That night, many in the palace found sleep elusive, but Jiang Ruan retired early. Yang Gugu from Empress Dowager Yide's side came by once to relay matters requiring attention during the Imperial Astronomers' ritual. Jiang Ruan acknowledged, and Yang Gugu gave detailed instructions to Tianzhu and Luzhu before returning to Cining Palace.
The Imperial Astronomers observed celestial phenomena to divine fortune, and this year marked the first nocturnal star-gazing ritual to determine the year's auspices. The Emperor placed great importance on this event, requiring all palace women to attend.
Regardless of others, Jiang Ruan spent this day as usual, with only Luzhu frequently bickering with Jin Er, whom Xiao Shao had sent over, adding a bit of liveliness to an otherwise peaceful day.
By evening, when the ritual commenced, Jiang Ruan changed into the attire sent by Wang Meiren from the Directorate of Imperial Clothing the previous night. After Luzhu attended to her toilette, she followed a young eunuch guide to the star-gazing platform.
Jiang Ruan trailed behind the palace women. Despite her close ties with the Empress Dowager, the palace ladies subtly isolated her. In contrast, Princess Rongya, daughter of Prince Yong, and Princess Heyi, daughter of Consort Shu, stood aloof, surrounded by concubines, clearly the center of attention.
Leading the procession of women were Empress Dowager Yide, the Empress, followed by Noble Consort Chen, Consort De, Consort Shu, and Consort Xian. The men's section seated princes and imperial relatives, with the Emperor presiding at the highest point.
Noticing Jiang Ruan left behind by the palace women, Empress Dowager Yide frowned slightly and said coolly, "Hong'an, come to me."
Jiang Ruan complied. Princess Rongya and Princess Heyi both flashed looks of envy, while the men seemed to notice Jiang Ruan only then. As Jiang Ruan approached, the Empress Dowager took her hand—an intimate gesture that startled the onlookers. Though aware of Jiang Ruan's favor, the Empress Dowager was known for her reserved nature. Such closeness was a rare honor, seldom granted even to Princess Yuan Rong in the past.
Jiang Ruan smiled, her gaze landing on a familiar figure among the men—Xiao Shao in dark brocade robes. Why was he present at a ritual reserved for imperial relatives?
Xiao Shao was equally surprised to see Jiang Ruan. Clad in a plain white palace satin dress, her raven hair simply coiled into a gourd bun with a single white jade hairpin, devoid of ornaments or makeup, she appeared strikingly different from her usual vibrant self. While Jiang Susu's beauty was ethereal and delicate, Jiang Ruan's austere attire lent her gentle smile an air of aloofness, her slightly upturned eyes hinting at sharp mockery. If the red-clad Jiang Ruan was a fiery fox, the white-clad one resembled a cunning serpent—far from pitiable, exuding an unsettling chill.
Like a crimson plum blossom turned snow-white pear flower, she drew many gazes, including Ye Li's. His eyes glazed over, struck by her transcendent beauty, so unlike other women, stirring a possessive urge within him. The thought of her indifferent gaze becoming infatuated with him seemed a tantalizing prospect.The Emperor's eyes also flashed with admiration, though Jiang Ruan was still somewhat young and too aloof—men always preferred gentler temperaments. The Emperor had never taken a liking to Jiang Ruan, but Noble Consort Chen, upon seeing her, revealed a faint smile.
Wang Meiren also watched Jiang Ruan from afar. For some reason, her heart pounded fiercely tonight, as if gripped by an ominous premonition. Yet when she confirmed that Jiang Ruan was indeed wearing the palace satin snow-white gauze skirt, she relaxed. As long as Jiang Ruan wore that dress, and the Directorate of Imperial Clothing had prepared no other, today’s plan would proceed flawlessly.
Jiang Ruan’s lips curved slightly upward. Just then, the Emperor announced the commencement of the rites. The officials from the Imperial Astronomical Bureau burned incense and washed their hands, carefully holding the divination sticks. A massive incense burner slowly released tendrils of smoke. Dressed in monk’s robes, Huijue stood beside the Chief Astrologer, silently chanting scriptures with a benevolent expression.
The astrologer was just measuring the celestial phenomena when— thud —the enormous tortoise shell placed at the forefront suddenly split down the middle, a jagged crack appearing across its surface.
