Demoting my wife to a concubine? After being reborn, I turned around and married into the imperial f

The newcomer was dressed in a moon-white casual outfit; it was none other than Nangong Yue, whom they hadn't seen for many days.

Behind him followed dozens of eunuchs.

"Greetings, Ninth Prince." The crowd looked on solemnly, clasped their hands in greeting to Nangong Yue.

Although Nangong Yue's tone was childish, his voice was extremely clear. He walked over quickly and his gaze fell on Chu Xunzhen.

"Sister, you've lost weight. It's because of your bad period; I'm sorry you've suffered."

Nangong Yue's gaze fell on Chu Xunzhen, filled with pity.

Others only saw how powerful Chu Xunzhen was, able to withstand the slander from outsiders, but they didn't see her exhaustion.

Chu Xunzhen smiled and said, "It is already an honor that Your Highness has come."

The two laughed at each other as if no one else was around.

This scene deeply affected Chen Lianxin, who was watching from afar.

Li Yi's gaze turned cold as he said to Nangong Yue, "Even if Your Highness is a prince, you cannot interfere in the family affairs of your subjects. Asking Heaven is a tradition of our Great Ning. From ancient times to the present, whenever noble families have matters that cannot be resolved, they will hold a ceremony to ask Heaven."

"Your Highness, please believe me."

As Chu Xunzhen finished speaking, Nangong Yue paused for a moment, then nodded: "Then let me see how you plan to perform the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven?"

Upon hearing this, Chu Zhanpeng smiled broadly, saying, "Of course. Your Highness's presence at the ceremony is an honor for my Chu family. It would be perfect if Your Highness could also serve as a witness."

Li Yi stepped forward, having changed into a crimson dress with cloud patterns. Embroidered on the hem were cranes, their heads raised, soaring towards the sky, lifelike in their depiction.

"The ceremony of inquiring of Heaven and offering sacrifices to Heaven shall now begin."

As soon as Li Yi finished speaking, Chu Xunzhen and Chu Wanrou stepped forward.

Chu Zhanpeng watched this scene with satisfaction.

As long as the outcome of questioning Heaven is satisfactory, the rumors circulating in the capital about discord within the Marquis's family will be dispelled the day after this matter concludes.

And her two daughters also caught the eye of all the aristocratic families.

Although Gu Changfeng is now the Marquis of Zhongyi, his background is really too poor. Not only is he burdened with debt, but even if Gu Changfeng is capable, how can Rou'er marry into his family and suffer?

It's a pity that the Third Prince already has a principal wife. If Rou'er wants to enter the Third Prince's harem, she will have to become a concubine.

How could he bear to let Rou'er become a concubine?

The altar has been set up.

On the altar, there is an incense burner, countless fruits and vegetables, a large yellow chicken exuding fragrance, delicious fish in sauce, and refreshing wine.

Li Yi ordered his servants to fetch a bundle of incense and candles.

With a kind expression, she gently said to Chu Wanrou, "Rou'er, pick up the white candle, light it, and then insert the incense."

"Yes, Mother."

Chu Wanrou followed the rules and picked up a pair of candles. She rubbed her hand on the candles, and they lit up on their own.

The crowd gasped in surprise.

She respectfully offered incense.

At this moment, a gentle breeze swirled in the void, and everyone felt refreshed and invigorated.

It was Chu Xunzhen's turn.

She casually took out a pair of white candles from the cloth bag in front of her.

Chunxi took out a fire tumbler.

But the candle only burned for a short while before it went out.

Chunxi took out a new candle, but the candle in Chu Xunzhen's hand went out the moment it lit up.

"Disaster is imminent!"

"A harbinger of disaster has befallen us, and Heaven has not granted our wishes. Lord Chu, I propose that you immediately tie up Chu Xunzhen and send him to the estate. Otherwise, this manor will surely be in turmoil from now on." The old woman who had spoken earlier knelt on the ground and exclaimed in alarm.

Everyone looked at each other, startled.

Everyone has tried to question the heavens, but usually it's just a formality. Who has ever seen something so mysterious?

