Jimmu, the first emperor of Sendon, proudly proclaimed his divine lineage, attributing his exceptional intelligence and abilities to his heavenly blood. He believed this divine heritage had enabled him to unify the land. Before departing the mortal realm to join the Celestial Emperor, Jimmu sought to ensure that future emperors would never forget to honor the celestial forces that had elevated them to power.
Legend has it that the initial design for the majestic Yuan Tower was revealed to Jimmu in a prophetic dream. Once the vision had taken hold, he became resolute in bringing the tower to life, driven by an unyielding passion to make the divine inspiration a reality. The tower's grand design comprised nine glorious levels, crowned with a magnificent golden bell that would herald the coronation of all future emperors, echoing across the land as a celestial announcement of their divine right to rule. According to the heavenly ordinances revealed to Jimmu, five key requirements had to be fulfilled in the construction of the Yuan Tower.
Firstly, the tower had to be adorned with gold trim, and its crowning bell had to be crafted from gold, symbolizing the divine connection and the emperor's reverence for the heavens. Secondly, Jimmu decreed that nameplates honoring past emperors and other members of the imperial royal family, could only be placed on the first level of the tower. This deliberate design choice humbly acknowledged that, despite his divine right to rule, the emperor remained a mortal servant of his people, never elevated above the heavens. Thirdly, the 8th floor was reserved in honor of the Celestial Five Beasts, the revered protectors of the land of Sendon. This sacred space would serve as a testament to the emperor's gratitude for their divine protection. Fourthly, a sacred spring was to be built on the tower's grounds, providing a source of purification and spiritual renewal for the emperors and their people. Fifthly, the tower's architecture was designed to align with the celestial movements, ensuring harmony between the heavenly and earthly realms. This cosmic balance would amplify the emperor's connection to the divine, guiding him in his wise and just rule.
The construction of the Yuan Tower proved to be a formidable undertaking, spanning five arduous years. Despite the meticulous planning, unforeseen complications arose, testing the ingenuity and resolve of the builders. One of the primary challenges was the instability caused by the creation of the sacred spring, which compromised the tower's foundation. The immense weight of the structure threatened to destabilize the ground, requiring innovative solutions to ensure its stability.
Another significant hurdle was the intense winds that buffeted the upper levels of the tower, threatening to cause it to bow or sway. Emperor Jimmu deemed this unacceptable, perceiving it as an affront to the heavens themselves. The builders were tasked with finding a way to mitigate the wind's force, ultimately devising a clever system of wind deflectors and structural reinforcements to ensure the tower's rigidity and stability.
The challenges facing the Yuan Tower's construction seemed endless. In addition to the winds, thunderstorms posed a significant threat, and Emperor Jimmu interpreted these tempests as a sign of heavenly displeasure with the project's delays. Fortunately, the architect's son, devised an ingenious solution. He designed a 'tenth level' – a decorative, yet functional, addition to the tower – featuring a metal rod that would attract and divert lightning away from the main structure.
This innovative design came at a steep price, however. The materials required to meet the necessary specifications were extremely costly, particularly the vast quantities of gold that had to be mined and melted down. The expense was astronomical, but the emperor was willing to spare no cost to ensure the tower's completion and appease the heavens.
Emperor Jimmu was so impressed with the son's ingenuity that he elevated the architect's family status, granting them the same protection rights and privileges as a family of courtesans of favor. This sudden rise in status sparked whispered rumors throughout the imperial court, wondering just how close he found himself with this boy. For more on this intriguing development,( see the Favored Prodigy Myth), which delves into the intricacies of their complex relationship.
The Yuan Tower stands as a testament to the emperor's divine mandate, its golden bell tolling in harmony with the heavens. The bell's melodic voice reassured the people of Sendon that their leader was guided and watched over by a higher power, filling their hearts with peace and hope for prosperity. The number of tolls held great significance: nine solemn rings announced the coronation of a new emperor, signaling the heavens' approval of their ruler; three joyful peals celebrated the birth of a royal family member, welcoming the new life into the imperial fold; and four mournful tolls solemnly marked the passing of a royal family member, honoring their memory and acknowledging the heavens' will. Seven sacred tolls heralded important religious celebrations, invoking the divine presence and blessing upon the imperial family and the people of Sendon.
However, should the bell fall silent for too long, whispers of doubt would spread, questioning the emperor's legitimacy and worthiness of heaven's favor. Conversely, if the tower itself were to suffer damage, the people would be gripped by fear, worried that they had inadvertently angered the heavens, and would seek to make amends through fervent rituals and devotion.
Yuan Tower
Caretakers:
Chief Abbot of The Imperial Court
Bellmaidens
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