"Great calamity—" The Chief Astrologer’s eyes widened, but before he could continue, his voice was cut off. "Disaster, my lord!" It was the Registrar, stumbling frantically down from the observatory platform, his face pale with panic. "Twin stars flanking the moon—twin stars flanking the moon! A dire omen!"
The Emperor rose to his feet, his voice low but sharp. "What has happened?"
The Registrar dropped to his knees, kowtowing repeatedly. "Your Majesty, twin stars flanking the moon—it is an omen of great calamity!"
"What?" The Emperor’s brow furrowed tightly. The Imperial Astronomical Bureau had conducted rituals for years, yet never once since his ascension had they encountered such an ominous sign. Steadying himself, he demanded, "Explain clearly. What is this 'twin stars flanking the moon'?"
The Chief Astrologer, as if just recovering from shock, knelt and replied, "Your Majesty, twin stars flanking the moon is an omen of catastrophe. A demon star has appeared in the kingdom—a harbinger of national ruin."
"Demon star?" Noble Consort Chen spoke up, tilting her head in confusion. "What demon star?"
"One who brings chaos and destruction to the dynasty," the Chief Astrologer said, wiping sweat from his brow. "This person is the reincarnation of the demon star. The twin stars flanking the moon are Heaven’s warning—a sign of the kingdom’s downfall!"
"Then where is this demon star?" Noble Consort Chen seemed tense.
"This... Heaven in its mercy may yet reveal a sign. This humble servant... is willing to burn a Xiyuan incense stick to seek Heaven’s decree."
Jiang Ruan smiled faintly. At last... it had come.
"Your Majesty..." Noble Consort Chen gazed at the Emperor, her bright eyes filled with silent concern, as if genuinely troubled for the fate of the empire. The Empress pursed her lips, a trace of resignation flickering across her face before she fell silent.
"Very well. I shall watch you burn the incense now!" the Emperor commanded the Chief Astrologer.
The Chief Astrologer bowed and ordered his subordinates to bring forth the Xiyuan incense. The stick was extraordinarily thick, nearly the size of a small pillar. Throughout history, emperors only burned Xiyuan incense when faced with grave omens to seek Heaven’s guidance. As soon as the incense was lit, warm smoke enveloped the observatory. The Chief Astrologer knelt and kowtowed three times before it, proclaiming, "Heaven, in your mercy, you have sent this warning. Twin stars flank the moon; the demon star has descended. We beseech you to reveal its whereabouts!"The curling smoke gradually dissipated into the inky night. Jiang Ruan's lips curved into a faint smile as she clasped her hands before her chest. The breeze lifted her raven-black hair, her white robes pristine and unblemished. Her breathtaking beauty was like that of a beautiful demon emerging from hell, descending with an aura of vengeance.
Xiao Shao's gaze lingered on the kneeling astrologer, his expression pausing slightly.
A sudden gasp rose from the crowd.
Noble Consort Chen's eyes slowly softened, like a clear spring in Jiangnan overflowing with water, brimming with tender delight.
"Sister Wang, how did you..." The murmurs grew louder.
The smile in Noble Consort Chen's eyes abruptly froze.
The ladies-in-waiting had already begun to panic, retreating in alarm, leaving Wang Meiren standing alone in their midst. Her plain robes were now drenched in crimson from top to bottom—a shocking sight like fresh blood. The red stain continued to spread, creeping from her chest until her entire body was covered, as if she had been dragged from a pool of blood. The palace women scattered in terror, leaving Wang Meiren frantically patting at her robes, muttering, "How could this be... No, how could this happen?"
Noble Consort Chen suddenly lifted her head to look at Jiang Ruan, who stood beside Empress Dowager Yide. Sensing her gaze, Jiang Ruan turned slightly to meet her eyes, offering a gentle smile. The expression illuminated her enchanting features, yet her eyes held boundless mockery and provocation. Jiang Ruan gave her a slight nod, and Noble Consort Chen stiffened.
"Witch!" the Emperor roared. "Seize her!"
The guards swarmed forward, capturing Wang Meiren effortlessly. Unprepared for such a sudden calamity, she was already in utter disarray. Once seized, she cried out desperately, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty! This concubine is innocent, truly innocent!"
Consort Shu clutched her chest, exclaiming, "Innocent? Everyone here has witnessed the heavens' warning—you are clearly an ill omen, a calamity! How horrifying!"
