Chapter 244

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Protagonists:

Shaowei

Liu Qi

This slash was not fatal.

The sudden upheaval — the Tong Tian Lu turning into the You Ming Dao — drove this guard to the brink of collapse and madness; he wanted to cow this Crown Prince with this one strike, so he would not struggle and could be escorted out docilely to redeem his death sentence.

The non-fatal wound still brought Liu Cheng pain he had never known; since childhood he had been sheltered under the frail wings of his fearful, timid mother, the things she dared not let him do were endless, and whatever happened she always made him hide and shrink away.

From some unknown time on, he gradually resented his mother's frail control, which denied him autonomy. Yet at this moment, under such pain, he also suddenly understood — all these years his mother had done her utmost to keep him from suffering such hurt.

Direct pain brings realization, and also the shame and anger of being injured; looking at the guard's ferocious face, the scenes Liu Cheng had seen in his dream flashed through his mind — the unwillingness at being manipulated, despised, and humiliated erupted completely through the pain.

The guard did not look at Liu Cheng's expression; as he drew the short dagger he also dragged the wounded Liu Cheng around to walk out, but unexpectedly the dagger in his hand was snatched away, and his steps were dragged to a halt by opposing force. The guard turned — the bloodied short dagger was raised by the beautiful youth gritting his teeth, and suddenly thrust sideways at his neck.

Liu Cheng had no experience personally killing; when he drew the short dagger, blood splashed all over his face, eerie and terrifying.

The remaining two guards exchanged shocked glances, yet still rushed forward quickly — one wrested the short dagger from Liu Cheng's hand, the other seized his other shoulder-arm from behind and forcibly escorted him out, shouting tremblingly at the soldiers who had already searched their way here: "The Deposed Crown Prince Liu Cheng is here!"

Torches were everywhere outside; Liu Cheng, blood seeping from his abdomen, was pressed down to kneel on the palace chamber stone steps. As if sensing something, he looked toward the palace garden main gate and saw one person on one horse gallop into the garden gate — all the armored soldiers made way for her.

Amid the blazing firelight, she reined in her horse; her clothes were tattered, her face smeared with blood, a few strands of disheveled black hair flying wildly — like a Mountain Spirit bursting forth from a sea of corpses and mountains of blood. Her wretched appearance did not matter at all; a firm and unrestrained power radiated, powerful and dazzling.

As she reined in, she looked in all directions; her gaze passed over him like passing ordinary grass and trees, not pausing, continuing to search — until she caught sight of a shadow leaning on a sword, standing in a sorry state.

She did not dismount, but her tense shoulder-back dropped silently like a breath.

People coming and going, myriad voices shouting, amid blood-light and fire-light, she and that shadow gazed at each other.

The situation was gradually brought under control; all around they began carrying away corpses. The Emperor was escorted down the pavilion and walked toward Liu Qi.

After the life-and-death calamity, the father and son who should have been more intimate faced each other. The Emperor was about to ask his son how his injuries were, but saw that youth covered in blood from head to face look past him and ask: "Imperial Uncle, you saw it, right?"

The Emperor subconsciously followed his gaze and turned his head, seeing Liu Cheng kneeling on the ground, watched by several soldiers holding blades.

"This is the true Crown Prince plotting rebellion." Liu Qi withdrew his gaze and looked at the Emperor: "You saw it, right."

The Emperor's body stiffened; he slowly turned back, meeting a pair of eyes reddened from exhaustion, which seemed to hold a kind of cruel mockery.

The sound of armor and blades clashing rang out; Yan Tian dropped to one knee, and with the soldiers behind him cupped hands in salute: "The Mo Fa and the rest arrived late to protect the Emperor!"

The Emperor's gaze lowered, looking at Yan Tian and the others: "Not late……"

Fast.

Sending messages, donning armor and mustering troops, weighing decisions, risking deployment…… truly fast, as if they had long slept with weapons at hand awaiting dawn.

The sovereign who survived great disaster and faced danger without fear, at this moment dimly realized there was a monster more capable of destroying him than death itself, taking shape by borrowing this heaven-shaking upheaval.

A thread of coldness rose from the bottom of his heart, passing through his rigid spine; his outer robe had just been burned, and now he felt the wind of heaven and earth all the more chill.

The ever-loyal-and-filial youth handed his long sword to the guard at his side, tore off the broken loose belt at his waist, unfastened his bloodstained dark-blue outer robe, stepped forward, and draped it over his Imperial Uncle.

