章 697: Five Years (1)

In the seventh year of the Mingde era, during the summer.

On the second day of June, Emperor Chu Qi, who had just turned fifty-seven, made an official decree on the day of the Longevity Festival. He expressed his intention in no uncertain terms to follow the example of Yao Shun by abdicating the throne in favor of Crown Prince Chu Yi.

The current Grand Secretary, Mu Sheng, represented the ministers and respectfully asked the Emperor to retract his decree. He delivered a grandiose speech praising the Emperor's diligent rule, suggesting that, given the Emperor's age, consideration of abdication could wait until his later years.

However, the Emperor responded with unwavering determination. "My resolve is set, and it is difficult to go against the will of the people."

All the court officials knelt down and collectively shouted, "Long live the Emperor!"