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty," Wang Meiren pleaded, knowing full well that being branded a harbinger of doom would lead to a gruesome fate. Her gaze darted toward Empress Dowager Yide, where Jiang Ruan stood in spotless white robes, not a single drop of blood on her. How could this be? It should have been Jiang Ruan—why had it become her instead? Realization struck Wang Meiren like lightning—it had to be Jiang Ruan's doing. She must have tampered with the robes. Otherwise, how could their fates have reversed?
"Your Majesty, it was the Princess of Great Peace who framed me!" Wang Meiren gritted her teeth. "She tampered with my robes! Your Majesty, I swear I am innocent!"
"Silence!" Empress Dowager Yide's cold voice cut through the air. "Such nonsense—what does this have to do with the Princess of Great Peace?""This matter concerns Hong'an's innocence, and Wang Meiren must demand an explanation. Hong'an is not afraid to confront Wang Meiren directly." Jiang Ruan bowed to the Emperor seated high above. "Imperial Father, yesterday Wang Meiren brought garments from the Directorate of Imperial Clothing to my palace, and I accepted them. Yet according to Wang Meiren's words, I framed her—but those garments never passed through my hands." She looked at Wang Meiren with a faint smile. "Hong'an would like to ask Wang Meiren, how exactly did I frame her? Those garments had nothing to do with Hong'an. Moreover, from the moment we entered the Star Observation Platform until now, I have kept a considerable distance from Wang Meiren. If Wang Meiren insists on accusing me of framing her, I demand evidence. Otherwise, this is nothing but slander!"
This series of questions left Wang Meiren speechless. Indeed, she had been the one to deliver the garments to Jiang Ruan, and Jiang Ruan had never touched them. Yet somehow, she was the one who ended up in trouble. Could it be...? Wang Meiren suddenly turned to Chen Guifei—was it her doing?
Chen Guifei saw Wang Meiren's expression clearly and inwardly cursed her for being a fool, returning her gaze with icy indifference. Meeting those cold eyes, Wang Meiren shuddered involuntarily. Her entire family relied on Chen Guifei's support—if she angered her, none of them would have a good life. She had no choice but to swallow this bitter pill, though it tasted unbearably bitter.
She knelt down, thinking that death was inevitable either way. Rather than being tortured to death as the so-called "evil star," it would be better to end her own life swiftly. Suddenly, like a madwoman, she bit the guard restraining her. The guard, seeing her gradually calm down, had let his guard slip. Caught off guard by the bite, he failed to react in time as Wang Meiren swiftly drew the sword from his waist and slashed it across her own neck.
No one had expected such a sudden move. A streak of crimson splattered as Wang Meiren's body collapsed limply, her eyes wide open—staring directly at Jiang Ruan.
Naturally, all eyes turned to Jiang Ruan, interpreting Wang Meiren's death glare as evidence of her dying with unresolved grievances. Even though Jiang Ruan's earlier questioning had been flawless, suspicion now inevitably arose.
Xiao Shao's gaze turned cold. This had been Wang Meiren's goal all along—to tarnish Jiang Ruan's reputation even at the cost of her own life. Perhaps Chen Guifei, appreciating her dedication, would extend some mercy to the Wang family after her death.
The guard stepped forward to check Wang Meiren's breath and knelt to beg for punishment. The Emperor was furious—first, for the bloodshed during what should have been a peaceful celestial observation, and second, for the ominous appearance of the "evil star" in his kingdom. He turned to the stunned Imperial Astronomer. "What is to be done now?"
The Imperial Astronomer snapped out of his daze, trembling even more violently. Today's events were never supposed to unfold this way. Once the so-called "evil star" had shifted to Wang Meiren, things had spiraled out of control. The current situation was beyond his expectations, and he had no idea how to resolve it. Still, the show had to go on. In a shaky voice, he replied, "Your Majesty, the evil star has perished. Heaven will now bless the people of Jin Dynasty."
The Emperor was clearly unsatisfied with this answer. He turned to Huijue, who had remained silent all this while, and asked, "What does the State Preceptor think?"Huijue let out a sigh, his face showing a trace of compassion as he slowly walked to the corpse of Wang Meiren. He passed his hands over her eyes, and when he withdrew them, the previously wide-open eyes that refused to close in death were now shut. Silently, he closed his own eyes, pressed his palms together, and seemed to recite a passage of the rebirth mantra.
