https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-517-The-Overwhelming-Aura-of-King-Miao/13464717/
Chapter 518: Enthronement Ceremony
Chapter 518: Enthronement Ceremony
Before dawn, Prince Jin's mansion was already bustling with activity.
Dou Qingyi went to Lu Qi's courtyard early, urging him to wash up and change clothes.
Lu Qi got up from behind the curtains, "I know, Mother."
Dou Qingyi, visibly excited, said, "I'll be waiting for you outside!"
Lu Qi pushed aside the curtains and got out of bed, first tending to the wound on his leg.
A few days ago, he had been recuperating at the Crown Prince's mansion when Lu Linyuan, disguised as him, sneaked into the main courtyard and switched identities with him.
After that, it was reported that he had left to search for herbs to treat the emperor's headache.
"Qi'er!"
Dou Qingyi couldn't help but urge him again.
Lu Qi, who had seen his wound heal significantly in just three days, gained a new appreciation for Yan Xiaojiu's medical skills.
"Here, take this. If your father comes to check your wound, remember to put it on."
"You're injured?"
"Just a superficial wound. We need to make it convincing."
Recalling his conversation with Lu Linyuan that day, Lu Qi opened the small box given to him, his expression complex. Inside was a fish glue mask. He wrinkled his nose in disgust and closed the box.
"Qi'er!"
Dou Qingyi gently knocked on the door. "Do you need someone to help you?"
"No, Mother, I'm coming out."
Lu Qi took out the mask and applied it to his wound.
The door opened, and Lu Qi, dressed in the formal attire of a Prince of the Commandery, walked out with a composed expression.
Dou Qingyi looked at her son, whose handsome and noble appearance filled her with joy and pride.
She raised her hand and adjusted his collar. "My son, you're becoming more and more like a crown prince."
Lu Qi said, "Mother, the Crown Prince is the heir. Even if the Crown Prince abdicates, there's still Father."
Dou Qingyi waved it off. "Isn't that just a matter of time?"
"Your Majesty is in the prime of his life. For Consort Dou to utter such treasonous words is to wish for the emperor's demise."
A cold, indifferent voice came from the doorway.
Dou Qingyi's face stiffened as she turned to look.
Prince Jin and Prince Jin's Consort entered the room, dressed in formal attire, walking side by side in the morning light.
A flash of displeasure crossed her face, but she still bowed properly. "Qingyi greets Your Highness and the Consort."
Prince Jin's Consort said irritably, "Consort Dou comes from humble beginnings and was once ignorant of the rules. I don't blame you for that, but since you are now a consort in Prince Jin's mansion, you should be cautious with your words to avoid bringing disaster to the mansion."
Lu Qi bowed. "Father, Consort, my mother did not mean to. Please forgive her."
Prince Jin's Consort said slowly, "We may forgive her, but who will forgive us? Words can bring disaster. As a learned man, you should understand this better than anyone!"
Lu Qi bowed again. "Qi'er will remember your teachings, Consort."
Dou Qingyi clenched her fingers tightly.
One by one, they all want to step on her. We'll see who the true empress will be once her son becomes emperor!
Prince Jin said kindly, "Qi'er, are you still in pain?"
For the past few days, Lu Qi had been resting in his courtyard, citing abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Lu Qi replied, "Much better."
Prince Jin nodded. "Drink your medicine and let's get going."
A servant brought a bowl of herbal medicine to soothe the stomach, and Lu Qi drank it silently.
"Father", he said.
Prince Jin asked, "What is it?"
Lu Qi said seriously, "Will Lu Linyuan be enthroned today?"
Prince Jin patted his shoulder. "Father has made all the arrangements. You needn't worry about anything. Today is your big day."
Dou Qingyi's heart bloomed with joy.
Lu Zhaoyan, are you watching?
Your son won't become the State Guardian Qilin, and you will soon lose your position as Crown Prince.
This is the price you pay for abandoning us!
"You don't need to go, Consort Dou."
Dou Qingyi was snapped out of her thoughts, staring in shock at Prince Jin's Consort, who was speaking to her coldly. She realized she had followed the three of them all the way to the entrance of Prince Jin's mansion.
The Enthronement Ceremony was an event only the consort could attend.
Dou Qingyi's face turned red, and she said softly, "I just wanted to see Qi'er off."
Prince Jin's Consort said coldly, "I am Qi'er's mother and will take care of him."
Throughout the entire exchange, Prince Jin's Consort showed no kindness to Dou Qingyi, and Prince Jin did not say a word in her defense.
Dou Qingyi felt deeply humiliated.
Prince Jin's Consort, just wait a few more days. Soon, you and that Bai family will be groveling at my feet!
Lu Qi, Prince Jin, and Prince Jin's Consort boarded the carriage for the ceremony.
The Qilin Enthronement was a matter of national importance, more significant even than Lu Qi and Gongsun Liuying's wedding.
The streets were lined with Imperial Guards and curious onlookers.
The Qilin Ceremony was held at the eastern altar of the imperial city. In the past, any major sacrificial events at Prince Qin's mansion were held at the eastern altar, and the people would gather to watch.
