I'm competing with the male lead for a woman[GL]

Chapter 144: He is willing to use blood as a sacrifice

The ritual of questioning the heavens took place at the altar next to the Dali Temple.

Due to the serious illness of Emperor Qi, the entire ceremony was conducted by the Minister of Rites and the Crown Prince.

Of course, the Minister of Rites was a loyal follower of Xiao Shuang, and naturally, she had her influence over the proceedings.

For example, she chose the location.

Xiao Jin arrived at a time that couldn't be considered early, but it wasn't late either.

However, when the Minister of Rites turned his head and saw Chu Shao standing beside Xiao Jin, his hand stroking his beard froze for a moment, clearly showing great surprise.

In this kind of occasion, why would Prince Yan bring the Princess?

Could it be that the rules had changed now, allowing family members to participate in the ritual?

The Minister of Rites felt somewhat annoyed at the thought that this possibility might exist. If he had known, he should have brought his wife and the young ladies from his family to witness the ceremony together.

Xiao Shuang, on the high platform, observed this scene with her indifferent gaze. Her eyebrows slightly furrowed.

Today, she wore formal attire, with her vermilion robe adorned with snow pearls.

Silver tassels hung from the neckline, cascading down to the hem, accentuating the exquisite embroidery of crane wings on the edge of her outer robe, making it even more magnificent.

If it were in the past, Princess Zhao Yang would certainly reprimand Prince Yan for such peculiar behavior in such a formal occasion.

But after what happened yesterday, Xiao Shuang only glanced at Xiao Jin and Chu Shao a few times without saying anything further.

The only one who could genuinely smile upon seeing Xiao Jin was the Fifth Prince.

He had thought that the idea of the questioning ritual was suggested by the Crown Prince, so inviting himself, a person with a disabled hand, to witness it was just going through the motions.

However, at this moment, when he saw Xiao Jin sitting in a wheelchair, although the Fifth Prince didn't show surprise on his face, he understood that things were not simple.

If it was just to witness the ceremony, the Crown Prince shouldn't have invited Xiao Jin. After all, Xiao Jin had Xiao Shuang standing behind her, and if something went wrong, it would be a loss outweighing the gain.

But now that Xiao Jin had come, it became intriguing to think whose idea the questioning ritual really was.

Seeing so many princes present, the courtiers observing the ceremony below the altar couldn't help but gather together and engage in whispered conversations.

"Gentlemen, aside from the Fifth Prince's disabled left hand, let's talk about Prince Yan. The wheelchair is right there. If Prince Yan also intends to participate in the heavenly selection later, isn't it somewhat contrary to ancestral traditions?"

"Ah, don't mention that you find it strange, even I can't understand this matter. If the future emperor of Qi Country has physical defects, those bordering small countries will surely mock us."

When Xu Fanghai served as the governor in Qingzhou, he had received favors from Xiao Jin.

Now, hearing these discussions, he couldn't help but snort and say, "Gentlemen, the heavenly selection ceremony has always been presided over by the most respected abbot of the Dali Temple. At that time, the great master will ask for divine guidance. Now, why bother with so much concern and rush to think on behalf of Her Highnesses here?"