After finishing the chant, he bowed to the corpse and said, "Amitabha."
Shu Fei, however, couldn't stand this sight. In a delicate voice, she said, "Though the state preceptor is compassionate, why bow to a mere demon star? Such a demon star is not worth pitying. By reciting the rebirth mantra for her, isn't the state preceptor bringing calamity upon the entire Da Jin Dynasty?"
"Silence!" the Emperor thundered. He had always trusted Huijue implicitly and naturally wouldn't rebuke his actions. Huijue sighed again, turned, and bowed to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, this person was not a demon star."
"What do you mean by that?" the Emperor pressed urgently.
The official on the ground couldn't help but tremble slightly, while Noble Consort Chen, seated above, paused and lifted her gaze toward Jiang Ruan.
Jiang Ruan stood quietly beside Empress Dowager Yide, her expression unchanged upon hearing Huijue's words, as if nothing could penetrate her ears. The smile on her lips seemed carved—gentle and harmless, yet sending chills down one's spine. Noble Consort Chen's heart sank with a sense of foreboding.
Huijue shook his head without speaking, the sorrow on his face deepening.
Before he could continue, the cry of an owl echoed through the sky. The observatory, usually cleaned and maintained daily, shouldn't have had owls. As everyone was puzzling over this, a black shadow flashed across the sky, moving so swiftly it merely brushed over their heads. With no archers on the observatory, there was no way to shoot it down.
"Ah!" Shu Fei shrieked. The shadow appeared to be a bird-like creature, clutching something in its claws. When it flew over Noble Consort Chen's head, it released its grip, and the object fell straight into her lap—this was what had startled Shu Fei.
The Empress's eyes flickered slightly. "Protect Noble Consort Chen at once!" she ordered.
Guards rushed forward to remove the object. Noble Consort Chen, though startled, was accustomed to composure. Despite the fright, she managed to steady herself without any visible loss of dignity.
The guard who removed the object froze in shock upon seeing what was on his sword, unsure what to do next. Others around them, curious, craned their necks to get a better look.
Noble Consort Chen's heart sank further at the guard's reaction. When she saw the object clearly, her vision blurred, and she nearly fainted.
On the ground, the creature writhed—a slender, scaly body unmistakably that of a snake. Its scales were grayish-yellow, and beneath its body were four protrusions, as if it were growing legs.
"The golden dragon has appeared..." someone murmured.
Noble Consort Chen hurriedly glanced at the Emperor, whose face had turned ashen as he suppressed his emotions while watching the snake thrash on the ground.
Huijue's voice resonated through the observatory: "The Year Star devours the moon, foretelling great mourning. A woman will slay the ruler, and the throne will change hands."Like a prophecy of doom, the words exploded like thunder in everyone's ears. Huijue clasped his hands together in prayer, appearing as sacred and devout as a disciple receiving Buddha's decree. Noble Consort Chen's legs gave way, and she finally collapsed to the ground. The Emperor and Empress both turned pale simultaneously, while Empress Dowager Yide clenched her fists tightly. A tense atmosphere permeated the palace halls.
Only Jiang Ruan wore an extremely faint smile at the corners of her lips.
The golden dragon had descended upon the noble consort—a woman who would slay her sovereign. If there had been any room for doubt before, Huijue's words now hammered the truth heavily into everyone's hearts.
Ye Li immediately rushed forward and knelt beside Noble Consort Chen, kowtowing heavily to the Emperor several times. "Imperial Father, how could Mother Consort be the calamitous star? There must be some mistake! This son is willing to stake his life that Mother Consort is no star of national ruin!"
The Emperor stood and slowly walked to where Noble Consort Chen had fallen. She neither begged for mercy nor proclaimed her innocence. She simply gazed quietly at the Emperor, a gentle smile playing at her lips.
Tianzhu's eyes flashed with surprise, thinking this Noble Consort Chen was indeed different from ordinary people. Any other consort would have been making a scene by now. Yet she neither pointed fingers at others like Wang Meiren had, nor pleaded with the Emperor—just a simple, ordinary smile that made the imperial heart waver.
Indeed, as the Emperor looked at the woman before him, his expression showed confusion. In the depths of the palace, perhaps only Noble Consort Chen could evoke in him the gentle serenity of Jiangnan's waterways. Yet this very woman was now revealed as a calamitous star that would shake the foundations of Da Jin!
