Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot

A sudden prayer for rain dispelled the people's doubts about whether the Imperial Grandson was unworthy of being the Guardian Qilin.

The people's acclamations for the Imperial Grandson surged like spring thunder, piercing the heavens and echoing endlessly.

The last time the citizens were this stirred was when King Qin founded the dynasty, opened the granaries, and reduced taxes.

Emperor Liang, seeing his grandson capture the people's hearts, was filled with comfort and pride in his eyes.

Eunuch Yu beamed so broadly he could hardly close his mouth. "Congratulations, Your Majesty."

Emperor Liang's face lit up in delight.

When he first decided to restore the Qilin to its rightful place, he had prepared for the worst—resistance from officials and public outrage. Never had he imagined that this grandson of his would not only conquer the court but also win over the people.

He turned to Gongsun Yanming, standing by his side. "State Preceptor, this must be the will of Heaven. What do you think?"

Gongsun Yanming cupped his hands respectfully. "What Your Majesty says is true."

Emperor Liang's gaze fell upon Lu Qi, standing at the forefront of the crowd. "Qi'er is also a fine grandson of mine."

Lu Qi stood blankly in the rain, letting the large raindrops fall upon his shoulders.

He looked at the people who now supported his rival so devoutly, one by one accepting the new Qilin, and a deep, indescribable loneliness swelled in his heart.

The public support he had worked tirelessly to build had been so effortlessly taken away.

The rain drenched his body and chilled his soul.

Expressionless, he left the altar.

The people, busy cheering for the Qilin and the spring rain, paid no attention to his desolation.

"It's brother-in-law!"

Gongsun Ziyu tugged at Gongsun Liuying's sleeve.

Gongsun Liuying, however, was wholly absorbed in observing the Imperial Grandson on the altar, basking in the admiration of all.

She was the Phoenix Girl; her destiny was to marry the most exalted man under Heaven.

If he could pray for spring rain on behalf of the people, he could surely reclaim the Phoenix Girl Destiny for her.

"Sister! Brother-in-law is already leaving—what are you still looking at?"

Following her sister's gaze, Gongsun Ziyu noticed that the person being watched was their arch-nemesis. Her pretty face darkened immediately. "What prayer for rain? Just an act! If you ask me, it was pure coincidence! Father said brother-in-law is the real Qilin!"

Tan'er crossed her arms. "If he's the Qilin, then why didn't he make it in time for this rain, huh?"

"That... that's..."

Gongsun Ziyu was left speechless, tugging at Gongsun Liuying's hand. "Sister!"

Gongsun Liuying said calmly, "Since His Majesty has officially conferred the title upon him, he is the true Guardian Qilin."

Gongsun Ziyu was utterly shocked. "Sister! How can you speak on behalf of the Crown Prince Mansion?"

Tan'er chimed in with an exaggerated cheer, "Because, my dear young lady, everything the eldest miss says is completely correct!"

Gongsun Liuying said, "Tan'er, come with me somewhere in a little while."

Tan'er bowed. "Understood, eldest miss!"

Gongsun Ziyu pouted. "Sister, where are you going? I want to go too!"

Gongsun Liuying replied coolly, "You return to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion."

Feeling hurt, Gongsun Ziyu protested, "Why should I go back to the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion? Why take her but not me?"

Gongsun Liuying frowned slightly. "When I tell you to return, you return."

Gongsun Ziyu gritted her teeth and shot Tan'er a venomous glare.

Tan'er swayed her head smugly.

Having served Meng Qianqian for so long, Tan'er was well-versed in the art of bootlicking. She behaved like a little rabbit around Gongsun Liuying—obedient, flattering, and gifted in martial arts, never causing any trouble.

On top of that, Tan'er had a defiant attitude toward everyone in the Thousand Mechanism Pavilion, except for Gongsun Liuying, to whom she submitted unconditionally. Gongsun Liuying found this very satisfying.

The spring rain fell harder, showing no signs of relenting. The people danced with joy, utterly unconcerned about being soaked to the skin.

