The trial had two steps. First, verifying my bloodline; second, having the divine bird determine if I was the heaven-ordained monarch. Before the trial, An Jin and I had people thoroughly investigate the process. The first step was simple. In the temple, there was a sacred water pool where, 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 the blood did not dissolve in the sacred water and sank directly, it would prove I was of the Jiang royal bloodline. If the blood dissolved or floated on the water’s surface, it would indicate I was not of royal descent.
I had a deep sense of doubt; would this fresh blood entering the water dissolve? But since this is a “trial” that has been passed down for hundreds of years, with many previous successful candidates, I believed this holy water must be different from ordinary water. If Yun Qiao interfered in this stage, preventing me from passing the trial, she would fundamentally deny my qualification as a member of the Nanrui royal family. I would not only lose my right to inherit the throne but might even be expelled from Nanrui or executed as an imposter.
But I believe Yun Qiao, no matter how she wants to win, would never interfere in this stage.
Even if her rationality is clouded by love, she still has a kind heart, and moreover, we once had a friendship. 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 white-robed priests into the temple and sat in meditation in a stone chamber.
During these three days, I thought most about Yun Qiao.
I originally thought her obsession would gradually fade with time, but it became even stronger with her reunion with Bai Chen. Now she competes with me for the position of heir, but what about the future? If she truly ascends to the throne, what would she do for Bai Chen?
