I attained immortality through meditation in the Great Qian Dynasty.

His gaze toward Zhao Zian became even more complicated.

……

Inside the study of the Duke of Anguo's mansion.

"Murong Qiming, do you think everything will be fine just because you've latched onto a Golden Core cultivator?"

Li Shengde tapped on the table.

"What are your orders, sir?"

Imperial Censor Wang bowed and said.

"The imperial sacrificial ceremony to Heaven is about to be held. What are the hidden reasons behind the Ministry of Rites' poor planning?"

Li Shengde said.

Upon hearing this, Imperial Censor Wang immediately understood and said...

"I have heard that the list of sacrificial items for today's Heaven Worship Ceremony has been delayed."

"The list of sacrificial artifacts is a loophole."

"This is a great humiliation! His Majesty will surely be furious."

"it is good."

Li Shengde nodded.

"I order you to use this as grounds to impeach Murong Qiming, the Vice Minister of Rites, before the court tomorrow morning, ensuring he is utterly disgraced and never recovers!"

Li Shengde's ambition is beyond the imagination of ordinary people.

The suppression is just an appetizer; the real blow will come on the day of the ceremony itself.

He glanced at the shadows in the corner of the study, where a man in black emerged.

"You, according to the original plan, an accident is going to happen on the day of the sacrificial ceremony."

"The location and time have been arranged."

Li Shengde's voice was low and deep.

"Afterwards, all evidence must point to Murong Qiming."

"Disturbing the imperial procession and blaspheming the gods... these two crimes are enough to warrant the execution of his entire family!"

The man in black bowed and knelt down, plunging back into darkness.

……

Murong Mansion.

Zhao Zian sat in the pavilion.

The scent of conspiracy crept into Zhao Zian's mind.

Unlike the usual malice.

The little fox nuzzled Zhao Zi'an's hair.

"Yes, I know you have a keen sense of smell."

Zhao Zian stroked the little fox's fur and understood.

Close your eyes and let your consciousness disperse.

The trajectory of the entire capital's fortune unfolded in my mind.

The malice emanating from the direction of the Duke of Anguo's mansion was not limited to the Murong family.

There is also the upcoming sacrificial ceremony to Heaven.

"Li Shengde, what a despicable act!"

Zhao Zian smiled.

He saw more than just Murong Qiming's political attacks against him.

There's also the Anguo Duke's mansion's plan to create chaos during the ceremony and frame him for it.

He wanted to eliminate the root of the Murong family.

Murong Qiming was busy in his study at the moment.

He received an anonymous letter.

The inscription said that something bad would happen during the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, and he was the scapegoat.

Murong Qiming was so frightened that he trembled all over. As a civil official, he had never experienced anything like this before.

He left the study and found Zhao Zian.

"Young Master Zhao!"

Murong Qiming's face turned deathly pale.

He handed the letter to Zhao Zian, his voice trembling.

"Young master, what... what should we do?"

"The sacrificial ceremony to Heaven is a matter of great national importance. If something goes wrong, the Murong family will likely... likely face utter ruin!"

Zhao Zian glanced at the letter and burned it to ashes.

"Lord Murong, there is no need to panic."

Zhao Zian spoke slowly.

"This is nothing more than a trick by the Duke of Anguo's mansion."

"They want to suppress you in the court, and at the same time, they want to accuse you of disturbing the emperor and blaspheming the gods during the grand ceremony."

Upon hearing this, Murong Qiming was shocked to learn that Li Shengde was so vicious.

Don't be afraid.

Zhao Zian took out a talisman and handed it to Murong Qiming.

"This is a talisman for calming the mind and focusing the spirit; it can also serve as a warning."

"Wearing this close to your body during the sacrificial ceremony will keep your mind at peace and protect you from all evil."

Acquired the talisman.

"Thank you, young master! Thank you, young master!"

"At the morning court tomorrow, the Duke of Anguo's mansion will definitely send someone to impeach you."

Zhao Zian continued.