The Imperial Guards had been on duty for three days, clearing all potential hazards and setting up barriers around the altar. They had also designated a viewing area for the public, which was heavily guarded.
As the carriage of Prince Jin arrived near the altar, the civil and military officials were already present.
Prince Rui and Prince Qi hurried over to greet him.
"Eldest Brother! Eldest Sister-in-law!"
The two of them greeted him.
Prince Jin's Consort followed Prince Jin out of the carriage and nodded, "Third Brother, Fourth Brother."
Prince Rui looked around and whispered to Prince Jin, "The Crown Prince's Mansion people haven't arrived yet."
Prince Jin nodded nonchalantly, "Qi'er, it's time."
Lu Qi got out of the carriage.
The crowd suddenly stirred.
"It's Prince Jian!"
"Prince Jian is here too!"
"Prince Jian!"
Hearing the cheers from the common people for Lu Qi, Prince Rui smiled, "Qi'er's popularity among the people is only growing."
So what if he won the grand tournament?
So what if the officials are impressed?
Without the support of the people, there is no foundation for ascending higher, no qualification to unify the realm!
Prince Rui looked at Lu Qi, "By the way, I heard you had a stomachache. How are you feeling now?"
Lu Qi replied politely, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle. I'm much better now."
Prince Rui said, "Your aunt is worried about you. She asked me to bring you some medicine from her family."
He signaled to a servant behind him.
The servant handed over a brocade box.
Lu Qi accepted it, "Please thank Aunt for me, Uncle."
Prince Rui smiled, "Your aunt loves you the most. After the enthronement ceremony, go thank her in person."
"His Majesty has arrived—"
With the loud announcement from Eunuch Yu, the imperial family, civil and military officials, and the common people all knelt down, bowing respectfully.
"Long live His Majesty, may His Majesty live ten thousand years!"
Emperor Liang, dressed in his dragon robe, strode forward.
His imperial presence was awe-inspiring, commanding respect from all directions.
Behind him walked Gongsun Yanming, his expression stern.
Emperor Liang ascended the altar and said to the crowd, "Rise."
"Thank Your Majesty!"
The crowd echoed.
After everyone stood up, Emperor Liang scanned the crowd and asked, "Where are the people from the Crown Prince's Mansion?"
Eunuch Yu looked at the commander of the Imperial Guards.
The commander sighed, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and Huang Changsun have not yet appeared."
Eunuch Yu hurriedly said, "I will send someone to check."
"Your Majesty—"
Zhang Qufeng stepped forward, "On such an important day, the Crown Prince and Huang Changsun can actually be so negligent. It's truly disappointing!"
The Grand Agricultural Commissioner said, "It's not time yet, why are you in such a hurry, Lord Zhang?"
Prince Fu turned to look but saw no sign of the Crown Prince's Mansion carriage, and he furrowed his brow.
Duke Jiang said, "Indeed! Are you in a rush to be reincarnated? Do you want me to send you on your way? I can't do much else, but reincarnation, I guarantee!"
"You—"
Zhang Qufeng was speechless.
Grand Secretary Meng said, "The Crown Prince and Huang Changsun are usually punctual. Let's wait a bit longer, my lords."
Duke Jiang agreed, "Exactly! His Majesty hasn't said anything. Are you more precious than His Majesty?"
Prince Qi countered, "Making His Majesty wait, what kind of decorum is that?"
At that moment, a highly respected member of the imperial family spoke up, "Your Majesty, this concerns the national fortune. We can't afford any delays."
Duke Jiang spat, "Your—"
Prince Fu covered his mouth.
Those words were truly not to be said.
Eunuch Yu signaled to Xiao Dezi.
Xiao Dezi understood and quietly left from the back of the crowd.
Prince Qi had been watching. Seeing Xiao Dezi planning to inform the Crown Prince's Mansion, he quickly said to Prince Jin, "Eldest Brother, look."
Prince Jin calmly said, "No rush. Lu Lin Yuan won't be coming."
Prince Qi's eyes lit up, "Eldest Brother means—"
Prince Jin said coolly, "I've trapped him in a valley. Even if he manages to escape, there will be many assassins along the way to intercept him."
Lu Qi, standing nearby, heard every word Prince Jin said.
Prince Jin smiled and said to Lu Qi, "Qi'er, Father has arranged everything for you. You just need to focus on the enthronement. Father wants you to be the master of the realm."
As time passed, the civil and military officials began to murmur, and the crowd grew restless.
"Don't want to be it, then don't be it!"
"From what I see, it's not that he doesn't want to, but he doesn't have the fate for it!"
"This is all the will of heaven!"
"Indeed, the Prince of the Commandery is the State Guardian Qilin. What is he compared to that?"
"Keep making noise, and I'll hit you!"
Tanzi, hands on her hips, fiercely scolded the crowd.
"Tanzi."
Gongsun Liuying, wearing a veil and a cloak, gently stopped her.
Beside her stood Gongsun Ziyu, also disguised as a commoner.
Gongsun Ziyu glared at Tanzi. "Whose side are you on?"
Tanzi said without changing her expression, "You're disturbing Miss. As her own sister, you should know she hates noise the most."
