AUBTN -Chapter 116 The Double Third Festival (Shangsi Festival)

“Since Lord Lu’s father has already laid his cards on the table, the last layer of pretense in the court has been torn away,” Su Hewan said. “At the upcoming Heaven Worship Ceremony on the third day of the third month, Zhao Shuo will definitely make a desperate move.”

The moment the discussion turned serious, Lu Yan’s expression instantly grew cold.

He helped pull Yu Qing’s sleeve back into place, then stood up and walked over to the map.

“Since Father… Prime Minister Lu… told us to ‘look after ourselves,’ it means he’ll stay out of it. But he also won’t help Zhao Shuo. That’s already the best possible outcome.”

“Our people discovered he has secretly colluded with General Wang of the Capital Garrison. At present, they likely control about thirty percent of the troops. Add in the Ning Prince’s dead soldiers, and if it comes down to a direct confrontation, our chances of winning aren’t high.”

“So we won’t confront them head-on.”

Su Hewan stepped toward the desk and tapped a high point on the map—the Temple of Heaven.

“What we want is a reversal of public opinion. Zhao Shuo wants to use the Heaven Worship Ceremony to prove he is chosen by Heaven. Then we’ll turn him into someone condemned by Heaven and hated by the people.”

She lifted her head, her gaze firm.

“Commander, have the fluorescent powder and ghost fires you prepared earlier been arranged?”

Shen Jue took a token from his robes and tossed it onto the table.

“Relax. When the Eastern Depot handles something, it never fails. When the time comes, I’ll make Zhao Shuo see what a true heavenly omen looks like.”

Su Hewan nodded, then turned toward Yu Qing, who was still blowing gently on her swollen arm.

“Qingqing, the rest depends on you.”

Yu Qing froze, pointing at her own nose. “Me? I’m an injured person and you still want me on duty?”

“You’re the best actor among us,” Su Hewan replied firmly.

“At the ceremony, there must not only be heavenly punishment—there must also be someone responding to Heaven’s will. Zhao Shuo wants to stage the arrival of a true dragon. You’ll stage a case of demonic possession.”

Yu Qing’s eyes lit up instantly. She forgot all about the pain.

“I’ve got this! Pretending to summon ghosts and spirits? That’s my specialty! Should I add some foaming at the mouth and full-body convulsions? Or go with a tragic ‘Oh Heaven, oh Earth!’ kind of performance?”

Seeing Yu Qing suddenly full of energy again, Lu Yan couldn’t help letting the corner of his lips lift slightly. His previously heavy mood lightened a little.

But he quickly frowned again.

“No. It’s too dangerous. Security at the ceremony will be extremely tight. If Zhao Shuo becomes desperate…”

“There’s no ‘if,’” Shen Jue interrupted, his eyes dark.

“That day, the Eastern Depot agents will be mixed into the ceremonial guard. If he dares to make a move, I’ll make sure his blood splashes on the spot.”

Su Hewan added, “And we still have the Ice Silkworm Saliva. It’s the key to the antidote—and the irrefutable proof of his crime. As long as we publicly prove that the poison in the Empress Dowager came from Zhao Shuo, even if she learns his true identity, she won’t show him mercy.”

The candlelight flickered in the room.

They all knew this was a tremendous gamble.

The stake was the empire of Great Liang—and the lives of the four of them.

Night deepened.

Lu Yan escorted Yu Qing back to her room.

Standing beneath the corridor, cold wind carried drifting snowflakes.

Lu Yan tightened Yu Qing’s cloak around her and said softly, “Today… thank you.”

Yu Qing chuckled and poked his solid chest with her uninjured hand.

“What’s there to thank me for? From now on we’re grasshoppers tied to the same rope. If you die, where am I supposed to find such a handsome long-term meal ticket?”

Lu Yan took her hand and gently pressed a kiss to it.

“I won’t die. For you, I’ll make sure I stay alive.”

Yu Qing’s face turned red, but she still stood on tiptoe and quickly pecked his cheek.

“If you dare die, I’ll immediately go find another handsome guy!”

Lu Yan laughed softly and pulled her into his arms.

“Don’t even think about it.”

After the New Year passed, the court appeared calm on the surface.

