Chapter 93: This girl has changed quite a bit, for some reason! (Subscriptions requested)

Days turned into weeks.

One morning, the capital of Kyoto awoke to a changed atmosphere. Many residents noticed that the number of Lamp-Lighting Division officers patrolling the streets had increased significantly. Along the wide boulevards, a few officers could be seen standing guard every few meters.

Upon making inquiries, people learned that the Imperial Ancestral Ceremony was imminent. Local government officials from various prefectures, along with princes and nobles, were arriving in the capital. With so many high-ranking dignitaries and formidable figures—people the common folk dared not even imagine—gathering in Kyoto, it was easy to envision the undercurrents swirling beneath the surface. It was no wonder the Lamp-Lighting Division was being so cautious.

The closer the ceremony approached, the more bustling Kyoto became. Many whispered that if someone had dared to disrupt the martial arts tournament between the Great Wei and Great Zhou dynasties, they might very well stir up trouble during the Imperial Ancestral Ceremony as well. However, if such chaos were to occur again now that the authorities were on alert, the Lamp-Lighting Division would have no excuse to salvage their reputation.

The movements of the Lamp-Lighting Division caught the attention of those with keen eyes, but had little impact on the lives of the ordinary citizens. The streets remained lined with shops, filled with the cries of vendors, the laughter of customers, and the endless stream of pedestrians.

In the midst of this prosperity and clamor, a sudden sound of galloping hooves cut through the scene.

"Make way, make way!"
"Don't block the path!"

A group of soldiers clad in black armor, riding tall, exotic beasts, shouted at the pedestrians, driving them to the sides of the road to clear a wide path. The people retreated in fear, not daring to provoke them.

Along this cleared road, a luxurious carriage moved slowly. It was crafted entirely from precious obsidian, shimmering with a faint, mysterious luster, with complex cloud patterns carved into its wheels. A thin layer of golden light surrounded the carriage, as if a mystical force were protecting it. The horses pulling it were no ordinary steeds; they possessed the bloodline of the Cloud-Flash Sculpture. With snow-white feathers and golden eyes, their hooves struck the dust, emitting sparks like flowing light, inspiring awe in all who saw them.

The moment the carriage appeared, it became the focal point of the street, drawing sighs of admiration.

"Is that the carriage of the Prince of Nanming?"
"The Prince of Nanming has come to Kyoto, and earlier than in previous years, too."
"Well, it is the Imperial Ancestral Ceremony, the grand event held by the Great Zhou every few years. Other ministers might be lax, but the Prince of Nanming wouldn't dare. Coming early is wise."
"This nobleman is deeply favored by the current Emperor. He even brought his private guards to the capital. Truly, he is blessed by Heaven."

As the crowd whispered, the Lamp-Lighting Division officers standing guard exchanged glances. Though the lower-ranking officers did not know the specifics or the true identity of the Prince, they had been warned by their superiors to be on high alert for any visiting royalty. Their vigilance, however, was not directed solely at the Prince of Nanming.

Inside the opulent carriage, incense curled in the air. Sitting on a soft couch made of the fur of unknown exotic beasts was a middle-aged man, turning two jade beads in his hand. He wore a deep purple python robe, his face cold. He gazed out the window at the officers stationed along the street, his lips curling into a faint, serious smile.

"The Lamp-Lighting Division is making such a grand display; they must be deeply worried about trouble at the ceremony." He mused, "If, despite such strict defenses, an accident still occurs... that would be a very interesting sight. Very interesting indeed."

The man turned his jade beads, watched the officers for a while longer, then pulled his gaze back and closed his eyes to rest.

The carriage continued slowly until it stopped at the Prince’s residence in the capital.

"Your Highness, we have arrived."

The Prince of Nanming opened his eyes, stood up, and stepped out. The armored guards lined up on both sides, their faces stern and cold, radiating powerful auras. As the Prince's personal guard, their strength was formidable; in any martial arts sect, most would be considered elite disciples. Here, they were merely silent shadows.

The Prince tilted his head and asked the residence steward, "Where is the Princess?"
"The Princess is within the estate, Your Highness. She has not gone out."