The affairs of emperors brook no softheartedness. After only a moment's hesitation, all traces of doubt vanished from the Emperor's face as he said calmly, "Guards, escort the noble consort to the Cold Palace."
"Imperial Father—!" Ye Li cried out in shock, about to protest further when Noble Consort Chen grasped his hand and shook her head. "My child, obey your father."
A flicker of reluctance passed through the Emperor's eyes as he unconsciously called Noble Consort Chen by her maiden name: "Lian'er..."
Noble Consort Chen bowed deeply, her voice as gentle and melodious as ever: "If I can do anything for Da Jin's empire, this concubine's death would be no loss. I only wish peace for all under heaven, and bear no resentment."
Such moving words, such noble righteousness—even the palace ladies present were visibly affected, and Empress Dowager Yide sighed softly. Jiang Ruan raised an eyebrow. Noble Consort Chen truly knew how to perform. Even now she showed not a trace of panic—was she so certain Ye Li would ultimately save her?
As if sensing someone's gaze upon her, Jiang Ruan turned to meet Xiao Shao's concerned eyes. Seeing her look, he gave her an almost imperceptible nod.
Jiang Ruan inclined her head slightly. In today's events, she had remained behind the scenes after all—just offering a few pointers from the shadows. Yet Huijue had surprised her. Without real capability, one could never rise to such a position. All these years, she had underestimated Huijue.The Emperor waved his hand in sorrow, and several guards came forward to take Chen Guifei away. She was merely consigned to the cold palace, her life spared—after all, the Emperor still cherished past sentiments. However, the cold palace was a place inextricably linked to the phrase "piles of white bones." If one wished to dispose of someone secretly, it would be a simple matter. What exactly the Emperor intended with this move, and what outcome would unfold in the future, remained uncertain.
As Chen Guifei passed by Jiang Ruan, she paused and smiled, saying, "The County Princess looks exceptionally beautiful today."
"You flatter me, Your Highness," Jiang Ruan replied with a light laugh. The mockery in her gaze caused Chen Guifei, who had appeared calm, to nearly lose control of her composed smile for a moment.
Watching a self-proclaimed clever person fall into a trap—how could one not smile beautifully?
"May the County Princess remain this beautiful forever," Chen Guifei gritted her teeth.
"May Your Highness live to see that day," Jiang Ruan retorted without backing down.
Ye Li observed Chen Guifei's behavior and was startled. He narrowed his eyes, studying Jiang Ruan, and slowly clenched his fists.
...
What had begun as a solemn ritual ended in upheaval no one had anticipated. Wang Meiren met an untimely death, while Chen Guifei was suddenly declared a harbinger of calamity and banished to the cold palace. The Chen family knelt outside Jingyang Palace all night. The Duke of Chen collapsed from exhaustion, but Ye Li remained steadfast.
Yet the Emperor, accompanied by the Empress, seemed resolute, paying no heed to the commotion outside. De Fei and Ye Hua, however, were overjoyed. With the Empress no longer a threat and Shu Fei having only borne a daughter, Ye Li—deprived of Chen Guifei's support—had his influence nearly halved. The son of an ill-omened star still vying for the throne? Unless he was delusional. If the Crown Prince were ever to be replaced, the position would naturally fall to the Fifth Prince.
Not only Ye Hua thought this way, but many in the court who had been wavering also took this incident as an opportunity to openly declare their support for the Fifth Prince. Even some who had originally sided with Ye Li defected to Ye Hua after this event.
The struggle for the throne was ever-changing. The downfall of Chen Guifei (Noble Consort Chen), the most favored imperial consort in the palace, created opportunities for other concubines in the harem. Moreover, with the imminent selection of new imperial consorts, court officials began sizing up their own daughters.
Meanwhile, the Director of the Observatory and the entire group of Spiritual Platform Officials were dismissed for dereliction of duty and fined heavily. As members of the Imperial Astronomical Bureau, they had failed in their surveillance duties. If not for the presence of State Preceptor Huijue that day, chaos would have surely ensued.
After this incident, Huijue claimed that he had revealed too much of the divine will and thus secluded himself in the Buddhist hall for meditation. The Emperor grew even more reverent toward him, and without realizing it, Huijue’s position became even more secure.
(End of Chapter)
OpenNovel