Zhao Shuo frequently entered and exited the Imperial Ancestral Temple, building momentum for the Heaven Worship Ceremony.

Behind the scenes, however, Yuyuan and the Eastern Depot were busier than ever.

Lu Yan reorganized the Imperial Guard, removing all the fence-sitters and replacing them with his trusted men.

Shen Jue became even more elusive than before. The Eastern Depot’s spies were spread throughout every corner of the capital—so thoroughly that they even knew how many buns Zhao Shuo ate for breakfast.

Second day of the third month.

The night before the Heaven Worship Ceremony.

Su Hewan was in the study, making the final adjustments to the mechanisms.

This was a specially made ceremonial robe. Using the principle of chemical reactions, writing would appear on it once it reached a certain temperature.

Shen Jue walked in carrying a bowl of bird’s nest porridge.

Su Hewan didn’t even raise her head, carefully picking up a strand of thread with a pair of tweezers.

“This step can’t go wrong. The ratio of phosphorus powder has to be exact. Otherwise, if it burns and injures His Majesty, that would be bad.”

Shen Jue set the bowl down and walked behind her. Looking at her focused profile, an indescribable stirring rose in his heart.

He had once believed he was a rat living in the gutter.

But the woman before him was like a beam of light shining into the abyss—she did not despise his cruelty, nor fear his darkness.

“Wanwan.”

He suddenly spoke.

Su Hewan paused, then turned to look at him.

“What’s wrong?”

Shen Jue lowered his eyes, hiding the gloom in them.

“If… tomorrow’s plan fails. The secret passage has already been opened. It’s in the dried well in the west of the city. Take Yu Qing and leave. Lu Yan will protect you.”

Su Hewan looked at him steadily, then suddenly smiled.

She set down the tools in her hands, stepped forward, and wrapped her arms around Shen Jue’s lean waist.

Shen Jue stiffened before returning the embrace.

“Shen Jue, did you forget who I am?”

She rubbed lightly against his chest, her voice gentle yet firm.

“I’m someone who has seen the future! I believe in the patterns of history, and I believe even more in your ability.”

She lifted her head, her eyes burning brightly as she looked at him.

“If we leave, we leave together. If we stay, we stay together. If you dare push me away, I will never forgive you for the rest of my life!”

Shen Jue shook his head helplessly, then let out a low laugh.

He tightened his arms around the woman in his embrace, resting his chin on top of her head.

“Alright.”

March Third — the Shangsi Festival.

A perfect season, with clear skies and all things reviving.

Atop the towering Temple of Heaven, banners snapped in the wind while drums and ceremonial music resounded.

Civil and military officials stood in orderly ranks according to their status. The atmosphere was solemn and dignified, yet carried a sense of oppressive tension—like a storm about to break.

Zhao Shuo stood arrogantly upon the high platform.

Today’s Heaven Worship Ceremony was being presided over personally by him.

Behind him, his trusted followers all rested their hands on their sword hilts, brimming with killing intent.

The young emperor, dressed in his elaborate imperial ceremonial robes, walked step by step toward the altar.

Though his steps were still somewhat childish, his back was held perfectly straight.

Su Hewan and Yu Qing, disguised as accompanying palace maids, followed behind with lowered eyes and obedient expressions.

Lu Yan, dressed in a flying fish uniform and holding an embroidered spring saber, stood at the head of the officials, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings.

Meanwhile, Shen Jue stood not far from Zhao Shuo, wearing a bright red python robe—beautiful and dangerous.

“The auspicious hour has arrived—begin the sacrificial rites—”

The Minister of Rites loudly announced.

The young emperor took a deep breath, knelt upon the prayer mat, and began reciting the sacrificial text.

Suddenly, a sharp voice interrupted:

“Wait!”

Zhao Shuo abruptly stepped forward, cutting off the ritual.

The gathered officials erupted in murmurs.

Ignoring their reactions, Zhao Shuo turned to face the court and declared loudly:

“Last night, I observed the celestial signs. The Ziwei Star has dimmed, and a demonic star clashes with it! This proves that the current emperor lacks virtue and is unfit to rule! If the Heaven Worship ceremony proceeds by force, divine punishment will surely fall!”