The Prince nodded slightly, glancing thoughtfully at the gate. "You all stay here to rest and unpack. Tell the Princess I will return this evening. Upon arriving in the capital, I must go to the palace first to see my Imperial Brother."

When he spoke the words "Imperial Brother," the Prince's expression was laden with hidden meaning. The steward bowed in acknowledgment. The Prince reboarded the carriage, and the driver set off toward the Great Zhou Imperial Palace.

The Prince's residence was very close to the palace, separated by only one street. Within a quarter of an hour, he arrived. Even with the Emperor’s deep favor, he could not enter the palace in his carriage. He stepped out and gazed at the magnificent Azure Brilliance Gate. The guards recognized him as the Emperor's favorite brother and, not daring to question him, let him pass.

The Prince walked through the palace until he reached the Hall of Supreme Harmony. The morning court session was in progress, with officials discussing state affairs with the Emperor. The sound of their voices echoed from within.

Hearing the debates, the Prince’s expression remained unchanged, though he clenched his fist slightly, causing the jade beads to click together. He soon relaxed his hand and waited outside.

When the eunuch on duty saw the Prince, he was momentarily stunned but quickly hurried inside to report.

Inside the hall, the Emperor, who had been listening to his officials, heard the voice of Zhao Jin, his personal attendant. "Your Majesty, the Prince of Nanming has arrived."

The Emperor’s stern face softened, a smile appearing. The oppressive atmosphere of the court suddenly lightened. He raised a hand to silence the official who had been speaking and turned to Zhao Jin. "Bring him in at once."

Having experienced the brutal infighting of his own brothers, the Emperor valued kinship and blood ties above all else. His favor for the Prince of Nanming was profound, though it differed from his indulgent love for his nephew, Cheng Guang—a love that mirrored the doting affection of the Empress Dowager.

Zhao Jin understood and announced in a loud, clear voice, "Proclaim the Prince of Nanming to enter the hall!"

The officials turned their heads in curiosity. "The Prince of Nanming is here? Since when?"
"It must be today. If it were yesterday, I would have heard."
"He is quite early."
"Not really, many prefectural officials have already arrived. He is actually rather slow."

Standing silently at the side, Cheng Zhihai, head of the Lamp-Lighting Division, kept his eyes closed. He had not yet told the Emperor that the Prince of Nanming was the "Missing Crown Prince." He knew the Emperor’s sentimental nature; even if he believed the accusation, he would likely be unable to bring himself to act against his only surviving brother. Cheng Zhihai decided it would be better to catch the Prince in the act, forcing his true nature to be revealed. He wondered if the court session itself was the right place to strike.

It was a bold, perhaps crazy, idea. Yet, it was simple and direct. The Prince was currently isolated, with no support from the Demon or Spirit races within the palace. The only downside was the potential backlash against himself and the damage to the Emperor’s dignity.

Cheng Zhihai opened his eyes and looked toward the entrance, deciding to observe the Prince first before choosing the moment to strike. Perhaps it would be better to let the Prince expose himself during the Imperial Ancestral Ceremony. That way, he could catch the Prince and any hidden allies in one fell swoop. And, he could attribute the credit to his son, Guang, allowing him to shine before the court.

Cheng Zhihai’s lips curled into a rare, faint smile. The officials nearby noticed and shivered, wondering why the usually cold and ruthless Chief of the Lamp-Lighting Division was smiling so eerily.

Footsteps echoed from outside. *Tap, tap, tap.*

The Prince of Nanming walked into the hall under the gaze of the officials. He wore a smile and scanned the room. When his eyes swept over Cheng Zhihai and saw the Chief smiling, he paused, then turned his gaze toward the Emperor.

He bowed respectfully. "Greetings, Your Majesty."

The Emperor looked at him with rare warmth. "No need for formalities. You are earlier than usual this year."

The Prince replied respectfully, "I usually leave the capital immediately after the ceremony, Your Majesty. This time, I came early to spend more time with the Empress Dowager and with you."

The Emperor felt a swell of satisfaction and relief. He nodded and said, "After the court session, you shall accompany me to visit the Empress Dowager."

He then turned back to the official who had been interrupted. "Continue."

