As per Liang Xiao's instructions, if the surface of the gold-threaded jade robe was damaged, it was not to be washed, lest the damage worsen.
Outside the Tongxuan Hall, the crowd gazed at the gold-threaded jade robe, pride swelling in their hearts.
The gold-threaded jade robe before them was crafted from jade stones strung together with golden threads. Were it not for the dust on its surface, it would undoubtedly have been magnificent.
The golden threads were, in fact, rare silkworm threads.
And on the surface of the gold-threaded jade robe was a white outer layer, a material Liang Xiao was intimately familiar with.
White Dragon Gold!
The gold-threaded jade robe here differed from those unearthed in his homeland, appearing more resistant to damage.
The corrosion resistance and rustproof properties of White Dragon Gold were sufficient to keep the gold-threaded jade robe intact.
"Your Majesty, the shadow guards dared not move the gold-threaded jade robe carelessly, hence it has been delivered in this condition. Cotton was placed in the chest containing the robe to cushion it against shock."
"Your Majesty, one can imagine how opulent this gold-threaded jade robe must have been in its time, otherwise, it could not have been the imperial treasure of the Great Zhou Dynasty!" exclaimed He Jingyun, the Minister of Rites, brimming with emotion.
While not as significant as the Nine Cauldrons or the Imperial Seal, the gold-threaded jade robe could still serve as a symbol of the Great Zhou Dynasty's legitimacy.
The civil and military officials present were overjoyed and congratulated Xiao Qing one after another.
Xiao Qing, momentarily excited, reached out to touch the gold-threaded jade robe, only to be pulled back by Ning Xuejun and Liang Xiao simultaneously.
Xiao Qing then recalled Liang Xiao's reminder that ancient artifacts could be exceptionally dirty or coated with potent poisons.
Liang Xiao remarked, "It can be washed; the material is stable. Even if those silkworm threads break, they can be re-stitched with golden thread."
"Immediately instruct the Ministry of Rites to carefully inspect and clean it, exercising caution," Xiao Qing ordered, finally at ease.
A moment later, the meticulously cleaned gold-threaded jade robe was presented to the assembled crowd, exuding an air of opulence.
"Announce it to the world!"
News of the gold-threaded jade robe spread, filling the capital's populace with both astonishment and delight.
"Marquis Anguo is the reincarnation of the Great Zhou's Martial Saint, and the gold-threaded jade robe is the imperial treasure of the Great Zhou Dynasty. It seems that our Great Qian truly holds the mandate of heaven to be the legitimate successor!"
"Have you heard the inscriptions about the Great Zhou Martial Saint and the Great Zhou Emperor? Perhaps Marquis Anguo and His Majesty are the reincarnations of that pair of brothers!"
Xiao Qing, who was at the West Palace Villa preparing the grand unification ceremony with Liang Xiao, heard the people's discussions and couldn't help but smile radiantly, throwing herself into Liang Xiao's arms in a display of affection.
"Brother Xiao, I heard I was your imperial elder brother in a past life~"
But soon, Xiao Qing's expression turned wistful. "Perhaps the imperial elder brother was the one..."
Liang Xiao paused, then comforted her, "Our father, mother, imperial elder brother, as well as all previous emperors and sages, their spirits in heaven must be gratified by the prosperity of this era."
Luo Qingxue and the others present also offered words of solace.
"Shuang'er has lived more vibrantly than even your imperial elder brother could have."
Xiao Qing replied softly, "In truth, it is all because of Brother Xiao's presence!"
"Silly girl, you cannot always attribute the credit to me," Liang Xiao gently stroked Xiao Qing's cascading black hair, his gaze filled with adoration. "Without you, the twists and turns of this prosperous era are unimaginable. Perhaps I would have perished prematurely under the machinations of the noble families."
Ning Xuejun and Ding Wu Yi watched the affectionate couple, their hearts also stirred with emotion.
The final moment was approaching.
This once unfortunate maiden could finally live as herself, no longer needing to conceal her true identity!
Yet, this did not mean the title of Imperial Elder Brother was meaningless.
