TBR CH164

In everyone’s eyes, the black book slowly and solemnly descended, truly an auspicious omen from heaven.

But in the System’s eyes, things were entirely different, or at least, not just that. Unlike previous times when the black book caught it off guard, this time the Heavenly Dao was unhurried, even giving it a flicker of hope to escape. The System had no time to explain to Qin Sangzhi; it simply weighed the current luck value on the young man’s body and hurriedly detached itself.

The System rarely ran so fast.

It clung to a lingering thought: perhaps the black book had just arrived in this world, and its public appearance was out of necessity. If it ran faster, even faster, it might be able to escape with the luck value it held, right under the other’s nose.

It swiftly soared over the imperial city’s towering buildings, flew high over the magnificent mountains, and was attempting to break through the clouds. In the System’s dimension, its speed grew faster and faster, just a hair’s breadth from breaking through the shackles of world laws and successfully escaping this now useless place.

Then—

While it might be inappropriate to compare a non-physical entity to anything, the System collided violently with something, like a bird diving with outstretched wings into an ominous barrier.

An alarm rapidly blared within the System. It was dazed from the impact and stiffened for a while due to its protection mechanism. By the time it reacted, everything in its vision was still rapidly streaking by. Even the System was momentarily bewildered, subconsciously struggling with its power, only to find itself tightly entangled in a net.

A magnificent, enormous net, extending all the way to the firmament. The net was composed of some kind of golden threads, without physical form, but emitting the irresistible radiance of world laws. Perhaps “dome” would be a more fitting term.

The System was immobile, but this net rapidly pulled back in the direction it had just fled.

When the new emperor, without a change of expression, received this dramatically appearing black book, his eyes reflected the threads of order filling the sky. Chu Huaicun witnessed the entire process: the black book slowly descended from the extremely high firmament, dragging this net. Because its initial position was so high, the golden giant net extended beyond the visible horizon, implicitly enveloping the surrounding mountains in a condescending manner.

No matter how desperately the System ran, it could not escape the trap set early.

And now, as the black book gracefully descended—

He could already see the pulled-down giant net, the golden strings dividing the sun and moon, gradually being closed in by the Heavenly Dao that had set the trap. The System, confined by these strings, was like a bird entangled in a bird net with its feathers, no matter how much it flapped, it had to fall deeper into the Heavenly Dao’s trap, passively approaching the black book.

Qin Sangzhi remained completely oblivious throughout.

Standing in the crowd, he was momentarily speechless, feeling small in the face of the miracle. After finally regaining his composure, he looked at Chu Huaicun with fervent devotion, not sensing anything amiss. He even wanted to lament to the System, “Indeed, Prime Minister Chu is destined to be the ruler; even Heaven has sent auspicious omens.”

He received no response from the System, which was natural, as the System had fled long ago.

But he still inexplicably glanced up at a certain spot in mid-air.

Qin Sangzhi’s gaze briefly wandered, then was quickly drawn back to Chu Huaicun at the center of the crowd, focusing intently on the Prime Minister’s every move. In the solemn atmosphere of the ceremony, even a slight distraction felt like sacrilege. He, of course, did not know that was his and the System’s last connection, and that it was even the System that had escaped but was forcibly dragged back.

The newly acquired “Spiritual Treasure Book” in his hand was clearly pleased with everything it saw, humming joyfully. Chu Huaicun gently blinked, signaling the other to first deal with what needed to be dealt with.

The miracle had been born. How to explain it was the historians’ business.

Among all the people reverently looking up at the firmament, only his pupils reflected the golden threads of the Heavenly Dao. This world had no transcendent power, but this did not diminish its brilliance in the slightest. The new emperor stood before the white marble altar, the highest point of Danshan. In this position, grasping the sharp edge of power, he could seemingly look down from above upon everything in the world.

Successive emperors probably thought this way.

The dense crowd below the steps was like ants, including imperial relatives, civil and military officials, and further back, the common people. Even the bond between father and son could be mercilessly severed; how could the common people be held in their hearts? The old emperor thought this way. The former emperor, who repented just before his death, repented too late; he too had clearly thought this way.

They all shared the same blood.

And Chu Huaicun was the new blood capable of breaking this vortex of power.

His gaze swept over the civil and military officials, first precisely locating the tearfully excited Liang Kechun and Master Fang, who was patting his back to calm him down.

Both of them had long enjoyed the emperor’s favor. Chu Huaicun unequivocally granted them official titles and promotions, and even promised to find time for Liang Kechun to return home in glory, to sweep the graves and relocate the tombs of his parents and elders.

Master Fang noticed the new emperor’s gaze and stroked his beard in a feigned pose.

