The ritual of questioning the heavens took place at the altar next to the Dali Temple.
Due to the serious illness of Emperor Qi, the entire ceremony was conducted by the Minister of Rites and the Crown Prince.
Of course, the Minister of Rites was a loyal follower of Xiao Shuang, and naturally, she had her influence over the proceedings.
For example, she chose the location.
Xiao Jin arrived at a time that couldn’t be considered early, but it wasn’t late either.
However, when the Minister of Rites turned his head and saw Chu Shao standing beside Xiao Jin, his hand stroking his beard froze for a moment, clearly showing great surprise.
In this kind of occasion, why would Prince Yan bring the Princess?
Could it be that the rules had changed now, allowing family members to participate in the ritual?
The Minister of Rites felt somewhat annoyed at the thought that this possibility might exist. If he had known, he should have brought his wife and the young ladies from his family to witness the ceremony together.
Xiao Shuang, on the high platform, observed this scene with her indifferent gaze. Her eyebrows slightly furrowed.
Today, she wore formal attire, with her vermilion robe adorned with snow pearls.
Silver tassels hung from the neckline, cascading down to the hem, accentuating the exquisite embroidery of crane wings on the edge of her outer robe, making it even more magnificent.
If it were in the past, Princess Zhao Yang would certainly reprimand Prince Yan for such peculiar behavior in such a formal occasion.
But after what happened yesterday, Xiao Shuang only glanced at Xiao Jin and Chu Shao a few times without saying anything further.
The only one who could genuinely smile upon seeing Xiao Jin was the Fifth Prince.
He had thought that the idea of the questioning ritual was suggested by the Crown Prince, so inviting himself, a person with a disabled hand, to witness it was just going through the motions.
However, at this moment, when he saw Xiao Jin sitting in a wheelchair, although the Fifth Prince didn’t show surprise on his face, he understood that things were not simple.
If it was just to witness the ceremony, the Crown Prince shouldn’t have invited Xiao Jin. After all, Xiao Jin had Xiao Shuang standing behind her, and if something went wrong, it would be a loss outweighing the gain.
But now that Xiao Jin had come, it became intriguing to think whose idea the questioning ritual really was.
Seeing so many princes present, the courtiers observing the ceremony below the altar couldn’t help but gather together and engage in whispered conversations.
“Gentlemen, aside from the Fifth Prince’s disabled left hand, let’s talk about Prince Yan. The wheelchair is right there. If Prince Yan also intends to participate in the heavenly selection later, isn’t it somewhat contrary to ancestral traditions?”
“Ah, don’t mention that you find it strange, even I can’t understand this matter. If the future emperor of Qi Country has physical defects, those bordering small countries will surely mock us.”
When Xu Fanghai served as the governor in Qingzhou, he had received favors from Xiao Jin.
Now, hearing these discussions, he couldn’t help but snort and say, “Gentlemen, the heavenly selection ceremony has always been presided over by the most respected abbot of the Dali Temple. At that time, the great master will ask for divine guidance. Now, why bother with so much concern and rush to think on behalf of Her Highnesses here?”
Hearing Xu Fanghai’s words, an official who supported the Crown Prince brushed his sleeve and smiled meaningfully at him, “Minister Xu’s words are correct. Heaven has eyes, naturally, it will not choose someone who is against ancestral traditions.”
But Xu Fanghai wasn’t angered. He followed suit and smiled, “Minister Lu’s words make sense. Heaven has always comprehended worldly affairs. The one chosen must naturally be a wise ruler, not someone who ruthlessly exterminates opponents.”
Lu Yan was momentarily stunned, unable to respond immediately. When he saw the strange expressions of the courtiers around him, he quickly understood the hidden meaning in their words. He couldn’t help but become furious, pointing at Xu Fanghai and cursing, “Xu Fanghai, how dare you…”
Xu Fanghai remained calm and smiled, “Oh? I wonder what advice Minister Lu has for me?”
Lu Yan looked at Xu Fanghai, then at Xiao Jin and the Crown Prince on the altar. His anger suddenly dissipated. He put his hands behind his back and snorted, “It’s nothing. Minister Xu, continue enjoying the ceremony.”
