116: Chapter 26 Discussing the Name of the Nation

The first year of Yongan, the eighth day of the first lunar month.

Although Jiangning Prefecture had been renamed Jinling, the common people were still used to calling it Jiangning. The festive atmosphere of the New Year had not yet dissipated, the red lanterns on the streets had not been taken down, and the scraps of firecrackers covered the ground, swept up by the cold wind and swirling into the gray sky.

Li Ling sat in the study with a thick booklet spread out before him, filled with densely written candidates for the state name.

"Tang, Han, Zhou, Qin, Jin, Sui, Song, Ming..." He read one and crossed it out. When he reached the last one, he threw the pen down. "What kind of nonsense is this? Using things others have already used—isn't that a bit too perfunctory?"

The singing and dancing system yawned lazily in his mind: [Host, why are you agonizing over this? The state name is just a symbol; call it whatever you want. If you're willing, calling it "Li State" is fine too. But I must remind you, I'm going out soon, so think about it yourself. Don't end up looking like an upstart, choosing some gaudy name that makes everyone in the world laugh.]

"Where are you going again?" Li Ling rolled his eyes.

[There's a singing and dancing system next door, female, super pretty. I'm going to pay a visit, don't disturb me.]

"...You're a system, and you're picking up girls?"

[This is called cross-boundary communication; what do you know? I'm off.] The system went silent after saying this, too lazy to even say its usual "Take care, Host."

Li Ling shook his head, too lazy to bicker with this increasingly unreliable system.

Footsteps came from outside the door, and Princess Zaiyi walked in carrying a bowl of snow fungus and lotus seed soup. She was wearing a pale purple jacket today, with only a white jade hairpin in her hair, appearing elegant in her simplicity. Having been married to Li Ling for over half a year, she was becoming more and more like a housekeeper, making different kinds of late-night snacks for him every day, fattening him up.

"Husband, are you still thinking about the state name?" She placed the bowl on the table and sat opposite Li Ling.

"Yes." Li Ling picked up the bowl and took a sip. "Does the Princess have any suggestions?"

Princess Zaiyi thought for a moment and said: "In my humble opinion, the state name should be one with depth and weight. It should neither be too ostentatious nor too shabby. It should make the people of the world feel secure when they hear it, and make the Great Powers feel wary."

Li Ling put down the bowl and smiled: "The Princess speaks with great insight. Then which character do you think is suitable?"

Princess Zaiyi did not answer directly, but pulled a piece of paper from her sleeve and spread it out on the table. A large "Tang" character was written on the paper, the strokes vigorous and powerful; it was clear at a glance that it was written by someone skilled in calligraphy.

"Tang?" Li Ling looked at the character, lost in thought.

"Tang is the most inclusive dynasty in the history of the Central Plains," Princess Zaiyi said slowly. "Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, was able to accept advice, employ capable people, and tolerate others. The Tang dynasty had vast territories, prosperous culture, and nations came to pay tribute. I believe this character best matches your breadth of mind, Husband."

Li Ling was silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled: "Is the Princess flattering me in a roundabout way?"

Princess Zaiyi's cheeks flushed slightly, and she said softly: "I am just speaking the truth."

Just then, Empress Su Wanqing also pushed the door open. She was carrying a plate of sliced fruit, and seeing the "Tang" character on the table, she paused: "This is... the state name?"

"Yes, the Princess proposed using 'Tang'." Li Ling gestured for her to sit down. "What do you think?"

Empress Su Wanqing put down the fruit plate, looked at the character carefully, and nodded: "The character 'Tang' is good. The strokes are not complicated, and it is easy for common people to recognize and write. Moreover, the Tang dynasty was indeed one of the most powerful dynasties in our history. Using this character, the people will have a sense of belonging."

"Sister Wanqing is right." Emily was standing at the door, holding an English-Chinese dictionary, not knowing when she had arrived. "And the English for Tang is 'Tang.' The pronunciation is clear, and it's easy for foreigners to remember. Unlike 'Zhou' or 'Qin,' which would make foreigners tie their tongues in knots."

Li Ling looked at the three women, and a sense of warmth surged in his heart. They each had their own perspectives and considerations, but their starting point was the same—they wanted the best for him and for this new country that was about to be born.

"Then let it be decided." Li Ling made the final decision. "The state name shall be Tang, signifying inclusiveness, openness, and strength. After I ascend the throne, the era name will be 'Yongan,' signifying eternal peace."

