1731 Crowning Ceremony 3

He acknowledged meeting a remarkably beautiful version of Gu Chaoyan and entertained the idea of taking her as a concubine rather than his legal wife. As the prince of Duke Changning’s Mansion, he believed his wife should not be a woman of that caliber.

Observing the dissatisfaction on his face, Madame Duke Changning ceased her nagging. It was all in the past, and there was no point in dwelling on it. Instead, she focused on devising a plan for Jiming’s future.

However, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of regret. Marrying that girl would have undoubtedly been a more favorable outcome compared to the current situation they were facing.

Madame Duke Changning advised him to take a break while she sought a conversation with Duke Changning

—

In the 23rd year of August, Lord Huai ascended the throne as the new King, while Gu Chaoyan was crowned as the new Queen.

This coronation ceremony was unlike any previous ones. Zhou Huaijin believed that as the King, he should be closer to the people, as they were the ones he served. Therefore, before the formal ceremony, he and the new Queen took to the streets, allowing the people to see them up close and dispel any fears or concerns about their reign.

On this momentous day…

The capital’s streets were teeming with people, all eager to catch a glimpse of the new King and Queen, hoping to imbibe some of their auspiciousness for a brighter future.

The Housekeeper of Duke Changning’s Mansion had made all the necessary preparations. He escorted Duke Changning, Madame Duke Changning, and Young Master out, reminding them not to miss the propitious moment. They departed early, securing a favorable vantage point from which to observe the King and Queen clearly.

The citizens, joyous about the coronation ceremony, flooded the sides of the avenue, creating a crowded atmosphere where movement was difficult due to the sheer volume of people. Among them, the family of Duke Changning were found.

Lu Jiming felt immense displeasure being surrounded by those he considered low-cla.s.s individuals. However, he knew there was no alternative but to endure the situation. With a furrowed brow, he impatiently waited.

His curiosity piqued—just who was this new Queen?

He dismissed the notion that it could be the unattractive woman he had encountered before. Lu Jiming was certain that Gu Ruxue would be the one to claim the t.i.tle of Queen. His intuition about people was rarely wrong.

Though he had only gleaned bits and pieces of information from outside the mansion, he had caught wind of the news that Gu Ruxue had married Lord Ling, who later ascended as the Crown Prince.

Therefore, it made perfect sense for the new King to be the Crown Prince, and his wife, the Queen, to be Gu Ruxue. It seemed like a natural progression.

The servant’s earlier a.s.sertion about her being Gu Chaoyan had been entirely incorrect.

Duke Changning’s Mansion underwent notable changes, distinct from its previous state.

Laughter filled the air, accompanied by mocking remarks from the servants. Lu Jiming was well aware of the disdain directed towards them. Many individuals seemed unwilling to engage in any work and instead took pleasure in ridiculing their predicament. However, he had not antic.i.p.ated such open and brazen laughter from the onlookers.

Amidst the crowd’s commotion, Lu Jiming contemplated these circ.u.mstances, feeling constricted in the throng.

Madame Duke Changning and Duke Changning shared a common purpose—they scanned the surroundings, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new King.

The housekeeper, on the other hand, was overwhelmed with excitement.

This was his first opportunity to witness the imminent crowning of the new King and Queen. Such an auspicious occasion was a rare occurrence, particularly when the new Queen was the highly esteemed Phoenix Girl, a remarkable figure who appeared once in a blue moon.

Suddenly…

The crowd grew increasingly animated, jostling and pressing against one another.

They were approaching.

Enthused, the housekeeper couldn’t contain himself and repeatedly exclaimed, “They are coming, they are coming!”

Lu Jiming, too, craned his neck and peered around, longing for a closer glimpse of the new King and Queen’s visage.