Ming” plaque with suspicion.

The people depicted there had surely changed several times.

Even Shen Chengfeng, once regarded as the most promising, had aged and passed away just last month.

Those who followed him—Shen Qingshan, Shen Zhongshan, and even Shen An—had all retired. When they left the court, they looked older than Her Majesty herself.

Now the third generation of the Shen family had reached adulthood, yet Her Majesty remained vigorous as if she could see them all off herself.

No one in court or among the people dared discuss abdication anymore.

Quietly, a rumor began circulating among the people.

They said Her Majesty was a true dragon blessed by Heaven, a celestial being sent to rescue mortals. Her long life and prosperity were the result of the great merits she carried in saving the people.

Once the rumor spread, temples honoring Shen Lanxi began appearing across the land. The people sang her praises and recounted her deeds.

Court officials, nurtured from childhood by the stories of Emperor Chongwu’s glory, held her in ever-greater reverence.

Time passed, and three more groups of officials had cycled through the court.

One day, Shen Lanxi was listening to affairs of state with her eyes closed in the main hall. She suddenly opened her eyes and asked,

“Who is reporting to me?”

A young man knelt.

“Your Majesty, I am Shen Songxi.”

Without her speaking, the attendant explained his lineage.

“He is a descendant of the Shen family, whose ancestor was Lord Yuanxu.”

Hearing her mention his name, Shen Songxi’s heart leapt. Now the only promising male of the Shen family, Her Majesty calling on him meant she had been watching him.

Shen Lanxi recalled Shen Yuanxu—it had been long ago.

All those connected to her past had been sent away.

Now she had no regrets.

“Announce my decree: I shall journey to Mount Tai for the Fengshan sacrificial ceremony!”

The officials were stunned.

Then, their shock turned to understanding.

With Her Majesty’s accomplishments, she rightfully deserved the Fengshan ritual at Mount Tai.

The people, hearing she would go to Mount Tai, spontaneously went to escort her.

Before departing, Shen Lanxi looked back at the four characters “Zheng Da Guang Ming” and smiled joyfully.

“Emperor Chongwu, Shen Lanxi, born in peace, faced misfortune in youth, wandered across the land, sympathized with the people’s hardships, and rose to power…”

“During the reign of Emperor Chongwu Shen Lanxi, the Southwest was pacified, the Turks and surrounding tribes bowed in submission, never daring to invade…”

“During her reign, waterworks were built, agriculture promoted, farming tools improved, and high-yield crops introduced from abroad. The people were well-fed, with no one starving…”

“Schools and medical institutes were established, accessible to both men and women…”

“Factories, maritime trade, and commercial routes were opened…”

“Emperor Chongwu Shen Lanxi…”

It took over an hour to recite the long list of accomplishments.

The Ministry of Rites then proclaimed loudly to Heaven and Earth:

“The ruler, commanded by Heaven, rules with the Mandate. His merits now testify to peace, honoring the heavens and the gods!”

“Now, with peace and prosperity for over two hundred years, we perform the Fengshan ceremony!”

“May the emperor ascend the sacrificial platform to receive the ritual!”

Step by step, Shen Lanxi ascended the platform, hands clasped behind her back, gazing upon the myriad lives below.

The mountains were green, guards stood tall and powerful, citizens at the foot dressed in new clothes and shoes, healthy and robust. Everywhere she looked, abundance and strength shone.

She smiled. “I have walked the world and am unashamed before Heaven, myself, or the people!”

“All my wishes in this life fulfilled. Today, my merit is complete, and I shall ride the wind home!”

A giant eagle circled the summit, screeching, then descended.

Shen Lanxi leapt onto its back.

Thus ended the glorious reign of a legendary female emperor.