The three women stood up at the same time and bowed: "His Majesty is wise."

Li Ling waved his hand: "Don't call me His Majesty; I haven't ascended the throne yet. Besides, in front of you, I will always be Li Ling."

Princess Zaiyi smiled slightly and sat back down: "Husband, now that the state name is decided, the next steps are the enthronement ceremony and the wedding. Which day is set?"

Li Ling flipped through the almanac on the table and pointed to one of the dates: "The tenth day of the first lunar month, an auspicious day. Suitable for weddings, suitable for enthronement, suitable for opening businesses. Let's make it that day."

"The tenth day of the first lunar month?" Empress Su Wanqing calculated. "That's in two days. Is there enough time?"

"There is enough time." Li Ling stood up. "I have already asked the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Household Department to prepare for matters inside and outside the palace. Princess, please help me keep an eye on the procedures. Wanqing, help me keep an eye on the costumes and honor guards. Emily, help me keep an eye on the reception of foreign envoys."

The three women replied in unison: "Yes!"

Li Ling walked to the window and pushed it open. The cold wind mixed with snowflakes rushed into his face, and the distant Jinling City loomed in the snow. This thousand-year-old ancient city was about to welcome a new master and a new era.

The snow outside the window fell heavier and heavier, wrapping the entire Jinling City in silver white. Li Ling stood by the window, watching the falling snow, but his mind was on the events two days later.

The enthronement ceremony, the wedding rites, foreign envoys, congratulatory letters from various places, military inspections, the cheers of the people... Every event was repeatedly rehearsed in his mind, and no detail could go wrong.

This was not just his own affair, but the affair of the entire Tang Country.

"System." He recited in his heart.

No response.

"System? Did you go to flirt with that singing and dancing system again?"

Still no response.

Li Ling sighed; this system was becoming increasingly unreliable. It used to at least bicker and argue with him; now, it just went visiting whenever it was free, leaving him alone here.

But that was fine too; with the system gone, he could calm down and think.

He walked back to the table, picked up a brush, and wrote a few large characters on a piece of rice paper: "Tang · Yongan."

Then, he wrote a line of smaller characters below: "Open up eternal peace, build immortal achievements."

After writing, he put down the pen and let out a long breath.

In two days, he would be the Emperor.

Not the kind of emperor who sits in the deep palace and only knows how to approve memorials, but an emperor who would lead this country toward prosperity. He would use the technology given to him by the system, the Army he built with his own hands, and the various talents he had recruited to turn this impoverished and weak country into the strongest power in the world.

The road was still long, but he was not afraid.

Because he was not fighting alone.

The ninth day of the first lunar month, the day before the enthronement ceremony.

The entire Jinling City was decorated with lanterns and colored banners, with red lanterns and banners everywhere. The people spontaneously pasted couplets with the "Tang" character on their doors, and some even hung up the newly made national flag—a red background with a golden dragon flag, which Li Ling had designed himself.

The flag was bright red, symbolizing blood and life; in the center was a five-clawed golden dragon, raising its head to the sky, symbolizing power and dignity; above the dragon were five golden stars, symbolizing benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith. The whole flag was concise and imposing, both traditional and modern, making people feel respect at first sight.

Li Ling rode his horse, accompanied by a few attendants, patrolling the city. He wanted to see the people's reactions with his own eyes and see if this city, which was about to become the capital, was ready to welcome the new era.

On both sides of the street, the people saw Li Ling and knelt down, shouting: "Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"

Li Ling dismounted and helped up an old man with white hair: "Old man, don't kneel. I haven't ascended the throne yet; it won't be too late to kneel tomorrow."

The old man stood up shakily, tears streaming down his face: "Your Majesty, this old man has lived for seventy years, seen emperors on tours, and seen foreigners showing off their power. But this is the first time I have seen one who patrols the streets in person like Your Majesty. Your Majesty truly cares for us common people!"

Li Ling felt deeply moved and patted the old man's hand: "Rest assured, old man. From now on, no one will dare to bully you again. My Army will protect you. My imperial court will let you live a good life."

The surrounding people heard this and applauded and cheered, some even weeping with joy.

Li Ling mounted his horse and continued forward. When passing through a small alley, he saw a few children playing, holding wooden swords and wooden guns, shouting slogans like "Beat the Japanese pirates" and "Beat the foreign devils."

He stopped, looking at those children, the corners of his mouth slightly raised.

These children were the future of the Tang Country.

