I chose to get closer to Liu Hua. Liu Hua was in her early thirties, shrewd and decisive. From a commoner background, she had risen to her current high position in just ten years through her own talent and wit, without relying on family background or flattery.
If Cen Taizai’s son became empress, Cen’s power would be further consolidated, which would be greatly disadvantageous to her.
The conflict between the two factions was becoming increasingly intense. At this moment, Cen Taizai brought up an old matter, submitting a petition that since the Wujin Token had returned, the trial for the Great Princess should no longer be delayed and should be conducted early to prove her identity.
Chapter Sixty-Nine: Knowing People, Knowing Faces
The people of Nanrui firmly believed in the divine right of royal power, using the phoenix as their totem, believing the Son of Heaven was a phoenix reincarnate, blessed by divine spirits. The Wujin Token, the sacred object for Nanrui’s celestial worship, was precisely the token proving the royal bloodline. The so-called trial was to prove two points to all of Nanrui: first, that I was indeed Princess Xuan’s daughter and a legitimate royal descendant; second, that I was the heir chosen by the phoenix divine bird, the heaven-ordained monarch.
It could be said that if I passed this trial, no matter how excellent Jiang Yunqiao was, she would find it difficult to compete for the heir’s position. However, the fact that this was initiated by Cen Taizai from Yunqiao’s side could only mean they were well-prepared, determined to make me fail the trial.
Once I lost my qualification to succeed in front of the entire world, even if Emperor Hong wanted to pass the throne to me, he would have to give up due to public opinion.
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?
Historically, there have been stories of kingdoms falling for love. I understand the rarity of such passionate lovers, but if such a lover is an emperor, they would either be remembered forever or condemned for eternity. Perhaps I am not qualified to change Yun Qiao’s heart, but based on her past kindness and protection of me, I should provide help 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, observing and understanding him to find the right approach.
These three days were extremely difficult for me. Not only was I not allowed to speak to anyone, but I also couldn’t eat regular food, only drinking water and eating fresh vegetables and fruits. After enduring three days, the stone chamber door was opened, and two masked white-robed priests stood at the entrance, bowing and inviting me to the holy water pool.
Two priests walked before and behind me. As we turned a corner in the corridor, the priest behind me suddenly quickened his steps and slipped a small, soft piece of silk into my hand.
My heart sank as I clutched the silk. The priest stepped back and continued walking behind me.
The priests 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 was alone by the holy water pool. I quickly 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.”
My mind roared, my heart in chaos. This must be information An Jin discovered during my three days in the temple, carefully delivered to me. But – would Yun Qiao really want to completely eliminate me without mercy?
I truly did not want to believe it.
Emperor Hong walked in front, smiling kindly at me. The High Priest was a slightly plump woman, also wearing a veil.
“How can this be?!”
“It’s fine,” Emperor Hong waved his hand. “The Prince is right. We’re looking at the holy water, and it doesn’t have to be in the golden cup. This way is clearer.”
The High Priest was helpless, standing frozen. A priest handed me a dagger, which I took and lightly pricked my right middle finger, drawing a drop of blood.
The cold, painful 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 was already urging, “Please drop your blood into the pool, Your Highness.”
I turned to look at her and smiled, “High Priest, you are indeed loyal and dutiful. Zhao Hua will remember your actions today.”
She visibly froze, fear and vigilance appearing in her eyes, then lowered her head and said nothing more.
I turned my hand, letting the blood drop fall into the holy water pool. The blood drop paused on the surface for a moment, then sank straight down, extremely clear.
Emperor Hong clapped and laughed satisfactorily, “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 any 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.
According to convention, 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 physically and mentally exhausted. An Jin had prepared a table of hot dishes, but I shook my head, having no appetite.
An Jin dismissed the others, wrapping his right 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 placed my hand on his arm and sighed softly, “How could I have the mood to eat?”
