diymy Chapter 111 The Coming-of-Age Ceremony
Chapter 111 The Coming-of-Age Ceremony
The front courtyard of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion has now become the most bustling place in the capital.
The mansion gates were wide open, a red carpet was laid out, and two rows of servants in formal attire stood solemnly to welcome the guests.
Inside the gate, hundreds of seats were arranged on both sides of the plaza, according to social status.
The seats for court officials are on the left.
Headed by the Prime Minister and the Duke of Heguo, the six ministers, vice ministers, censors, generals... all wore purple robes and red garments, their hats and belts neatly arranged.
Minister of Rites Su Wenyuan was the chief officiant today and had been preparing on the platform for a long time.
The old man of the Su family—Lin Chen's maternal grandfather—was over ninety years old but still in good spirits, chatting and laughing with others.
The right side is reserved for members of prominent families and those from the martial arts world.
The people here are a mixed bunch—
The person from the "First Academy" Tianji Academy was Elder Xuanjizi, the second strongest on the Earth Ranking, with white hair and beard, and an air of otherworldly elegance.
Three people arrived at the War God's Hall in the "Second Hall":
The eldest elder, Zhan Tianqiong (tenth on the Earth Ranking), the young master, Zhan Fengyun (third on the Prodigy Ranking), and a middle-aged protector.
All three were dressed in tight-fitting clothes and exuded a fierce aura.
Of the three temples, the abbot of Huguo Temple personally attended, accompanied by two eminent monks.
The head disciple of Jingang Temple came, but no one from Jiemie Temple came—they had close ties with Beishuo and it was inconvenient for them to attend the coming-of-age ceremony of the Duke of Dayan.
All four sects are present: Azure Dragon Sect Master, Elder Canglong, is accompanied by his young master, Cangyun (ranked eighth on the Prodigy Ranking).
The White Tiger Sect sent its deputy sect leader, while the Vermilion Bird Sect and the Black Tortoise Sect also sent their sect leaders in person.
Although the four sects are not listed on the Earthly Ranking, they hold a prestigious position in the martial arts world and each has its own place.
Not a single one of the "five families" was missing:
Although the Cui and Zhou families had old grudges against Lin Chen, they had to put on a good show and sent their direct descendants.
The heads of the other three families also came in person.
Besides them, the members of the Su family from Jiangnan sat at the front of the aristocratic seats—the family head Su Changming, the young master Su Mo (tenth on the list of prodigies), and several elders.
Su Changming was chatting and laughing with the merchants at the next table, while Su Mo sat quietly.
Occasionally, he would exchange a glance with his younger sister, Su Xiaoxiao, and nod and smile.
Many independent martial arts practitioners and famous figures from various places also came, filling all the remaining seats.
At the very front of all the seats, there are three special seats:
In the center is the throne, and to the left is a slightly smaller seat—that was prepared for the eldest princess.
At this moment, the throne was still empty, but many people were already secretly observing it.
"Will His Majesty really come in person?" some people whispered.
"Of course, His Majesty will certainly give face when the Duke of Zhenguo is crowned."
"I heard that Her Highness the Eldest Princess broke through to the Grandmaster level a few days ago, and she will be here today..."
As they were discussing this, a loud shout came from outside the mansion gate:
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Everyone stood up.
The imperial carriage, pulled by nine pure white dragon horses, slowly entered the mansion gate, with the Imperial Guards clearing the way and banners waving.
The imperial carriage stopped in front of the square, and Empress Zhao Lingyang stepped out, supported by palace maids.
She was not wearing a dragon robe today, but a bright yellow casual dress, a golden crown on her head, and a jade belt at her waist. She was naturally dignified yet approachable.
Princess Zhao Mingyue followed behind, dressed in a light purple palace gown, with a gentle temperament and an aura of a Grandmaster in the early stage that was as deep as a abyss.
"Greetings, Your Majesty! Greetings, Your Highness the Princess!" the crowd chorused in unison.
"Rise." The Empress's voice was clear and melodious.
"Today is the coming-of-age ceremony for the Duke of Zhenguo. All of you, please do not stand on ceremony and may all be seated."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The Empress and the Eldest Princess took their seats on the throne.
