Xiao Jingyun said to Zhou Quan, "Send more people to watch closely. I always feel Chen Xiaobei's formation is a bit perfunctory."
Upon hearing his words, Zhou Quan bowed slightly, "Your Highness, the urgent matter is to break this evil sorcery. Regardless of whether it's perfunctory or not, as long as it achieves the effect, it's fine."
Xiao Jingyun frowned, then sighed, "Alas, using two wild chickens as vermilion birds, I fear the power of the formation will be discounted."
"Your Highness, you need not worry. Chen Xiaobei is a meticulous person. He should know the consequences of deceiving you."
Xiao Jingyun's expression remained grave, "That's not the key. Killing a Chen Xiaobei has little impact on my Da Cang. But if this anomaly cannot be resolved again, people's hearts will scatter, and the situation will become unpredictable."
While they were talking, someone suddenly reported that Princess Zhaoning requested an audience.
Since returning from Jizhou, Princess Zhaoning had been hiding in the inner palace, rarely showing herself. This was the first time Xiao Jingyun had seen her.
Upon entering, Princess Zhaoning politely saluted her brother.
Xiao Jingyun got straight to the point, "Jingfeng, what brings you to see me?"
Princess Zhaoning wore a worried expression, "Brother, I went to intercede with Father Emperor, but he reprimanded me."
Hearing her words and seeing her demeanor, Xiao Jingyun became interested. He tilted his head and asked, "Then tell me, what did you go to see Father Emperor about?"
"What else? I went to intercede with Father Emperor, asking him to release Liu Xiangnan and Liu Rumei."
"But Father Emperor said I was meddling and told me to mind my own business."
Xiao Jingyun was also a bit surprised by this.
"You went to plead for Liu Xiangnan?"
"Yes, elder brother. Yesterday, I was strolling in the streets and heard the common people saying that these disasters were brought about by Liu Xiangnan, and that if the current measures didn't work, only killing him would be effective. But Lord Liu is such a good person."
Hearing this, Xiao Jingyun couldn't help but be shaken. "How is this possible? How can this matter be related to Liu Xiangnan? Alas, the common people really are..."
"Yes, elder brother, please think of a solution quickly. If Father Emperor really intends to kill him, it will be troublesome."
Xiao Jingyun pondered for a long time, finally waving his hand, "Alright, alright, I understand. You may go back. I have my own way."
After much appeasement, Princess Zhaoning was finally sent away. Xiao Jingyun, however, fell into deep thought.
"It seems Father Emperor is determined to act."
Zhou Quan tentatively said, "If Chen Xiaobei succeeds, we still have a glimmer of hope, don't we?"
Xiao Jingyun sighed, "Let's hope so. But you should also know where these rumors are coming from!"
Zhou Quan naturally understood. It was not ordinary commoners who could come up with such rumors. Naturally, someone must be fanning the flames from behind the scenes. And who was fanning the flames? Wasn't it obvious?
At this moment, Chen Xiaobei became extremely busy. He sat on the main altar, recalling in his mind the many rituals performed by monks and Taoist priests he had seen in television dramas in his past life.
There were Taoist robes and monk's robes nearby, but after thinking about it, Chen Xiaobei didn't wear any. He simply picked up the sword on the table, took a few pieces of yellow paper, lit them in the brazier, and then theatrically tossed them into the air.
The yellow paper was light and, after burning, floated like catkins. With the slightest breeze, the ashes would soar upward.
He was on the high platform, and it was early winter, so the wind was naturally not small. The ashes quickly drifted away with the wind. The crowd of onlookers, however, did not understand this and instead cheered.
After burning a few pieces of yellow paper, Chen Xiaobei signaled to several members of the Vermilion Bird Gang standing by.
These gang members immediately stepped forward and issued instructions to the soldiers next to them to ignite the firecrackers.
With the sound of firecrackers, the Yin-Yang Four Spirits Bagua formation was officially activated, and thirteen altars were simultaneously lit.
Upon hearing the firecrackers, Cui Hongyu and Huang Ying stood up almost at the same time.
Cui Hongyu raised his hand and patted the tiger's head. The tiger then lay down obediently, motionless.
Huang Ying quickly walked to the table, also using a sword to lift yellow paper, ignited it, and extended it into the air.
After all, this action had been taught by Chen Xiaobei, so it looked more or less the same.
Not only Huang Ying began to act, but also Larduo, Yang Chun, and Yang Zhi.
And the disciples of the Vermilion Bird Gang in the Bagua formation outside the gate also began to work in a highly coordinated manner.
With the sound of firecrackers, the anxious emotions of the city's residents began to calm down somewhat.
At this moment, in the imperial palace, Xiao An also became nervous. He paced back and forth in his study, anxiously waiting for Bai Han's return.
Bai Han had stationed people around each altar to observe in secret and report any situation immediately. The news of the formation being activated was quickly gathered.
After compiling all the reports, Bai Han walked into Xiao Jingyun's study.
Upon entering, he bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, the formation has been activated."
Xiao An nodded, "I heard the firecrackers. What is the reaction of the people?"
"Your Majesty, the people have various reactions, but most are very hopeful that this will succeed."
"Yes, this matter has dragged on for too long. The constant anxiety should come to an end!" Xiao An sighed.
After saying this, he pondered for a moment, then suddenly looked up, "What is Jingyun's reaction?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince sent people to meticulously protect the altar. It is evident that he cares greatly about this matter."
Xiao An paced for two more turns, his brow furrowed, "If the anomaly can be resolved, I'm afraid Jingyun will come to me again!"
"Your Majesty, are you referring to Lord Liu?" Bai Han asked tentatively.
"Yes, our original plan was to shift the blame to Liu Xiangnan. But if Chen Xiaobei can truly resolve it, what reason will I have not to release Liu Xiangnan!"
"Your Majesty, Chen Xiaobei has already rendered meritorious service in saving the Emperor. Coupled with this, whether by reason or by emotion, he deserves a reward. I suspect Chen Xiaobei will also make the same request!"
"Oh, what did you hear?" Xiao An's eyebrows shot up.
Bai Han replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, I heard that Chen Xiaobei is very close to Liu Rumei. Perhaps this is one of the reasons he came to take on this task!"
After hearing this, Xiao Jingyun paced back and forth in the room, "So, Chen Xiaobei is here for Liu Rumei!"
"Then it's easy. I can do him a favor and bestow a marriage upon them. What do you think?"
Bai Han hesitated, "But, Your Majesty, I heard that Chen Xiaobei is already married. If Liu Rumei were to marry him, she could only be a concubine."
Xiao An looked at Bai Han, a smile appearing on his face, "This is easy. I will grant Chen Xiaobei a noble title, and Liu Rumei will be his wife. Isn't that settled?"