"Imperial Uncle, this Child Minister asks you to forgive the fright."

Whether because it was soaked in blood, this outer robe draped on his shoulders made the Emperor feel extraordinarily heavy. He looked at the son before him — only a lead-white undergarment remained, dark fine-silk lined trousers tucked into dark boots, pure black and white top to bottom, like the clear distinction between the Jing and Wei rivers after all disguise was shed.

The night wind pushed boiling voices and footsteps to surround this palace garden.

Numerous princes and ministers arrived at this moment.

On the road here they had already witnessed the tragic scene; now they saw the palace garden like a Purgatory — blood and severed limbs everywhere, the Crown Prince guarded by blades, the Emperor wretched with blood still at his mouth corner, the lame Prince clad only in inner clothes, clearly having gone through a life-and-death battle……

The first to surge to the Emperor's side were the Liu Royal Clan; some knelt weeping "Arrived late to protect the Emperor," some supported the Emperor, some pointed at the Crown Prince and wailed: "Why must the Crown Prince do this…… truly the nation's misfortune!"

"Heaven shows no mercy; during the autumn hunt, why is there such an ominous incident of kin slaughter……"

Amid the clamor of voices, the Emperor's spine tightened; he only felt countless wild beasts smelling blood Qi gathering around, pairs of tearful eyes flashing with greedy ferocity.

The sovereign old and ill, the Crown Prince plotting rebellion, the Imperial Guard rebelling, the Princes present maimed — no time for any face-saving cover-up, the unprecedentedly critical position suddenly hung vacant, openly exposing a signal that it could be seized, creating a great taboo, bringing the Emperor the most bone-deep threat.

Among the crowd of shocked, sighing, and lingering-fear officials, Zhuang Yuanzhi — who had not squeezed forward to the imperial presence, looking disdainful of offering flattery and loyalty at this moment — frowned and sighed sorrowfully on one hand, while on the other admired the shadows of princes covering the Emperor, listening to voices of "misfortune, omen" filling the blood-stained palace garden.

The Emperor could almost not breathe; then he saw the youth before him pick up the three-foot sword again, lean on it in hand, and walk with a limp through everyone's gazes.

The princes' gazes silently fell on that walking lame leg; therefore they did not stint on emotional praise: "Sixth Prince has a disability yet still so bravely protected the Emperor — loyalty and filial piety can be seen……"

The Gaomi Prince with swollen crying eyes quietly tucked the corner of the blood edict peeking from his sleeve back inside — that was the Emperor's desperate unilateral decision when forced to a dead end; but now the situation was another matter. He knew these princes' nature all too well — they would surely say the Crown Prince's rebellion was already ominous, and there could not be another maimed, ominous Crown Prince — not that he was insightful about human hearts, but because he was one of them.

And if the Crown Prince could not be established quickly, this restless hearts would surely spiral out of control.

The Gaomi Prince sighed in his heart; perhaps forced to share life and death, at this moment he actually felt some difficulty for his imperial brother…… but what is this lame child up to?

This injured child without an outer robe, watched by countless gazes, the crowded throng parted a path; he leaned on his sword, as if summoned by some call, very slowly but not pausing a single step, walking toward where an Iron Cavalry stood.

Along the way they had already heard the tale of the Great Shaman God descending to quell chaos and summoning reinforcements; now looking at that girl sitting motionless on the horseback, seeing her waiting quietly from afar — not dismounting, not saluting the sovereign, brows and eyes brilliant, bearing awe-inspiring — as if the spirit had not yet left her body, waiting for some unfinished matter.

The sword-leaner clad only in inner clothes arrived at her side, knelt on one knee leaning on his sword, looked up with a loyal bearing: "The Shaman God is Heaven's Mandate incarnate; now using Heaven's Mandate power to protect the Holy Chariot in peril, and correct the state altar in danger——"

"Liu Qi today between life and death received Heaven's Mechanism protection, felt Heaven's Mandate resonance, dares to beg Heaven's Mandate for Sovereign Father and state altar to show mercy, rectify my heart and soul, make whole my body shell."

All around fell starkly silent; after a moment, only the shadow on horseback leaned slightly — her gaze dropped, tattered wide sleeves fluttering in night wind and firelight, one hand lightly landed on the youth's slightly raised forehead crown.

