Chapter 563

The Fifth Commandery Wang Shizi Xiao Jinghong was startled in his heart.

The corner of his mouth twitched, "Eldest brother, what does this mean?"

Upon hearing this, Li Yan also narrowed his eyes.

Sometimes one has to admit that the Shu Wang's lineage truly has good genes; compared to the obese Chang'an Wang Heir and the bear-like Wuchang Wang Heir, these Commandery Princes and Princesses of the Shu Wang Fu were all of superior appearance.

This eldest Commandery Wang Shizi was half a head taller than the Fifth Commandery Wang Shizi, with fair skin and handsome features, but there was a bit more harshness and viciousness between his brows, making one uncomfortable to look at.

He was playing with a Siamese blood amber ruyi in his hand, and as the sunlight shone on it, it seemed to reflect blood light onto his face, "Old Fifth, don't pretend."

"We have been fighting to the death here, but I didn't expect you to have secretly put us in check. Good methods..."

The news had leaked!

Xiao Jinghong finally understood what was going on.

He had always been low-key and far from disputes, but in reality, he had made arrangements, and as long as there were no accidents, he would be the final winner.

He didn't expect that when things came to a head, so many variables would appear.

At this moment, Ming Shanzi's expression was also gloomy.

As for Li Yan, he looked at Xiao Jinghong without changing his expression.

He had no feelings for this prince who lived in luxury, and didn't care whether he lived or died, but unknowingly, the two sides had become bound together.

Whether it was capturing criminal spirits and Heavenly Court fugitives, or helping the Dragon Lady build a temple to gather incense, he couldn't do without this person's help.

If something went wrong, the things he wanted to do would be even harder to handle.

Fortunately, Xiao Jinghong could still withstand the pressure.

Looking at the jealous, vicious, or resentful gazes of his brothers and sisters, Xiao Jinghong straightened his body and no longer concealed it, sighed, and looked toward the palace city, "Everyone, don't think too much."

"Father is in good health and will live a long life. Fighting here and there during the festival just makes people laugh at us."

"Yo, Fifth brother is quite filial."

Another Commandery Wang Shizi smiled indifferently, his words carrying thorns.

This was the Fourth Commandery Wang Shizi. Compared to the eldest Commandery Wang Shizi who had a close relationship with the military, he had a better reputation among the Confucian scholars and was also a disciple of the great Confucian Yang Duo in Shu.

Although he still maintained his demeanor, killing intent had already surged in his heart.

He was usually respectful to that Yang Duo, gave generous gifts during festivals, and often visited to ask for advice.

He didn't expect that the other party would secretly exert so much effort to push the Fifth Commandery Wang Shizi.

A feeling of being betrayed coiled in his heart like a poisonous snake.

Xiao Jinghong remained expressionless, changed the subject, and said meaningfully: "Everyone, how long has it been since you saw Father..."

After saying this, he ignored everyone and stood in the team with his eyes closed.

Seeing his appearance, the others also had different expressions.

They weren't really stupid either; Xiao Jinghong mentioning "Shu Wang living a long life" twice was definitely not without reason.

Thinking carefully, since the Shu Wang became seriously ill, no one had indeed seen him.

Could it be that Father is faking illness to test them?

For a time, everyone's eyes were uncertain.

This small episode did not affect the progress of the sacrificial ceremony.

But a Chief Eunuch holding a golden register walked out slowly.

The hem of his dark purple robe dragged a winding trail on the accumulated snow, and he said in standard official language in a loud voice:

"The auspicious hour has arrived, begin the ceremony!"

As soon as the voice fell, there was a drum roar in the distance.

Boom, boom, boom!

The skin-covered drums shocked the mind, and nine cannon shots rang out outside the Duanli Gate.

The great affairs of the state lie in military and sacrificial matters.

For various festival sacrifices, the commoners of the Divine Land attached great importance to them, and the high-ranking officials and the imperial clan were even more grand.

After the cannon shots, thirty-two bare-chested strongmen were seen carrying the agarwood sedan chair, stepping on the snow. On the sedan chair was a gold-lacquered shrine, offering the three sacrificial animals for the Kitchen God:

The Liaodong pig king with black mane and green hooves had rubies embedded in its eyes,

The sheep horns were wrapped with "Bumper Harvest" banners woven from Shu brocade,

And the ox head was tied with sixty-four gilded bells.