"You only need to admit that the Ministry of Rites did indeed make a mistake and apologize to His Majesty."

"Humble your posture and show a look of fear and trepidation, as if you would die for your cause."

"But remember, you must not mention any injustices, and you must not try to defend yourself."

"Just bow your head, admit your mistake, and take responsibility."

Murong Qiming was puzzled.

"This...this is like walking into a trap!"

Zhao Zian shook his head.

"No."

"The more you confess your guilt, the more the Duke of Anguo's mansion will feel that you've fallen into their trap."

"They will think you have a guilty conscience and become complacent."

"At the same time, it will also make His Majesty feel that you know your mistakes and can correct them, so that he won't condemn you outright."

"To retreat in order to advance is the best strategy."

Murong Qiming ultimately chose to trust.

"This humble official will humbly obey your teachings, young master!"

……

The next morning, the court session began.

The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne.

The court officials lined up on both sides.

"Your Majesty, I have a report to make!"

Censor Wang stepped out of the ranks.

"The royal sacrificial ceremony to Heaven is a major national event, and the Ministry of Rites has an inescapable responsibility for it."

"However, I have heard that Murong Qiming, the Vice Minister of Rites, has made many oversights in preparing for the ceremony!"

He listed Murong Qiming's crimes in detail:

The list of offerings was delayed, the list of ritual implements was incorrect, and even the ritual procedure was not finalized.

Such negligence is tantamount to dereliction of duty!

"We have failed His Majesty's high expectations and have damaged the dignity of the nation!"

"Your Majesty, I implore you to severely punish Murong Qiming as a warning to others!"

After Lord Wang finished speaking, voices of agreement rang out in the hall.

Most of the court officials were henchmen of the Duke of Anguo's mansion, and they stepped forward one after another.

Some agreed with Lord Wang's proposal, while others criticized Murong Qiming.

Murong Qiming stood there.

"His Majesty!"

He knelt down on the ground.

"I...I am guilty!"

The emperor frowned and looked towards Murong Qiming.

Murong Qiming is usually very cautious, what's wrong with him today?

"Your Majesty, I have failed in your grace and there are indeed oversights."

Murong Qiming kowtowed on the ground.

"The list of offerings was indeed not submitted in a timely manner due to a momentary oversight."

"The list of sacrificial vessels is incomplete due to my oversight..."

"Your Majesty, I deserve to die a thousand deaths! I am at Your Majesty's mercy!"

He did not defend himself at all, but instead took all the blame upon himself.

He acted as if he was extremely remorseful and guilty.

His near-collapse appearance surprised many officials.

Li Shengde stood to the side, a smirk playing on his lips.

Murong Qiming's appearance was exactly what he wanted!

It seems that he has been overwhelmed by the pressure and has completely lost his guard.

That's good; the plans ahead will go more smoothly.

The emperor's expression softened somewhat when he saw that Murong Qiming confessed so readily.

He waved his hand.

"Murong Qiming, considering this is your first offense and the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven is imminent, this matter will be put on hold for now."

"You must rectify all the oversights within three days, and there must be no further mistakes!"

"Your Majesty, I obey! Thank you for your great favor!"

Murong Qiming kowtowed again, tears of gratitude streaming down his face.

After the court session ended, the members of the Duke of Anguo's faction all wore expressions of joy.

Imperial Censor Wang bowed to Li Shengde.

"Your Excellency is wise! Murong Qiming is already a frightened bird, utterly vulnerable!"

Li Shengde stroked his beard.

"This is just the beginning; the real show is yet to come."

He thought to himself, "Murong Qiming, do you think you can get away with just admitting your mistake? How naive."

……

While Murong Qiming was performing in the court, Zhao Zian had already left the Murong residence.

He avoided all eyes and ears and headed straight for the Temple of Heaven, the site of the sacrificial ceremony.

The Temple of Heaven is located on the outskirts of Beijing and is usually heavily guarded.

But for Zhao Zian, it was an easy task.