MCSCPM -Chapter 158 The Arrival of the Sacrifice

Inside Luochen Courtyard.

“Behave yourselves!” the lead guard commanded sternly.

The Heaven Sacrifice was about to begin. Any misstep now wouldn’t harm the girls—it would harm the guards themselves.

The girls destined for the sacrifice could hardly eat a thing; fear and despair had taken over.

“I… I won’t survive,” one girl said miserably, tears shimmering in her eyes.

Her words barely left her lips before the previously quiet room erupted into sobs and cries.

Only Yin Qingyue remained calm. She knew the sacrifice was merely a formality. With her strength, it was nothing to fear.

The lead guard paced back and forth, eyes fixed on the girls, wary of any mistake.

“Leader, it’s about to start. There’s no time to delay,” a flustered guard said as he entered.

“Prepare to go to the sacrificial altar now!” The words echoed in the room, ominous as death itself.

“Waaah! I don’t want to die!” multiple girls wailed at once, sitting dazed on their chairs.

“I don’t want to die either…”

“Everyone, stand up! Form a line immediately!”

Whoosh! A cold gleam shot from behind. The lead guard drew his sword, pointing it at the girls. “Behave yourselves, or the sword will show no mercy!”

After his warning, Luochen Courtyard fell deathly silent.

The girls, following the formation, slowly boarded the carriages.

Yin Qingyue remained composed. This was not her death—it was a turning point.

“Hurry up!” the last girl moved sluggishly. Yin Qingyue’s gaze shifted—her silhouette looked familiar.

Under the guards’ prodding, the girl stepped forward weakly. Facing death, one felt utterly helpless.

“Hurry, or you’ll delay the sacrifice. Ten lives wouldn’t be enough to atone for failure!”

“Yes…” the girl said faintly.

Yin Qingyue recognized the voice—it was Xue Zhenyu. Once arrogant, Xue Zhenyu now walked in silence, scolded into submission.

“Yin Qingyue,” Xue Zhenyu whispered. The pride of old had vanished.

“Mm,” Yin Qingyue nodded in response.

“Perhaps only facing death makes us act peacefully toward each other,” Xue Zhenyu sighed, her sadness unspeakable.

As her words faded, cries filled the carriage again.

Outside, the rhythmic beating of drums began.

Yin Qingyue lifted the carriage curtain slightly. Flames illuminated the sacrificial altar, casting a reddish glow on the faces around.

Her mind, however, was elsewhere. The image of Prince Jing lingered, unshakable.

Time was short, and she could not afford to dwell. Soon, the carriage reached the altar.

“None of you even think about escaping! Guards are everywhere. Any violators will bring doom upon nine generations!” the lead guard’s words reverberated in the carriage. The girls remained still; even facing death, they would not endanger their families.

Nearby, a pair of eyes fixed intensely on Yin Qingyue. She turned, finding nothing unusual.

Boom boom… The drums grew louder as the sacrificial girls arrived.

Yin Qingyue moved forward with the crowd, scanning her surroundings. Except for guards near the altar, the central area beneath it was empty.

A golden dragon throne loomed ahead. A faint smile curved Yin Qingyue’s lips—the emperor himself would witness the sacrifice.

In ancient times, grand ceremonies like the Heaven Sacrifice affected the survival of the nation. Whether or not the ruler believed in the ritual, participation was mandatory. With Jiangnan plagued and Xize in peril, Nangong Lin’s faith in metaphysics was not to be taken lightly.

“The Emperor has arrived!” Eunuch Li’s quacking voice echoed around the altar, perfectly timed.

Nangong Lin, clad in golden robes, walked slowly to the dragon throne, joy lighting his face.

“Long live the Emperor!” the ministers shouted in unison.

“Once today’s sacrifice is complete, the floods in Jiangnan will turn for the better. I am truly delighted!” Nangong Lin’s smile lifted, the weight of recent worries finally eased.