Just the attire of these three sacrificial animals was enough for the wealth of an ordinary family.

The drums rumbled, and as the bare-chested men stepped, the various trinkets hanging on the three animals jingled.

Twelve children in yellow shirts walked in front of the sedan, scattering stove horses cut from gold foil; in an instant, the white ground was covered with thousands of golden scales.

This was the so-called "Three Sacrificial Animals Lead the Way."

"Please move to the Cheng Yun Hall!"

After the three animals passed, the Chief Eunuch sang the ritual again in a loud voice.

Everyone moved one after another, passing through the palace gates on both sides.

The central palace gate avenue could only be walked by the Shu Wang and the Emperor, and at such times, it was called the Divine Path, the place where gods walked, and mortals had to retreat.

Passing through the Cheng Yun Gate was the Cheng Yun Hall.

This was also the center of the Wang Palace.

Two hundred Kitchen God sacrificial soldiers were lined up in front of the formation, holding banners, painted with the Kitchen God treading on clouds in vermilion, with peach wood short halberds hanging at their waists, wrapped in red silk soaked in chicken blood wine.

The flag-bearing officer, a big man whose stature was almost comparable to Wu Ba, held a three-zhang-high "East Kitchen Controller" banner, waving it slowly.

The Kitchen God sacrificial army formation immediately scattered on the snow like a long dragon wagging its tail; it looked messy, but looking down from a high place, it was the "Longevity" character pattern.

The sound of ox-hide stepping on the ground harmonized with the drums.

The copper bells hanging on the eaves of the Cheng Yun Hall also dropped snow with a rustle.

The Shu Wang had led troops to meritorious service, so the Kitchen God sacrificial ceremony also absorbed the characteristics of the military, solemn and oppressive, carrying a trace of killing aura.

This was Li Yan's first time seeing it, and he watched with great interest.

However, those Commandery Princes, Princesses, and Chengdu officials were somewhat absent-minded, occasionally turning their heads to look at the Cheng Yun Hall behind them.

In previous years at this time, the Shu Wang would always appear to observe the ceremony.

But this year's formation far exceeded last year's, yet the Cheng Yun Hall gate remained tightly closed, and coupled with the Fifth Commandery Wang Shizi's words just now, it was inevitable that everyone felt uneasy in their hearts.

Cheng Jianxian did not show his face, and the martial world in Shu was becoming increasingly chaotic.

Similarly, don't look at the Shu Wang's many actions that were dissatisfying; every move he made could also trigger a storm in Chengdu.

Especially with the news of his serious illness spreading, all parties were restless, privately interacting with the Commandery Princes they favored.

If he were really faking illness, wouldn't they be in trouble...

The Kitchen God sacrificial ceremony lasted for a full hour.

When the ceremony ended, many people were already dizzy and lightheaded from standing, especially those elderly officials.

Ordinary commoners couldn't see this kind of thing.

But for them, it was a bitter chore.

And this was not the end.

In the afternoon, there would be the dance of Zhong Kui.

At night, there would be the shamanic sacrificial dance with torches to drive away evil.

In short, it would last all day.

Boom, boom, boom!

Just as they were about to be unable to stand steady, the Cheng Yun Hall gate behind them finally opened, immediately attracting everyone's attention.

The Chief Eunuch shouted expressionlessly:

"Please move to the Cheng Yun Hall for the banquet."

Only then did everyone discover that inside the magnificent hall, long tables and chairs were already filled on both sides, strictly following the ritual system.

Under the command of the guards, everyone entered the hall in order.

This seating naturally had its own rules.

The Commandery Princes and Princesses were arranged in the front, followed by the Chengdu officials, who took their seats according to their ranks.

Fortunately, the Shu Wang Fu wasn't too stingy.

Behind the front seats, there were also arranged seats, and although crowded, Li Yan and Ming Shanzi at least had a place to sit.

Subsequently, maids arrived one after another carrying food boxes.

They opened the lacquer wooden food boxes, took out blue and white porcelain plates one by one, and soon filled every table.

The banquet of the Shu Wang Fu naturally went without saying.