His goatee was his pride, but he hadn’t expected that before the ceremony began, someone in the palace would specifically tend to his attire, meticulously trimming Master Fang’s beard to the point where it literally sparkled in the sunlight.

His gaze briefly met the new emperor’s, and looking at Chu Huaicun, he showed a measure of satisfaction.

Chu Huaicun again shifted his gaze, this time looking at General Zhenbei. General Zhenbei was originally supposed to depart after His Majesty’s birthday banquet, but with a new emperor, he decided to stay for another ten days to half a month. He had no burdens; when the black book descended, his cheers were the loudest among the officials, as resonant as a bell.

Chu Huaicun knew best the situation of the border armies.

Chu Huaicun finally becoming emperor was an immense boon for General Zhenbei. For instance, the new emperor readily agreed to let him mobilize a batch of new weapons to replace the old, worn-out ones, and to forge a new batch of armor and saddles for the soldiers, allowing him to return to Saibei with great fanfare. This was something that the princes who constantly invited him to drink and carouse would never have agreed to.

Among the civil and military officials, there were many who had earlier disliked Chu Huaicun’s wolfish ambitions, and many who were shrewd and intended to act opportunistically. However, the new emperor’s methods were quite skilled, and his actions decisive. At this moment, their thoughts had changed.

Chu Huaicun’s gaze lightly swept over them. The new emperor’s cold, water-like pupils merely rested upon them, causing them to suddenly shiver under the daylight. However, this gaze did not linger, instead looking further afield.

That was the foundation of the nation, where groups of common people, their eyes wide, gathered, wanting to catch a glimpse of the emperor.

Many of them didn’t care about politics, while others only knew about the palace coup and Chu Huaicun’s origins. In short, they gathered together, developing a cautious curiosity about their future ruler. They were too far away, seeing Chu Huaicun as a distant, elevated small point, just as those standing here saw these common people.

But Chu Huaicun felt them intensely.

He still had a vague impression of his parents, and thus understood that even a slight upheaval could destroy an ordinary family; he remembered his past of having to contend with beggars for food due to hunger and cold, and the icy touch of cold blades pressing against his fingers. Later, his master took him on journeys, where he met various types of common people. The young swordsman’s eyes had long remembered too many faces.

Among these people, Chu Huaicun also seemed to sense a gaze.

That was his master, the only one who had expressed a hint of worry about his disciple reaching this position. After all, it was rare for anyone to stand before Chu Huaicun and still harbor doubts. In front of the old swordsman, Chu Huaicun stood respectfully, his eyes as stubborn as the other’s.

“I know how easily power corrupts a person,”

The other revealed half a sharp eye from under his bamboo hat. “You are, after all, my disciple. I know your temperament is firm. If it is you, I think there might be an exception, but of course, I cannot unhesitatingly believe from the start that you are that exception.”

Chu Huaicun’s expression remained unchanged: “I will have no descendants.”

The other crossed his hands, motioning for him to continue. Chu Huaicun then continued: “Master, after Yuan Ya and I find a suitable successor, we will leave the imperial city. Perhaps it will take decades, or even longer—a kind of reclusion. You understand, I became prime minister only to find him. Now, ascending to emperor, the responsibilities are far greater than that. My heart is set on him; I will neither forget how I rose step by step nor change my mind.”

The old swordsman stared at his disciple unblinkingly, and after a long moment, his gaze softened.

He sighed softly: “Your temperament is firm; you have never strayed from the right path. Master Fang was mistaken back then. It’s just that the path you’ve walked has always been too perilous. I brought you out of there, but I did not fulfill my duty. I am this old now, and I shouldn’t… well, I think you will be a good emperor.”

Chu Huaicun slightly curved his lips. The sword by his side also seemed to sense its master’s emotions, humming softly:

“Perhaps that’s not the evaluation I wanted to hear?”

The old swordsman smiled knowingly, raising his weather-beaten eyes: “Besides that, you are also my most satisfactory disciple.”

The sacrificial altar on Danshan was too high. Chu Huaicun’s master insisted on not going onto the platform, choosing instead to remain among the curious common people. Although Chu Huaicun couldn’t clearly see where he was, he could vaguely feel those eyes, as sharp as ever. Master Fang must have felt it too; he was practically itching to go find the old swordsman, drink with him, and show off his newly trimmed beard.

Chu Huaicun stood on the sacrificial altar, holding the last wine chalice.

Finally, he cast his gaze towards Ji Ying.

