Princess Pingyang vs. Crown Prince Xiao Zhian 4
Lin Huaiyin was extremely busy that night.
He sent chicken soup to Shen Congyun, but was chased away.
He brought chicken soup to Lin Cuiyue, but was turned away.
In the middle of the night, she sneaked back to Lin Cuiyue's place, complaining of hunger and that her pregnant belly wanted chicken soup, but she was chased away again.
She didn't care; she dawdled as she ate the chicken leg.
Lin Cuiyue sat opposite her, staring at her with wide eyes, nagging her to eat less, eat less, because being too fat would make childbirth more difficult. Suddenly, a guard came to report Liu Cang's death, and he got up and went out in a panic.
Lin Huaiyin quickly followed.
She needed to go and observe to ensure that the Mandate of Heaven was truly conveyed to the hearts of the court officials and that it wouldn't implicate her, the Imperial Guards, or the snake catchers before she could go back to sleep in peace.
Lin Cuiyue strode along the way.
Lin Huaiyin took small, hurried steps, panting heavily.
The aroma of chicken drumsticks wafted against the wind, and Lin Cuiyue realized she was behind him. He stopped and turned around, just as Lin Huaiyin headbutted him in the chest, nearly knocking the chicken drumstick off.
The night wind howled, and the mountaintop was chilly. Lin Cuiyue's forehead was combed by the cold wind, making him unusually clear-headed.
The torches burned fiercely, and Lin Huaiyin's dress swayed in the wind, making her incredibly charming. Her pupils were dark, shimmering with an unusual light. When Lin Cuiyue looked at her, it was as if a small beast was curled up in front of him.
A fox? A wolf cub?
This was not a good association. Lin Cuiyue had commanded troops for many years and had seen countless people; he understood what this intuition meant.
He was startled and a bad feeling suddenly arose in his heart—when Minister Zhao was assassinated last time, his third sister was not in the Shen family’s back courtyard, but wandering on the street. Today, when Lord Liu died suddenly, his third sister was not in her own courtyard, but wandering outside again.
What a coincidence? She ran into all of them?
Lin Cuiyue scrutinized Lin Huaiyin, like a hawk circling the sky, seizing her. He thought to himself that her suspicions had not been cleared. The Imperial City Guard had not yet caught the archer. Could it be that after all this time, the real culprit was still...
"Third Sister." His eyes burned with desire, his heart brimming with suspicion, as he asked Lin Huaiyin, "Do you have something going on—"
Halfway through his sentence, a group of people approached from the front.
The palace lanterns swayed in the wind.
He immediately recognized who it was, pulled Lin Huaiyin behind him, bowed and clasped his hands in greeting: "This humble general greets Your Highness the Crown Prince. May Your Highness live a thousand years."
The imperial guards stepped aside and greeted him in unison, "Long live Your Highness!"
Everyone bowed deeply.
Lin Huaiyin, hiding in the crowd, frowned while chewing on a chicken leg: "Isn't His Highness the Crown Prince sick? Why doesn't he rest properly? What is he doing out here on such a cold night? It's just Liu Cang who died. Who would be so reckless as to disturb him so late at night?"
Lin Huaiyin really wanted to steal a glance to see if he was dressed warmly enough, and at least wear a headband, but there was a dark mass of people in front of him, walking hurriedly, and none of them even said to them that they should get rid of their formalities.
She dared not look up; her gaze transformed into a little spider, its eight legs swaying as it darted into Xiao Zhian's entourage, precisely locating his upturned shoes.
Judging from his gait, he seems quite energetic.
Lin Huaiyin breathed a slight sigh of relief, but unexpectedly, next to the upturned shoes, walked a pair of cloud-patterned shoes adorned with pearls.
Judging from the situation, it seems that the person in the upturned shoes followed the pace of the pearl-embroidered cloud shoes, walking slowly.
Lin Huaiyin instantly realized that the owner of the pearl-embroidered cloud shoes was Princess Pingyang, and Princess Pingyang's visit was definitely not just for watching the show.
Two pairs of shoes, clustered together in the crowd, passed by without stopping, going straight past.
Lin Huaiyin then boldly raised her eyes.
Xiao Zhian's figure stood out from the crowd; there was no need to search for him, he was right there, easily spotted.
Lin Huaiyin glanced at it and quickly looked away.