He wanted them to be well-fed and clothed, to be able to read and write, and not to have to play war games with wooden swords and wooden guns, but to be able to sit in classrooms, learn knowledge, and chase their dreams with peace of mind.

"Your Majesty, it's time to go back." The adjutant stepped forward to remind him, "There is the enthronement tomorrow, so you should rest early tonight."

Li Ling nodded, turned his horse's head, and headed toward the imperial palace.

Behind him, Jinling City appeared exceptionally quiet and beautiful in the sunset.

The tenth day of the first lunar month, before dawn, Li Ling woke up.

He lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, feeling both calm and excited. He had waited too long for this day. From traveling to 1898 until now, a full eight years, he had gone from a playboy who knew nothing to a hegemon who held heavy troops and shook the world. Today, he was finally going to ascend the throne and proclaim himself emperor.

[Host, congratulations.] The system suddenly appeared, its tone carrying a rare seriousness.

"You're back?" Li Ling asked in his heart, "How was chatting with that singing and dancing system?"

[It was okay, she's quite interesting. She can sing, dance, and perform magic. If I didn't have important business, I would have really liked to stay for a few more days.]

"You're a system, what important business do you have?"

[Cheering you on, of course. On such an important day, if I were absent, wouldn't you curse me for a lifetime?]

Li Ling laughed: "I suppose you still have a conscience."

[Alright, stop dawdling. Get up quickly; your Empress is waiting for you.]

Li Ling turned and got out of bed. The palace maids filed in to help him wash, change clothes, and comb his hair. The Emperor's ceremonial robes were personally supervised by Empress Su Wanqing; the bright yellow dragon robe was embroidered with nine five-clawed golden dragons, shining brightly under the candlelight. The crown on his head hung with twelve strings of white jade beads, which swayed gently with every step, making a crisp sound.

After dressing, Li Ling stood before the bronze mirror, looking at himself in the mirror.

The person in the mirror, wearing the dragon robe, the crown, with a precious sword at his waist and court boots on his feet. The playful expression from the past was gone from his face, replaced by a sense of composure and majesty.

This is what an emperor should look like.

"Let's go." He turned around and strode toward the Taihe Hall.

The Taihe Hall had been renovated by Li Ling's orders over half a year; it was originally the main hall of the Jiangning Prefecture imperial villa, but now it had become the Golden Throne Hall of the Tang Country.

Inside the hall, it was resplendent with gold and jade, featuring carved beams and painted rafters. In the center stood a massive dragon throne, with nine golden dragons carved into the back, baring fangs and brandishing claws, looking incredibly lifelike.

Outside the hall, the civil and military officials were already lined up and waiting. They wore brand-new court robes and were arranged according to rank, extending from the hall entrance all the way to the distant plaza.

At the very front were the marshals of the Five Armies Governor's Office, each clad in armor and looking imposing. Behind them were the Ministers and Vice Ministers of the Six Ministries, refined and extraordinary in bearing. Further back were the vassal kings from various regions and envoys from tributary states, wearing diverse attire with respectful expressions.

On the plaza were also citizen representatives from all over the country and foreign envoys. The citizen representatives wore festive attire, their faces beaming with excited smiles, while the foreign envoys wore their respective formal attire, some looking curious, some nervous, and others expressionless.

Li Ling ascended the imperial steps and turned to face the crowd.

The Minister of the Ministry of Rites announced loudly: "The auspicious time has arrived; the enthronement ceremony begins!"

Drums and music sounded in unison, and the tolling of bells echoed melodiously.

Following ritual etiquette, Li Ling first offered sacrifices to Heaven, then to Earth, and finally to his ancestors. He performed the three kneelings and nine kowtows, burned incense, and prayed, asking the heavens to bless the Tang Country with favorable weather and national peace.

Then, he walked to the dragon throne and sat down.

"Rise, officials." His voice was not loud, but every word was clear.

The civil and military officials knelt in unison and shouted: "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The sound surged like a tide, one wave higher than the last, shaking the tiles of the Taihe Hall.

Li Ling raised his hand to signal: "Officials, please rise. Today is the founding day of the Tang Country, and it is also the day of my enthronement. From now on, I, along with you officials and the people of the world, shall build this new nation together. I do not seek achievements that surpass the ages, only to have a clear conscience. I do not seek to be immortalized in history, only for the people to be safe and prosperous."

"The Emperor is wise!" the officials shouted again.

