Legend of the Embroiderer

In the magnificent palace, a court meeting was in progress and the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.

Crown Prince Li Zhao stood among the ministers, his face solemn and his eyes gleaming with worry.

He had just revealed a major secret to the emperor - Taoist Wu Chen knew the secret called "Skyfire Project".

The emperor sat upright on the magnificent dragon throne. His deep and sharp eyes were like two sharp swords, slowly scanning from left to right at the crowd of ministers below him.

Every minister seemed to feel the invisible pressure, and they straightened their backs involuntarily, secretly guessing the emperor's intention behind this action.

The emperor tilted his head slightly, his chin raised slightly, revealing the nobility and majesty of a ruler. His previously calm face was now shrouded in a faint solemnity, as if to tell everyone that today's matter was of great importance.

Then, he cleared his throat and said in a deep and powerful voice, "My dear ministers, do you have anything important to report today?

If there is nothing else, let's leave the court now!" These words echoed in the court like a thunderclap, breaking the momentary silence.

The ministers looked at each other, with a hint of hesitation and reluctance in their eyes. After all, it was a great honor to have the opportunity to give advice to the emperor in this court, but at this moment they didn't know how to respond.

Some ministers thought for a moment, bowed slightly and said, "Your Majesty, we have no important matters to report at the moment." After that, they lowered their heads silently, waiting for the emperor's next instructions.

Other ministers seemed to want to say something. They exchanged glances with a struggling look in their eyes, but ultimately chose to remain silent.

The emperor nodded slightly, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. He knew that these ministers understood their duties and knew when to speak and when to stop.

Then, he spoke again: "Since that is the case, let us adjourn the court. I hope that each of you, my dear ministers, will perform your duties and devote your wholehearted efforts to the great Tang Dynasty."

As soon as the emperor finished speaking, the ministers below shouted in unison: "Long live the emperor!" Then they turned around and left the court in an orderly manner.

However, after the ministers left, the crown prince was the only one left standing in the court. Seeing this, the emperor frowned slightly and asked, "Prince, why are you still here? What do you want to report?"

Crown Prince Li Zhao took a step forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I recently learned that there's a Taoist priest named Wuchen who seems to know the secret of the mysterious 'Skyfire Project.'"

Upon hearing this, the emperor's once dignified face flashed with surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. His brow furrowed slightly, his gaze sharpened, and his voice echoed throughout the empty hall, filled with irresistible authority.

The emperor asked seriously, "'Skyfire Project'? I have never heard of such a plan. How did he know about it? Summon him to appear before me immediately!"

Soon, Taoist Wuchen appeared in the Golden Palace. His steps were leisurely, his face calm, as if he had no fear of the coming storm. His arrival was like a stone dropped into a calm lake, stirring up ripples.

Wu Chen slowly walked into the hall, knelt respectfully, and said loudly: "I, Wu Chen, pay my respects to Your Majesty."

The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyes as sharp as torches as he examined Wu Chen, as if he wanted to see through his appearance and directly into his heart, trying to find the answer from his expression and tone.

The emperor's majestic voice rang out: "Taoist Wuchen, how exactly did you learn about the 'Skyfire Project'? This matter is of great importance. You must not lie to me, and you must not conceal anything!"

Wu Chen's expression was calm, without any fear at all. He answered frankly, "Your Majesty, while traveling around, I stumbled upon some clues. After an in-depth investigation, I learned of the existence of this plan."

Crown Prince Li Zhao stood aside, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He hoped Wuchen could provide valuable information, but he was also worried that this secret would bring disaster to the court.

Crown Prince Li Zhao said solemnly, "Father, this matter is of great importance. We must handle it with caution! If those people succeed in implementing the so-called 'Skyfire Plan', the consequences will be unimaginable!"

The emperor frowned slightly, turned his gaze to Taoist Wuchen, and said in a deep voice, "Taoist Wuchen, I will give you a chance now. Tell me everything you know in detail. If what you say is true, I will seriously consider your suggestions."

Taoist Wuchen quickly knelt down and kowtowed, saying sincerely: "Your Majesty, please be advised that every word I said is true, without a single falsehood. I am loyal to Your Majesty and am willing to do my utmost to help Your Majesty solve your problems!" His forehead was pressed tightly against the ground, as if expressing his loyalty and determination.

The imperial study reflected the emperor's solemn expression. His gaze, sharp as an eagle's, bore down on Wuchen, who stood before him. Wuchen's expression remained calm, yet a dark tide surged within him. The emperor's questioning was like a sharp blade, piercing his very soul.

Wu Chen was startled at the emperor's words, his heart tensing, but he quickly composed himself. The emperor's suspicions weren't just about his own loyalty; they were a severe test. He took a deep breath and slowly began, "Your Majesty, I stumbled upon the 'Skyfire Project' in an ancient book. However, the secrets within it didn't come directly from that book, but rather are the result of years of in-depth research and exploration into astronomy and geography."

The emperor's brow furrowed slightly, clearly not entirely satisfied with Wuchen's explanation. Suspicion flickered in his eyes as he pressed on, "How could this ancient book you're talking about hold such secrets? Could it be that you have other, unspoken agenda?"

Wu Chen was shocked, but remained expressionless. He understood that the emperor's questioning was not only a test of his loyalty, but also a probe into his inner motives.

Wu Chen thought to himself that if the emperor sensed any uneasiness, it would probably arouse greater suspicion.