She had never seen him in such a crowd before. Most of the time, she was in his arms, her forehead touching his chin. Whenever she looked up, he would lean down to her, without her having to climb.
Xiao Zhian always gave Lin Huaiyin the impression that he was within reach.
This was the first time Lin Huaiyin felt he was so tall, so tall that he seemed to be able to see scenery that others couldn't see, so tall that it seemed that unless he bent down, ordinary people couldn't reach him at all.
Upon hearing this, Lin Huaiyin was startled—what do you mean by "enough or not enough"? How could she have such a thought?
She shook her head, took a bite of the cold chicken leg, and looked back to see Lin Cuiyue and the Imperial Guards all looking dejected.
"Last time it was the Minister of War, a third-rank official, and this time it's the Censor-in-Chief, a second-rank official. They both died within our patrol area. Who is behind this?!" A member of the Imperial Guard stomped his foot in anger.
Lin Huaiyin silently lowered her head and chewed.
Lin Cuiyue glanced at her, narrowed his eyes, and decided to give up the idea of sending her away. He wanted to take her with him and let her see how Liu Cang died.
The group followed Xiao Zhian's entourage to Wanxian Peak.
Upon arriving at Liu Cang's residence, the court officials had already gathered for some time, discussing the matter animatedly, frequently spouting phrases like "divine will," "divine retribution," and "divine punishment."
Palace lanterns and torches shone brightly, making Liu Cang's courtyard as bright as day.
A white sheet is in the center, with a slender human figure covered underneath.
Xiao Zhian and Princess Pingyang each sat on a chair, surrounded by guards and maids.
After the courtiers finished their greetings, they lined up on both sides.
Lin Huaiyin followed behind Lin Cuiyue and was the first to see the two Imperial Guards from the daytime.
The three exchanged glances, then quickly looked away, unnoticed by any of them.
Just as the Imperial Guards were reporting the discovery of Liu Cang's tragic death, Lin Huaiyin quietly crept up to Shen Congyun's side, giving him a real fright.
What are you doing here?
Shen Congyun subconsciously stole a glance at Xiao Zhian.
Xiao Zhian listened quietly to the Imperial Guards' report with his eyes half-open.
With a chicken leg in one hand and oil in the other, Lin Huaiyin wrapped her arms around Shen Congyun's arm, thinking to herself that she needed to find a reason to appear here.
She tiptoed close to Shen Congyun's ear, held up a chicken leg, and said, "I'm hungry and I'm having soup with my elder brother. He's busy with his own things, so I took advantage of the chaos to come find you, my husband. I miss you so much. Are you afraid tonight? May I stay the night with you?"
While talking, Lin Huaiyin also acted coquettishly, snuggling against Chen Congyun.
Shen Congyun was extremely unhappy and secretly peeked at Princess Pingyang.
Princess Pingyang's eyes were as calm as water. Upon hearing that the room was filled with snakes, she gasped. Xiao Zhian immediately took off his cloak and draped it over her shoulders.
Lin Huaiyin felt uneasy when she saw this.
He held Shen Congyun tightly, refusing to let go even if it meant death, and then took another bite of the cold chicken leg.
"The room was filled with thousands of venomous snakes, and Liu Qing died of fright. This suggests a calamity from heaven." Xiao Zhi'an asked Lin Cuiyue, "Do you think so too?"
Lin Cuiyue certainly didn't think so, and he pondered how to reply.
Princess Pingyang sighed and looked at Xiao Zhian with a sorrowful expression: "Your Majesty, it's all my fault. If it weren't for me, how could things have come to this? As the head of the censors, Lord Liu naturally had to say what others dared not say and criticize what others dared not criticize. The old man was upright and honest, and he ended up like this. It's all my fault, Your Majesty. It's all my fault."
Princess Pingyang took the initiative to assume responsibility, which showed her great understanding of righteousness.
However, after listening to what was said, the ministers couldn't help but wonder: the princess had been criticized by Lord Liu and had become the target of everyone's criticism. Now that Lord Liu had been punished by heaven, the princess not only didn't secretly rejoice in her bedchamber, but also took the initiative to come and take the blame. Could it be that she knew something secret and felt guilty?
There are many intricacies involved.
The ministers remained silent, silently calculating in their hearts: they had seen the swarm of snakes through the window, and it was indeed terrifyingly numerous.