The braised beef was sliced extremely thin, stacked layer upon layer like flower petals, and drizzled with amber sauce, emitting an oily luster...

The pickled goose feet were frozen crystal clear, the pickled bamboo shoots and sauce melon strips were arranged in a Bagua pattern, the braised peanuts were full and plump... the sugar melons eaten during the Kitchen God sacrifice season were small and sweet.

Whether cold or hot, the dishes were extremely exquisite.

Even the wine was warmed Luzhou Laojiao, with enough age, emitting bursts of fragrance.

Li Yan smelled it, nodded to Ming Shanzi and the others, and quickly picked up some beef and stuffed it into his mouth.

At any time, he never failed to live up to delicious food.

And those Commandery Princes were still absent-minded.

The eldest Commandery Wang Shizi looked at the empty throne above and finally couldn't help asking the Chief Eunuch, "Eunuch Liu, is Father not coming?"

The Chief Eunuch lowered his head and replied: "The Wang Shizi is not feeling well..."

"What about Mother?"

The eldest Commandery Wang Shizi stood up abruptly, already somewhat impatient on his face.

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Among the several Commandery Princes, he was the most dissatisfied with the Shu Wang.

According to the rules, he should have long obtained the position of Heir, and his mother was still alive, being the proper Princess, and her maternal family was also a military family.

But now he had to fight with others.

The second one knew how to conduct himself, associating with many officials and wealthy merchants.

The third one had vicious methods, but fortunately was shot to death by a gun.

The fourth one was admired by those scholars and often held poetry gatherings.

The Fifth one, who was usually low-key, did big things without making a sound.

If things were done according to the rules, there wouldn't be these troubles.

Xiao Jinghong's reminder also made him suspicious in his heart; it was one thing for the Shu Wang to be seriously ill, but thinking carefully, the Shu Wang Princess hadn't been seen for a long time either.

Seeing his appearance, the Chief Eunuch hurriedly lowered his head and said: "Commandery Wang Shizi, calm your anger. The Princess has to take care of the Wang Shizi, saying that today..."

"I don't care!"

The eldest Commandery Wang Shizi's eyes were fierce: "Today I must see Mother. Let's see who dares to stop me!"

The Chief Eunuch's face turned bitter, "This servant will go and report immediately."

The eldest Commandery Wang Shizi's anger was seen by everyone, and they exchanged glances, all remaining silent.

They also wanted to know what had happened.

During the banquet, only Li Yan ate to his heart's content, while the others discussed and whispered, and unknowingly it was the Wei hour.

The Chief Eunuch appeared again and shouted:

"Please move outside the hall to observe the ceremony."

Everyone walked out of the hall one after another, while the Chief Eunuch fell behind, bowed to the eldest Commandery Wang Shizi and said: "Commandery Wang Shizi, the Princess said, let you come to the inner palace to pay respects after the dance of Zhong Kui."

"Good."

The eldest Commandery Wang Shizi snorted coldly and nodded.

Everyone walked out of the hall gate and stood behind the stone railing outside.

Eighteen Shehuo drums came from the Duanli Gate, the drums rumbled, and there was the simultaneous ringing of golden gongs, playing the music of a theater troupe.

Amidst the drum music, a person walked out with a steady gait.

He was dressed in a large red official robe, with red hair, curly beard, and a black face, wearing official boots, his shoulders high, and he was holding a huge silk umbrella in his hand, the umbrella surface embroidered with the Yin-Yang Bagua.

He stepped on the Yu steps, and five men in front dressed as little ghosts were either tumbling or leaping, with five-colored fireworks coming out of the bamboo tubes on their bodies, appearing bizarre.

And "Zhong Kui" leaped into the air wearing official boots, letting the little ghosts tumble, always stepping on their backs to move forward.

It looked as if he were running in mid-air.

"Good light-body technique!"

"It wasn't this lively in previous years."

"Which troupe is this?"

Many people around were immediately attracted and inquired one after another.

And Li Yan narrowed his eyes, revealing killing intent.

Beside him, Ming Shanzi sensed something was wrong and asked in a low voice: "What's wrong?"

Li Yan's mouth moved slightly without making a sound.

But Ming Shanzi's pupils suddenly shrank.