The corners of his mouth curled up slightly, revealing a confident smile. A resolute glint shone in his eyes, and he spoke in a resolute tone, "I, Wu Chen, am completely sincere and dedicated to serving my country. I have absolutely no second thoughts. The matter of the 'Skyfire Project' concerns the survival of the Celestial Empire. Its importance is self-evident. I, Wu Chen, will not lie. Your Majesty, please be vigilant and discerning!"

"Is the loyalty you speak of truly what you say?" The emperor's voice grew deeper, as if brewing a greater storm. His gaze was like a knife, piercing deep into Wuchen's soul, making him feel suffocated.

Wu Chen pondered inwardly, the emperor's questioning sweeping over him like an invisible storm. His heart, like the turbulent sea, was filled with both fear and resolve. Only in this confrontation could he prove his loyalty and wisdom.

"Your Majesty, if I had any ulterior motives, why didn't I rebel now?" Wu Chen's voice was clear and firm, as if he was defending himself and fighting for his beliefs. He met the emperor's gaze, but in his heart he prayed silently, hoping to resolve this crisis.

The emperor's suspicions remained undimmed. His voice, like thunder, shook the entire imperial study as he asked, "Are you secretly colluding with the enemy? Is there something else hidden behind what you know?"

Wu Chen's heart tightened, and a cold sweat broke out. If he didn't dispel the emperor's doubts, he would be plunged into an endless abyss. So, he slowly said, "Your Majesty, if I truly harbored ulterior motives, why wouldn't I conspire with the enemy? I, Wu Chen, am willing to sacrifice my life to prove that I have no intention of betraying you."

These words were like a shot of adrenaline, softening the emperor's gaze slightly. However, his inner doubts didn't dissipate, but instead grew more complex. His thoughts were like a swirling sea of ​​clouds, difficult to calm.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the imperial study grew tense, as if a storm was brewing. Wu Chen's heart was like a vast ocean, surging with fear and anticipation. His true identity and motives were as complex and confusing as this confrontation, elusive to everyone.

The Emperor's doubts were a double-edged sword, piercing Wuchen's heart while also unmasking a deeper secret. The confrontation at this moment was no longer merely a contest between loyalty and suspicion, but a clash between fate and truth. Wuchen pondered, perhaps this was the beginning of his true adventure.

The atmosphere in the imperial study was tense, and Wu Chen began to reveal the truth about the "Skyfire Project" to the emperor. His voice was low and powerful, as if he was telling an ancient and dangerous secret.

"Your Majesty, the 'Skyfire Project' is of no small importance. The number of people involved and the scope are so large that it is enough to shake the foundation of our dynasty." A trace of worry flashed in Wu Chen's eyes. He knew that once these words were spoken, they would be like spilled water and could never be taken back.

The emperor's brow furrowed, his gaze fixed on Wuchen, waiting for him to continue. Wuchen sensed the emperor's nervousness and anticipation, and knew he had to be careful, as every word could affect the future of the entire Celestial Empire.

"This plan was secretly orchestrated by high-ranking officials within the palace, involving numerous individuals, including palace guards, eunuchs, and even some court officials." Wu Chen's voice gradually rose, a hint of urgency in his words. "They intend to use the Skyfire Project to create chaos and achieve their ulterior motives."

The emperor's expression suddenly changed, a flicker of shock and anger in his eyes. He had never imagined that such a massive conspiracy was hidden within his own palace. His voice trembled as he asked, "What is this Heavenly Fire? How can they control it?"

Wu Chen said slowly, "Your Majesty, as far as I know, this so-called Heavenly Fire is not truly natural fire. They are planning to use the mysterious power of the 'Space-Time Xuan Ji' through special rituals and instruments to summon the Heavenly Fire and seize power to achieve their ulterior motives."

Upon hearing this, the emperor's face darkened as if water could drip from it. He clenched his fists tightly and said with gritted teeth, "How dare these traitors and traitors pull such a tactic right under my nose! What is their purpose?"

Wu Chen hesitated for a moment, but decided to tell the truth: "Your Majesty, according to the intelligence we have so far, they seem to want to take advantage of the chaos to seize the throne and establish a new dynasty..."

Upon hearing this, the emperor was furious. He slammed the table and roared, "This is simply wishful thinking! I will never let them succeed! Wuchen, immediately summon the imperial guards and strengthen the security of the palace. At the same time, send people to secretly investigate those who participated in the Skyfire Project. Once discovered, they will be killed without mercy!"

Wu Chen took the order and left, secretly vowing in his heart that he would completely crush this conspiracy.

The emperor didn't know that there were more unknown secrets hidden behind this conspiracy...

The emperor's face turned even paler, his heart filled with fear and anger. He couldn't imagine that his ministers would do such a crazy thing. His voice trembled as he asked, "Wu Chen, how did you know this?"

Wu Chen's heart tightened, and he said, "Your Majesty, I learned this because I stumbled upon some clues while researching ancient texts. After an in-depth investigation, I uncovered a corner of this conspiracy."

A complicated light flashed in the emperor's eyes. He looked at Wu Chen, as if weighing whether his words were credible.

His voice was heavy as he spoke, "Wu Chen, your words shock me. If all this is true, then we must take immediate action to prevent this disaster from happening."

Wu Chen's heart tightened; this was his biggest concern. He continued, "Your Majesty, I am ready. I am willing to serve, investigate thoroughly, and uncover the truth of this conspiracy."