***

After the court session, the officials dispersed. The Prince followed the Emperor into the inner palace. Cheng Zhihai remained, watching the Prince’s retreating back.

"Chief Cheng, is something wrong?" A voice came from behind. It was Marquis Qiaozhong, a famous general and an ally.

"Nothing at all," Cheng Zhihai replied with a smile, turning to leave.

Marquis Qiaozhong followed him, looking hesitant. "Chief Cheng, wait. May I ask how you raise your son? My own boy is a disaster. He embarrassed me at the tournament, and no matter how much I beat him or lock him up, he won't listen. I’m good at war, but not at teaching children. His mother just dotes on him. What should I do?"

Cheng Zhihai, usually dismissive of such small talk, felt a surge of pride. He was being asked how he had raised Cheng Guang so perfectly.

"It’s simple," Cheng Zhihai said, his voice filled with a father's satisfaction. "You have to use the stick! If the child doesn't listen, it means you haven't beaten him enough. Look at my Guang—he shined at the tournament, found clues about the Demon race, and has been a massive help to me lately."

Marquis Qiaozhong nodded, taking notes in his mind. When they parted, Cheng Zhihai stopped at a shop to buy some pastries Cheng Guang liked.

"You're buying pastries, Chief? I thought you said beating was the way?" Qiaozhong asked, confused.

"You need both rewards and punishments," Cheng Zhihai replied sagely. "That’s why your son doesn't listen."

Cheng Zhihai walked home to the Duke of Zhen’s estate. Meanwhile, Marquis Qiaozhong returned home, bought a pile of pastries, and gave them to his son—followed immediately by a sound thrashing.

Cheng Zhihai entered his estate and headed to the Wanyuan Garden. He had been having Cheng Guang look through files on slaves, hoping to find the legendary "True Yang Martial God," Zhang Shunlong. According to the intelligence, Zhang Shunlong was currently a slave.

As Cheng Zhihai watched his son reading, he felt a mix of pride and heartache. *Guang is so diligent,* he thought. *If not for him, I never would have linked the Prince of Nanming to the Missing Crown Prince.*

He coughed to announce his presence. Cheng Guang looked up, surprised. "Father, why are you here?"

Cheng Zhihai held out the pastries. "I brought you a treat."

Cheng Guang, having just finished a meal, accepted them with a smile. "Thank you, Father."

Cheng Zhihai, usually a man of steel who commanded the respect of the entire court, stood awkwardly, not knowing what to say. After a moment of silence, he left, leaving Cheng Guang to his thoughts.

Cheng Guang looked at the pastries and then at his attendant, Qingluan. "Here, have some."

As Qingluan hesitantly tasted one, Cheng Guang turned his focus back to the slave files. He realized he hadn't asked his father how he planned to handle the Prince. *If Father doesn't act now, he must be waiting for the ceremony to catch everyone in one net.*

He knew he had to be careful. The Princess of Nanming was a clone of the Demon Emperor; he couldn't control her mind with his Charm Eyes. He had to gamble that she wouldn't betray the plan, because if she did, she and the Prince would both be doomed.

***

On the day of the Imperial Ancestral Ceremony, the entire city of Kyoto was under strict lockdown. The ceremony took place at the sacred Mount Shenyue, located outside the capital.

Cheng Guang had been dragged out of bed at dawn by his father and mother. By the time they reached the mountain, the air was thick with a solemn, majestic atmosphere.

At the summit stood a magnificent temple. Cheng Guang, being an outsider, remained on the mountainside with the guards, watching as the Emperor, the Empress, the Empress Dowager, and the princes and princesses ascended.

Among them was Wu Ling. She had changed; she looked more confident, more regal, and her aura was so powerful that even Cheng Guang couldn't gauge her cultivation level. She caught his eye and gave him a playful wink, making him chuckle.

When the Emperor began the ceremony, the sound of his voice, infused with powerful *yuanqi*, shook the heavens. He prayed for the prosperity of the Great Zhou and the safety of its people.

Suddenly, a pillar of terrifying energy erupted from the temple.

Cheng Guang’s eyes narrowed, a smile spreading across his face.

"It’s here," he whispered. "Excellent. So, it really is the Demon Emperor."