Crowned by the Treacherous Big Shot

Before dawn, the Jin Prince Mansion was already bustling with activity.

Dou Qingyi had gone early to Lu Qi's courtyard, urging him to wash and dress.

Lu Qi rose from behind the bed curtains. "I understand, Mother."

Dou Qingyi said excitedly, "Mother will wait for you outside!"

Lu Qi pushed aside the curtains and got out of bed, first tending to the wound on his leg.

That day, while he was recovering in the Crown Prince Mansion, Lu Linyuan had suddenly appeared with his face, swapped identities with him, and left.

Afterward, it was said that Lu Linyuan had gone out to seek herbs to treat the Emperor's migraines.

"Qi'er!"

Dou Qingyi couldn't help but urge him again.

Looking at the injury, which had healed almost halfway in just three days, Lu Qi gained a newfound respect for Yan Xiaojiu's medical skills.

"Here, take this. If your father comes to check your injury, remember to stick it on."

"You were injured?"

"Just a superficial wound. If you're going to act, act the part completely."

Images of his conversation with Lu Yuan flashed through his mind. His expression complicated, he opened the small box Lu Yuan had given him.

Inside was a piece of fish skin crafted into a realistic simulation of human flesh. He frowned in distaste and closed the box.

"Qi'er!"

Dou Qingyi lightly knocked on the door. "Should I send someone in to assist you?"

"No need, Mother. I'm coming out now."

Lu Qi took out the "flesh" and stuck it over his wound.

When he opened the door, Lu Qi was dressed in the court attire of a Commandery Prince, his expression calm as he stepped out.

Dou Qingyi looked at her son, whose refined features carried an air of nobility, her gaze filled with pride and delight.

She raised her hand and tidied his lapel. "My son, you're looking more and more like a Crown Prince."

Lu Qi replied, "Mother, the Crown Prince is the rightful heir. Even if he were to step down, Father is still next in line."

Dou Qingyi scoffed. "And won't it eventually come to you?"

"Your Majesty is in the prime of his life. For a concubine like you to speak such treasonous words—isn't that cursing Your Majesty's demise?"

A cool and indifferent voice sounded from outside the main gates.

Dou Qingyi's face stiffened. She turned toward the gates.

There, under the morning light, the Jin Prince and Princess Jin entered side by side, dressed in ceremonial attire.

Though displeasure flickered across her face, Dou Qingyi still maintained propriety, bowing respectfully. "Qingyi greets His Highness, and Princess Jin."

Princess Jin replied impatiently, "Dou concubine, though you came from commoner roots and lacked decorum in the past, I did not hold it against you. However, now that you are a concubine of the Jin Prince Mansion, you should choose your words carefully and refrain from bringing calamity upon our house."

Lu Qi bowed. "Father, Princess, my mother did not mean it. I beg for your forgiveness."

Princess Jin spoke leisurely, "If we are to forgive her, who will forgive us? Calamity comes from the mouth. As a scholar, you should understand this better than anyone."

Lu Qi respectfully said, "Qi'er will remember Princess's guidance."

Dou Qingyi clenched her fingers tightly in frustration.

One by one, they all dared to trample over her. But when her son sat on the throne as Emperor, she would see who would dare contend for the position of mistress of the Inner Palace!

The Jin Prince asked gently, "Qi'er, does your stomach still hurt?"

Over the past few days, Lu Qi had used an excuse of abdominal pain and diarrhea to stay confined to his courtyard to recuperate.

Lu Qi replied, "Much better now."

The Jin Prince nodded. "Drink the medicine and let's set off promptly."

A servant brought over a bowl of medicinal broth for gastrointestinal relief, which Lu Qi drank without hesitation.

"Father."

He spoke up.

The Jin Prince asked, "What's the matter?"

He said solemnly, "Will Lu Linyuan be conferred today?"

The Jin Prince patted his shoulder. "Father has already made arrangements. You need not think of anything else—today is your grand occasion."

Dou Qingyi was overjoyed.

Lu Zhaoyan, do you see this?

Your son will never become the Guardian Qilin. Soon, you will lose your place as Crown Prince.

This is the cost of abandoning me and my son!

"You don't need to go, Dou–con-cu-bine."

Dou Qingyi snapped back to reality and stared blankly at Princess Jin, who was coldly addressing her. Only then did she realize she had followed the three of them all the way to the gates of the Jin Prince Mansion.

For the Investiture Ceremony, only the Princess Consort held the right to attend.

Dou Qingyi's face flushed red as she muttered softly, "I only wanted to see Qi'er off."

Princess Jin retorted icily, "As his stepmother, I will naturally take care of Qi'er."

From start to finish, Princess Jin showed no kindness toward Dou Qingyi. The Jin Prince, standing to the side, did not defend her with even a word.

Dou Qingyi felt humiliated to the core.

Princess Jin, enjoy your arrogance while it lasts. Soon enough, whether it's you or that White family woman, you'll all be groveling at my feet, Dou Qingyi!

Lu Qi boarded the carriage with the Jin Prince and Princess Jin.

The Qilin Investiture was an event of national significance, even more anticipated than his wedding with Gongsun Liuying.

Throughout the streets, Imperial Army patrols could be seen everywhere, alongside throngs of curious citizens eager for a glimpse of the festivities.

The ceremony was to take place at the East Altar within the Imperial City. Historically, when the Prince Qin Mansion held major sacrificial rites, they would be conducted at the East Altar, and the citizens would spontaneously gather to witness the occasion.