The one who found this item was the Eldest Master Dong, and the one who discovered the secret was Mr. Lin.
Even if the secret of this wonder is exposed, I’m afraid the ones who will be implicated first are the Dong Family and the Lin Family.
The main branch has already separated, so this Prime Minister’s Mansion naturally cannot bear the guilt.
If Long Wei rages without thoroughly investigating the matter behind it, wouldn’t Dong Family and Lin Family bear the blame?
This series of events will come down, if not dead, at least stripped of skin.
Indeed, after years of managing Prince Zhan Mansion, Prince Zhan, with his deep scheming, does not miss any chance to harm them!
Thinking of this, Lin Xingzhi immediately knelt down and loyally spoke to the Fourth Prince.
"Your Highness, see clearly, this matter has no connection to my family and my maternal grandfather’s Dong Family; it is evidently Prince Zhan’s deliberate attempt to frame us!"
The Fourth Prince wasn’t stupid, Lin Family and Dong Family, even if they had such thoughts, wouldn’t have such capability.
Arranging so many crystal stones at Taishan’s foot isn’t that easy.
But such a major flaw, Prince Zhan cannot possibly ignore.
Therefore, there must be others who can be implicated.
Thinking over and over, the only possible one seems to be the Xu Family who holds a grudge.
Just need an excuse to say Xu Family colluded with Lin Family and Dong Family.
Providing crystal stones on one side, while arranging them at Taishan’s foot on the other.
Thus, it becomes logical.
Not only can Lin Family be dragged into the water, but the remaining forces of Xu Family can also be eradicated altogether.
Fabricating wonders, deceiving the Emperor.
Such a charge, if pressed down, it’ll be a surprise if they’re not exterminated.
Even he, the Fourth Prince, might be charged with oversight.
Prince Zhan is aiming for three birds with one stone!
"Looks like, Prince Zhan has already arranged for people to deliberately reveal some flaws during the Emperor’s heavenly ceremony. Best if the wonder is exposed face-to-face, then implicate Xu Family first, climb up the vine to involve Dong Family and your Lin Family, and finally clean up me, the Prince."
Lin Xingzhi had seen many deceitful people.
Yet still, at this moment, he feels cold sweat streaming down his back.
If he hadn’t had the Dragon Boat Festival experience, hadn’t joined the Fourth Prince’s camp, he wouldn’t have witnessed this wonder with the Emperor.
Without seeing this wonder, he wouldn’t have thought of the past.
Not thinking of the past, when Prince Zhan’s series of axes falls, they wouldn’t even be able to resist.
Possibly the entire family would be eradicated.
Thinking about it, it’s deeply hateful.
Originally thought Princess Rongkang was vicious, but it seems Prince Zhan is the most sinister.
Not acting casually, once acted, it’s a dead end.
"Your Highness, what should this subordinate do now?"
"Find a way to catch those who might deliberately reveal flaws. With no one to accuse, naturally this wonder will be genuine. After this matter passes, I will personally explain to the Emperor."
"Yes, this subordinate obeys."
Taking a glance at the sky gradually clearing outside, the faces of Fourth Prince’s people showed a stern preparedness.
Seven days of bathing and fasting passed in a flash.
The Emperor, dressed in a black-and-gold Dragon Robe, reveals his prestige.
His expression solemn yet devout, step by step climbing slowly from the foot of the mountain to the top.
This is the tradition of Da Wei.
Since it’s to sacrifice to the heavens, naturally it must be done earnestly.
Now the position of the Empress is vacant, thus the only one to climb the peak is the Emperor alone.
Lin Guifei watched the Emperor performing the ceremony from afar, with no one beside him.
The desire for that position of power in her heart nearly reached its peak.
Unnoticed, behind her, Prince Zhan’s face was full of determination.
If she knew this moment would be the final peak of her life, it’s unknown what her thoughts would be.
At the summit of Taishan, everything was solemnly prepared.
Southeast roasting of the calf, Southwest suspending of heavenly lights.
At this moment, Taishan was shrouded in clouds and mist, with fireworks lingering, from afar, it evokes a heartfelt reverence.
Welcoming the God Emperor, laying the jade silk, offering the sacrificial meat.
Every step came orderly, not daring any negligence.
"Perform the first offering ritual."
"Perform the second offering ritual."
"Perform the final offering ritual."
The voice of etiquette officer Qin Huai echoed throughout the cloud-covered summit, as the Emperor bowed before the imperial altar.
After the incense concluded, it was offered again before Da Wei’s ancestors and then they bowed.
Then returning to the bowing position, they performed three kneeling nine prostration rites to the gods.
With this ceremony completed, the sunlight shone brilliantly.
And that auspicious atmosphere appeared once more.
Ten thousand people knelt together, chanting devoutly in their mouths.
"May the Emperor live ten thousand years."
Looking at the subjects, ministers bowing in submission, and the auspicious light before him.
The Emperor’s ambition to rule the world was thoroughly unleashed at this moment.
For a fleeting moment, he had thoughts of attacking neighboring lands to unify the world.
But the Holy Emperor’s rationality pulled him back.
Everything must be done slowly and strategically.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
As Prince Zhan rose, a hint of a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth; he had been waiting for this moment.
Sweeping his eyes around, he pinpointed someone in the near distance.
Just when he thought he was about to speak, he saw that person standing there motionlessly, with their head slightly lowered, sincerely pious.
Frowning slightly, Prince Zhan grew somewhat impatient.
All arrangements had been prepared, just waiting for that person to act.
Why was there no movement yet?
Send off the God Emperor.
All rituals proceeded slowly until they concluded, yet that person still stood in place.
Prince Zhan was furious, nearly losing his breath in anger.
This person had leverage held by him, yet dared to blatantly "drop the ball"?
While his heart was still burning with uncontainable anger, the Fourth Prince unexpectedly walked over and said.
"October’s winds are chilly, especially at Taishan’s summit. Even I find it a bit piercing, yet Prince Zhan’s good constitution seems feverish!"
After he spoke, Prince Zhan’s eyes deepened. This update is available on novelFɪre.net
"The Fourth Prince is a military man; such wind and frost might not be seen in his eyes."
"Prince Zhan flatters me; the wind and frost naturally aren’t feared. But hearts, if they harbor other thoughts, can be extremely troublesome!"
The Fourth Prince and he never got along, so occasionally exchanging a few barbs was normal.
But when speaking today, Prince Zhan couldn’t help but think deeply.
Such well-prepared plans were ruined; had it been discovered by Fourth Prince?
Among so many people, how did he manage to identify his planted individuals one by one?
Yet at such a time, no one would casually expose flaws and hand over leverage.
So Prince Zhan smiled and said.
"The Emperor is wise and brave; even heaven favors with auspicious aura, celebrating our Da Wei Dynasty. Fourth Prince’s words are overly apprehensive; who would dare disrupt atop Taishan now?"