Qin Feng's Marquis of Zhenguo Estate was specially arranged by Xiao Qing to be opposite, with Xiao Qing's reasoning being, "This will facilitate your souls' communication, and you won't have to worry about us being jealous." For this, Liang Xiao had often 'retaliated' in bed.
His wives discovered that only by teasing Liang Xiao with such topics could they make him "furious," so they occasionally couldn't resist making lighthearted jests.
Even the gentlest and most well-behaved Yue Lian would sometimes 'lend her support' to her sisters.
However, Qin Feng only visited Liang Xiao once before becoming preoccupied with hosting visitors from all over the capital.
Besides the civil and military officials, there were also many Great Qian citizens who had long admired him, primarily talented scholars and ladies.
Upon seeing Qin Feng's head of white hair, people couldn't help but sigh.
"Oh, Husband's hair?"
One afternoon, Qin Feng's wives finally noticed that the roots of Qin Feng's hair had begun to turn black.
Black hair!
Qin Feng gazed at his reflection in the mirror and sighed, "It is the will of heaven..."
"Now that we have become a part of the Qian tribe, Qin Lang has also become much more relaxed. In the future, Qin Lang must thank His Majesty and Marquis Anguo more," Zhi Rou said with tender eyes, embracing Qin Feng involuntarily.
Qin Feng nodded and was about to offer a few words when a report came from a personal guard.
"My Lord, colleagues are here to see you: General Nan, General Lü, Minister Zhang, Minister Gu..."
Qin Feng quickly rose to greet them.
Due to the intense preparations for the grand unification ceremony, Zhang Yang, Gu Shaoyan, Hong Jie, and Lin Xiu were able to visit together today.
They raised their cups in camaraderie, lamenting the vast changes in the world.
In the past, they had all taken pride in receiving Qin Feng's praise, and now, they had finally become ministers capable of standing on their own!
All of them were over thirty years old, no longer young, yet their spirits were high.
At this age, in the previous officialdom, reaching the rank of fourth grade or higher was considered a miracle!
And in today's Great Qian, this was already commonplace among civil and military officials.
Generals like Nan Jiyun, Lü Changhe, and Zhuo Ying also conversed happily with the others, a scene of harmony.
The emphasis on civil affairs and suppression of military might no longer existed.
The divide between civil and military officials had finally been bridged.
As for mutual supervision, encouragement, and even checks and balances within the bureaucracy, these remained necessary.
Xiao Qing had managed this exceptionally well.
Military generals had the authority to lead troops into battle but could not instigate rebellion.
Civil officials could govern and secure the nation, but it was nearly impossible for them to engage in corruption.
The expenditures of the national treasury, except for certain crucial military matters personally reviewed by Xiao Qing, were publicly disclosed on the first day of each month.
"I have realized that the people should also be allowed to supervise the nation. Even the smallest expenditure must be transparent to them."
"It is the fortune of my life to be able to serve alongside all of you!" Qin Feng raised his wine cup, filled with emotion.
The "One Drunk Hundred Years" wine in the cups had gradually been reduced in price to fifty taels in recent years and could not be lowered further.
This type of wine was potent and drinking too much could lead to trouble.
Qin Feng's declaration evoked mixed emotions among the others as they clinked glasses and savored the fine wine.
The next day, the capital was a scene of jubilation, with singing and dancing everywhere.
The citizens who could bang gongs and drums did so, and for those without, they beat on household wooden basins and buckets to join in the festive spirit.
"Universal celebration!!"
On this day, the area outside the Tongxuan Hall of the Imperial Palace was thronged with people, the fifteen-li long street filled with the smiles of the populace.
A high platform had been erected at the entrance of the Tongxuan Hall.
Xiao Qing and Liang Xiao stood side by side at the center of the platform, with civil and military officials and thousands of shadow guards stationed below. The Imperial Guards, led by Liang Feng and his men, maintained order around the area.
However, the Imperial Guards found their task remarkably easy now, as the people increasingly respected the soldiers and proactively cooperated with any requests from the military, fearing they might cause trouble.
Behind the crowd, there were countless talented scholars and ladies.
Xiao Qing gazed at the throngs, her trembling hand clasped tightly with Liang Xiao's, a surge of pride filling her heart.
At this moment, it symbolized the unprecedented prosperity of the Great Qian!