Emperor Liang felt the people's happiness and was comforted by it.

However, it wouldn't do to stay in the rain for too long—there were many women and children present.

Emperor Liang concluded the ceremony for bestowing the title.

The officials and people departed in an orderly manner.

Eunuch Yu held an umbrella for Emperor Liang, who was about to call Lu Yuan over. Turning his head, he realized his grandson had vanished.

Looking again, he saw someone clutching the Qilin Order, braving the rain to run toward his father... standing beside Miss Yan.

Eunuch Yu chuckled. "The Imperial Grandson and Miss Yan make a talented, beautiful couple—a natural match indeed."

Emperor Liang was simultaneously amused and exasperated. "This rascal."

He suddenly recalled Treasure Piggy's wish for Yan Xiaojiu to be her mother. He couldn't help but cast another glance at Meng Qianqian.

Meng Qianqian remained veiled, her features hidden, but her demeanor was that of an elegant noblewoman from a prominent family.

Though her origins were humble, with the blessing of the Phoenix Girl Destiny, she could be considered a fitting match for his grandson.

Yet, something about this young woman felt far from simple.

If not for her quick thinking today, dispelling misunderstandings and attributing the spring rain to his grandson, the title-bestowing ceremony might have encountered unforeseen obstacles.

Meng Qianqian smiled faintly as she conversed with Lu Yuan but suddenly became aware of two intense gazes directed at her—originating from the direction of the altar.

Without looking back, she maintained her outward composure and calm demeanor.

Emperor Liang withdrew his gaze and instructed the Imperial Guards behind him, "Investigate her."

The Imperial Guards complied. "Understood."

After Emperor Liang departed, the civil and military officials braved the rain to congratulate Lu Yuan on being proclaimed the Guardian Qilin and also to commend Lu Zhaoyan for raising such an outstanding son. Da Liang's future was secure.

The group surrounding Prince Jin, by contrast, appeared quite desolate.

King Qi still couldn't believe it. "How did it start raining? And how did the incense reignite?"

Though they had ensured the incense would go out, neither the incense sticks nor the censer had been tampered with; instead, it was Gongsun Yanming who had snuffed it out with his inner strength.

This was also why Emperor Liang hadn't found any issues with the ritual artifacts.

It wasn't just King Qi who was perplexed—Prince Jin and Prince Rui were equally full of doubts.

Prince Jin clenched his fist and approached Gongsun Yanming.

"State Preceptor, I need a word."

Gongsun Yanming followed Prince Jin to a desolate corner.

Prince Jin demanded, "State Preceptor, didn't you say you would make Qi'er the true Qilin?"

Gongsun Yanming's expression remained composed. "Prince Jin, are you sure the blood and hair you gave me were genuine?"

Prince Jin's gaze flickered.

Gongsun Yanming's piercing eyes seemed to see through everything. "The Earth Evil Compass reacted to the Commandery Prince because it did detect the aura of a true dragon on him. Even if he isn't the Qilin, his Life Chart would closely resemble that of the Qilin. Swapping his destiny with Lu Yuan's had a slight chance of success. But as for you, Prince Jin—you are not so fortunate."

Prince Jin's face turned pale.

He averted his face to hide a fleeting moment of embarrassment before asking, "Then what's the deal with this rain? It can't possibly be his doing—I won't believe it!"

Gongsun Yanming said evenly, "It's just rain."

Prince Jin sneered coldly. "If you knew it would rain, why didn't you mention it earlier?"

Gongsun Yanming replied without arrogance or submissiveness, "Had Your Highness not tampered with the ceremonial items, replacing your son's offerings with your own, the one standing on the altar, bringing joy to the people, would have been your son."

Prince Jin was left speechless.

He felt something was amiss but couldn't refute it for the moment.

"I'll take my leave."

Gongsun Yanming offered a faint bow and brushed past Prince Jin.

Prince Jin turned and called after him. "State Preceptor!"

Gongsun Yanming stopped. "What are Your Highness's orders?"