The Empress's gaze swept across the entire venue, pausing briefly on the platform—Lin Chen had not yet appeared, but the platform was already set up.
The eldest princess said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, there are so many people here today."
"Lin Chen is currently enjoying great popularity, so naturally many people are showing him favor," the Empress said calmly.
"Alright, let's see how everyone reacts."
As she spoke, her gaze inadvertently swept in several directions:
Xuanjizi of the Heavenly Mystery Academy remained meditating with his eyes closed, Zhan Tianqiong of the War God Hall was conversing quietly with the Azure Dragon Elder, and the heads of the five families had different expressions...
The royal family's retainers are hidden in the shadows—four Celestial Realm experts and four Grandmasters.
Such a guard lineup is sufficient to handle any unexpected situation.
Of course, the guards of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion were also quite strong.
Yuan Tiangang stood to the side of the stage, his aura as deep as abyss. Li Chunfeng, among the guests, appeared to be an ordinary guest, but was actually wary of his surroundings.
Zhao Zilong and the Eight Vajras sat in the generals' seats. Although they were not wearing armor, a sense of menace was palpable.
Deeper still, in the backyard of the mansion, the Empress felt a great terror creeping over her, her senses blurred—it was Guan Yu and Dugu Qiubai.
The Empress sighed inwardly:
Lin Chen, Lin Chen, how many more cards do you have up your sleeve?
At this moment, ceremonial music began.
The formal coming-of-age ceremony is about to begin.
……
At the exact hour of Si (9-11 AM), ceremonial music and rituals were performed.
The master of ceremonies called out loudly, "Please welcome Duke Lin Chen, the Duke of Zhenguo—"
Lin Chen walked out of the side hall and into the square.
He was dressed in a black ceremonial robe, his steps were steady, and his face was solemn—he had to put on a show.
Upon reaching the center of the platform, he first bowed towards the throne, then turned to the chief officiant, Su Wenyuan.
Su Wenyuan stood on the platform, holding the ceremonial book, his expression solemn.
"Lin Zichen, aged eighteen, is coming of age today to celebrate his coming-of-age ceremony, inheriting the virtues of his ancestors and continuing the family business..." Su Wenyuan recited the opening congratulatory speech.
Lin Chen knelt on the prayer mat as instructed.
This position was very uncomfortable for him, but he could only endure it.
After the blessing was read, the first addition began.
The master of ceremonies presents a tray containing a black cloth crown—the simplest black cloth crown, symbolizing adulthood and the need to take on responsibilities.
Su Wenyuan took the crown and placed it on Lin Chen's head, while reciting a blessing:
"On the auspicious day of the month, you will start to add Yuanfu. Abandon your young aspirations, follow you and become virtuous. The longevity test is only for Qi, and you will be blessed."
Lin Chen knelt to accept the greeting, then stood up and bowed to Su Wenyuan.
The ritual music was performed again, the second time.
This time it's a leather cap, made of white deer hide, symbolizing a warrior's identity.
The blessing reads: "On this auspicious month and day, you are dressed in your finest attire. May you be respectful in your demeanor and virtuous in your conduct. May you live a long and healthy life, and forever enjoy abundant blessings."
The third rank is the cap, the most prestigious, symbolizing a noble title.
The blessing reads: "In the prime of the year, in the order of the month, may all be blessed. May your brothers be present, thus fulfilling your virtues. May you live to a ripe old age, receiving the blessings of Heaven."
After completing the three additions, Lin Chen, wearing a noble crown and formal attire, exuded a completely different aura.
Although he was still Lin Chen, under this solemn ceremony, he did indeed possess some of the dignity of a duke.
On the viewing platform, everyone had different expressions.
The old lady and Su Wanqing were moved to tears.
The seven sisters-in-law and Su Xiaoxiao also had slightly red eyes.
The Empress looked at Lin Chen on the platform, a complex expression flashing in her eyes.
This young man, whom she once regarded as a playboy, is now a true Duke of Zhenguo.
The eldest princess said softly:
"Your Majesty, Lin Chen today... does indeed have some merit."
"You're quite the actress." The Empress's lips curled into a slight smile. "I just wonder how long you can keep up the act."
On the altar, the ceremony moved on to the next stage.