The high-ranking officials standing in the front were all officials of the third rank or above, each of them seasoned individuals who had experienced the ups and downs of the court.
They naturally understood why Lu Yan suddenly backed down. After all, Xu Fanghai had just cited an example and didn’t explicitly point it out.
If Lu Yan had erupted on the spot, it would have been disrespectful to the Crown Prince and would have confirmed him as the person who harmed his own siblings.
At this moment, a eunuch approached the high platform, holding a sharp voice, and shouted, “The imperial edict has arrived!”
Upon hearing the eunuch’s announcement, everyone immediately kneeled in unison.
Looking across the altar, the only ones standing against the wind were Xiao Shuang, Xiao Jin sitting in the wheelchair, and Chu Shao, who was currently supporting Xiao Jin’s wheelchair.
The first two had their reasons not to kneel due to their identities and Xiao Jin’s leg injury.
But the fact that Chu Shao, who heard the edict, didn’t kneel, made the courtiers somewhat dissatisfied.
The Grand Eunuch, seeing that Chu Shao dared not to kneel, couldn’t help but question, “The imperial decree has arrived, why doesn’t the Princess kneel? Is it because the people of Yao Country are bold and do not follow such customs?”
Chu Shao held onto the wheelchair’s armrest without saying a word, just smiling.
Xiao Jin frowned, glanced at the Grand Eunuch, and said, “This place is extremely windy. The Princess is worried about my safety, so she is supporting my wheelchair. I wonder if you old stubborn officials have anything to say?”
Her voice wasn’t loud, but it echoed for a long time in the ears of the courtiers from above the altar, to the point where no one dared to speak.
However, some old foxes had already noticed the inappropriate part of Xiao Jin’s words.
For example, Shen Shuang’s father, Minister Shen, raised his head and looked towards the altar. He saw the gentle breeze, Chu Shao’s white sleeves fluttering like falling snow, and the wind blowing.
So… this gust of wind could also be called a “strong wind”?
It seems that Prince Yan is accustomed to speaking with her eyes closed.
However, Xiao Jin, as a prince of a country with Xiao Shuang supporting her from behind, did indeed have the capital to speak nonsense with her eyes open.
The Grand Eunuch knelt on the ground and dared not say anything else. He had to keep his mouth shut and pretend that his previous words did not come from him, and he began to silently listen to the edict.
Speaking of the eunuch’s recitation of the edict, not many people believed that it was personally written by the Emperor.
After all, the courtiers who participated in the hunt knew that the Emperor had been unconscious for many days due to his prolonged illness and had not yet regained consciousness.
Therefore, in the situation where there was already a Crown Prince in Qi Country, the phrase “with the heirs withered, ask Heaven to choose the wise” in the imperial edict seemed particularly intriguing.
With this phrase, it meant that Xiao Jin, who had a disability, and Xiao Cheng could also participate in the ceremony of asking Heaven.
But in Qi Country, there had never been such a precedent.
The ministers knelt on the ground, exchanging glances in secret. And at the high altar, Xiao Shuang, dressed in elegant clothes, had a sharp gaze, as if it were drawn with a pen.
The courtiers could only look up at Xiao Shuang, watching her robes sway as she stepped on the stone tiles.
Then she passed the position where the Crown Prince stood and took the edict from the eunuch’s hand, calmly declaring, “The Emperor’s health is ailing, and as a minister of this palace, I shall do my utmost to share the burden and ensure the foundation of Qi Country.”
In an instant, no matter which faction the courtiers belonged to, they were all in an uproar.
Xiao Shuang had already crossed the line, but the Crown Prince didn’t seem surprised at all. He even smiled faintly and said, “With Aunt Zhao Yang overseeing the situation, I believe Father will be more at ease during his illness.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the area around the altar fell silent, with only the sound of the wind remaining.
After all, even the Crown Prince had no objections, so as courtiers, they couldn’t say a word either.
Xiao Shuang held the edict, glanced at the ministers below, and then nodded slightly to the monk behind her, indicating that he could come out.
Master Shi Ming understood the signal, sighed, and stepped forward from behind.
Xiao Jin, sitting in the wheelchair, saw the other person holding the sandalwood prayer beads and wearing golden-red robes. It seemed that he was a highly respected monk from the Dali Temple.
