Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot

The Imperial Army had begun their rotations three days prior, ensuring that all potential threats around the area were completely eradicated. They enclosed the altar with barriers and designated a section for the commoners, stationing heavy guards to secure it.

When the carriage from King Jin's mansion arrived near the altar, the civil and military officials were already present.

Prince Rui and King Qi, upon seeing him, hurried forward.

"Elder Brother! Sister-in-law!"

The two greeted them warmly.

Princess Jin stepped down from the carriage behind King Jin and slightly nodded in acknowledgment: "Third Brother, Fourth Brother."

Prince Rui glanced around before leaning toward King Jin and whispering, "The people from the Crown Prince Mansion haven't arrived yet."

King Jin responded with an impassive hum: "Qi'er, we've arrived."

Lu Qi descended the carriage.

Suddenly, the crowd stirred.

"It's Prince Jian!"

"Prince Jian has come too!"

"Prince Jian!"

Hearing the public's cheers for Lu Qi, Prince Rui chuckled, "Qi'er's reputation among the people only continues to rise."

So what if he won the competition?

So what if the officials were in awe?

Without the will of the people, there is no foundation for ascension, no qualification to unify the realm!

Prince Rui turned to Lu Qi: "By the way, I heard you've been dealing with stomach pains recently. How are you feeling now? Any better?"

Lu Qi replied politely, "Thank you, Third Uncle, for your concern. Your nephew is no longer troubled by it."

Prince Rui remarked, "Your Third Aunt was worried about you and had medicine pills specially prepared by her family for you."

He signaled to the attendant behind him with a glance.

The attendant stepped forward with a brocade box.

Lu Qi accepted it graciously: "Please extend my thanks to Third Aunt on my behalf, Third Uncle."

Prince Rui smiled warmly, "Your Third Aunt dotes on you the most. After the enfeoffment ceremony is over, you should personally thank her."

"The Emperor has arrived——"

With Eunuch Yu's crisp and resonant announcement, imperial relatives, civil and military officials, as well as the assembled commoners, all knelt in unison and bowed piously.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live, long live, long live His Majesty!"

Emperor Liang strode in wearing the Dragon Robe.

His imperial aura radiated in all directions, commanding authority and awe.

Behind him followed Gongsun Yanming, whose expression was cold and severe.

Ascending the altar, Emperor Liang addressed the crowd, "Rise."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The crowd echoed in gratitude.

After everyone stood, Emperor Liang scanned the surroundings and inquired, "Where are the people from the Crown Prince Mansion?"

Eunuch Yu turned to the commander of the Imperial Army.

The commander sighed and reported, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince and the Imperial Grandson have yet to make an appearance."

Eunuch Yu immediately whispered, "This servant will send someone to check."

"Your Majesty——"

Zhang Qufeng stepped forward. "On such an important day, for the Crown Prince and the Imperial Grandson to exhibit such neglect is truly disappointing!"

The Minister of Agriculture countered, "The designated time has not yet passed. Why is Lord Zhang in such a hurry?"

Prince Fu glanced back and, seeing no sign of the Crown Prince's carriage, frowned faintly.

Duke Jiang interjected, "Exactly! What's your rush? Want this Duke to send you on your way? I may be bad at other things, but reincarnation—I'll make sure it's on the house!"

"You..."

Zhang Qufeng was left choking in frustration.

Cabinet Minister Meng calmly stated, "The Crown Prince and the Imperial Grandson have always been punctual. Everyone, please wait a little longer."

Duke Jiang agreed emphatically, "Precisely! The Emperor hasn't expressed any concern, and yet you act as though you're more important than His Majesty?"

King Qi retorted, "How can it be acceptable to keep the Emperor waiting?"

At that moment, a senior member of the imperial clan spoke up, "Your Majesty, this concerns the fate of the nation; delays are unacceptable."

Duke Jiang spat back, "The nation, my..."

Prince Fu quickly clamped a hand over his mouth.

That was something that should definitely not be said.

Eunuch Yu signaled discreetly to Xiao Dazi.

Xiao Dazi understood immediately and quietly slipped away through the rear of the crowd.

King Qi, who had been keeping a close watch, noticed Xiao Dazi's departure and quickly remarked to King Jin, "Elder Brother, look."

King Jin replied leisurely, "No rush. Lu Linyuan won't make it."

King Qi's eyes lit up. "Elder Brother, do you mean..."

King Jin said calmly, "I've trapped him in the mountain valley. Even if he survives the ordeal, there'll still be assassins waiting to intercept him on the way."

Lu Qi, standing nearby, caught every word of King Jin's statement distinctly.

King Jin smiled and said to Lu Qi, "Qi'er, your father has arranged everything for you. You need only accept the title. Your father will see to it that you become the ruler of the world."

As time passed, the civil and military officials began to whisper among themselves, and the commoners grew restless.

"If he doesn't want the position, then he shouldn't take it!"

"In my opinion, it's not that he doesn't want it—he simply doesn't have the fortune to claim it!"

"It's all destiny!"

"Exactly. Prince Jian is the true Guardian Qilin. What does he amount to?"

"If you traitorous fools keep arguing, I'll give you all a beating!"

Tan'er stood with arms akimbo, scolding the crowd fiercely.

"Tan'er."

Gongsun Liuying, veiled and cloaked, softly intervened.

Beside her stood Gongsun Ziyu, also disguised as a commoner.

Gongsun Ziyu glared at Tan'er. "Whose side are you even on?"

Tan'er, unfazed, replied, "You're disturbing the Young Miss. I can't believe you're the Young Miss's own sister and still don't know how much the Young Miss hates noise!"