Chu Zhanpeng looked at Chu Xunzhen with a mixture of surprise and uncertainty.

Li Yi then said to the guards, "Why haven't you arrested the young lady yet? Send her to the Mingshan Stone Temple to recuperate for a while."

Upon hearing this, everyone felt a sense of regret, yet also felt that this was the best way to handle the situation.

Asking the heavens is the way Da Ning prays for blessings.

Whether one is blessed or not, whether one will face disaster or not, can be determined using this method.

Now, Chu Xunzhen is not even allowed to burn incense, and even her candles keep going out. It can only be said that Heaven is unwilling to answer this jinx.

"Let's see who dares!"

Nangong Yue's voice was cold as she stood in front of Chu Xunzhen.

A murderous intent flashed deep in his eyes.

Damn it.

He had only been away from his sister for a few days, yet so many people were trying to bully her?

"Your Highness, the heavens have concluded that Chu Xun is truly a scourge to the nation. For the sake of the Marquis of Ping'an, for your sake, and for the sake of the entire Great Ning, please step aside."

The speaker was Li Yi.

Her gaze was calm. Even if Chu Xunzhen was being protected by others today, she would still send her out of the Marquis's mansion.

"Sister, don't be afraid. The moon is here; no one can take you away."

Nangong Yue's gaze fell on Li Yi, and she smiled coldly: "The Marquis's wife is indiscriminate in distinguishing between relatives and friends, which is disheartening. People say that the imperial family is the most ruthless, but now it seems that this Marquis's family is the most ruthless. At least Father Emperor will not deny his own children."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi's face stiffened.

Chu Mingli, however, said, "Ninth Prince, don't meddle in other people's business. This matter has nothing to do with you."

"presumptuous!"

As soon as Nangong Yue finished speaking, An Shun immediately raised his hand and slapped Chu Mingli hard across the mouth.

Chu Mingli cried out in pain, staggered backward, and spat out a mouthful of blood.

Chu Zhanpeng spoke up: "Your Highness, my wife is just worried. Besides, sending our daughter to the Stone Temple to cultivate for a period of time is something the Imperial Preceptor said would help her cultivate her character."

Nangong Yue's sharp gaze fell on the Imperial Preceptor.

"Imperial Advisor, why are you targeting a young lady from a secluded family like this?"

Upon hearing this, the Imperial Advisor immediately said to Nangong Yue, "Your Highness is mistaken. I am only loyal to His Majesty. Anything that is beneficial to His Majesty and Da Ning is what I advocate, and anything that is detrimental to His Majesty and Da Ning is what I reject."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi breathed a sigh of relief.

Chu Xunzhen spoke up, "Have you finished speaking?"

Nangong Yue looked at Chu Xunzhen, who gave her a reassuring look. Chu Xunzhen then turned to the crowd and said, "The Heavenly Inquiry Ceremony is sacred and extraordinary, yet today someone has committed such an evil deed, just to frame me. Such a defilement of the ceremony is truly infuriating."

Upon hearing this, Chu Mingli frowned and asked coldly, "What do you mean? Do you think Mother would harm you?"

Chu Xunzhen smiled and said, "Of course."

"Nonsense! The Imperial Advisor is here, and all the guests are here. How could I possibly harm you? If I were to harm you in front of everyone, how could I possibly remain the mistress of the Ping'an Marquis's mansion in the future?"

Chu Xunzhen smiled, "Don't believe me? Someone, check the wicks of my pair of white candles. I want to see what kind of tricks are hidden here!"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone's expression changed drastically.

Chunxi stepped forward and was about to pick up the white candle when the Lady Hou snatched it away first.

"Madam Hou, let go!"

Chu Xunzhen suddenly grabbed the other end of the white candle, her voice icy cold.

"Nonsense! Why bother with verification? Are you just stalling for time? I absolutely will not allow it."

After Li Yi finished speaking, Chu Xunzhen suddenly pulled out a dagger, raised his hand, and slashed the white candle with it. In the next instant, everyone's expression changed.