Xiongjing – The Fengyang Emperor, the first Emperor of the New Bai Dynasty, died peacefully in the Imperial Palace of Xiongjing yesterday night. He was 81. 

Announced this morning by his daughter Yu Shenghui in her first televised address as the new Empress, the news shocked the country as flags across the capital and the Empire lowered to half-mast. A month-long mourning period has been declared and all local programming has switched to broadcast scenes of the late Emperor.

“It is with great sadness to report the death of my beloved Father, His Imperial Majesty Emperor Fengyang, who had passed away from a great mental and physical strain. We mourn profoundly the passing of a cherished Sovereign and a much-loved statesman. I know his loss will be deeply felt throughout the country, and by countless people around the world,” the Empress said, wearing a black gown. The 52-year-old Empress was seen breaking into tears after delivering the statement with a stoic expression on her face. 

The Fengyang Emperor came to the throne in 1962 during the imperial restoration, although he only assumed full executive powers in 1989 following the death of his father Regent Yu, who had ruled on his behalf as its de facto leader. 

Upon her father’s death, the crown princess automatically becomes the new monarch of the Bai Empire. She is the first Empress in modern Bai history and the second monarch of the New Bai Dynasty. The new Empress is expected to visit all the provinces of the Empire in the coming days.

It has also been confirmed in a separate Palace statement that the new monarch will be known as the Hexi Empress (和禧女皇), meaning “peaceful happiness”. The new Hexi Era will begin next year on 1 January 2023 when she ascends the throne in a planned coronation ceremony. It is believed this name had already been chosen in preparation for her accession but remained a closely guarded secret.

The widely-beloved Emperor had been reported to be suffering from various ailments since the end of the last year, especially after a stroke he suffered while on a trip to the Demirhan Empire. This prompted the Emperor to officially designate a successor. His daughter, who had been seen accompanying her father in various functions, was widely expected by commentators to take the throne. 

Despite his condition, he continued performing his official duties. During the Empire’s Diamond Jubilee of its restoration, he made various stops across the country to oversee preparations and inaugurate the ceremonies. Many citizens then widely believed he was pulling through and recovering well. He had also just celebrated the diamond jubilee of his reign. Having reigned for 60 years, he was one of the longest-serving monarchs in Bai history. 

“The death of His Majesty the Emperor is a great shock to our nation, our people and the whole world,” Bai Chancellor Huang Cailin said. “The Emperor was an outstanding, selfless leader, steadfastly serving as a symbol of our country. Devoted to defending the stability and prosperity of the Empire and the region, he has brought our Empire into the modern age, advancing our society for the welfare of the people.”

Details of the funeral have yet to be confirmed. The Chancellor is expected to oversee the implementation of pre-made plans prepared in the event of the monarch’s death, coordinated by the royal funeral committee. This will be a major test for Huang’s recently-elected government, which has been expected to facilitate a smooth transfer of power to the new monarch. 

During the mourning period, Bai citizens had been advised to refrain from participating in “joyful events” and entertainment. Many entertainment outlets such as cinemas, nightclubs and theatres announced that they would shut down or operate under reduced hours during this period out of respect for the monarch.