Wan laid down the framework, and the ministers who revised the bill summarized its contents as follows.
- The Emperor, unless struck by illness, must serve diligently and faithfully for twenty years, fulfilling duties for the empire and its people.
- If, within the last three years of the reign, a matter arises that could affect the long-term safety of the empire, the reign shall be automatically extended by five years.
- Such matters shall not be decided solely by the Emperor’s judgment but must have the agreement of a majority of the court ministers.
Or, if a majority of ministers request, the extension of the reign will be decided.
- The extension of the reign cannot exceed five years.
The only exception is if the Crown Prince dies before the Emperor.
Even in that case, no further extension beyond five years is allowed.
- If the administrator in charge of Shinji encounters a problem, one of his full or half-brothers will be appointed as a substitute.
“Should only I serve for twenty years, or better yet twenty-five, and that’s all? That’s just so unfair!”
Though the bill was clearly filled with Wan’s self-interest, no minister stood against it.