Chapter 1945: Chapter 1883: An Accident Occurs

It was the end of the year, and the Beiyan Imperial City was bustling with people. Particularly in the years since Emperor Yan ascended the throne, the country was peaceful and prosperous, with people well-fed and clothed. The flourishing era was even more evident in this imperial city, especially as the New Year approached. People were full of joy, adorned in gold and silver, making the atmosphere lively and bustling.

Since winter began, and especially after entering the twelfth lunar month, Beiyan experienced heavy snowfall. The day of the Royal Sacrificial Ceremony was no exception. Though the sky was dim with falling snow, it did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the people on the streets.

Why was this?

Today was the grand occasion of the Royal Sacrificial Ceremony, unprecedentedly magnificent. Naturally, it filled everyone with New Year-like joy, prompting them to flock to the Imperial Jue Temple to partake in the festivities and bask in the benevolence of the emperor.

On the streets, one carriage followed another, with many pedestrians holding incense candles heading out of the city.

The Imperial Jue Temple was long prepared to welcome the imperial entourage.

The bright yellow imperial carriage was surrounded tightly by teams of guards, followed by several of Emperor Yan’s sons, members of the Imperial Clan, and a number of officials.

"Your Majesty, please have some hot water." Eunuch Lu offered a cup of hot water to Emperor Yan, looking at his complexion with some concern, and said, "Your Majesty, do you need the imperial physician to examine your health?"

It wasn’t undue worry, as the Emperor’s complexion was quite poor, appearing somewhat pale and frail.

Emperor Yan coughed twice and frowned, "No need, we’ll discuss it once we return to the palace."

He too felt something was amiss with his body but couldn’t pinpoint what exactly.

The long chime of the bell rang out, and Eunuch Lu lifted the curtain embroidered with a Five-Clawed Golden Dragon using gold and silver threads, saying, "Your Majesty, we have arrived at the Imperial Jue Temple."

Emperor Yan nodded slightly with his eyes closed.

Eunuch Lu stepped off the carriage and stood by its side.

The Imperial Jue Temple had a path for ordinary people and another specially for the royal family and noble carriages. The imperial carriage went straight to the entrance of the temple, where the abbot led the temple disciples in a loud welcome.

After a moment, Emperor Yan was supported out of the carriage by Eunuch Lu, who said, "Rise."

"Your Majesty, the guest courtyard is fully prepared. Please come inside to rest for a moment," Master Ping Yuan, the abbot, said.

"Thank you for the trouble, Master," Emperor Yan replied with a gentle smile.

The crowd protected Emperor Yan as they walked into the temple.

The auspicious time for the ceremony had been calculated by the Imperial Astronomical Observatory and Master Ping Yuan. Once the auspicious time arrived, Emperor Yan would personally offer incense and conduct the worship.

At the foot of the mountain, the crowd was vast, filled with people who had come to join in the festivities.

"Princess Consort, the carriage cannot proceed any further," Chi Liu said to those inside the carriage.

Wufu lifted the curtain to take a look and said, "Let’s get out and walk."

Mo Lan jumped from the carriage and assisted her in alighting.

To avoid drawing attention, Wufu dressed modestly in a plain brocade robe, draped in a fox fur large cloak, yet her outstanding temperament still drew many curious glances as she stepped off the carriage.

Chi Liu drove the carriage to the large shed and swiftly returned to Wufu’s side. The party of four then began making their way up the mountain toward the temple.

Meanwhile, Ah Jiu awoke from a dream, drenched in cold sweat.

"Who’s out there?" Ah Jiu called out, pressing a hand to his wildly beating heart.

Upon hearing the call, Purple Jade promptly put down her work and entered, bowing respectfully, "My lord!"

Seeing it was her, Ah Jiu threw off the blanket and asked, "Where is the Princess Consort?"

"The Princess Consort went to the Imperial Jue Temple," Purple Jade replied.

"What?" Ah Jiu’s voice suddenly rose.

Purple Jade was startled. Just as she was about to reply, Yuan Ye hurriedly burst in from outside, urgently exclaiming, "Yuan Ye has urgent news for my lord!"

Ah Jiu, not bothering to wear shoes, ran out quickly as Yuan Ye immediately came forward, eyes reddened, "My lord, something has happened at the Imperial Jue Temple!"

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