He could see Li Yan's lip shape: Ghost Theater Troupe!

The person playing Zhong Kui was none other than Situ Qian. Although Li Yan had never met him, his movements and those of the theater predecessor Situ Bo were exactly the same.

So these demonic people were really hiding in the Shu Wang Fu.

At such a time, naturally, one couldn't make a sound, lest they be heard by someone using divine abilities, so Li Yan and Ming Shanzi both communicated by lip-reading.

"What do you want to do?"

"Cover for me later."

"Good, be careful."

The two moved their mouths slightly and had already set the plan.

Li Yan coming to the Shu Wang Fu naturally wasn't just to watch a play.

The Shu Wang Fu also had suppression objects on the periphery, and they were even more powerful. If he used spells to enter, it would be inevitable that he would be discovered.

After the "Dance of Zhong Kui," there would be a shamanic sacrificial ritual to drive away evil at night, just in time to take advantage of the darkness to investigate the reality of the Shu Wang Fu.

As for the others, some were attracted by the wonderful "Dance of Zhong Kui" ritual, while others were absent-minded and discussed in low voices.

In previous years, the dance of Zhong Kui on the day of the Kitchen God sacrifice not only had living people but also paper-tied Zhong Kui statues. At the third quarter of the Shen hour, the Shu Wang would personally hold a vermilion brush to dot the eyes of Zhong Kui.

But looking at the situation today, it was mostly likely that this item was gone.

Finally, the "Dance of Zhong Kui" ritual ended.

Everyone's gaze looked straight at the eldest Commandery Wang Shizi.

And this eldest Commandery Wang Shizi hadn't enjoyed such attention for a long time; with a snort, he shook his python robe and followed the Chief Eunuch toward the inner palace.

What everyone didn't notice was that Ming Shanzi suddenly took a few steps forward, and the people around seemed to be affected, shifting their gazes one after another, as if completely ignoring this place.

This was the Cheng family's Gang steps: A Leaf Obscures the Eyes!

It was also the basic skill of practicing sword immortality; even without triggering the Gang-Sha Qi, it could make others subconsciously look elsewhere.

If practiced to the depths, it would be the legendary Shadowless Sword.

And Li Yan retreated quickly, leaped up, stepped on the pillar to soar into the air, and drilled into the dark place of the hall's dougong.

He used the Dragon Snake Token to restrain his aura, staring fixedly into the distance.

The Cheng Yun Hall was the highest point of the Shu Wang Fu, and the surroundings could be seen clearly.

But those men beating gongs and drums left from the right side of the square, passed through the side gate, and entered the side hall.

These were the Shu Wang Fu guards training; just outside the side hall, they took off their clothes one after another, chatting and laughing, and replaced them with military robes.

And that "Zhong Kui," along with the five "little ghosts" beside him, swaggered away.

Looking at the direction, it was exactly the area where the inner palace was located.

Li Yan pondered, hurriedly formed a spell, and chanted in a low voice: "I obey the decree of the Great Emperor of Fengdu, Fengdu God, Fengdu God, descend quickly. Golden hammers dance wildly, iron staves cross, Fengdu generals and officials, descend quickly..."

Clatter!

Inside the leather bag at his waist, eight paper dolls soared into the air, Yin Qi rose, and they circled around him.

Investigating the Shu Wang Fu was no different from breaking into a dragon's den or a tiger's lair.

Only with the power of the Eight Generals of the Outer Altar could it be more secure.

Summoning the power of the Eight Generals of the Outer Altar, Li Yan was instantly wrapped in black mist.

Even with the concealment of the Dragon Snake Token, the Ming Shanzi below still sensed something, his heart moved, and he flicked his finger slightly.

Whoosh~

Inside the Cheng Yun Hall, the curtains quickly caught fire.

This was a simple fire-lighting spell used to light incense and candles; Ming Shanzi used it without leaving any traces.

"Fire!"

Someone smelled the smoke and fire, and immediately shouted.

Guards and palace maids hurriedly rushed into the hall to extinguish the fire.

Amidst the chaos, no one noticed that in the dark place of the hall's dougong, the black mist dissipated, and Li Yan had already disappeared without a trace......

(End of chapter)