Rebirth and Reversal of Fortune

Chapter 455 An Unexpected Incident During the Sacrifice

The court's sacrificial ceremony began in a solemn and dignified atmosphere. Sunlight streamed onto the magnificent altar, illuminating the devout faces of the attendees. The emperor personally led the royal family members and ministers, who lined up neatly before the altar, their eyes filled with reverence for the gods and anticipation for the prosperity of the nation.

Su Jinxiu and Xiao Ling stood on either side, intently watching the ceremony unfold. The melodious music of the ritual began, and the dancers moved gracefully, as if communicating with the gods.

However, at the crucial moment of the ritual, an unexpected incident occurred without warning. The once clear sky suddenly became overcast, and a strong wind arose, causing the curtains on the altar to sway violently.

"What's going on?" someone exclaimed.

Immediately afterwards, a bolt of lightning flashed across the sky, followed by a deafening clap of thunder, which startled everyone into a panic.

The ritual implement in the priest's hands fell to the ground with a crisp sound. The sound seemed particularly abrupt at this moment, instantly shattering the previously solemn atmosphere.

"Oh no, the ceremony has been disrupted!" Xiao Ling frowned, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart.

Su Jinxiu also had a solemn expression as she stared intently at the chaotic scene.

The strong wind scattered the offerings on the altar, and the flowers withered and fell to the ground. A light rain began to fall, soaking everyone's clothes.

The emperor's face turned extremely ugly, and he roared, "What on earth caused this accident?"

The ministers looked at each other, none daring to speak up.

Just then, a young eunuch rushed over, but he tripped and fell to the ground because he was running too fast.

"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened! The sacrificial animals have suddenly become agitated and broken free of their restraints," the young eunuch said, his voice trembling.

This series of unexpected events plunged the entire priesthood into extreme chaos.

Xiao Ling made a quick decision and directed the guards to maintain order.

"Don't panic, everyone! Protect His Majesty and the sacrificial altar!" Xiao Ling shouted.

Su Jinxiu quickly organized the palace maids to collect the scattered offerings.

The rain poured down harder and harder, as if the heavens were angry.

"Could it be that our sacrifices were not sincere enough, and we angered the gods?" someone began to mutter quietly.

Such remarks quickly spread among the crowd, causing even greater panic.

"Stop talking nonsense!" Xiao Ling glared angrily.

The sacrificial ceremony was forced to stop, and everyone retreated back into the palace.

The emperor sat on the dragon throne, his face terribly gloomy.

"Xiao Ling, Su Jinxiu, I order you to investigate this matter as soon as possible and give me an explanation!" the emperor said.

After receiving their orders, Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu immediately began their investigation.

They first questioned the official in charge of preparing the sacrifice.

"Sir, we prepared according to the usual procedures. We really don't know why this happened." The official looked terrified.

Su Jinxiu then sought out the person in charge of raising the sacrificial animals to inquire further.

“These livestock have always been fine, but today they suddenly became agitated, and I don’t know why.”

The investigation has reached a stalemate, putting Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu under immense pressure.

Just when they were at their wits' end, Xiao Ling suddenly discovered a subtle clue.

In a corner of the altar, there was some strange powder.

"What is this?" Xiao Ling asked in confusion.

After careful observation, Su Jinxiu said, "It looks like some kind of medicine."

They took the powder and summoned the imperial physician.

After examination by the imperial physicians, it was determined that this was a drug that could cause animals to become agitated.

"It seems someone did this on purpose," Xiao Ling said.

Their investigation deepened, and they discovered that a palace maid was behaving strangely.

Under interrogation, the palace maid finally revealed the truth: it turned out that a concubine in the harem had instructed her to tamper with the sacrificial ceremony in an attempt to sabotage the ritual and frame others.

"How dare they!" Su Jinxiu was furious.

Xiao Ling and Su Jinxiu reported the results of their investigation to the emperor.

Upon hearing this, the emperor flew into a rage.

"How dare you tamper with the sacrificial rites! I will not let you off lightly!"