After the enthronement ceremony ended, it was immediately followed by the rewarding of meritorious officials.

Li Ling sat on the dragon throne, and the eunuch beside him unfolded the imperial decree and read aloud:

"By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Retired Emperor Li Zhenshan, having rendered great service to the state and labored diligently, is hereby honored as the Retired Emperor to enjoy his twilight years in glory."

Retired Emperor Li Zhenshan stood at the head of the officials. Hearing that he had been named Retired Emperor, his old eyes streamed with tears. He knelt down to thank him, his voice choking with emotion: "Your subject... I kowtow to thank Your Majesty for your great grace!"

Li Ling walked down and helped his father up: "Father, you have worked hard all these years."

Retired Emperor Li Zhenshan wiped his tears and patted his son's shoulder: "Ling'er, you have grown up. Father is proud of you."

"Next, rewarding the military officials." The eunuch continued to read, "Navy Marshal Lin Yongsheng is enfeoffed as Marquis of Zhenhai, rewarded with a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of silk. Navy Marshal Deng Shichang is enfeoffed as Marquis of Dinghai, rewarded with a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of silk. Army Marshal Chief of Staff Zhang Wanshan is enfeoffed as Marquis of Pingbei, rewarded with a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of silk..."

One general after another stepped forward to receive their rewards, all beaming with joy.

After rewarding the military officials, it was time for the civil officials.

"Grand Secretary Zhang Zhidong is enfeoffed as Duke Wenzhong, rewarded with a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of silk. Junior Grand Secretary Princess Zaiyi is enfeoffed as Lady Anguo, rewarded with a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of silk..."

Princess Zaiyi stood in the ranks of civil officials. Hearing that she had been enfeoffed as Lady Anguo, her eyes turned slightly red. She knew that this title was not just an affirmation of her personally, but more importantly, an affirmation of the relationship between the royal family and Li Ling.

After the rewards, the eunuch read another special imperial decree:

"Empress Su Wanqing is gentle, virtuous, and possesses both virtue and talent. Effective today, she is canonized as Empress, a model of motherhood for the world."

Empress Su Wanqing stood outside the hall. Hearing this decree, tears immediately fell.

She had waited for this day for too many years.

From the time she was a little girl, she had dreamed of marrying Li Ling one day. Now, not only had she married him, but she had also become his Empress.

Palace maids helped her walk into the Taihe Hall. She wore a bright red phoenix robe and a phoenix coronet, her steps light, like a blooming peony.

Li Ling walked down, took her hand, and said softly: "Empress Su Wanqing, I promised that I would let you marry me in splendor."

Empress Su Wanqing was covered in tears and nodded vigorously: "Brother Ling, I have waited for this day for too long."

The two walked hand in hand toward the dragon throne.

At this moment, they were the Emperor and Empress, but also childhood sweethearts who grew up together. Their feelings had stood the test of time and the baptism of war, finally bearing fruit.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress! Long live the Empress!" the officials shouted in unison.

Empress Su Wanqing looked at the civil and military officials kneeling below, and an indescribable emotion surged in her heart. She was just a daughter from an ordinary family, having grown up with Li Ling, and had never imagined that one day she would become Empress.

But now, she stood here, wearing the phoenix robe and phoenix coronet, receiving the homage of the officials.

All of this was because of him.

Because of him, her life had completely changed.

After canonizing the Empress, it was time to reward the royal relatives.

"The wife of Retired Emperor Li Zhenshan, Lady Wang, is enfeoffed as Empress Dowager. The concubine of Retired Emperor Li Zhenshan, Lady Liu, is enfeoffed as Imperial Concubine..."

After a series of rewards, the relatives of Li Ling were all beaming. Some were enfeoffed as Princes, some as Commandery Princes, some as Princesses, and some as Commandery Princesses. Although these were all empty titles without real power, they were at least royal relatives, which was prestigious to speak of.

After the rewards, it was time for the foreign envoys to have an audience.

The first to step forward was the envoy of the German Empire, Ambassador Hermann von Strauss. He wore a crisp military uniform, his chest covered in medals, walking with a brisk, confident air.

"Respected Emperor of the Tang Country, on behalf of the German Empire's Kaiser Wilhelm II, I extend to you the highest respects and warmest congratulations," Ambassador Hermann said in fluent Chinese. "May the friendship between the Tang Country and the German Empire last forever, and may we cooperate for mutual benefit."