Ji Ying rarely appeared so agitated. He had to bite his lip. As an official standing at the forefront of the crowd, and a young master of a prominent family recently recovered from a fall, cheering with others would clearly be against decorum. But his eyes were bright as stars, and when they rested on Chu Huaicun, they couldn’t help but sparkle with a smile and a spirit he hadn’t shown in many years.

He wore the plum blossom hairpin Chu Huaicun had given him, perfectly upright.

Chu Huaicun felt that the next words were truly heartfelt, so much so that when he spoke them, looking at Ji Ying’s suddenly bewildered pupils, he felt as if everything was prepared for them.

His expression was composed and serene, and he held the white jade cup firmly in his hand. His austere demeanor even made those present overlook the absurdity of his words, instead finding them somewhat natural.

The new emperor, holding the last cup of wine, extended his hand towards Ji Ying:

“That I can be here today is not only due to the blessings of the sun, moon, and gods, but also to the Lin family’s selfless devotion and loyalty to the nation for over a decade. Fortunately, Heaven has eyes, and retribution is swift. Minister Ji, with your pure character, profound understanding, and unwavering integrity, you have endured the injustice of being slandered and suffered greatly, finally avenging the nation. This shows that Heavenly justice is clear. Since we are offering sacrifices to Heaven and Earth, I thought, why not invite Minister Ji to complete this last rite with me?”

Even Ji Ying had not anticipated that the new emperor, in the final stage of the ceremony, would utter such a grandiose statement.

Not only was it grandiose, but it also contained much praise when describing him. It forcibly made such a rebellious and unprecedented joint sacrifice seem reasonable and justified. The civil and military officials, who were already suspicious of the relationship between Chu Huaicun and Ji Ying, would probably start to wonder if the new emperor intended to elevate Ji Ying only to then destroy him.

The new emperor’s slender fingers held the white jade cup, looking at his minister with a smile.

Ji Ying barely maintained a shred of composure, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the ritual official, whose expression was solemn and who was agonizing over whether to speak up and stop them. Then, before the official could reach a conclusion, Ji Ying stepped out from the crowd. In an instant, everyone’s gaze focused on the two of them.

Ji Ying thought, Chu Huaicun understood. This scene, witnessed by heaven and earth, on the white jade altar, in plain sight of everyone, was like—

He extended his hand to Chu Huaicun, saying softly, “I dare not refuse.”

Chu Huaicun effortlessly lured his young Master Lin onto the altar. Since the deed was done, any attempt to stop it now would not only disrespect the new emperor but also offend Ji Ying. The cunning individuals present tried to discern something from the situation before them, feeling that if Ji Ying truly wanted to be a virtuous minister, he shouldn’t have agreed; if Chu Huaicun truly wanted to be a good ruler, he shouldn’t have proposed it.

Clearly, the conspirators thought, this was a power struggle with undercurrents.

And the moment Ji Ying was pulled onto the stage, he felt a slight dizziness. The altar was higher than all other places, and moreover, it was ancient. He was well-versed in history and knew that countless legends had taken place here. During solemn ceremonies, it was said that deities would part the clouds, revealing an eye to observe the human successor.

Ji Ying did not see the eye of a deity.

He only looked into Chu Huaicun’s eyes, and those eyes also reflected him. The new emperor’s fingers gently touched his hand, bringing a cool sensation. His somewhat flustered heart also calmed down. Chu Huaicun smiled reassuringly at him, handing him the last wine chalice, letting him also hold half of the chalice.

His voice was so low that only those on the stage could hear it:

“Count down three, Yuan Ya, and then pour the wine from the cup with me.”

Ji Ying smelled the scent of the wine. Holding the sacrificial wine chalice with Chu Huaicun, standing before everyone, he began to count his heartbeats. At the first beat, he looked at the distant firmament, as if they stood side by side, bright and open, with nothing to hide, the sun, moon, and stars all hidden within, silently watching him from afar.

At the second beat, he looked at the continuous mountains, and the dark, vast land beneath them. He knew Chu Huaicun had once erected an unmarked tombstone for himself deep in the green mountains, which for a time gave him an almost obsessive comfort, and also made him feel dazed and wanting to weep. This was their shared secret, once known only to the dark, silent earth.

At the third beat. As if by telepathy, he looked at the other, and found the young emperor gazing intently at him. This was an incredibly bold transgression. On such an occasion, he should have been standing below the stage, but Chu Huaicun was now looking at him through the thin wall of the cup and the green wine, under the gaze of everyone. This was a public yet secret ceremony.

Their hands instinctively tilted forward together. The wine splashed onto the ground, and a rich fragrance could faintly be smelled.

This marked the completion of the final step of the ceremony.

