Chapter 1442 - 1436: Haotian Platform

Chapter 1442: Chapter 1436: Haotian Platform

Through comprehensive analysis, although Crown Prince Yuan lacks maternal family support, most of the old ministers in the court support him, with Tu Su’s House at the forefront.

As for the Fourth Prince, he has many pawns of his mother and uncle in the court, making him quite competitive.

However, in a nation’s crown prince succession, especially in a major country like Jun Country Fuzhou, deposing a crown prince is not easy.

Therefore, in Sikong Ran’s view, the Fourth Prince’s chances of ascending the throne are slim.

Beside him, Zhu Zhiyao listened and merely smiled.

"Young Master Sikong speaks wisely, yet the position of crown prince is not absolutely secure for Crown Prince Yuan. Should Crown Prince Yuan fall ill or commit a significant mistake, it’s quite possible he could be deposed. My advice to Liu Chengtian to endure in silence is to avoid stirring the grass and alerting the snake. Once Crown Prince Yuan is deposed, not just Tu Su’s House, the whole of Fuzhou would belong to the Fourth Prince. Handling the people of Tu Su’s House would be at his fingertips at that point."

Having said that, Zhu Zhiyao spoke with deep meaning.

Sikong Ran raised his brows upon hearing, detecting an undertone in Zhu Zhiyao’s words.

Could it be that there is something amiss on the Crown Prince’s side...

"Zhiyao, quit the suspense. Could it be that the Fourth Prince has some plan?"

Liu Chengtian, beside him, asked with great curiosity.

"What plan could there be? I was merely speaking offhandedly. After all, you are aware that Crown Prince Yuan is currently sent to preside over the Haotian Platform festival. I am just concerned about the Crown Prince’s health."

Zhu Zhiyao feigned mystery.

"Is there an issue with the Haotian Platform festival?"

Bai You asked, puzzled.

She remembered Haotian Platform, as her senior brother mentioned it when she arrived in Wangjing; it was a famous site in Fuzhou.

Due to the upcoming festival, she couldn’t find a way to visit.

However, once the Hao Tian Festival commences, she, as a Ghost Guest, will be able to enter.

"Miss Bai, you are a foreigner, so you might not know. Haotian Platform is a sacred site that shelters the Fuzhou Country’s destiny. However, there’s also a saying regarding Haotian Platform: although it can protect the nation’s fortune, it may diminish a person’s lifespan, exchanging lifespan for national prosperity. From the first Fuzhou Emperor onward, whenever the Hao Tian Festival is held, it might lead to unforeseen disasters, lightly reducing lifespan, or gravely causing sudden death. The Hao Tian Festival occurs every ten years. The Fuzhou Emperor once presided over it, and since then, the Sacred Body of the Fuzhou Emperor has been ailing. This is also why this year’s Hao Tian Festival is hosted by Crown Prince Yuan."

Exchanging lifespan for national prosperity has been an ancient saying.

Yet its authenticity has never been verified.

"I actually think Crown Prince Yuan’s complexion recently hasn’t been good — could it be due to the influence of Haotian Platform?"

Liu Chengtian pondered.

"That’s uncertain, it depends on Crown Prince Yuan’s own fate."

Zhu Zhiyao glanced towards the east of Wangjing.

At night. There is a building adjacent to the Imperial Palace, an ancient pavilion tower, towering forty-nine stories high.

Every floor of the pavilion is illuminated.

Yet starting from around the forty-third level near the tower’s top, there is no candlelight.

That tower is the Haotian Platform.

And tonight, Prince Yuan is on the Haotian Platform.

At this moment, the night wind wafted gently; on the forty-third level of the Haotian Platform, Crown Prince Yuan furrowed his brow tightly.

He just lit a sky lantern before him, but the next moment, a strange gust blew by, instantly extinguishing the lit lamp.

Surrounding him, a chill wind arose, akin to the wailing cry of ghosts and wolves echoing from all directions.