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The Emperor was delighted upon hearing the news and granted the Second Prince’s request. Today, before the palace gates closed, the Second Prince departed for the sacrificial palace.
Only after his departure did the Ninth Prince receive the information.
The idea of a blood sacrifice sounded intimidating, it involved cutting the wrist with a knife during the ritual, letting a drop of blood fall into a wine cup, which was then poured into the ground as an offering to the heavenly deities.
Knowing the prophecy from Wise Master Wuzhi, “The snow is urgent at the end of the year, and clear at the end of the month.” the Ninth Prince suspected if the Second Prince knew the exact time the heavy snow would cease. Seeking the Emperor’s approval, he expressed his sorrow over the people’s plight, empathy for the Emperor’s tireless efforts, and volunteered to join the blood sacrifice with the Second Prince. Upon approval, he followed suit to the sacrificial palace.
The Second Prince’s tight schedule was likely to prevent other princes from imitating him. If others learned of the news tomorrow morning, they would not be able to fast for three days and could skip the ceremony on the thirtieth.
Finally, Marquis Chu remarked, “The Second Prince is always one step ahead, even opting for a blood sacrifice this time. What drives him to act in such a manner? Could the prophecy from Wise Master Wuzhi’s letter truly foretell the end of the snow on the thirtieth? Regardless of the outcome, the Ninth Prince’s decision to participate in the sacrifice is commendable. Even if the snow doesn’t stop, their efforts won’t go unnoticed. But, compared to the Second Prince, the Ninth Prince will still fall short.”
The Third Marquis added, “The Second Prince has been gathering unique individuals for years, perhaps someone has foreseen a more accurate time. One of the two prophecies in Wise Master Wuzhi’s letter must pertain to this event.”
The old Marquis inquired, “Could there be someone more powerful than Wise Master Wuzhi?”
Marquis Chu replied, “There is always someone more knowledgeable, the possibilities are endless.” Turning to Chen Feng, he asked, “You are a clever child and have spent the most time with Wise Master Wuzhi. What do you think?”
Chen Feng was convinced that the Second Prince was indeed a reincarnated individual who knew the exact time when the disaster would end. By monopolizing this great achievement, he might be perceived as a favored individual by the heavens, potentially altering the Emperor’s plans for succession.
Quickly responding, she said, “Grandfather, I also believe that the Second Prince may truly know the exact time the disaster will end. The thirtieth is the last day of the lunar month, aligning with the ‘end of the month’ timeframe. While Master Wuzhi could provide guidance, there might be another extraordinary individual capable of offering insights to the Second Prince.”
Third Master Chu frowned and remarked, “If the snow disaster truly stops after the blood sacrifice, the Second Prince’s merits will be significant. Not only will the Emperor rely more on him, but the courtiers and the people will also hold him in higher esteem. Even if the Ninth Prince participates in the blood sacrifice, he is merely following the trend and falls short of the Second Prince’s pioneering proposal and leadership.”
The expressions of everyone grew even more somber.
After a moment of contemplation, Chen Feng suggested, “We should find a way to invite Prince Rui into the palace to speak to the Emperor, proposing that all… adult princes should participate in the ritual. This way, we can better move the heavens…” Initially intending to suggest all princes, she adjusted her wording to include only the adult princes, considering Eleventh Prince, Dabao in Dingzhou.
Marquis Chu was pleased with the suggestion and nodded, saying, “This strategy is truly ingenious. Starting tomorrow, the censors will submit reports praising the Emperor’s wise upbringing of his sons. They will emphasize how the princes, during times of national crisis and people’s suffering, set aside differences, unite as brothers, and jointly offer sacrifices to the heavens… Ultimately, we should steer the focus towards the unity and cooperation of the princes in the ‘blood sacrifice to the heavens’, as the Emperor would be more pleased to see the deep brotherly bonds.”
Third Master Chu laughed, “Excellent! The Emperor is a father, like any other father in the realm, and he wishes for harmony among his sons, united in purpose. If all adult princes gather to offer sacrifices, and the disaster comes to an end, it would be far more comforting to the Emperor than if only the Second Prince performed the ritual.”
The old Marquis chimed in, “All problems are now resolved. While the Second Prince’s actions will surely impress the Emperor, it may not be enough to credit him solely or alter the Emperor’s long-held beliefs.”
The discussion turned to the Second Prince’s potential reaction to all the adult princes gathering for the sacrifice, leading to laughter among the group.
They decided that Third Master Chu would swiftly persuade Prince Rui, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. It was already late in the evening, and any delay could render the persuasion efforts futile. If the princes entered the fasting palace after midnight, they would miss the fasting period. Third Master Chu hurriedly left to fulfill his task.
Before leaving, Marquis Chu nodded approvingly at Chen Feng.
Seeing off the two elders, Chen Feng then made her way towards the inner courtyard. She gazed at the snowfall, the dim light casting a fairy-tale-like glow over the snowy landscape, reminiscent of scenes from certain movies. While fairy tales were enchanting, the real world was harsh, claiming many innocent lives. If the snow ceased on the thirtieth, the disaster would soon come to an end.
She took a deep breath, feeling that it was almost time!
The next day, after breakfast, Chen Feng hastily took her still-sleeping children to Anrong Hall to inquire about the situation. She was anxious to know the outcome, having hardly slept the night before.
Despite the reluctance of Mama Li, who fretted about the early hour risking the children catching a cold, Chen Feng paid no heed and took the children out as she wished.
Outside, the fierce wind continued to swirl snowflakes, the sky still dim. The two children were bundled up tightly in their mother’s arms, shielded by an umbrella held by a maid. Chen Feng herself was heavily garbed, making her way to Anrong Hall.
In a side room where a lamp was still lit, Third Madam sat solemnly on the heated brick bed. Clad in a slightly worn coat and skirt, her hair casually arranged on top of her head, she lacked her usual vibrant aura.
Surprised, Chen Feng had the children placed on the bed and dismissed the servants. She asked in a hushed tone, “Did it work out?”
Third Madam shook her head and replied, “It did. My husband found Prince Rui last night, and after hearing the proposal, Prince Rui went directly to the palace to meet the Emperor. He suggested that all adult princes should unite to offer sacrifices to move the heavens and end the disaster. The Emperor was delighted and immediately approved the proposal. The adult princes rushed to the fasting palace overnight…”
Internally elated, Chen Feng mused about how the princes’ actions might disrupt the Second Prince’s plans, likely leaving him quite frustrated.
Observing Third Madam’s troubled expression, Chen Feng remarked, “If the matter has been settled, why does Third Aunt seem unhappy? I thought Prince Rui hadn’t approached the Emperor or the Emperor hadn’t agreed. With everything resolved, Third Aunt should be pleased.”
Third Madam let out a heavy sigh and expressed, “I am worried. If the snow truly stops on the thirtieth, it would further validate Wise Master Wuzhi’s prophecy. I fear for my husband’s safety and well-being. He oversees the northern military forces and cannot stay away from the north indefinitely, can he?”