Chapter 495 Hidden Dragon Studio
Chapter 495 Hidden Dragon Studio
A solemn yet excited atmosphere filled the air, as if the entire city of Qian was anticipating the arrival of a new life.
As Si Yinqi stepped through the gates of the imperial city, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he wore a bright yellow dragon robe and a twelve-tassel crown. His steps were steady, and his brows revealed an extraordinary demeanor.
Gu Changqing followed closely behind, still wearing his silver-white battle robe, which made him stand out.
The enthronement ceremony officially began, with ceremonial music playing, melodious and solemn, as if traversing a thousand years of time, closely linking the wisdom of the ancients with the glory of today.
Led by Gu Changqing, Si Yinqi stepped onto the Nine Dragon Carpet and walked step by step toward the supreme throne.
Every step seems to be in step with the rhythm of history, echoing a symphony of the past and the future.
"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"
As the Master of Ceremonies' resounding voice rang out, cheers like a tsunami surged from all directions, echoing through the sky.
Si Yinqi turned around and faced the court officials and the thousands of people.
"From this day forward, I, Si Yinqi, inherit the great mandate, vowing to cherish the common people and prioritize the nation, diligently governing the country, living up to the expectations of heaven and earth and the people, and wishing that our Great Qian Dynasty may enjoy a long and prosperous reign!"
His voice was deep and powerful, each word seemingly containing boundless strength, stirring the hearts of everyone present.
Gu Changqing stood aside, watching this scene, his heart filled with complex emotions.
Then, the ceremony entered its most solemn part—offering sacrifices to Heaven and informing ancestors.
Accompanied by Gu Changqing, Si Yinqi entered the Imperial Ancestral Temple, faced the ancestral tablets, and performed the ritual of three kneelings and nine kowtows, vowing to inherit the will of his ancestors and protect every inch of this land and every living being.
With the smoke of cigarettes swirling and ancient music playing softly, time seems to stand still. History and reality intersect here, with the old giving way to the new, and life going on endlessly.
After the ceremony, Si Yinqi, surrounded by Gu Changqing and a group of court officials, entered the inner palace to receive the homage of the empress and the concubines.
After ascending the throne, Si Yinqi did not indulge in the joy of power, but quickly devoted himself to the governance of the country and the consolidation of the court.
The transfer of imperial power was not merely a change of ceremony, but also a gathering of hearts and minds and an integration of strength.
Therefore, Si Yinqi soon began a series of intensive plans and actions.
To appease the various political factions, stabilize Qiandu, win over military leaders, and fully operate the already decaying machine of the Great Qian Dynasty.
Meanwhile, as Si Yinqi was carrying out a major overhaul of the court within the imperial city, striving to restore the prestige of the Great Qian Dynasty, Gu Changqing did not slacken his efforts in the slightest.
He knew in his heart that even with extraordinary abilities, he could not possibly support the nation in its current precarious state.
At this time, outside the outskirts of Qiandu, the valleys were deep and secluded, shrouded in mist, like a secret realm between heaven and earth.
Nestled among mountains, the valley enjoys a spring-like climate year-round, shrouded in mist and clouds, resembling a secluded paradise, isolated from the world.
Far from the hustle and bustle, this place hides an ancient school with blue bricks and gray tiles, blending into the surrounding natural environment and appearing exceptionally tranquil.
The school was named "Yinlongzhai," and although its reputation was not well-known in the world, it was widely circulated in certain circles.
The lecturer here is Xu Zhongyuan, Gu Changqing's former fellow student when he studied military strategy.
Xu Zhongyuan was a man of great talent, but he unfortunately became a victim of the turmoil during the reign of the late Emperor Daqian and was effectively placed under house arrest here, deprived of his freedom.
However, his wisdom and knowledge were not buried because of this. On the contrary, they attracted many royal children and noble descendants to study with him, including the princess Si Luoying who would one day shake the world with her revenge.
As Gu Changqing stepped into the valley, the scenery along the way was picturesque, but it could not hide the urgency in his heart.
At this moment, the Great Qian Dynasty is just like the ancient tree in this valley. Its branches and leaves are lush on the outside, but its roots are rotten and it desperately needs a new force to nourish it.
Xu Zhongyuan was the best candidate to represent that power in his heart.
When we arrived at Yinlongzhai, the sun was setting, and the afterglow shone on the ancient tiled eaves, giving them a golden glow.
Gu Changqing gently knocked on the door, his heart filled with complex emotions.
The door creaked open, and an elderly man with white hair and beard appeared before them; it was Xu Zhongyuan.
Time has etched its marks on his face, but it has not diminished the sharpness and depth in his eyes.
"Changqing, it's been a long time."
Xu Zhongyuan's voice was deep and powerful, carrying a hint of vicissitude, yet still warm.
"Senior brother, how have you been?"
"It's a pleasure to see that you still look as dashing as ever after all these years."
Gu Changqing bowed respectfully, a hint of reverence flashing in his eyes.
"Haha, there's no need for such formalities between us."
"Come, sit down, let's talk slowly."
Xu Zhongyuan laughed heartily and led Gu Changqing into the courtyard.
In the center of the courtyard, there is a stone table and two cups of tea, simple yet with a unique charm.
The two sat facing each other, the aroma of tea wafting around them, as if it could wash away all the dust of the world.
"Changqing, what brings you here?"
Xu Zhongyuan took a sip of tea and gazed intently at Gu Changqing.
Xu Zhongyuan took a sip of tea and gazed intently at Gu Changqing.
"Senior brother, to be honest, I have come here for the future of the Great Qian Dynasty."
"The new emperor has ascended the throne, and although he is ambitious, the road ahead is fraught with difficulties, and he cannot stand alone."
"After much thought, I felt that only my senior brother could come out of seclusion and lend him a helping hand so that we could work together to achieve great things."
Gu Changqing pondered for a moment, then went straight to the point.
"Changqing, do you know that I am here by order of the late emperor? Although it is not a prison, I am still bound by these rules."
"Once you step out of this valley, you will be completely cut off from the past and swept into the endless storms."
Upon hearing this, Xu Zhongyuan frowned slightly, as if weighing the pros and cons.
"Senior brother, I naturally know. But times have changed, and the Great Qian Dynasty of today is not what it used to be."
"The new emperor, Si Yinqi, cares for the common people and is determined to revitalize the country. This is a once-in-a-millennium opportunity."
"Your talent, senior brother, should not be wasted here. You should act in accordance with the times and join us in the fight against the national crisis."
Gu Changqing spoke earnestly, his eyes filled with expectation.
Looking at Xu Zhongyuan's slightly hesitant expression, Gu Changqing understood.
Over the years, my senior brother has lived a secluded life here, practicing his spiritual cultivation. In his spare time, he teaches a few students, leading a peaceful and tranquil life.
The intrigues and secrets within the imperial court are indeed something to be weary of.
However, the rise and fall of a nation is the responsibility of every citizen, let alone those who once held high positions.
"Senior brother, I understand your hesitation."
"Over the years, you have cultivated your character and taught your disciples in this Hidden Dragon Abode. It is indeed a pure land."
"However, the land of Daqian is, after all, our root and our soul. Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne and is determined to revitalize the land, this is the best time for you, senior brother, to come out of seclusion and help us."
Gu Changqing spoke slowly, his voice gentle.
"Changqing, do you know why I was placed under house arrest here back then?"
"It wasn't just because of that turmoil, but more because of my weariness of the court and my powerlessness in the face of all that deceit and treachery."
Upon hearing this, Xu Zhongyuan sighed softly and gazed into the distance, as if reminiscing about the past.
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