The youth's forehead had bloodstains; the finger that landed on his forehead crown was also stained crimson — truly seeming to conclude a Ghost-and-Spirit blood contract that could not be repented or defied.

Amid the all-around astonished watching, the Heaven's Mechanism's voice rang out clear and firm:

"Vast High Heaven, hear my words; deep Deep Earth, bear witness for me—— Now there is Prince Qi, bearing Qian's blood, holding Kun's spirit; his will is staunch, his nature pure and bright, and his sacrifices abundant and clean — he deserves the gods' reliance. I wish to beg the Three Celestial Lights' radiance to remove his deep-rooted illness; draw the Nine Heavens' dew to cleanse his calamities."

Shaowei gazed earnestly at Liu Qi, four eyes meeting; her finger slowly stroked downward, as if sealing the contract.

Amid flickering firelight, Liu Qi looking up slowly showed tears in his eyes — yet this was no feigned posture, only because in his view this Ghost-and-Spirit contract truly existed.

She said he 【enjoys abundant and clean sacrifices, deserves the gods' reliance】——

He offered his abundant and pure heart-soul as sacrificial offering for this relationship, and she had clearly perceived it, and was willing to accept this offering, likewise returning him abundant and clean blessings and protection.

A tear fell from Liu Qi's eye, as if shedding countless gloom and hardship; Shaowei maintained her divine bearing, withdrawing her hand and tattered sleeves.

In everyone's sight, the youth leaned on his sword and slowly rose; the Shaman God dismounted — in this instant, that straight-bodied youth was like a black-and-white distinct giant eagle; his own shadow and the Iron Cavalry's and the Shaman God's fluttering clothes shadows all wove behind him into pitch-black wings — these wings vast as if clouds hanging from the sky, concealing who knows how much power.

The three-foot sword was still in his hand, yet he lifted it, no longer leaning on it for support; he strode forward, and amid countless astonished gazes and voices, walked toward his sovereign father with sword in hand.

Prince Gaomi subconsciously surged forward a step, shoved aside the people blocking his front, and stared fixedly at that lame child's legs... the child was still that child, but where was the lameness? A perfectly good lame leg — where did it go?!

Sounds of astonishment spread in all directions, yet the Emperor heard nothing at all; he only saw that child walking toward him step by step, with the bearing of a sound and whole body that seemed to carry the irresistible Mandate of Heaven.

The sound youth's bearing was no longer restrained; the Emperor's mind roared, a conjecture that simultaneously rose in many hearts yet was destined never to be proven enveloped him... and at this moment, through this face of peerless contours, he suddenly saw the faces of many people; those walking toward him seemed not just one person, and the Emperor who did not fear death actually retreated a step without a sound, steadied by the person at his side.

He was truly decrepit, needing support at every moment, and those who supported him all harbored wolfish ambitions, but those jackal-like evil claws at this moment also tightened in flustered disarray due to shock...

With a "clang," Liu Qi discarded his sword and drew near, knees hitting the ground in succession as he knelt to pay homage: "Your child's leg ailment has healed today; this is both the protection of heavenly mechanisms and spirits, and proof that Your Majesty's benevolent virtue extends to the four corners of heaven and earth — otherwise how could there be such a sign of divine descent!"

The youth's gaze was scorching, appearing truly sincere: "This body of your child is henceforth living proof that Your Majesty and Heaven protect our Liu clan's realm — hereafter, anyone who dares shake the state foundation, be disloyal to the sovereign, or throw the court into chaos shall be abandoned by both men and gods!"

As these words fell, among the shocked ministers someone finally recovered, suddenly kneeling to bow: "This is an auspicious omen of Heaven blessing Great Qian!"

Voices of agreement quickly rose, and more and more officials knelt to offer congratulations.

These myriad sounds turned into a single sentence in the Emperor's mind — Please, Your Majesty, comply with the Mandate of Heaven.

Indeed, the Mandate has manifested; the sovereign's worries, the situation's peril, and the realm's predicament are all resolved; ministers rejoice, and no prince has any reason to deny this Mandate any longer.

The Emperor looked at this outstanding son before him who so shared his sovereign's burdens; a fire wanted to ignite in his heart, but was quickly smothered in his decayed, damp husk of a body.

That dampness spread with no choice but to seep out, leaking a trace of tears in his aged eyes; the Emperor smiled with relief, nodding: "Good, good... Si Tui, truly worthy of being Our son! A son of the Liu family!"