No greater commotion occurred. The ritual official took a deep breath, but Ji Ying remained stunned. He still involuntarily looked into Chu Huaicun’s eyes, only to find something even more incredible reflected there: a golden afterglow. He closed his eyes, then opened them again.

Ji Ying felt as if a deity had truly descended before them.

The sky was filled with golden threads. The battle between the Heavenly Dao and the System was gradually drawing to a close. At this moment, the golden threads tightened and flowed like glittering raindrops of light. This was a sight mortals had never witnessed.

“I hope you can see it too,”

Chu Huaicun said softly, “Like a gift… but this isn’t enough. Yuan Ya, these are the threads woven by Heavenly principles. My meeting you was already a gift from Heaven.”

The black book had said that only those with sufficient luck value could perceive the existence of the Heavenly Dao. Chu Huaicun had no intention of being the only person in this world who could witness everything; wouldn’t that be too lonely? They had constrained each other for two or three years, accompanying each other—even if it was just stubbornly searching for the other, that could be considered a form of companionship—throughout their lives until now. He and Ji Ying stood side by side on the high platform; between heaven and earth, they would always be equal.

The two on the altar were unhurried, not eager to leave.

Together, they watched a final golden rain until the “rain threads” vanished without a trace. The spiritual book, which had been respectfully placed on the altar, suddenly moved without wind, fluttering its pages like a bird. Chu Huaicun suspected the black book was a bit tired. No matter how thorough the preparations, after such a battle, one would be exhausted.

Otherwise, there was no explaining why it flew crookedly and finally crashed into the new emperor’s hand.

After the black book once again proved Chu Huaicun’s Heavenly mandate, and the auspicious omens seemingly flew towards him, it quietly settled itself. Chu Huaicun opened the black book and saw scrawled on the flyleaf: “I’ve used up a lot of energy recently, I need to rest—but wasn’t that battle beautiful! I think I’ve rarely performed so well!”

Its crooked handwriting finally faded away into a single sentence: “Maybe it’s because there were more spectators?…”

Chu Huaicun scoffed. The words on the black book could now only be seen by him and Ji Ying, so he wasn’t worried about others finding the divine message abrupt. Ji Ying, however, looked at the words with a fresh interest for a few more glances, but soon gracefully retracted his gaze. They were now acquainted.

“We’ll need it again later.”

Chu Huaicun explained, “By the way, after the banquet, do you want me to accompany you to the imperial prison?”

The imperial prison currently held no one else but the old emperor, who had not yet died. Sometimes, even dying was not that easy. Chu Huaicun generally did not interfere with Ji Ying’s current hobby, but they also didn’t intend to keep this person for too long. They mutually agreed that today was a good time, mainly because Chu Huaicun was enthroned today, and also because,

Today was also Ji Ying’s birthday.

This year, he could finally celebrate a long-awaited birthday. When Ji Ying woke up this morning, traces of a nightmare still lingered in his eyes in the darkness, but this fright was quickly kissed away by Chu Huaicun. Because of this, he not very reservedly held onto the other’s shoulders, making the morning kiss a little more passionate. The new emperor even deliberately chose a ceremonial robe with a higher collar for his coronation.

Then they started to unwrap gifts. First, of course, was the set of four scholarly treasures Chu Huaicun had given him, which he had prepared for the other ten years ago, but they felt it wasn’t too late now; then Ji Ying discovered that Master Fang and Chu Huaicun’s master had also sent gifts—one was a health-preserving pill, and the other was a razor-sharp, gleaming dagger.

And Liang Kechun, whose congratulatory letter was politely written, clearly treating him as his future superior.

When discussing the somewhat bloody birthday gift for Ji Ying’s birthday, Ji Ying seemed a little troubled.

“He’s a bit…”

Ji Ying paused, describing with difficulty, “not very presentable right now.”

The ritual official had lingered beside them for a long time, finally stepping forward timidly to remind the new emperor and Minister Ji that it was time to depart. Chu Huaicun smiled indifferently at Ji Ying, clearly having decided to accompany him, and then told the ritual official:

“Let Minister Ji ride with me in the same carriage we arrived in.”

Perhaps not yet having gauged the new emperor’s temperament, the newly appointed ritual official serving the monarch appeared exceptionally nimble and certainly harbored no inappropriate curiosity. However, as he arranged everything and excellently completed the preparations required for the ceremony, and watched His Majesty’s carriage disappear into the distance, he still couldn’t help but reveal a hint of confusion, muttering to himself:

“They say His Majesty is enthroned, and Minister Ji is currently very influential. On the surface, they are close, but in reality, there should be open and covert struggles. Eunuch Li in the palace even hinted at it two days ago. But, why can’t I see it?”