[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starlight-professional":3,"chapter-starlight-professional-starlight-professional-chapter-668":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starlight Professional",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2309328,4512,"Chapter 668: Cheng Qian (Bonus Chapter—Requesting Moon Tickets)","starlight-professional-chapter-668",668,"\u003Cp>“Especially Prince Tai! The other princes have already given up; I suspect Prince Tai outwardly submits, drinking heavily and collecting beauties daily, but secretly still wants one last gamble.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yuan Zhao shook his head: “This kind of behavior will eventually trap oneself… To plot against those above, you need at least their cooperation… The one currently in power is utterly flawless.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, a shadow of sorrow crossed his heart: “Besides, we cannot afford another chaotic age!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those who have never lived through chaos do not understand its terror.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Better to be a dog in peace than a man in chaos!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Yuan Zhao knew not all these veteran ministers shared his exact thoughts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But with such a stewardly monarch, doing nothing is at least safe—avoiding major mistakes, and with the Great Qian’s sheer scale, it can endure two or three centuries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the third year of Longchang, Grand Secretary Yuan Zhao retired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That same year, Emperor Longchang held a selection of concubines; dozens of beautiful, virtuous maidens from across the empire were chosen, most sent to the inner palace, the rest granted to the princes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing, as emperor, always focused only on broad directions, leaving daily affairs to the Grand Secretariat—simple and easy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After leaving a concubine’s palace, Fang Xing stretched lazily, savoring the moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This trial, for him, was a rare leisurely journey.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he idly pondered, he strolled into the imperial garden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One had to admit, the entire palace had gone to great lengths to make life pleasant—quite delightful.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would today bring some chance encounter, or a small surprise?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He stopped before a flowerbed and smiled: “These flowers glow like gold—what variety are they?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, these are the ‘Jinbo Flowers’ tributed from Yunzhou; their fragrance aids sleep and nourishes the spirit—the Imperial Medical Academy’s physicians have already examined them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A eunuch bowed hastily.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After inspection by the Imperial Medical Academy, they were confirmed safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Jinbo Flowers?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing stepped forward, sniffed the fragrance, felt an anomaly in his body, and smiled faintly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just now, he had sensed minor damage to his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though slight, the poison was quickly neutralized by his inner qi—but he had indeed been poisoned!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The terrifying part: if accumulated over time, by the time it erupted, it might be beyond salvation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is this… the principle of mutual generation and mutual restraint?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s mind stirred: “The Jinbo Flower itself is harmless, but it seems to have mixed with another fragrance I just smelled, transforming into a toxin slowly destroying my body…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Too bad—any toxin that ignores dosage to claim harm is just bullying… Poisoning through inhalation requires massive quantities; otherwise, it becomes chronic poisoning.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He shook his head: “Little Zhang…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your servant is here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Eunuch stepped forward immediately and knelt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Investigate thoroughly who’s behind these Jinbo Flowers—and trace the source of the incense in Mei Fei’s palace. Leave no one unexamined…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Fang Xing was nearly certain Mei Fei was merely an innocent scapegoat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when an emperor faces such a matter, evidence is never required!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sweep them all up first, then interrogate slowly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhang Eunuch’s forehead instantly broke into cold sweat—he knew something grave had happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After giving the order, Fang Xing continued strolling through the garden, seemingly unaffected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I never care about evidence—I only look at who benefits…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The princes are still young; my death would benefit them not at all… The Empress Dowager is far too old, bedridden already, and I have no intention of striking her clan—impossible it’s her…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The meritorious nobles? Some civil official? No benefit whatsoever…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘So, it’s still my good brothers.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing sneered inwardly: ‘Or perhaps my uncles and aunts? Either way, once uncovered, they’ll be publicly executed.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Son of Heaven’s wrath—blood so vast it floats shields!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Fang Xing preferred not to ignite a grand case, ordinary investigations would still kill many.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘And the civil officials—need a reminder too… Should add arithmetic to the imperial examinations, and increase its weight…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Months later, a shocking rumor spread through the capital of the Great Qian, swiftly radiating outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Prince Tai, Li Ruzhang, rebelled—and was immediately ordered to commit suicide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was said that after Prince Tai took his own life, his birth mother, Consort Shu, hanged herself as well, following her son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a storm swept through the capital, yet after a brief uproar, calm returned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hidden power behind it instantly silenced every ambitious soul, forcing them into hibernation…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time flowed like water, years passed like a shuttle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Spring departed, autumn came.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before anyone knew it, it was the sixtieth year of Longchang!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the Great Qian had not enjoyed perfect harvests every year, Emperor Longchang had vigorously managed waterworks and promoted production; the people lived in peace and prosperity, population grew, and according to the latest census, exceeded five million households.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some enthusiasts had already begun chanting the slogan: “The Longchang Golden Age.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The palace.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing was now an eighty-seven-year-old man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though his hair and beard were white, his complexion was ruddy, and it was his birthday—the Wan Shou Festival—so ministers, princes, and imperial grandchildren gathered in full attendance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kneel before Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live ten thousand years without end!” A ruler who had held power for sixty years possessed unfathomable authority.