Chapter 79: Luo Tian's Calamity 9

  The ceremony of the imperial seal is imminent. The capital has strengthened its defenses. Everywhere, one can see white silver armor knights wearing silver armor riding white horses. The common people also got up early in the morning and waited at the street corner to catch a glimpse of the Jade Dragon's elegance once again.

  Of course. Today they can feast their eyes. Not only is it the Jade Dragon Frame that appears once in a hundred years, but also the Wang Nan Gong Jin who accompanies the Jade Dragon Frame, as well as Ling Wang Huangfu Ling of Lian Xiang Guo and Crown Prince Dugu Han of Sheng Jin Guo.

  The three proud sons of heaven will gather together today to welcome and escort the future empress, Ruri Ichinose, who is as precious as a jade dragon.

  The palace gate. Baiyin Duiwei Silver Dragon is leading the strongest team of White Silver Armor soldiers in battle, guarding the entrance and exit of the palace with meticulous checks on etiquette, without a single flaw.

  Suddenly, the sound of birds chirping came from the shade of the trees outside the palace gate. Silver Dragon ordered his subordinates to carefully search and then walked towards the shade. In the shade, Nalan Xianyu was waiting with a mask on.

  The Silver Dragon approached and respectfully said: "Master."

  Nalan Xixi nodded slightly. "How did things go."

  "Everything has been arranged according to the master's instructions. The Tianlang Guards are also in position. The pursuers have split into two groups and gone to Mobei and Guandong respectively. Another group of dark guards is waiting for orders at Boming Building. General Quan and General He..."

  "Suddenly, a shout came from afar, 'Master...'"

  Nalan Xixi's brow furrowed. He should be in the palace of Nan Gongyan at this time, inseparable from her and protecting her. But now he was flustered and appeared here. Something must have happened. However, Nalan Xixi couldn't imagine what could happen to Nan Gongyan at this critical moment. Although she didn't agree with her becoming the empress, she wouldn't betray her brother because of that.

  However... Nalan Xixi's expression solidified. If it was being utilized, then it might be possible.

  Especially Huáng Fǔ Líng this fox. That's right. On that day they also went out alone...

  Thinking of Nalan Xinnuo, he couldn't help but get a headache. If something happened to her, she would lose everything. Nalan Xinnuo signaled Silver Dragon to leave first. Silver Dragon nodded and retreated.

  He ran over first, his face full of panic. He rarely showed such blatant panic. "The princess... she's gone."

  "Where did he go?" Nalan Xixiao's expression was slightly cold. His mouth responded, but his heart began to analyze.

  There is still half a time before the grand ceremony begins. She has time to use this half-time to take the remaining dark guard team to track down Nan Gongyan's trail. If it was still there last night, then it just left and shouldn't have gone far.

  She must not be allowed to leave the city. Once she leaves the city, the situation will lose control and things will get out of hand.

  "She made an excuse to go to the stable to see her little colt early this morning... Ah, Master..." He Xian hadn't finished speaking when Nalan Xian'er had already rushed out.

  Nalan Xixi flew into the Bai Ming Building. Everyone saw Nalan Xixi coming over and stood up one after another. "Master."

  Nalan Xixi didn't hesitate. "Go inform the Silver Armor Guards at the city gate to close it immediately. Under no circumstances can we let the princess leave the palace... The rest of you follow me and take a shortcut to intercept the princess in the suburbs."

  "Yes."

  Liu Li Palace. Xiao Lian has been dressed in a magnificent ceremonial robe by the palace maids. Her makeup concealed the terror and struggle on her face. Even Nalan Xianyu, after such dressing up, would look like another person.

  Xiao Lian, who looked extremely similar to Nalan Xiong, was dressed up. No one had any suspicions.

  The future queen hasn't said a word for half an hour now.

  Suddenly, the sound of gongs and drums came from outside the palace gate. The ceremonial team was happily playing musical instruments. The leading eunuch lit firecrackers. Instantly, the palace road was filled with noise.

  The palace maidens were in a happy flurry of activity. Several maids helped Xiaolian with her makeup. Another maid took over the red wedding veil and covered it on Xiaolian's head. Xiaolian was arranged by the maids into a dignified posture, sitting on the bed waiting for the groom to come and fetch her.

  In the courtyard of Liuli Palace, several waiting palace maids saw the Jade Dragon Carriage stop at the gate and couldn't help but exclaim in surprise. In front of the Jade Dragon Carriage, Nan Gong Jin got off his horse, wearing a purple brocade robe.

  He was like the first time he saw her, with his back to the light, his tall and straight figure outlined in perfect lines under the sunlight. The sunlight shone on his cold face, as if a god had descended from heaven, proud and untamed.

  Today, his face was different from the usual coldness. Everyone could see his joy. The kind of happiness that came from the heart made him wear a faint smile on his face. His lips, like cherry blossom petals, curved into a beautiful arc. Beautiful to the point of being breathtaking.

  He walked into the bedroom, looking at the person sitting upright on the bed. This moment was so serene, and not like her usual coldness. The bright red wedding dress made her look like a blooming red peony, gorgeous and alluring, yet as quiet as a young maiden.

  He walked over and took her hand, the cold touch making him pause slightly. The palace maid whispered, "The princess is too tense, she hasn't spoken much in half an hour."

  The other palace maids heard this and also giggled. Nan Gong Jin smiled slightly, wrapping her small hand in the palm of his own.

  Nangong Jin led the bride out of the palace, surrounded by palace maids who retreated and knelt on the ground. "Congratulations to Your Majesties for a hundred years of harmony, growing old together, and eternal prosperity."

  Two palace maids carried a brazier to the gate, lit it, and Nan Gong Jin hooked up the corner of his mouth, hugged the bride around her waist, and easily stepped over. The surrounding palace maids also chorused their congratulations.