They originally thought that the snakes naturally coiled up, which was a real divine punishment, the Crown Prince's destiny, and beyond reproach.
Since they had only been on the mountain for two days, and Lord Liu had suddenly launched his attack this morning, with so many snakes in one day and no snake catchers, it was impossible for them to have been caught by human hands.
Absolutely impossible.
They immediately declared it was divine retribution; Lord Liu had angered the Crown Prince and was now suffering divine punishment.
However, the princess's words made them think deeply: it was His Highness the Crown Prince who insisted that the princess preside over the ceremony; the princess herself couldn't make that decision. If Lord Liu offended His Highness the Crown Prince, and the prince were to unleash his fury and insist on such a spectacle, would it be impossible for him to refuse?
He is the Crown Prince who has overseen the country for nine years and is omnipotent. There is nothing he cannot accomplish. If he gets angry, the Imperial Guards and personal guards will be dispatched to inflict divine punishment, and he will surely be captured easily.
No, it's not divine punishment.
This is a man-made disaster.
The courtiers were terrified and horrified.
No matter how righteous the princess was, how she considered the bigger picture and took the blame, she could not hide the truth at all—His Highness the Crown Prince was cruel and tyrannical, intolerant of officials' advice, and cruelly persecuted his subjects. Today it was Lord Liu, but what about tomorrow?
If a single sentence could anger the emperor, then what about their memorials to the throne?
Today, they are divided into two factions, and all of them have submitted memorials. After Your Highness reads them, how will you deal with them?
Crane Cry Mountain is high in the sky and far from the capital. Without the emperor to keep him in check, wouldn't His Highness the Crown Prince be able to kill whomever he wants?
That's terrifying.
With His Majesty still alive and the Crown Prince serving as regent yet to ascend the throne, how can he be so tyrannical towards his subjects? From now on, how can we not live in constant fear, as if walking on thin ice?
The courtiers have served the crown prince for nine years, and only now do they realize how terrifying he is. Their previous benevolence and kindness were all a facade.
In comparison, Princess Pingyang appears even more gentle and kind, and her conduct is exemplary.
The atmosphere on the scene changed drastically in an instant. The presence of the Eastern Palace guards and the Yuan Cong Imperial Guards made the court officials feel as if they were facing a formidable enemy, and they dared not even breathe.
Lin Huaiyin's hearing, honed in the imperial prison, was incredibly sensitive. She caught the change in an instant. Then she saw Shen Congyun's lips curl into a smile, his eyes filled with laughter, and he let out a cold snort, seemingly extremely pleased with himself.
Lin Huaiyin sensed something was wrong.
The atmosphere changed immediately after Princess Pingyang finished speaking, and the expressions on the faces of the court officials also changed.
Shen Congyun glanced at Princess Pingyang's pearl-embroidered cloud-patterned shoes with an extremely amazed look.
Things seemed to be heading in a direction that Lin Huaiyin couldn't quite see clearly, but was extremely bad, and were hurtling away.
Lin Huaiyin felt inexplicably scared. She picked up the greasy chicken leg and took another bite.
At that moment, whether out of extreme fear or some sudden tacit understanding, the assembled officials suddenly knelt down, kowtowed, and cried out in unison—
"Your Highness, we are willing to obey Your Highness's decree and assist Princess Pingyang in presiding over tomorrow's Golden Register Fasting Ceremony."
Princess Pingyang was secretly delighted upon hearing this, but outwardly appeared embarrassed. She deliberately did not rise, refusing the courtesy, and instead called out to Xiao Zhian, "Royal Brother—"
"It's nothing."
Xiao Zhian smiled and gently patted the back of her hand.
During his nine years as regent and prime minister, he was incredibly astute and accurate in managing state affairs; how could he not have seen the situation clearly?
The court officials thought he had plotted to kill Liu Cang and were afraid of him. Although it was frightening, it was a good thing, but he did not want to make things difficult for Pingyang.
Xiao Zhian hoped that they would truly respect Pingyang.
Therefore, this matter needs to be resolved.
He looked around and, among the assembled officials, picked out Liu Cang's political enemy, thinking he could use this person as a scapegoat.
Alternatively, the Censorate could accuse them of orchestrating the attack on the Crown Prince, which would also be a viable method.
His gaze shifted again, landing on Lin Cuiyue. He thought he could order Lin Cuiyue to investigate, and if he couldn't find out, he could bring his head to him.