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention, Emperor Longchang’s methods were astonishing: the meritorious nobles grew weaker generation after generation, civil officials remained obedient and dared not defy him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The imperial clan had been thoroughly subdued.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rise, stand.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing waved his hand, glanced around, and felt a pang of emotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Time… is truly the most terrifying force.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Over long years, the meritorious nobles decline generation by generation—human nature is lazy; their descendants are born into silk and luxury—who still strives, who still endures the stench of soldiers, eating and sleeping alongside them?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>True prestige in the military cannot be built without enduring hardship together, without rolling out of piles of corpses side by side.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But a general who leads his troops from victory to victory gains unparalleled authority—no emperor, not even a god, could make him hesitate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘The meritorious nobles weakened, civil officials slightly strengthened—but I’ve divided and suppressed them through multiple examinations…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Being emperor in ancient times was truly delightful.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing’s gaze swept over his sons, grandsons, great-grandsons, great-great-grandsons… and he sighed again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time was always merciless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His empress, and the two children of Li Rubi and the empress, had all died of old age and illness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this was a non-magical ancient era—farmers over thirty were considered elderly; those over forty were considered long-lived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even high officials rarely lived long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The empress died of natural causes in the forty-seventh year of Longchang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some princes had even died before this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘My inner qi can only sustain myself—it cannot spare the energy to prolong others’ lives…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing sighed, silently drank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, one performance after another unfolded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, amidst drums and music, a group of girls in flowing dance robes entered the hall, singing and dancing gracefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among them, the leader had eyes like autumn waters, a light, ethereal figure—as if she could dance in midair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Huh?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing set down his cup.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many observant eyes noticed this—and were startled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emperor had never been fond of beauty—why today…?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he was eighty-seven!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing stared at the lead dancer, a faint glint in his eyes: ‘A fellow traveler… Which Dao Lord?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But she must have had her memories and cultivation sealed… Was it my arrival that triggered the premature opening of the Transcendence Realm?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Or did the secret realm left by the Dao Sovereign emerge early?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Dao Sovereign had clearly prepared before transcending, leaving behind a secret realm—Fang Xing had glimpsed it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Dao Sovereign had not bet on the present—he had bet on the future.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And within that secret realm, eight out of ten chances held the means and relics to open the Transcendence Realm!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing sensed it—his entry into the Transcendence Realm must have triggered some butterfly effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a result, a certain Third-Step Dao Lord entered the Transcendence Secret Realm and received the inheritance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘But… is the Secret Realm that stingy?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Only one test world?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He mentally grumbled, yet a faint smile appeared on his face: ‘What is this woman’s name?’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Your Majesty, this woman’s name is Han Yu. It is said that at her birth, her body emitted an unusual fragrance, and she clutched an ancient jade in her hand…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The elderly eunuch standing nearby replied respectfully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Oh? Ancient jade? Bring it here to see!’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing spoke casually, and Han Yu, her expression slightly shy, stepped forward and knelt, then pulled a jade pendant from her collar.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pendant was shaped like a hook jade, with eyes resembling yin-yang fish, threaded through by a red cord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Fang Xing picked up the hook jade, it still carried her body heat and a faint fragrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘Your humble subject Han Yu bows before Your Majesty; may Your Majesty live ten thousand years without end.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Han Yu’s voice was clear and crisp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘This is intense… a Third-Step Dao Lord just knelt down.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>‘I hope she doesn’t try to kill me after she leaves…’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fang Xing mentally grumbled, yet still found this female Dao Lord intriguing: ‘Hah… what a fascinating woman. Bestow upon her the title “Hook Jade Lady”… Truly, Heaven has sent me this gift.’\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What ill intentions could Fang Xing possibly have? He merely wished to increase the difficulty for this female Dao Lord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, this trial won’t kill anyone; if he didn’t meet the standard, he could still try to help this female Dao Lord achieve a high score, then scheme to obtain a primordial spiritual treasure from her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The princes and imperial grandchildren below were all stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They never expected their imperial grandfather, their ancestor… to still be so vigorous?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless men secretly envied him; several younger princes clenched their teeth in silent fury.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>An emperor who lives too long naturally invites hatred.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of the princes and even imperial grandchildren who had been worn down to death, some lowered their heads to drink, hiding the dark flames in their eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eleven months later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A loud infant’s cry suddenly echoed from the “Cheng’en Palace,” where the Hook Jade Lady resided.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since entering the palace, the Hook Jade Lady had been summoned by the Emperor, became pregnant, and after ten months, gave birth to a son.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Emperor Longchang was overjoyed and bestowed the name—Cheng Qian!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1755,"2026-06-20T11:03:23.251Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","3ae41b34b295a6c99e338ba3e8a3d2c73d9aa26a36ddd8bc845d9c491443f4ff","starlight-professional-chapter-669","starlight-professional-chapter-667",726,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarlight-professional-cover.jpg"]