Rebirth of the Ninth Princess

"Your Majesty, I have completed the preparations," Li Yuantong announced.

Ouyang Qingcheng waved his hand dismissively, his gaze still locked on Yuanjiu. "Then let's begin."

Li Yuantong clasped his hands together and began to chant an incantation, reciting a long and incomprehensible blessing.

Yuanjiu guessed it was some kind of ceremonial prayer.

Then, the changes began.

Suddenly, a few small beads rose from the container beside the crystal ball and began whirling rapidly in the air.

Their speed was so intense that they left silver trails in their wake.

Everyone in the hall focused on the beads, counting silently in their minds: one, two, three, four, five.

Five beads in total.

The observers, with varying thoughts, couldn't hide their smug amusement.

The Ninth Princess was evidently unloved by fate, earning only five blessings.

The number of crystal beads that rose symbolized the degree of divine blessings someone would received.

Of the 21 beads available, the more crystal beads rose during the blessing ritual, the more promising and fortunate the individual's life was considered to be.

Most princes and princesses typically received at least ten blessings.

Ouyang Qingcheng himself had received an unprecedented twenty blessings during his own ceremony.

For Yuanjiu, however, only five beads—an all-time low in the Caohan Empire's history—responded to the ritual.

Yet, amidst the gloating faces fixed on the air above, no one noticed the strange activity within the container.

The remaining beads trembled with high frequency, as if trying desperately to break free.

Yet, for some unknown reason, an invisible force seemed to restrain them, leaving them quivering helplessly.

Moments later, the five beads slowly descended back into the ceremonial vessel, and the others settled down as well.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty. The Ninth Princess has received… five blessings," Li Yuantong announced, his voice trembling slightly.

In his heart, he was muttering to himself.

It's not my fault, but this is so embarrassing! Such an anomaly happening under my tenure—I feel as awkward as anyone, Your Majesty.

All Li Yuantong could do was silently hope the Emperor wouldn't hold him accountable.

"Thank you, Grand Priest," Ouyang Qingcheng replied with a nod, signaling for the ritual to continue.

Throughout it all, his gaze never left Yuanjiu, he keep scrutinizing and analyzing the subtle shifts in her otherwise expressionless demeanor.

The smile on his lips grew wider and wider.

To the seasoned ministers and concubines who knew him well, that growing smile only grew more terrifying.

Ouyang Qingcheng's smiles were never been innocent—they always carried deeper meanings.

Li Yuantong gestured to Aunt Yue, who promptly placed Yuanjiu on the table and holding her under her arms for support her since a three-month-old baby couldn't sit unaided.

The crystal ball was positioned perfectly within Yuanjiu's reach.

Yuanjiu looks this scene with confusion, she glancing blankly with the people around her as if unsure what was happening.

Li Yuantong approached and, with a motion of his hands, he summoned an invisible force that lifted Yuanjiu's small hands and pressed them against the surface of the crystal ball.