Chapter 499 Hidden Dragon House

There was a solemn and exciting atmosphere in the air, as if the entire Qiandu was looking forward to the arrival of a new life.

As Si Yinqi stepped into the gate of the imperial city, under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, a twelve-tassel crown on his head, walked steadily, and his brows revealed an extraordinary bearing.

Gu Changqing followed closely behind, still wearing his silver-white battle robe, which made him particularly eye-catching.

The coronation ceremony officially began, and ceremonial music sounded, melodious and solemn, as if it had traveled through thousands of years of time, closely connecting the wisdom of the ancients with the glory of today.

Under the guidance of Gu Changqing, Si Yinqi stepped onto the Nine Dragon Carpet and walked towards the supreme throne step by step.

Every step seems to follow the rhythm of history, echoing the symphony of the past and the future.

"Long live my emperor, long live, long live!"

Following the high-pitched voice of the Master of Ceremonies, thunderous cheers came from all directions and resounded through the sky.

Si Yinqi turned around and faced the civil and military officials in the court and the people.

"From today on, I, Si Yinqi, will inherit the throne and swear to take the people of the country as my priority. I will govern the country diligently and live up to the heavens and the people. I wish that my country will last forever and prosper forever!"

His voice was deep and powerful, and every word seemed to contain endless power, stirring everyone's heart.

Gu Changqing stood aside, watching this scene, with complex emotions surging in his heart.

Afterwards, the ceremony entered the most solemn part - offering sacrifices to heaven and ancestors.

Accompanied by Gu Changqing, Si Yinqi stepped into the Taimiao, faced the tablets of his ancestors, performed the ceremony of three kneelings and nine kowtows, and vowed to inherit the aspirations of his ancestors and protect every inch of the mountains and rivers and every living being on this land.

Incense smoke curls around the air, ancient music echoes softly, at this moment, time seems to have frozen, history and reality converge at this moment, the old and the new replace each other, and life continues endlessly.

After the ceremony, Si Yinqi, accompanied by Gu Changqing and a group of court officials, entered the harem to accept the worship of the empress and concubines.

After ascending the throne, Si Yinqi did not indulge in the joy of power, but quickly devoted himself to the governance of the country and the stability of the government.

The handover of imperial power is not just a ceremonial change, but also a cohesion of people's hearts and an integration of strength.

Therefore, Si Yinqi soon began a series of intensive plans and actions.

To appease the various political forces, stabilize Qiandu, win over the generals in the army, and do everything in his power to run the rotten machine of the Daqian Dynasty.

At this time, when Si Yinqi was vigorously reorganizing the court in the imperial city and trying to restore the power of the Daqian Dynasty, Gu Changqing did not slack off at all.

He knew in his heart that even if he had the ability to reach the sky and penetrate the earth, it would be difficult for him to support this precarious country with his own strength alone.

At this time, outside the outskirts of Qiandu, the valley was deep and shrouded in clouds and mist, like a secret place between heaven and earth.

The valley is hidden in the embrace of mountains. It is like spring all year round and shrouded in clouds and mist. It seems like a paradise, isolated from the world.

Far away from the hustle and bustle, this place hides an ancient school with blue bricks and black tiles, which blends in with the surrounding natural environment and appears particularly peaceful.

The name of the school is "Yinlongzhai". Although its reputation is not well-known in the world, it is widely known in certain specific circles.

The lecturer of this class is Xu Zhongyuan, Gu Changqing's former senior fellow student when he was studying military strategy.

Xu Zhongyuan was a man of great talent, but unfortunately he became a victim of the turmoil during the reign of the previous Emperor Daqian. He was placed under house arrest in disguise and was deprived of his freedom.

However, his wisdom and knowledge were not buried. Instead, they attracted many royal children and nobles to come and study with him, including the princess Si Luoying who would shock the world in the name of revenge in the future.

Gu Changqing stepped into the valley. The scenery along the way was picturesque, but it could not hide the anxiety in his heart.

At this time, Daqian was just like the ancient tree in the valley. It looked lush and leafy on the outside, but its roots were actually rotten and it urgently needed a new force to nourish it.

And Xu Zhongyuan is the best candidate to represent that power in his heart.

When we arrived at Yinlongzhai, the sun was setting. The afterglow fell on the quaint eaves, giving them a layer of golden glow.

Gu Changqing knocked on the door lightly, with complicated emotions surging in his heart.

The door creaked open, and an old man with white hair and beard appeared in front of him. It was Xu Zhongyuan.

Time has left its mark on his face, but it has not diminished the sharpness and depth of his eyes. "Changqing, long time no see."

Xu Zhongyuan's voice is deep and powerful, with a hint of vicissitudes, yet still warmth.

"Brother, you're fine."

"I haven't seen you for many years. I am so lucky to see you still look so charming and graceful."

Gu Changqing bowed and a hint of respect flashed in his eyes.

"Haha, there's no need to be so polite between you and me."

"Come, sit down and let's talk slowly."

Xu Zhongyuan smiled heartily and led Gu Changqing into the courtyard.

In the center of the courtyard, there is a stone table and two cups of tea, which is simple but unique in flavor.

The two of them sat opposite each other, the aroma of tea wafting in the air, as if it could wash away all the dust.

"Changqing, what are you doing here?"

Xu Zhongyuan took a sip of tea and looked at Gu Changqing with deep eyes.

"Brother, to be honest, I came here for the future of Daqian."

"Although the new emperor has great ambitions upon ascending the throne, the road ahead is full of difficulties and he cannot support the country alone."

"After much thought, I feel that only my senior brother can help him and work together for the great cause."

Gu Changqing pondered for a moment and went straight to the point.

"Chang Qing, you know that I am here because of the will of the late emperor. Although this is not a prison, it is difficult to escape from the bondage."

“Once you step out of this valley, you will completely break away from the past and be caught up in the endless storm.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhongyuan frowned slightly, as if he was weighing the pros and cons.

"Brother, I naturally know that. But times have changed, and today's Daqian is no longer the same as it was in the past."

"The new emperor, Si Yinqi, has the people in his heart and is determined to revive the country. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"Brother's talent should not be buried here. We should act accordingly and face the national crisis together."

Gu Changqing spoke sincerely, his eyes full of expectation.

Gu Changqing looked at Xu Zhongyuan's slightly hesitant expression and understood what was going on.

These years, my brother has been living in seclusion here to practice Buddhism, and teaching a few students in his spare time. His life is quite peaceful and calm.

The mysterious things happening in the court are indeed tiresome.

However, every citizen has a share of responsibility for the rise and fall of a country, let alone those who once held high positions.

"Brother, I understand your hesitation."

"Over the years, you have been cultivating yourself and teaching your children in this Hidden Dragon Studio. It is truly a pure land."

"However, Daqian is our root and soul after all. Now that the new emperor has ascended the throne and is determined to revive the country, this is the best time for you to come out and help."

Gu Changqing spoke slowly in a gentle voice.

"Chang Qing, do you know why I was imprisoned here back then?"

"It's not just because of the turmoil, but more because I am tired of the court and powerless against all the intrigues and deceptions."

Hearing this, Xu Zhongyuan sighed softly and looked into the distance, as if recalling the past.

(End of this chapter)