Gongsun Ziyu was speechless.
Ever since Shang Wuyou was placed under house arrest, Tanzi had become her eldest sister's loyal follower, treating her like a goddess and tagging along wherever she went!
Tanzi said to Gongsun Liuying, "Miss, are you thirsty? I brought water!"
"I'm not thirsty."
Gongsun Liuying replied softly.
"I want to drink!"
Gongsun Ziyu tried to snatch the water skin from Tanzi's hand.
Tanzi wouldn't let go.
"Sister!"
Gongsun Ziyu stomped her feet in frustration.
Gongsun Liuying's gaze remained fixed on the center of the altar.
She was to marry the State Guardian Qilin, so today's enthronement was crucial to her.
Tanzi was also anxious about the enthronement ceremony.
She was worried sick.
Her sister had been gone for days and hadn't returned. Had something gone wrong on the way?
If she had known, she wouldn't have taken this mission.
What did Shang Wuyou matter compared to her sister?
Commander, sister, where are you?
If you don't show up soon, someone else will take your place!
"The hour has come—"
A disciple of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau struck the bronze gong.
Zhang Qufeng immediately clasped his hands. "Your Majesty! The nation's fortune cannot be delayed. Please allow the Prince of the Commandery to complete the enthronement ceremony!"
"The minister agrees!"
"The minister agrees!"
"The minister—"
"The Crown Prince has arrived—"
It was Xiao Dezi's voice.
He shouted so loudly that his throat was almost on fire!
Prince Jin looked curiously at the carriage.
Prince Qi, Prince Rui, and Lu Qi also turned their gazes toward the entrance.
Lu Zhaoyan, dressed in the Crown Prince's formal attire, stepped down from the carriage with composure and calm.
Prince Jin hummed. "Only one person?"
Prince Rui laughed. "Even if he came, it wouldn't make a difference."
Prince Qi, with a gleeful expression, said, "He's probably trying to delay things, but there won't be an opportunity for that."
Prince Qi signaled a few of his trusted officials.
However, before they could cause any trouble, a white horse galloped like an arrow, leaping over the carriage and landing gracefully in the snow, drawing the attention of the crowd.
Tanzi's eyes widened in amazement!
It was the Commander!
So handsome... so handsome... such a handsome white horse!
That wasn't just a white horse; it was a flying horse!
A horse that could fly!
She wanted to ride it!!!
Dressed in fine attire, he rode his horse with a proud and fearless demeanor, like an ancient warrior god who had fought countless battles, arriving at the last moment with boundless hope and invincibility.
Gongsun Liuying's eyes flickered.
Is this... the State Guardian Qilin?
The Minister of Agriculture, Grand Secretary Meng, Duke Jiang, Prince Fu, and other high-ranking officials all heaved a sigh of relief.
Lu Linyuan, riding the white horse, arrived at the altar, stopping abruptly and sending up a cloud of dust, looking as carefree and unrestrained as ever.
"Why is he dressed like that?"
"Such a disheveled appearance is unbecoming..."
"Disrespectful in the presence of the emperor..."
Lu Linyuan ignored the criticisms from Prince Jin's faction. He dismounted, took a herb from a bag at his waist, and said breathlessly, "Grandfather, I have found the medicine to treat your headache!"
The Minister of Agriculture looked closely and exclaimed, "It's a thousand-year-old ginseng!"
Zhang Qufeng was dumbfounded. "What? A thousand-year-old... ginseng?"
A hundred-year-old ginseng was already rare, a two-hundred-year-old one was considered high-quality, and a three- to five-hundred-year-old one was almost impossible to find. A thousand-year-old one must be a bluff!
The Minister of Agriculture stepped forward and carefully examined the ginseng. "I dare swear on my official hat that the herb Huang Changsun has found for Your Majesty is indeed a thousand-year-old ginseng!"
Grand Secretary Meng stroked his beard. "So, Huang Changsun was out searching for medicine for Your Majesty. Huang Changsun, you were foolish to risk missing the enthronement ceremony."
Lu Linyuan said with deep emotion, "If I cannot be enthroned, there is still my second brother. But there is only one grandfather, and the nation cannot be without a ruler. I cannot lose my own kin."
His words were heartfelt and touching, expressing filial piety as a grandson, brotherly affection, and a broad and magnanimous heart.
As a result, the people who had been criticizing him for being unworthy suddenly found it hard to continue their attacks.
Prince Jin clenched his fists tightly.
What happened?
So many assassins in the mountains, and they couldn't stop him?
Did all the people along the way die?
How did he manage to return to the capital?
He exchanged a glance with General Hu.
Since the first plan failed, they would have to activate the second one.
Lu Linyuan, do you really think you can be enthroned without a hitch?
General Hu gave some instructions to his subordinates.
However, not long after, they returned and whispered something in his ear.
General Hu frowned. "What did you say? The witness is gone?"
They had spent a great deal of money to bring a witness from the Great Zhou to expose Lu Linyuan's true identity, and now the witness had vanished without a trace?
Emperor Liang said solemnly, "The enthronement ceremony begins!"
Miao Wang: I'm so tired, so tired!
Please, a round of votes!(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