Although she wasn’t very clear about the identity of the monk, she understood that the fact that he could appear in such an occasion today meant that his status was extraordinary, probably the same as the original story’s Master Shi Ming.
Xiao Jin was thinking this way, and Tang Ling, who was standing beside her, seemed to have guessed her thoughts. He bent down and smiled as he explained, “Your Highness, the high monk on the altar is Master Shi Ming from the Dali Temple.”
Although Tang Ling’s words confirmed her speculation, Xiao Jin was not sure if the original owner knew about Master Shi Ming, so she only frowned slightly, her attitude somewhat vague.
On the other side, Chu Shao held the wheelchair handle and noticed the close proximity between Tang Ling and Xiao Jin. She also furrowed her brows.
Both of them frowned, but Xiao Jin was the first to notice the change in Chu Shao’s expression.
Actually, Xiao Jin didn’t know why Chu Shao was dissatisfied, but seeing her frown, she couldn’t help but ponder.
Based on the few things she knew about Chu Shao, she could vaguely guess a few reasons.
In any case, since Shao’er didn’t even care about restoring the country, the only possible point she might mind is either Tang Ling or herself.
Xiao Jin believed that her thinking should not be wrong, so she subtly shifted her body, distancing herself from Tang Ling, and nodded, saying, “I understand.”
Tang Ling looked at Xiao Jin, then at Chu Shao, who was standing to the side with a smiling face. His amber eyes narrowed slightly as if she understood something.
After a moment, the smile in his eyes disappeared, but it transferred to his voice as she apologized with a touch of playfulness, “I apologize for the rudeness.”
Xiao Jin looked at the smile on Tang Ling’s face and wasn’t quite sure what she was laughing about.
But it didn’t matter to her, she didn’t care. She simply responded indifferently, “It’s fine.”
Meanwhile, on the eastern side of the altar, Master Shi Ming had already arranged the tools needed for the ritual, and the head of the Changsheng Sect walked forward with a whisk in hand, beginning to set up the formation on the circular platform.
Xiao Jin sat in the wheelchair and watched silently, recalling from the original setting that Taoists and monks seemed to be at odds with each other. The current situation seemed to be overly harmonious.
Thinking this way in her mind, she couldn’t help but blurt out, “When did they reconcile?”
Tang Ling followed Xiao Jin’s gaze and looked at the monk and Taoist standing on the altar. He smiled knowingly and asked, “Is Your Highness referring to Master Yuyang and Master Shi Ming?”
Xiao Jin nodded.
“Master Yuyang, as the head of the Changsheng Sect, did indeed have some conflicts and grievances with Master Shi Ming in the past. However, as the ceremony of asking Heaven concerns the selection of the Crown Prince of Qi Country, even if he is unwilling, with the letter from Princess Zhao Yang inviting him, he wouldn’t dare to complain.”
Tang Ling’s words sounded noble and righteous, all in consideration of the Crown Prince.
But if one were to examine the deeper meaning, it was simply that Xiao Shuang forcefully gathered two sworn enemies together and forbade them from causing trouble.
Realizing this, Xiao Jin looked at the two dignified masters on the altar and felt that this ceremony was filled with a sense of forced business.
Master Yuyang held a whisk in his hand and although he was far from Master Shi Ming, there was still a gentle smile on his face. Unfortunately, the other disciples of the Changsheng Sect had stern expressions, not giving the other monks any good face.
Master Shi Ming half-closed his eyes, displaying an aura of purity as if he was oblivious to everything around him.
Once everything was prepared, he opened his eyes and asked, “Since the formation has been set up, can we begin now?”
Master Yuyang smiled pretentiously, “With Master Shi Ming presiding, I have no worries. We can start immediately.”
Master Shi Ming ignored the underlying meaning in Master Yuyang’s words and walked straight toward the center of the altar.
Looking around, there were dozens of pennants inserted in the center of the altar. Many yellow paper talismans were pasted around the flagpoles, with incantations written in cinnabar on the paper.
This scene didn’t quite resemble an inquiry to Heaven but rather some kind of eerie sacrificial ritual.
Just as this thought arose in Xiao Jin’s mind, she focused her gaze and noticed a circular platform made of black stone among the densely packed pennants.