  Nangong Jin hugged the bride and placed her on the jade dragon frame. He took her hand and lightly kissed her fingers.

  "Finally waited for this moment. Finally waited." He held her hand tightly. His heart was filled with long-awaited excitement and agitation.

  He got off the horse and sprang onto a black horse, leading his troops towards the palace gate.

  "On the street, someone suddenly shouted, "The Jade Dragon Frame has arrived... The King is coming... They have come..."

  In an instant, the people on both sides of the street erupted into cheers and applause. They were overjoyed, jumping up and down on rooftops. A group of black-clad figures flew by, but they didn't notice at all.

  At this time, the crowd at the street corner ignited another wave of passion and cheers. The Jade Dragon Carriage was slowly entering. In front of the Jade Dragon Carriage, Nan Gong Jin was wearing a purple brocade robe, leading the Jade Dragon Carriage forward slowly.

  Wherever he went, all the people knelt down and bowed. "Wishing His Majesty a long life without borders. Wishing His Majesty and the Queen a hundred years of harmony."

  Human waves layer upon layer. The entire imperial capital's sky seemed to reverberate with the sounds of people's kneeling and blessings. That group of black-clad individuals was passing through the area beneath the Jade Divine Dragon's gaze.

  Nan Gong Jin heard the noise, glanced at the roof of the house, and didn't pay attention to it. It was his hidden dragon guard. They had been following him all along, just to ensure safety. Behind him, Dugu Han and Huangfu Ling rode white horses, following closely behind the carriage of Yu Shen Long.

  Dugu Han and Huangfu Ling also looked up at the rooftop, when suddenly Dugu Han's eyes slightly trembled. The black-clothed person in front was leading the way, moving extremely fast. Moreover, although she was running forward, her gaze remained fixed on Nangong Jin without stopping for a moment.

  That was clearly... Looking forward again, the bride in the jade dragon frame was actually a puppet.

  Dugu Hanshen's expression slightly solidified, and he immediately drove his horse in the opposite direction without any hesitation.

  Huang Pu Ling raised his head towards the black shadow on the roof, a meaningful smile spreading from the corner of his mouth. Nalan Xianyu said, "A high road is a high devil, you think you're absolutely safe, but you don't know that you've already fallen into my trap."

  In this world, there is no one who will always be a winner. You and him, you all should lose once too.

  The street tour came to an end, and Yu Shenlong and Nan Gongjin returned to the palace. Outside the palace, thousands of tables were set up for a grand feast. Hundreds of officials rushed to take their seats, while envoys from various countries had all arrived.

  In the center of the palace gate, an incense burner and altar were set up. The jade dragon censer followed the shadow of Nan Gongjin as he walked from the palace gate to the outer square. When the officials saw Nan Gongjin arrive, they all knelt down to pay their respects.

  "Wishing His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen a prosperous and harmonious life, with longevity that knows no bounds. Wishing His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen a hundred years of happy union."

  Wherever Nangong Jin passes, there is a chorus of congratulations. Outside the square, the honor guard beats drums and blows musical instruments. The dancing girls dance with flying ribbons, a scene of jubilation.

  Walked a hundred meters outside the altar, Nan Gong Jin got off his horse and pulled the bride's hand from the carriage to welcome her down.

  The empress dowager waited in front of the altar, preparing for them the most crucial and sacred ritual... the enthronement ceremony.

  Nangong Jin held the bride's hand and slowly walked towards the altar. Not far away, in the crowd, a pair of crossbows had already been drawn, aiming at the bride's heart, waiting for the order to be given.

  The empress looked at them hand in hand. Yu Xin smiled. Nangong Jin and the bride knelt down in front of the empress. The eunuch on the side handed a silk scroll to the empress. The empress stretched out her hand to take it, opened the scroll, and read aloud.

  "We now respectfully advise that the imperial concubine, Huáng Fǔ shì, be appointed as the Empress of Luò Tiān. She is kind and gentle, wise and virtuous, intelligent and surpassing others. Her moral character is majestic and flourishing. We respectfully request that she be granted a golden seal and precious jade. May the Empress still work diligently day and night to bring prosperity to the imperial family and peace to the kingdom. May her virtues be as auspicious as the harmony of the bell and the majesty of the unicorn's footprints. May her chastity assist in the righteousness of the rooster's crowing. May she strictly follow the teachings of the Empress Dowager and not disappoint the intentions of our deceased ancestors. This is our humble petition."

  "Thank you for your kindness." Nangong Jin knelt down and kowtowed. The bride also followed suit, but remained silent.

  Nan Gong Jin felt a bit uneasy. At this time, the eunuch held two sticks of incense and lit them in the brazier. He respectfully handed them over to their hands. Nan Gong Jin put away his smile and became solemn.

  "I, Nangong Jin, have spent my life in battle, unifying the land of Luotian. My career is established, and I should start a family. Today, I burn incense to invite the gods as witnesses. I will take Xishuo as my wife. In this life, I only love Xishuo, until death do us part."

  The Empress Dowager and the people below the platform thought that his sacrificial words had ended. However, he paused for a moment and continued: "I have spent my whole life rushing about on the battlefield, with deep guilt towards heaven and earth, and shame towards all the people of the world. Today, I specially invite the gods to witness, I am willing to hand over the main power of Luotian to..."

  The empress dowager had not yet reacted to what had happened. The people below the platform were also shocked and amazed.

  Suddenly, a cold arrow shot out from under the stage, tearing through the air with a piercing whistle, and flew straight towards the altar. Nan Gong Jin's expression turned chilly as he stood up and pulled over the stunned Empress Dowager.

  "Hmm..." Next to her, the bride let out a muffled groan and fell to her knees.