Li Ling nodded with a smile: "Many thanks for the congratulations from your Emperor. Please tell him that the Tang Country will always be a friend of the German Empire."

Ambassador Hermann bowed and stepped back, followed by the envoy of Meijian Country.

The envoy of Meijian Country was a white man in his fifties, with graying hair and gold-rimmed glasses, looking refined and scholarly.

"Respected Emperor of the Tang Country, on behalf of the President of Meijian Country, I extend my congratulations to you." His Chinese was not very fluent, but barely understandable. "I hope that the Tang Country and Meijian Country can coexist peacefully and benefit each other."

Li Ling said indifferently: "As long as your country does not interfere in the internal affairs of the Tang Country and does not support the enemies of the Tang Country, peaceful coexistence is not a problem."

The expression of the envoy of Meijian Country changed slightly, but he still bowed politely and stepped back.

Next were the British envoy, the French envoy, the Russian envoy... Representative after representative from the great powers stepped forward for an audience, some enthusiastic, some cold, some sarcastic. Li Ling responded to each one, neither servile nor overbearing, and without losing courtesy.

After the audience, it was the military parade.

Li Ling, along with the civil and military officials and foreign envoys, ascended the city tower. Below the tower, tens of thousands of soldiers marched in formation, their steps uniform and their slogans shaking the sky.

First to pass by was the Army phalanx. The soldiers wore brand-new uniforms, carried the latest rifles, heads held high, chests out, eyes like torches. Some were veteran soldiers who had followed Li Ling since the bandit suppression period, others were new recruits who had just enlisted, but at this moment, they were all equally imposing and equally proud.

Next was the artillery phalanx. Trucks towed cannons, slowly driving past the city tower. 105mm howitzers, 150mm cannons, 203mm heavy howitzers... The cannons gleamed with a cold metallic luster in the sunlight, causing the foreign envoys to gasp.

Finally, there was the cavalry phalanx. The warhorses were draped with golden saddles and bridles, and the knights held shining sabers, sweeping past below the city tower with an imposing momentum like a rainbow.

The foreign envoys looked at each other, some with pale faces, others with sweat on their foreheads.

They knew that Li Ling's Army was strong, but seeing it with their own eyes still shocked them. These soldiers, these weapons, these warhorses—every one of them was carefully selected and tempered. Such an Army, let alone fighting warlords, even if it went head-to-head with the great powers, might not necessarily lose.

After the military parade, it was the citizen parade.

Citizen representatives from all over the country, wearing various costumes and holding banners and flags, walked past below the city tower. Some sang folk songs, some danced ethnic dances, some beat drums and gongs, and some set off firecrackers. The entire Jinling City became an ocean of joy.

Li Ling stood on the city tower, watching the people below, and a warmth surged in his heart.

These people were the meaning of his struggle.

After the enthronement ceremony ended, it was already evening.

Li Ling returned to the Imperial Study, took off his dragon robe, changed into casual clothes, and let out a long sigh.

"Exhausted." He slumped into the chair. "This is more tiring than fighting a naval battle."

Empress Su Wanqing walked in carrying a bowl of hot soup and smiled: "Your Majesty, have a bowl of soup. You've worked hard today."

Li Ling took the soup and drank a sip; it was chicken soup, stewed very richly.

"Empress Su Wanqing, don't call me Your Majesty anymore." He put down the bowl. "In private, you should still call me Brother Ling. Calling me Your Majesty is too distant."

Empress Su Wanqing's eyes turned slightly red, and she nodded: "Brother Ling."

Li Ling held her hand: "Are you happy today?"

"Happy." Empress Su Wanqing's tears fell again. "I have waited for this day for many years."

"Me too." Li Ling pulled her into his arms. "From now on, you are the Empress. You must help me manage the harem and manage those imperial concubines."

Empress Su Wanqing looked up at him: "Brother Ling, do you really have to marry so many people?"

Li Ling sighed: "Princess Zaiyi, Emily, the German Princess, Imperial Concubine Hui... these are all political marriages, and I cannot refuse them. But Empress Su Wanqing, you will always be my primary wife, the Empress. This will never change."

Empress Su Wanqing leaned into his arms and said softly: "I know. I don't blame you, I just hope you won't forget me."

"I won't." Li Ling kissed her forehead gently. "Never."

In the night sky outside the window, fireworks bloomed, illuminating the entire Jinling City as if it were day.

The Tang Country was born.

Li Ling ascended the throne.

A new era had begun.