"Responsible for taking care of Deposed Emperor Zhao Ji's living arrangements, do not leave the Imperial Manor without cause, set off immediately, no delays allowed..."

At the same time Xie Wenguang received the written order.

Several officials in residences or government offices in the Capital also received the same appointment as Zhang Bangchang.

If we were to look a bit further...

In Suzhou, quite some distance from Bianjing.

At this time, a father and son named Zhu Chong and Zhu Mi were also arrested late at night for causing trouble in their hometown....

......

An hour later.

In another heavily guarded manor outside Bianjing City.

Xiaozhao sat solemnly in a secret room, lips moving slightly, much like a student cramming before an exam in later generations.

After a while.

A sudden knock on the door was heard from outside, it was Xiaozhao's personal attendant, the one involved in the Prince Cai's Mansion prison case, Deng Duo:

"Your Highness, Mr. Su and Mr. Wang seek an audience."

Xiaozhao promptly stopped reciting and said in a low voice:

"Let them in."

"Yes."

A moment later.

The door was pushed open, and Xu Yun followed Old Su into the room.

At this time, Xiaozhao had not officially ascended the throne, so Old Su and Xu Yun merely bowed slightly:

"Your Highness, there's less than an hour until the auspicious time. Please be prepared."

Xiaozhao nodded lightly and looked at Xu Yun, saying:

"Mr. Wang, how goes the airplane's calibration?"

Xu Yun saw the tension in this Quasi-Emperor, after all, it was his first time ascending to such heights, and replied:

"Rest assured, Your Highness, today's weather is clear with no clouds, nothing will go wrong!"

In truth.

According to normal royal ascension procedures, the Emperor doesn't need to go so far outside the palace.

They only need to worship at the Grand Ancestral Temple and Earth and Grain altar, then enter the palace through the East Splendor Gate.

With the first drumbeat, they receive the officials' homage along the east-west street, proceeding to the Grand Hall.

The saying 'Meeting the populace as you ascend the throne' is merely a formality.

During the entire coronation ceremony.

Ordinary people hardly see the Emperor, they can only hear the sounds of various musical instruments, gongs, and firecrackers.

However, this time Xiaozhao plans to make major news:

He intends to fly an airplane around Bianjing City, being seen by the people.

Meanwhile, using an amplifier to read the decree and ascend the throne in a manner as if descended from the skies.

It's safe to say.

Including the first Emperor, Ying Zheng, and all prior kings before him.

This manner of Xiaozhao's ascension can be considered the first of its kind in history!

This is destined to be recorded in history books and will surely leave endless questions for future generations.

Meanwhile, according to Xu Yun's setup, two made-built aircrafts will be launched.

But with a time difference:

First to take off is the 'Wanhu' piloted by Xu Yun with Xiaozhao aboard.

Their goal is to circle the city once, land at the East Splendor Gate, and complete the palace's ascension process.

After 'Wanhu' lands.

The 'Never Air Force' with Old Su and Wang Bing on board will then take off.

Old Su and the others will continue circling the city, allowing those who missed the first performance another chance to witness the 'miracle,' deepening the impression.

To sum up.

With everything at this step, all that's left is to wait.

"Xiaowang."

After leaving the room, Old Su gave Xu Yun a curious look, asking:

"Today's ascension is a joyous occasion, why do I feel you seem a bit melancholy?"

Xu Yun forced a smile upon hearing this, but said nothing.

Just as no one in this era knew history as well as he did.

No one now could truly understand his feelings.

Maybe an hour.

Maybe two hours.

In any case, today he would bid farewell forever to everyone in this era.

Indeed.

Goodbye forever.

Because unlike the 1665 dungeon.

The 1665 dungeon had explicitly told him:

His initial endeavor was merely a novice task, with a chance to reunite with Little Niu afterward.

But the Northern Song dungeon is a formal task.

This means that after he returns, there will be no further interactions.

Everything will be permanently sealed behind that door.

......

Another hour passed.

The Ministry of Rites sent word that the auspicious time had arrived.

Already prepared, Xiaozhao, wearing a Crimson Gauze Robe, knee cover, Square Heart Collar, and Heaven-Reaching Crown, boarded the plane behind Xu Yun.

Xu Yun adjusted the instrument panel one last time and said to Xiaozhao:

"Your Highness, are you ready?"

Xiaozhao, with the written decree in one hand and the metal amplifier microphone in the other, nodded:

"Ready."

"Did you forget the aviator's term?"

Upon hearing this, Xiaozhao was startled, and then recalled the word Xu Yun had mentioned during practice.

According to Xu Yun, this word indicates readiness.

So he flashed a broad smile and said:

"Ou... Ohji Bake."

Hearing the last words he'd spoken in this era, Xu Yun took a deep breath and stepped on the pedal.

Yes, the pedal.

After all, to ignite the aircraft, one can't possibly resort to hand-cranking the propeller like the Wright Brothers?

That would be far too inelegant.

After a few minutes.

With the engine warmed up, the 'Wanhu' began to move.

It slowly taxied across the lawn, rolling further and faster.

When speed and lift reached a critical point.

Wanhu...

Took to the sky.

Summer days brighten earlier, and just after six, the sunlight dispelled all the darkness.

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