A gentle breeze brushed their faces as Master Shi Ming walked slowly toward the platform, his gaze fixed on the box lying on top of it.
The box was wrapped in a white silk that emitted a radiant glow. It seemed to be a significant artifact of considerable origin, so his actions in unwrapping the white silk were cautious, as if he feared damaging the treasure.
Seeing Master Shi Ming’s solemnity, the courtiers couldn’t help but hold their breaths, their gazes fixed on the small black box.
The only person who was absent-minded was Xiao Jin herself.
Because she was listening to the system’s explanations in her mind, trying to understand what was inside the box.
This time, the system, which often disappeared, finally proved reliable and played its not-so-prominent role.
Starting with the creation of the artifact by the ancestors of the Changsheng Sect and the master of the Dali Temple a hundred years ago, it explained everything it could.
After carefully listening, Xiao Jin’s evaluation of it was simple.
“So, what’s the main point?”
“Host, the main point is that the two of them created an artifact called the ‘Wentianyi. Man of Destiny.’ It is an extraordinary item that can surpass the database and determine if there is someone in this world who can defy fate.”
Xiao Jin summarized, “So it can detect who the protagonist is, right?”
“… Host, it’s not necessarily about detecting the protagonist, but rather identifying key individuals who can influence the course of this world.”
Xiao Jin chuckled, “Playing word games now, huh? If they can influence the world’s course, then they are the protagonists, aren’t they?”
“Host, not necessarily.” The system suddenly started being evasive.
However, Xiao Jin didn’t care about the system’s cryptic remarks. She wasn’t interested in what the system was trying to sell; she only knew that there were only two main characters in this book, and neither of them was her.
Good, then today’s activities had nothing to do with her.
Unless…
Xiao Jin looked at Xiao Shuang standing nearby.
Unless Auntie had arranged something today as well. She was curious about whether Auntie’s power was so great that she could make use of the Wentianyi.
After Master Shi Ming unwrapped the white silk, he placed his hands together in a gesture of prayer and quietly recited a Buddhist mantra.
Once finished, he reached into the box and carefully lifted out a compass-like object, gently handing it over to Master Yuyang.
Master Yuyang received the object from the box and turned around to consult Xiao Shuang, “Princess Zhao Yang, I am about to break the seal of the Wentianyi.”
Xiao Shuang glanced at him and nodded, “Please proceed, Master Yuyang.”
Master Yuyang looked deeply at Xiao Shuang and whispered a few words to her. After receiving her reply, he instructed the disciples by his side, “Assist me in breaking the seal.”
The disciples of the Changsheng Sect raised their swords and obediently responded, “Yes, Sect Master!”
….
A majestic sword energy surged like a mountain, pressing down toward the center of the altar where the Wentianyi was placed.
Dozens of disciples of the Changsheng Sect wielded silver swords, and with each swing, their sword energy poured into the Wentianyi. The inscriptions engraved on it emitted a brilliant light, shimmering with golden patterns.
Master Yuyang stood beside the artifact, holding a few talismans in his hand and a whisk, his expression showing a hint of solemnity.
His speed in drawing the talismans with the whisk was extremely fast. People only saw his sleeves move slightly, and the tip of the whisk condensed a brilliant and dazzling seal in the air.
As Master Yuyang’s drawing speed increased, his hair visibly turned silver, like strands of silver thread, and the hand holding the whisk began to tremble.
Seeing this, the younger disciples couldn’t help but exclaim, “Master, your hair…”
Master Yuyang shouted, “Don’t be distracted, quickly gather the sword energy and break the seal!”
“Yes.” The junior disciples reluctantly suppressed their unease and continued to infuse sword energy into the Wentianyi.
Xiao Jin witnessed this scene and exchanged a glance with Chu Shao.
They both caught a glimpse of each other’s speculations in their eyes.
The system had just informed Xiao Jin that the Wentianyi was originally created by the ancestors of the Dali Temple and the Changsheng Sect. It had the ability to divine one’s fate.
However, later on, the monk from the Dali Temple felt that it was against the will of heaven and sealed the artifact together with the founder of the Changsheng Sect.