However, through Lin Cuiyue, his gaze fell on Lin Huaiyin, who was hiding her true identity.
She's lawless and utterly imaginative; who else but her could do something like this?
When Xiao Zhian heard the report in his bedchamber, he immediately thought of her.
They used arrows to kill Zhao Changji, but this time they used snakes.
Why are you acting so quickly? Are you worried that he will be attacked by his ministers?
The little thing works so hard for him, yet he won't back down or say a word to soften his stance.
She may be mute, but she'll live and die for him; when she moves, she's still the same person.
Therefore, she had no choice but to protect her brother.
Xiao Zhian's gaze swept over Lin Huaiyin, and he barely suppressed the urge to pull her off Chen Congyun, raising his hand slightly.
Xuan Ge stepped forward boldly, opened a jade box, and took out the imperial edict.
"All ministers, heed my decree!" Xuan Ge's voice boomed like the clouds.
"Your humble servant is here!" The officials bowed their heads.
Xiao Zhian led Princess Pingyang to her feet and stood still.
Princess Pingyang felt her heart sink when she saw his calm and composed demeanor.
Xuan Ge reads the imperial edict—
By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees:
Since the Three Dynasties, all of the nine provinces have had their own guardian mountains, which have brought prosperity to the people and ensured peace and stability to the land.
However, upon reflection, I find it still incomplete.
Mount Yue, the sea, and the rivers are all high mountains and vast waters. Since the beginning of heaven and earth, the spirits of heroes have gathered and become gods, and their names and titles have been added to their honors throughout the ages.
Confucius, the wise and virtuous teacher, and loyal ministers and martyrs throughout history were also granted titles and honors, and given the titles of city gods and deities of prefectures and counties, in order to distinguish them as gods and men, to rectify their names and status, and to praise their virtues and loyalty to make their achievements known.
The late Empress Xiaoxian, née Zhao, was gentle, kind, and a model of motherhood. Sadly, she did not live long enough, and her life ended more than fifteen years ago.
I am deeply saddened and heartbroken whenever I think of this. Now, at the request of the Crown Prince, and out of pity for her benevolence and filial piety, I hereby bestow upon Zhao the title of Mountain Goddess of Crane Cry Mountain, and add the honorific title: Heavenly Immortal Holy Mother Protector of the World and Benevolent Purple Void Sovereign.
Its divine tablet should be enshrined in the main hall atop the mountain, and sacrifices should be offered twice a year, in spring and autumn, with the same rituals as those for mountains and rivers.
The ninth day of the fourth month of the fourth year of Chengsheng.
"Your subject obeys the decree! We, your subjects, congratulate the Heavenly Immortal Holy Mother, the World-Protecting and Benevolent Purple Void Primordial Sovereign, on her seclusion to cultivate immortality!"
The ministers cheered and quickly gathered their thoughts—it turned out that before his departure, His Highness the Crown Prince had obtained an imperial edict requesting that His Majesty bestow upon the late Empress the title of Mountain Goddess of Crane Cry Mountain.
Therefore, it is perfectly reasonable and reasonable for Princess Pingyang to preside over the ceremony, which is essentially a daughter worshipping her mother and the princess worshipping the female mountain god. There is absolutely no overstepping of the bounds!
With His Highness the Crown Prince possessing this imperial edict, why go to such lengths to brutally murder Lord Liu?!
It's divine punishment!
Lord Liu attacked Princess Pingyang, and the late Empress sent a swarm of snakes to retaliate. This is a manifestation of the spirits and a divine punishment, and has nothing to do with His Highness the Crown Prince!
His Highness is still the kind and benevolent ruler, not the cruel and oppressive tyrant who mistreats his subjects.
The officials breathed a sigh of relief, their eyes no longer darting away. Xiao Zhian told them to rise, and they thanked him and stood up as usual.
The atmosphere at the scene changed strangely again. Lin Huaiyin felt Shen Congyun's stiff arm and silently swallowed the chicken. A familiar feeling, as if she had caused some trouble and then been cleaned up, gradually warmed her heart.
Xiao Zhian gently helped Pingyang sit down and said to her, "Of course I will think things through carefully when I promise you something."
Pingyang was seething with anger, but she was still affectionate and warm towards Xiao Zhian, which moved her to tears.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
