She Holds the World After Being Reborn
Chapter 153: Fireworks are the Signal, Action Tonight

Chapter 153: Chapter 153: Fireworks are the Signal, Action Tonight

Beads of sweat as large as beans trickled down Xiao Hongshen’s cheeks, and a pin could have been heard dropping inside the silent hall.

"This son doesn’t know where the Emperor heard such rumors, but this son’s loyalty is as clear as the sun and the moon. Just as the Emperor said, without the Emperor’s tireless guidance, this son would not be who he is today."

Xiao Hongshen quickly affirmed his loyalty.

The Emperor just watched him, and it was uncertain how much time had passed.

The Emperor reached out a hand, placed it on Xiao Hongshen’s head, and then wiped away the now cold sweat on his cheek.

His voice became as gentle as usual.

"I know your loyalty, but you are young and impetuous, easily used by treacherous people. Without someone to spur you on by your side, it’s difficult to achieve greatness."

Xiao Hongshen’s eyes were full of suppressed rage, but he nodded in earnest fear, "The Emperor’s lesson is correct."

The Emperor was very pleased with his response.

This was the attitude and demeanor a subject should have.

Much better than the Crown Prince who was far in the north.

The Emperor, satisfied, waved his hand to dismiss Xiao Hongshen.

The old officials who had been waiting outside saw Xiao Hongshen coming out pale-faced and approached him with concern.

Xiao Hongshen said nothing, merely shook his head.

The old officials instantly felt a profound disappointment and pushed past the eunuchs blocking the way to see the Emperor.

Xiao Hongshen walked out without looking back.

His hands were clenched into fists.

As soon as he returned, Chai You and Wa Chengnan gathered around him.

Seeing Xiao Hongshen’s grim expression, Chai You exchanged a look with him. Xiao Hongshen just nodded at Chai You, and Chai You’s expression quickly turned cold.

Although Wa Chengnan didn’t understand the silent communication between the two, his sensitivity as a retainer made him aware that something significant was about to unfold.

Meanwhile, the banquet on the other side continued indifferently.

Watching Yan Wanqing and the noble ladies chatting and laughing in a circle, and knowing they would eventually take away gifts from her, she barely concealed her frustration and wished to end the banquet soon.

Finally, when her maid told her that the seventh Prince had already left the Emperor’s presence, Li Chengyuan breathed a sigh of relief.

Not knowing what the situation was, she very much wanted to ask about the reason the Emperor gathered all the officials together.

However, instead of the seventh Prince, Mo Shan came first.

The two exchanged a few words, unconcerned about being overheard.

Soon, Li Chengyuan was seen walking over with a smile.

"As dusk falls, you might as well stay for dinner. After it gets completely dark, there will be something even more novel for everyone to see."

"What novel thing?" Weary after a day of chatting, the noble ladies still perked up to ask.

Li Chengyuan smiled, "You all heard about the Flaming Stone yesterday, right? Well, it can also be used for viewing. When it explodes, the sparks in the night are as splendid as flowers, and it turns into fireworks."

"Fireworks?" The noble ladies, having never heard of this, were curious.

"As brilliant as a galaxy, fleeting as a flash, vanishing into smoke in the blink of an eye—thus, it’s called fireworks." Li Chengyuan glanced at the sky, then added, "Just wait another hour, and once it’s fully dark, the seventh Prince will send someone to set them off for you to watch."

"We didn’t expect the seventh Prince had prepared so many activities." The guests dismissed the idea of leaving and stayed for dinner instead.

Yan Wanqing propped her cheek, in no hurry to leave.

When Mo Shan appeared, she knew tonight wouldn’t be peaceful.

It’s time for a desperate endeavor.

"When the fireworks are set off, find a room to hide in." Yan Wanqing suddenly grabbed Li Chengxiang, who was passing by, and whispered her instructions.

Li Chengxiang didn’t understand, but she nodded anyway and then hurried to prepare dinner.

As the Commandery Princess had instructed, she complied.

Li Chengxiang was so busy today, like a spinning top, that she had no interest in watching the so-called fireworks.

She supported herself by her waist and slowly walked to the back of the rockery. Taking advantage of the lack of spectators, she took a moment to rest.

Otherwise, Li Chengyuan would see her and would make her busy with this and that.

Suddenly, a sneaky figure sprang out from the side, and Li Chengxiang was so frightened that she almost screamed aloud.

"Shh—!" the person immediately covered her mouth, "It’s me, it’s me, don’t yell, no matter what."

Wa Chengnan spoke in a low voice.

Li Chengxiang, annoyed, swatted his hand away, "What are you doing here?"

Wa Chengnan, wearing a grave expression, ignored Li Chengxiang’s struggles, grasped her hand, and said, "There will be fireworks tonight, you must not join the crowd, understand? Find a place to hide."

Li Chengxiang was momentarily stunned.

Why did both Princess Anping and Wa Chengnan tell her to hide?

Could it be that something was going to happen tonight...

"Why?" Li Chengxiang couldn’t help but ask.

Wa Chengnan shook his head, "You don’t need to know, just do as you’re told."

"If you don’t explain clearly, I won’t listen to you," Li Chengxiang frowned.

Wa Chengnan’s eyes filled with complexity, "The less you know, the safer you are, darling believe me this time, no matter what the outcome becomes tonight, you must not come out."

After he said this, he suddenly hugged Li Chengxiang briefly, then turned around to leave.

Li Chengxiang’s unease magnified, and she couldn’t help but reach out and grab the sleeve of Wa Chengnan’s robe.

"What exactly is going on?!"

Wa Chengnan harbored a secret, thinking of what the Seventh Prince and they had discussed.

It was utterly treasonous.

But as a loyal subject, from the moment he had chosen to side with the Seventh Prince Xiao Hongshen, he had been prepared for any eventuality.

The only thing he still cared about was Li Chengxiang.

If successful, he would be promoted and have a chance to pursue her once more.

If he failed, it would be as if he had never existed in her world, which was perhaps for the best.

Wa Chengnan forcefully shook off Li Chengxiang’s hand and left via the rockery without looking back.

If he were to die... she would probably cry.

Definitely.

After all, she was so kind.

Watching Wa Chengnan’s resolute and farewell-filled silhouette, Li Chengxiang turned and headed towards Yan Wanqing.

But she didn’t expect that Yan Wanqing would just glance at her and then disappear into the crowd.

The lights were dim, and she suddenly couldn’t find Princess Anping at all.

Li Chengxiang didn’t bother heading towards the kitchen anymore; she ran directly to a room and then crawled under the bed.

Since both the Commandery Princess and Wa Chengnan had said so, she should obey and try not to cause trouble for anyone.

Yan Wanqing, having received a message from Chai You, immediately switched identities with Hong Wu, allowing Hong Wu to continue appearing at the banquet dressed as her, while she herself wore nightwear and stood on the rooftop.

The fireworks were a signal.

Xiao Hongshen would take action tonight.

The setup from the Gong of Appeal would come to a head today.

After today, Xiao Hongshen would at least lose a layer of skin, dead or alive.

Listening to the bustling voices below the eaves, Yan Wanqing faced the evening breeze and softly hummed a tune.

This was a song her father had taught her when she was a child.

Back then, as she and her siblings lay on the Gobi Desert, gazing at the stars in the sky, her elder brother told her that when people die, they become stars in the heaven.

Yan Wanqing looked up at the starry sky.

Fathers and brothers, just wait a little longer; after tonight, she would go to Governor’s Office Pass to welcome back the heroic spirits.

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