Therefore, the subsequent ceremonies involving the Wentianyi were mostly presided over by the master of the Dali Temple, accompanied by another master proficient in divination. They had never brought out a similar instrument for the ceremony like today.
Today’s ceremony clearly had Xiao Shuang’s manipulation behind the scenes, and the price she paid should not be small. The visible cost now was…
“Host, let me kindly explain. Breaking the seal of the Wentianyi will diminish the diviner’s lifespan.”
“I see.” Xiao Jin’s reaction was quite casual.
The system was somewhat surprised. “Host, you’re reading this book so attentively? You even remember such minor details?”
“It’s not that I’m reading attentively, but…” Xiao Jin rubbed her forehead. “I may have a useless leg, but my eyes are still working.”
After hearing Xiao Jin’s complaint, the system finally noticed that Master Yuyang’s hair had turned silver, and even his face instantly aged, with wrinkles and fine lines appearing around his eyes.
The system was astonished.
It had only activated a small Trojan software to invade the database.
How could Master Yuyang age so quickly? It’s been a long time since I paid attention to this world.
The Changsheng Sect has changed so much.
The system wasn’t the only one surprised.
Master Yuyang, who was currently breaking the seal, also regretted it.
He didn’t know what went wrong.
He thought that sacrificing ten years of his lifespan would be enough to break the seal and obtain what Xiao Shuang promised him.
But today, it seemed that the Wentianyi was draining half of his cultivation.
No matter how much internal energy he infused, it had no effect.
Seeing the dull and lifeless Wentianyi, showing no sign of activation, Master Yuyang considered the agreement he made with Xiao Shuang earlier.
In a moment of determination, he bit his fingertip and dropped a drop of fresh blood into the Wentianyi.
Chu Shao glanced at Master Yuyang’s actions and curved her lips slightly. “He is willing to use blood as a sacrifice.”
Upon hearing this sigh-like voice, both Xiao Jin and Tang Ling turned their heads and looked at Chu Shao.
For Xiao Jin, it was a reflexive action, but Tang Ling’s gaze carried profound meaning.
Chu Shao seemed to recall something as she smiled at Xiao Jin and explained in a gentle voice, “When I was young, I read about this method in an ancient book. It is a formidable secret technique in the martial world. However, the practitioner would have to sacrifice several decades of their lifespan.”
Xiao Jin nodded, “I see.”
In fact, based on her experience, she had already guessed the general idea.
But since Chu Shao was patiently explaining it to her, she pretended to be ignorant.
Tang Ling smiled and asked, “Princess, may I know which ancient book you read? I’m also curious about martial arts techniques. Could you share some insights?”
Chu Shao met Tang Ling’s gaze, as if recalling something, and the smile on her lips grew broader. “That ancient book was given to me by the former National Teacher, Nan Jin of Yao Country. So, Commander Tang, are you also interested?”
Xiao Jin couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.
Although her expression didn’t change, she cast a sidelong glance at Tang Ling’s face.
As expected, Tang Ling, who always wore a mask, couldn’t maintain his smile upon hearing Chu Shao mention his former master.
Tang Ling couldn’t fake his smile anymore.
Tang Ling fell silent for a moment, and just as Xiao Jin thought she wouldn’t respond, she forced a smile and slowly uttered, “Since it was bestowed by the National Teacher, it’s not surprising.”
However, his smile was a little chilly, and a hint of coldness emerged.
Although Tang Ling held a high position and was close to Xiao Shuang, Chu Shao didn’t feel the slightest fear.
Ultimately, Tang Ling was just a pawn in the game.
Chu Shao smiled at Tang Ling without any trace of pity.
She looked at Tang Ling, and she didn’t think the chess piece that was controlled by destiny was worthy of sympathy.
Everyone acts with a purpose, but she hadn’t figured out Tang Ling’s true intentions yet.
However, regardless of Tang Ling’s motives, the fact that he approached Xiao Jin was already despicable enough.
Thinking of this, Chu Shao furrowed her brows slightly, feeling somewhat frustrated.
Because although Tang Ling deserved to die, he still lingered on, refusing to die. It seemed she needed to come up with another plan. … “
“Master Yuyang has successfully broken the seal.”
In the end, Xiao Jin couldn’t bear the eerie atmosphere between the two and cleverly changed the topic with a light cough.
