Chapter 463: Heaven-Worship

The altar came into view.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard blocked the way.

"You may not advance further. Hand the prisoner over to us, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and you may withdraw."

So brazen.

We're all from the same government office, all drawing salaries from the state—can't you speak a little more politely?

The Six Gates Bureau's men were immediately indignant: "We received direct orders to escort the prisoner to the base of the altar. We're still some distance away."

"That last stretch is no concern of yours. We, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, are now taking custody of the prisoner, Great Ming Wang. This is official documentation—and the Emperor's decree. Do you dare defy imperial command?"

The Six Gates Bureau men exchanged glances; some quick-witted ones quickly broke formation to seek orders from above.

Chen Guanlou signaled the jailers to remain calm and let the Six Gates Bureau handle it. If the Six Gates Bureau yields, the Heavenly Prison will follow protocol and complete the handover. If they insist on clashing with the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Heavenly Prison will just watch the show.

With Chen Guanlou as their anchor, the jailers fell silent, their hearts steady, their movements orderly. After all, their duty was only to escort the prisoner.

Besides, they were now mere steps from the altar, surrounded by Embroidered Uniform Guards and Six Gates Bureau men—no one could possibly attempt a prison break.

Thus, the jailers became the most relaxed group on the scene.

Chen Guanlou guessed the Six Gates Bureau wouldn't back down just to save face; before so many government offices, they couldn't afford to lose dignity. Even if they ended up gaining nothing, at least they'd demonstrated their position—letting every other office know the Six Gates Bureau wasn't afraid of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. That alone was sufficient.

Face is earned, not given.

Not long after, higher-ranking officials from both sides arrived on the scene. After negotiations, the Six Gates Bureau relented.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard presented the official documents. Chen Guanlou signed and sealed them on behalf of the Heavenly Prison, then accompanied them to verify the prisoner's identity before completing the handover.

Great Ming Wang watched the entire spectacle coldly until, just as he was about to be taken by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he suddenly shouted at Chen Guanlou: "Jailor Chen, don't forget what you promised me. Don't forget our great cause."

Chen Guanlou: …

He raised his middle finger directly at the man.

On the brink of death, still trying to drag him down—sure enough, one shouldn't show kindness. He'd been too courteous to Great Ming Wang in the past, which gave the man the audacity to push his luck.

Great Ming Wang burst into loud laughter. "Jailor Chen, watch closely—watch how this world will change. Hahaha… What does one man's death matter? I die, but thousands will rise in my place. The Great Qian dynasty will fall!"

"Take him away. Silence him." The Embroidered Uniform Guard had no patience for Great Ming Wang, no interest in polite conversation. They gagged him outright.

Great Ming Wang struggled weakly twice, then gave up.

Chen Guanlou waved at him, silently mouthing two words: "Deserved."

Great Ming Wang smiled, facing his coming cruelty with laughter.

Chen Guanlou ordered Xiao Jin to lead the jailers back to the Heavenly Prison immediately—no lingering.

"What about you, sir?"

"I have my own plans. I must go check on the Hou Fu."

Xiao Jin understood at once and swiftly led the jailers away, avoiding the spectacle.

The Six Gates Bureau men, however, all stayed behind. They'd been ordered by the Ministry of Justice to secure the outer perimeter. Today's Heaven-Worship Ceremony couldn't be left to the Embroidered Uniform Guard alone. The Six Gates Bureau had to play its part, lend its strength.

When rewards were handed out afterward, they'd get their share.

That's called "sharing the rain and dew equally!"

All nearby teahouses and restaurants had been rented out by wealthy families—no private customers allowed.

Chen Guanlou hadn't yet developed the habit of abusing power; he abandoned the indoor seats entirely and simply climbed onto a rooftop to hide. With his eyesight, he could clearly see everything happening on the altar.

Officials from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau were busy on the altar; Ministry of Rites officers were conducting final rehearsals, guiding officials through their positioning.

Everything was ready—just waiting for the right wind.

Today was the day for the Ministry of Rites and the Imperial Astronomical Bureau to show off. Their men were all energetic, yet tense; dark circles under their eyes proved they hadn't slept well in days.

Indeed, such a grand event—indeed, the Heaven-Worship Ceremony today was tied to the nation's fate. Who wasn't holding their breath, terrified a single detail might be missed and ruin the ceremony?

Fortunately, Heaven smiled upon them: today, the sky was clear and bright. Though a northwesterly wind still blew, it was far better than the days of endless rain.

If Heaven itself showed such favor, how could the Heaven-Worship Ceremony fail?

The hour has come!

The Emperor, led by Ministry of Rites officials, surrounded by palace attendants and guarded by the Imperial Army, finally arrived at the altar. The Minister of Rites himself led the way, guiding the old Emperor step by step up the stairs toward the summit altar.

Every few steps, a small ritual occurred. Ministry of Rites officials recited the sacrificial text and burned offerings, then continued upward. Step by step, all followed ancient rites—the beauty of ceremony was on full display today.

The court's senior ministers followed one step behind the old Emperor, also ascending the altar slowly.

Thousands—nearly ten thousand people, including security personnel—fell utterly silent. Even the buzz of a mosquito could be heard. Aside from the voices of the Ministry of Rites officials conducting the rites, no one spoke. All faces were solemn; even breathing was hushed.

This was a display of national strength, imperial authority, court dignity, and "peace throughout the land." Many in the crowd genuinely believed that once this Heaven-Worship Ceremony was completed, all rebel forces would vanish instantly, and peace would be restored at once.

Some elderly ministers wept openly.

So moved!

The sky of Great Qian must not fall!

Traitors and rebels will surely die!

Even the wealthy nobles watching from the outer perimeter held their breath, feeling the majesty of the Great Qian dynasty, under Heaven's protection.

Chen Guanlou's heart was calm—neither stirred nor cold. He watched like a complete film, determined only to see with his eyes and remember with his mind.

Such a rare scene—perhaps he wouldn't witness it again in the next few decades.

Remember this moment—it'll be prime material for bragging later.

This was his second time seeing the old Emperor. The last time had been the night Master Cheng Lingzi arrived in the capital. Was it an illusion? He felt the old Emperor looked stronger, younger. His steps up the stairs were powerful, not weak at all.

Is this the state of a man whose body is slowly failing?

The ceremony was long and tedious.

Just a few dozen meters of stairs took half an hour to climb—finally, the old Emperor reached the summit altar.

What followed was even longer and more elaborate.

Today was not merely a test for the Imperial Astronomical Bureau and the Ministry of Rites.

It was also a test of the physical endurance of every official, young and old. How many of those elderly men could possibly endure this endless ritual?