If Cen Taizai’s son became empress, Cen’s power would be further consolidated, greatly disadvantaging me.
I didn’t concern myself with her reasons for support; as long as our interests aligned, we could collaborate.
The conflict between the two factions was intensifying. Cen Taizai submitted a petition stating that since the Wujin Token had returned, the trial for the Great Princess should proceed to prove her identity.
Chapter Sixty-Nine: Knowing People, Knowing Faces
The people of Nanrui believed in the divine right of royal power, using the phoenix as their totem and considering the Son of Heaven a phoenix reincarnate, blessed by divine spirits. The Wujin Token was the sacred object for Nanrui’s celestial worship, proving the royal bloodline. The trial aimed to demonstrate two points: that I was indeed Princess Xuan’s daughter and a legitimate royal descendant, and that I was the heir chosen by the phoenix divine bird.
If I passed this trial, it would be difficult for Jiang Yunqiao to compete for the heir’s position. However, the fact that this initiative came from Cen Taizai indicated they were prepared to ensure my failure in the trial.
Once I lost my qualification to succeed in front of the world, even if Emperor Hong wanted to pass the throne to me, he would have to step back due to public opinion.
The trial had two steps: verifying my bloodline and having the divine bird determine if I was the heaven-ordained monarch. An Jin and I investigated the process. The first step was straightforward. In the temple, under the high priest’s guidance, I would place the Wujin Token in a gold cup of sacred water and drop blood from my right fingertip. If my blood did not dissolve in the water and sank directly, it would confirm my Jiang royal bloodline. If it dissolved or floated, I would be deemed not of royal descent.
I felt doubt about whether my blood would dissolve. However, given this “trial” had been passed down for centuries and had many successful candidates, I believed this holy water was different from ordinary water. If Yun Qiao interfered at this stage, she would fundamentally deny my qualification as a member of the Nanrui royal family, risking my right to inherit the throne and possibly facing expulsion or execution as an imposter.
I believe that Yun Qiao, despite her ambitions, would never interfere at this stage.
Even if her rationality is clouded by love, she has a kind heart; completely eliminating me would not be her style.
Before the trial, I needed to reside in the temple, fast for three days, and have no contact with the outside world. After bathing and purifying myself, I was led by two priests into the temple and sat in meditation in a stone chamber.
During these three days, besides An Jin, I thought about Yun Qiao. I originally thought her obsession would fade with time, but it grew stronger with her reunion with Bai Chen. Now, she competes with me for the position of heir. If she ascends to the throne, what would she do for Bai Chen?
Historically, there have been stories of kingdoms falling for love. Such passionate lovers are rare, and if an emperor is among them, they could be either remembered or condemned. I may not be able to change Yun Qiao’s heart, but based on her past kindness to me, I want to help her break free from her obsession.
The more I thought about it, the more motivated I became. I decided to act after this trial, starting with Bai Chen, to find the right approach.
These three days were extremely difficult for me. I was not allowed to speak to anyone and could only drink water and eat fresh vegetables and fruits. Afterward, the stone chamber door opened, and two priests stood at the entrance, bowing and inviting me to the holy water pool.
As we walked, the priest behind me suddenly quickened his steps and slipped a small piece of silk into my hand. My heart sank as I clutched the silk. The priests then brought me to the holy water pool and bowed, saying, “Please wait a moment, Your Highness. The High Priest and His Majesty will arrive shortly.”
After they left, I unfolded the silk and saw a line of writing in An Jin’s handwriting: “The High Priest is suspicious. The golden cup might be problematic.”
This must be information An Jin discovered during my time in the temple. But would Yun Qiao truly want to eliminate me without mercy? I truly did not want to believe it.
Footsteps approached the temple door. I quickly hid the silk and tried to appear calm. Emperor Hong entered, smiling kindly at me, followed by the High Priest, a slightly plump woman wearing a veil.
“A Yao, don’t be nervous,” Emperor Hong said, patting my shoulder. “You will definitely pass the trial.”
The High Priest, holding a golden cup, approached me with four priests behind her.
“Are you ready, Your Highness?” she asked, her voice deep and devoid of emotion.
“I am ready.” I carefully observed her, but she kept her eyes lowered, avoiding my gaze while Emperor Hong stood expectantly.
The High Priest dipped the golden cup into the holy water pool, quickly lifting it filled with clear water. She placed the cup on the altar and gestured for me to put the phoenix black gold token into it.
I raised my hand over the cup, watching her intently. I noticed her eyes fixated on the token, her brow furrowed and trembling with apparent nervousness.
I gripped the token and withdrew my hand, and the High Priest appeared shocked, staring at me.
Something was indeed wrong. My heart felt complex and bitter, but I laughed.
“Your Highness, what are you doing?” The High Priest finally came to her senses, attempting to snatch the token from my hand.
“The golden cup is too small. I’m afraid everyone can’t see clearly,” I smiled and walked to the transparent holy water pool, decisively dropping the token into it. “Let’s do the trial directly in the pool so everyone can see clearly.”
The High Priest stepped back, barely maintaining her composure.
“How can this be?!”
“It’s fine,” Emperor Hong waved his hand. “The Prince is right. We’re looking at the holy water; it doesn’t have to be in the golden cup. This way is clearer.”
The High Priest stood frozen, helpless. A priest handed me a dagger, which I took and pricked my right middle finger, drawing a drop of blood.
The cold touch of the blade was nothing compared to the grief in my heart. I looked at the blood drop for a moment. The High Priest urged, “Please drop your blood into the pool, Your Highness.”
I turned to her and smiled, “High Priest, you are indeed loyal and dutiful. Zhao Hua will remember your actions today.”
She froze, fear and vigilance apparent in her eyes, then lowered her head and said nothing more.
I let the blood drop fall into the holy water pool. It paused on the surface for a moment before sinking down, clear as day.
Emperor Hong clapped and laughed, “Excellent! Truly a child of the Nanrui Jiang family!”
The High Priest and four priests bowed. “Congratulations, Your Highness, on passing the trial.”
I gazed at the holy water pool without joy or relaxation. I had won this trial but lost a sister, a friend, and the trust I had painstakingly rebuilt with the royal family.
The second trial – the selection of the divine bird – would take place ten days later.
Unlike the trial at the holy water pool, the divine bird selection would be conducted in front of all the citizens of Zhu City to demonstrate the will of heaven.
Returning to the palace, I was exhausted. An Jin had prepared my favorite foods, but I shook my head, having no appetite.
An Jin wrapped his arm around my waist from behind, resting his chin on my shoulder. “A Yao has worked hard. You haven’t eaten well these three days. Aren’t you hungry?”
I sighed softly, “How could I have the mood to eat?”
“Don’t worry. Since you were able to pass this stage, the next stage won’t be a problem.” His arm tightened.