"Heaven bless Great Qian!" The Emperor gathered a breath and proclaimed loudly: "Liu Yi, read aloud on Our behalf the blood edict We just established, for heaven and earth, for the witch gods, for all ministers and soldiers to hear!"

"... Received!"

Prince Gaomi's hands trembling, he hurriedly fished out that blood edict stuffed extremely deep, unfolded it in panic, desperately adjusting his expression and voice, striving to show delight and excitement.

Everyone in the palace grounds momentarily stopped all other actions; apart from the Emperor and Prince Gaomi reading the edict, all knelt to listen respectfully.

Amid the chaotic bloody scene, Prince Gaomi read aloud in a loud voice that provisional edict deposing Crown Prince Cheng and establishing the sixth imperial son as heir.

After this there would be formal edicts and investitures, but for everyone everything was already settled at this moment.

The greatest upheaval occurred today, yet the smoothest transition of power also took place.

Liu Qi received that not-heavy silk blood edict with both hands.

Amid flickering firelight, Zhuang Yuanzhi raised his head, his eyes holding excitement more real and surging than Prince Gaomi's; he looked at that youth who had shed his outer robe yet gained new life, and this excitement unknowingly mixed with tears; then those tearful eyes shifted slightly, gazing toward the straight-kneeling girl ahead; for a moment his body shifted, he bowed low, touched his forehead to the ground, and paid a silent grand salute to that back.

Tang Jia, who had rushed over, entered the palace grounds and immediately saw the entire grounds kneeling in this state; without time for more reaction or thought, he hurriedly followed suit and knelt.

Yan Mian, arriving with men a step behind Tang Jia, saw this scene, stood quietly for a moment, then saw people rising one after another; he went to the Emperor's carriage front, knelt to pay homage, and returned the Imperial Seal with both hands.

The Emperor received the seal, but did not rush to ask or listen to anything; he looked very tired, leaving only one sentence: "First take Si Tui to see his injuries, apply medicine."

Everyone answered "Received"; Prince Gaomi took the lead in helping his nephew up: "Si Tui, quickly follow Uncle King to apply medicine!"

Liu Qi was quickly surrounded; Tang Jia even momentarily couldn't squeeze forward; and Liu Qi, through layers of figures, tilted his head back slightly, looking toward Shaowei standing not far away.

Seeing him look over, Shaowei held her hands behind her back, lifted her chin slightly at him, as if urging him to go treat his injuries with peace of mind.

Liu Qi revealed a smile, then immediately let out a light "hiss," baring teeth and wrinkling his face, feigning pain.

Shaowei couldn't help laughing, the corner of her mouth curling up slightly; she walked away briskly, going to find Yan Xiang to inquire about the situation.

Seeing his nephew's face show pain, Prince Gaomi hurriedly asked after and comforted him; were it not that his nephew's legs were now sound, he would have simply scooped him up horizontally and carried him.

His nephew's regretful words made his flesh tremble and heart startle: "Your nephew is unworthy; this autumn hunt I fear I cannot ask Uncle King for guidance."

"What words are these, there will be plenty of chances later..." Prince Gaomi sweated profusely, laughing heartily: "Your Highness is so valiant; Uncle King is foolish, fat, and aged — where would I be a match! Go go go, apply medicine, apply medicine, watch your step..."

The disorder among the Imperial Guards had not yet been fully purged, but the overall situation was settled; forces everywhere were patrolling and investigating tightly.

The Emperor did not leave the palace grounds where the incident occurred, but was supported by his confidant Imperial Guards, returning once more to that trap chamber of today.

"Liu Cheng..." The Emperor sat on that bedding, looking down at the youth prostrate on the ground, pale from blood loss, and asked: "You were used by so many to scheme against Us; do you still have anything to say?"

Liu Cheng raised his head, but counter-questioned: "May I ask Father Emperor, why would your child be used?"

"Because you are stupid, without virtue, yet also greedy and vicious!"

"It is because Father Emperor made me this Crown Prince!"

The two spoke simultaneously, both with angry expressions and loud voices, followed by a somewhat prolonged eye contact.

Liu Cheng rarely got angry; even at this moment his dying anger contained many tears; he tilted his head with disheveled topknot, asking incoherently: "Your child had an extremely real dream; does Father Emperor wish to hear it?"

?? (Cheng didn't die in the previous chapter _(: 3」∠)_)

? Good night everyone, see you tomorrow (I can write it!)