After the Crown Prince's ceremonial appointment concluded, the court remained lively.
Officials scrambled to congratulate Lu Zhengliu. Those who once struggled to survive under Lu Ying's authority, especially the faction of Prince Duan, found vindication, their voices louder and more confident than ever.
Meanwhile, the former supporters of the previous Crown Prince all hung their heads like wilted eggplants, silently and discreetly leaving the scene.
Shen Yinning stood on the outskirts of the crowd, observing the commotion.
Lu Zhengliu's attire today was meticulously overseen by Noble Consort Zhang herself. The vermilion Crown Prince's robe, embroidered with a five-clawed imperial dragon pattern outlined in black trims, made him look striking and elegant. His hair, tied up in a golden crown, even had the small braid falling over his chest neatly bound, lending him a dignified demeanor far removed from his usual self.
