The Emperor Changwu, perhaps because his favorite son was by his side and the worries of state affairs were gone, regained his rosy complexion after a period of recuperation.
Situ Yan breathed a sigh of relief and worked even harder, striving to ensure that Emperor Changwu would not have to concern himself with any trivial matters. Unexpectedly, Emperor Changwu, unwilling to be idle, decreed a ceremony to worship the ancestors.
Without any particular occasion or festival, why the need for a sacrifice?
Furthermore, the matter of worship was quite taxing, and Emperor Changwu had to play the leading role.
But no matter how he objected, Emperor Changwu paid him no mind, stating that a ruler’s word was his bond, and furthermore, the imperial decree had already been issued. Thus, the Ministry of Rites was nearly overwhelmed. Fortunately, with many hands, the sacrificial ceremony was successfully held on the twentieth of October.
After the solemn ancestral worship ceremony concluded, Emperor Changwu led the officials to the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
Snow had fallen in early October. The hall was heated by underfloor dragons, so the officials, who had lined up to kneel according to their ranks, did not suffer from the cold. According to the plan, after the officials had completed their respects, the sacrificial ceremony should have been declared over, and everyone would return home. However, Emperor Changwu ordered seats and tea to be served to the officials.
Palace maids carrying tea entered in an orderly fashion, and the Hall of Supreme Harmony was instantly filled with the aroma of tea.
Situ Yan and Situ Sheng watched Emperor Changwu with deep concern, fearing that his health might not withstand it. Yet, Emperor Changwu spoke with great enthusiasm: "I ascended the throne when Da Yin faced internal and external troubles. Counting from then, it has been thirty-seven years. After the New Year, I will reach the age of sixty."
The officials became even more confused, unsure of Emperor Changwu's intentions.
Emperor Changwu ignored their doubts and continued to say what he wanted to: "I have reigned for thirty-seven years, and I consider myself diligent and conscientious. I have not increased taxes, nor have I ceded half an inch of territory..."
Situ Yan listened as he boasted for so long, wondering when he had developed this habit of self-praise. Just as he was considering whether someone should offer him a cup of tea to moisten his throat, Emperor Changwu changed his tune and dropped a bombshell on the officials: "After working for so many years, I am tired. I had intended to announce this after the New Year, but my health does not permit it. Therefore, I have decided to abdicate in favor of Prince Rui, the seventh imperial son, Situ Yan..."
As soon as the words were spoken, Emperor Changwu felt a sense of relief.
Although the emperor’s power was supreme, it was truly exhausting. The heights were cold, and sometimes he didn’t even have anyone to speak his true mind to.
He was relieved, but the officials were stunned into silence.
They had expected at most that Prince Rui would be appointed Crown Prince, but instead, they had skipped that step and he was abdicating directly.
Even from the era of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, there were few emperors willing to abdicate. No one had expected Emperor Changwu to possess such courage. They exchanged glances, wondering what they should say at this moment.
Situ Yan was the first to kneel: "Your son is terrified, please, Father Emperor, reconsider your decision? Your son fears he is unable to bear this great responsibility."
The officials finally reacted and all knelt down, but they didn't know what to say.
Although the abdication was quite surprising, in the current court, Prince Rui already held a dominant position. That seat would eventually be his. So, if they were to advise the Emperor to retract his decision now, what if the new Emperor held a grudge?
Emperor Changwu was very understanding and did not make things difficult for them. Waving his hand, he began to enumerate Situ Yan's achievements.
Then he declared that the successor to the throne could be no one but him: "My decision is made. My ministers need not try to persuade me further. Where is the Minister of Rites?"
"This minister is here."
"The Imperial Astronomical Bureau has calculated that the third day after will be an auspicious day for the imperial succession. Let us choose that day to hold the abdication ceremony." In any case, state affairs were already being managed by Prince Rui, so even the handover of work was saved.