Xiao Jin’s strategy was effective, as both Chu Shao and Tang Ling shifted their gazes away and were captivated by Master Yuyang on the altar.
Of course, at this moment, everyone gathered in the Dali Temple, regardless of their rank or status, was stunned as they stared at Master Yuyang.
“How did the Sect Master of Changsheng Sect end up like this?”
Some officials whispered to their colleagues, “Could it be some demonic technique that distorts a person like this?”
Xiao Jin was also somewhat surprised because Master Yuyang, who had been full of vitality just now, now had white hair, sunken eye sockets, and a hunched back that seemed to have been cut by a blade, making him stoop even lower.
The most terrifying thing was that when Master Yuyang opened his eyes, the nails closely attached to his ten fingers seemed to lose their stickiness and fell to the ground one by one.
Even the eye sockets were left with lifeless whites, devoid of any focus.
Even so, after Master Yuyang discerned the direction by sound, he still handed the Wentianyi in his hand to Master Shi Ming, bowing his hunched body to Xiao Shuang and saying, “Princess Zhao Yang, this humble Daoist is fortunate to fulfill the mission and unseal the seal.”
Xiao Shuang looked at Master Yuyang’s old and miserable appearance, but she didn’t feel the slightest bit moved, nor did she spare him a glance.
She knew that with Master Yuyang’s abilities, unsealing the seal didn’t require such a price. If such a price had to be paid, she believed that what Master Yuyang wanted from her was not just the strength to eliminate his formidable rival for the position of Sect Master and the provision of a spirit medicine that could break through realms.
Seeing Master Yuyang’s hunched back, Xiao Shuang furrowed her eyebrows slightly, feeling that this person didn’t live up to his reputation.
Even unsealing a small seal required such a great amount of effort.
He was truly useless.
However, fortunately, the price paid by Master Yuyang was seen by all the officials present, which would make the results obtained from the Wentianyi more convincing.
Thinking of this, after sweeping a glance at the uncertain gazes of the people below looking at the Wentianyi, Xiao Shuang spoke, “Master Yuyang has devoted himself to the prosperity of our Qi Country. The Imperial Court has witnessed it. As for what happens next, I will leave it to Master Shi Ming.”
Master Shi Ming performed a Buddhist ritual and said, “This humble monk understands.”
Although Master Shi Ming responded calmly on the surface, he thought about what Xiao Shuang had instructed him yesterday.
Holding the Wentianyi in his hand felt as heavy as holding a thousand-pound iron stone, and even thin beads of sweat appeared on his palm.
After walking slowly for a while, he finally approached the Crown Prince and whispered, “Your Highness, please go first.”
At this moment, Xiao Jin was somewhat curious about the Crown Prince’s reaction.
But after thinking about it, she realized that whether the male lead accepted or not was no longer important.
For traps that couldn’t be avoided, whether he jumped over them or not was just a matter of sooner or later.
The Crown Prince stood on high ground, looking down at Master Shi Ming.
He noticed the sweat on the latter’s forehead but still maintained the same expression on his face, only smiling humbly, “As the eldest brother, it is only right for me to defer to the third and fifth brothers.”
Xiao Jin and Xiao Cheng, who were inexplicably named, were both stunned.
Then the Crown Prince continued to smile, “Let the fifth brother go first.”
Xiao Cheng looked at his left hand, which he couldn’t even lift, and smiled bitterly, “Imperial Brother, this goes against reason. Your younger brother is truly unworthy.”
As he didn’t want to be dragged into this as a scapegoat, Xiao Jin also echoed, “This younger brother feels the same way.”
Who knew that the Crown Prince was determined to pit the Fifth Prince, shaking his head and saying, “This statement is incorrect. The third and fifth brothers are both virtuous brothers to me and have contributed sweat and blood to the prosperity of Qi Country. If I were to rush ahead of you today, that would be shameful.”
Xiao Jin furrowed her brows slightly, thinking that the male lead’s words seemed somewhat reasonable, but not entirely.
It conveniently fell into the territory where it couldn’t be refuted.
The Fifth Prince also understood this.
As the youngest brother, he had no say in this matter.