“Indeed, Your Majesty. Xize’s foundations will endure,” Eunuch Li flattered.

Nearby, the Empress, in pale purple robes, approached slowly.

“Your Majesty,” He Minmin said politely.

“Your face looks rosy, my beloved. You are much better,” Nangong Lin said, taking her hand in concern.

“It’s thanks to Your Majesty. Were it not for the Heaven Sacrifice, I’d still be unconscious in bed,” the Empress replied with a smile, though her thoughts were elsewhere.

Recently, rumors had spread that the Empress’ coma was fake. If she truly stayed unconscious, even the Emperor might doubt. Now, the rumors were dispelled.

“It’s all thanks to the officials arriving in time. Without them, Xize could have descended into chaos,” she added.

“Your Majesty, let’s not dwell on misfortune. Once the sacrifice is complete, everything will improve,” He Minmin said, her eyes bright with hope.

Nangong Lin had always favored metaphysics. Praising the ritual’s effect served his interests well.

“Your Majesty,” Consort De approached with a smile.

“I didn’t expect you to come today as well?” He Minmin remarked sarcastically. Wan Mo had been under house arrest; her presence at the altar was surprising.

“Big sister, didn’t you also come?” Wan Mo sat next to Nangong Lin, eyes cold as she glanced toward the altar. A faint smirk played on her lips. He Minmin was no better—feigning unconsciousness, yet now standing here.

During her house arrest, Wan Mo had suffered greatly. Though not imprisoned, her treatment had been harsher than a cell.

“This is the merit of the sacrifice. You look unwell; the ginseng you sent me last time hasn’t been taken. Take it back and replenish your health,” He Minmin said coldly.

“Big sister needed it most, given her condition. Keep it for yourself,” Consort De replied, suppressing anger—debating now was inappropriate with the Emperor present and the sacrifice ongoing.

“You care for her so thoughtfully, my beloved. I am pleased. Today, let us focus on the sacrifice and pray for the people of Xize,” Nangong Lin said with a smile.

He understood the subtle rivalry between Consort De and the Empress. Consort De’s house was now fully aware of her status, yet the most pressing matter was the sacrifice—it determined Xize’s future.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” the two women replied in unison.

“Officials invite Your Majesty to the altar to announce the start of the sacrifice.”

“Very well, I shall go,” Nangong Lin said, relaxed. Once the ritual was over, all problems would be resolved.

On the altar, a flash of red moved, while several girls wept softly.

“I pay homage to Your Majesty,” the chief official bowed slightly.

“Thank you for your service. Once the sacrifice is complete, I will reward you properly!” Nangong Lin said with a smile.

“This is service to the Emperor and blessing the people of Xize. No reward is needed,” the official replied.

Hearing this, Nangong Lin’s joy was evident.

“I declare the sacrifice begins!”

At once, the sound of drums filled the air.

The most heartbroken was Nangong Xiao, watching the woman he loved being led onto the altar, powerless to stop it.

“Everyone, move to the altar!” the lead guard shouted.

Nangong Xiao clenched his fists as the red figure of Yin Qingyue neared the altar. Once the drums stopped, they would be burned alive. Even as crown prince, he was helpless.

At that thought, his last hope vanished.

Nearby, Prince Jing watched silently.

“Your Highness, won’t you act? The sacrifice is about to begin. If the torches are lit, it may already be too late!” Leng Feng fretted, knowing Prince Jing cared deeply for Yin Qingyue.

“Wait,” Chu Jingcheng said leisurely. He wanted to see how Yin Qingyue would respond facing death, daring to toy with him so boldly.

“Don’t worry. Prince Jing has a plan,” the usually silent Leng Yi said.

Having followed Prince Jing for years, Leng Yi knew his temperament. Prince Jing always acted at the crucial moment, and Yin Qingyue, the woman he longed for, was no ordinary person.

Chu Jingcheng squinted, lips pressed together. Yin Qingyue, you still owe me. If you die easily, who will I collect from?