Prince Jin opened and closed his mouth several times. "The destiny swap failed, meaning my Life Chart is still my own, correct?"

Gongsun Yanming nodded. "If it were swapped with Lu Linyuan's, yes."

Prince Jin cleared his throat. "And if it were someone else?"

Gongsun Yanming replied, "That remains uncertain."

"The blood I gave you was pig's blood that cost me two copper coins, and the hair came from a brothel servant."

Prince Jin immediately retched and vomited on the spot.

As Gongsun Yanming walked away, his gaze darkened.

He flexed and relaxed his fingers slowly.

From Lu Yuan's actions, it was evident he had known it would rain today; he had deliberately played along, letting his incense be extinguished repeatedly.

When the downpour began, the blood he coughed onto the altar likely contained wax oil, capable of reigniting the unfinished incense wick instantly.

Lu Yuan's ability to see through their scheme wasn't surprising.

The true mystery was—how did he know about the rain?

Was it Zi Wu who calculated it?

If so, why hadn't he predicted it himself?

"Master, why shouldn't forbidden techniques be used lightly?"

"Because they invite backlash. You are one of my most cherished disciples—you must never tread that path of no return."

Is the backlash beginning?

Gongsun Yanming walked expressionlessly through the rain.

Suddenly, he paused and turned around.

Amid the heavy rain, someone was staring at him with a piercing gaze.

He stared at Meng Qianqian in return.

Their eyes met.

Meng Qianqian's gaze didn't waver in the slightest.

Her veil, soaked by the rain, had revealed the contour of her face.

It was a completely unfamiliar face.

Yet the stubborn and composed look in her eyes bore an uncanny resemblance to someone from his memories.

Gongsun Yanming, the debt you owe the General Mansion—it's time to repay it.

But making you repay blood for blood would be far too fair.

No rush. We'll settle our accounts one step at a time.

"Second Brother!"

Prince Ming dashed breathlessly to Lu Zhaoyan. "I've arranged for everyone—what about Father? Has the ceremony started?"

Prince Fu glanced at him with pity. "The ceremony is already over."

Prince Ming was struck dumb, his body trembling. "I missed it again?!"

-

Lu Yuan, freshly conferred, returned spiritedly with the group to the Crown Prince Mansion.

Except for Prince Ming.

He grumbled all the way back.

As soon as Lu Zhaoyan stepped off the carriage, he headed straight for the side courtyard where matters of importance were to be discussed.

Steward Jia, holding an umbrella for him, nearly sprained his leg in the rush. "Your Highness, slow down, lest you trip!"

Oh dear, his old aching knees!

What on Earth had gotten into His Highness, rushing like this? Was he going to meet his prospective father-in-law?

At the courtyard gate, Lu Zhaoyan suddenly halted, took a deep breath, and nervously said, "Should I change my clothes first?"

Steward Jia, utterly bewildered, blinked. "Change… your clothes?"

His gaze swept over Lu Zhaoyan. "Ah, yes, Your Highness! Your robes are soaked through. I'll have someone prepare hot water so you can bathe and change into fresh attire—wouldn't want you catching a cold."

Lu Zhaoyan nodded in sudden realization. "Bathing and changing... you think of everything! Your wages should be raised—go speak to the accounts office!"

"Uh?"

Steward Jia was even more bewildered.

Was His Highness alright?

What had brought about this sudden change? It was a bit alarming.

His Highness wasn't holding a grudge over that time he offended the young master, was he? His Highness even praised him?

Lu Zhaoyan dashed into the rain.

"Second Brother—ah!"

Opening the door, Prince Ming was almost knocked over.

Lu Zhaoyan burst inside. "I need to bathe and change."

"Oh." Prince Ming, also freshly clothed, stared at his elder brother oddly. "Are you… bathing here in my room?"

Lu Zhaoyan, calm and collected, replied, "No. I'm just letting you know. You can also interpret it as me showing off."

Prince Ming gaped blankly. "Showing off what? Your son?"

Lu Zhaoyan raised his head proudly. "No."

Showing off his future father-in-law.