So he looked up at Xiao Shuang, as if hoping that the person with the highest seniority in the scene would come forward and take charge.
However, Xiao Shuang had no intention of taking charge at all.
She just felt that these people pushing back and forth was simply delaying, so she said to the Fifth Prince, “Cheng’er, since the Crown Prince has said so, you should go first.”
“…”
Fifth Prince looked at Xiao Shuang, who had indifference written all over her face, and finally gave up struggling.
Indeed, he was not the Prince Yan, so Princess Zhao Yang wouldn’t speak up for him.
Since protesting was ineffective, the Fifth Prince had no choice but to accept his fate and ask Master Shi Ming, “Master, what should we do in this palace?”
Master Shi Ming looked at the Fifth Prince as if he saw his own manipulable self and couldn’t help but soften his tone, saying, “Your Highness, simply place your hand on the Wentianyi.”
The Fifth Prince remembered the pitiful appearance of Master Yuyang and felt a bit apprehensive.
He tentatively asked, “Just placing my hand on it? Nothing unexpected will happen, right?”
“With this humble monk’s protection through the Buddhist Dharma, Your Highness can rest assured.”
The Fifth Prince felt much more at ease, and the officials below also breathed a sigh of relief.
After all, there were only a few of the Emperor’s heirs left, and if anything unexpected were to happen, Qi Country might not be able to withstand the turmoil.
Now that everything was ready, the Fifth Prince slowly raised his right hand and placed it on the shimmering compass of the Wentianyi.
It was only then that Xiao Jin remembered something.
Wait, the ceremony has already begun, but it seems like no one has explained the rules yet.
….
What is the judging mechanism of the Wentianyi?
As Xiao Jin furrowed her brows tightly and tapped the armrest of her wheelchair with her knuckles, her fingertips turned slightly red, as if she was contemplating something.
Chu Shao looked at Xiao Jin’s puzzled yet reluctant-to-ask expression and couldn’t help but smile, leaning closer to her ear and whispering, “Your Highness, are you thinking about what kind of phenomenon the Fifth Prince will attract?”
Phenomenon?
Xiao Jin remained silent for a long time, thinking that this was indeed a fictional online novel, and the mechanism for determining who was suitable to be the Emperor was still so hasty.
Even in official history, such phenomena were fabricated only after someone became the Emperor.
If they were fabricated in advance, unless they were prepared in advance, they would have to thank nature for its swift change of heart.
Just as Xiao Jin was thinking this, the officials below the altar had already started clamoring, pointing to the river in the mountains and exclaiming, “Look, the Li River is actually flowing backward!”
“Ah! Could this be a heavenly phenomenon… I’ve only heard my mother talk about it before. On the day Emperor Taizong was born, the rivers thawed and flowed backward, and the whole world was filled with radiance. It seems that it’s really happening.”
The system heard this and began to mock from a god’s perspective, “Indeed, for ambiguous characters like Emperor Taizong and the Fifth Prince, it’s quite reasonable to attract the reversal of a river.”
Reasonable?
Isn’t this pressing Newton’s coffin lid?
Xiao Jin looked at the slightly astonished expression of the Fifth Prince and the group of officials below who showed relief, and the officials who wished they could transfer the injuries from the Fifth Prince’s hand to their own bodies.
She couldn’t help but start pondering how to define cannon fodder like the original owner, who wouldn’t survive past three chapters.
With that in mind, Xiao Jin also felt a bit curious about the unknown, because she had a hunch that Xiao Shuang would pave a custom path for her.
In other words, cheating.
As expected, Xiao Shuang turned around and began to speak.
However, every word she said was beyond Xiao Jin’s expectations.Â
“Jin’er is a child that this palace has watched grow up. This palace naturally knows that she doesn’t possess the talent for governing the country. So the Crown Prince doesn’t need to be humble anymore. You should be the first to try the Wentianyi.”
Hearing this, Xiao Jin fell silent, and then a question mark slowly formed in her mind.
?
What does it mean to sacrifice a thousand troops to kill one enemy?
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Translator’s note: Sigh… It’s really hard to imagine the aftermath of the artifact “Wentianyi”. I wish this book (novel) could have TV, manhua, manga, and radio drama adaptations.
TO BE CONTINUE…
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