“An error?” Emperor Yong’an’s eyes narrowed. “What error is the National Teacher referring to?”

Taiguang Zhenren said earnestly, “The birth date and time of the calamitous star that threatens the nation was incorrect. Previously, this humble priest calculated that the calamitous star was a woman born in the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month of the Bingyin year. During the calculations, I always felt something was amiss. Only when I performed the calculations again today did I discover the error in judgment—the true birth date of that nation-threatening calamitous star should be the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month of the Wuchen year.”

The joy Emperor Yong’an had felt upon receiving the victory report was suppressed, his expression grave. “So you’re saying we got it wrong before?”

Taiguang Zhenren nodded. “It was indeed this humble priest’s mistake. The main issue is that the calamitous star’s trajectory is extraordinary—it seems to be shielded by a faint, barely perceptible star, truly baffling…”

“No matter. As long as the National Teacher’s judgment is correct this time, we’ll simply eliminate the threat root and branch as before.” Emperor Yong’an said coldly.

Before this National Teacher who had assisted him for many years, Emperor Yong’an didn’t hide his cruel nature.

Taiguang Zhenren pondered for a moment before speaking. “There is one more matter I must report to Your Majesty.”

“Please speak, National Teacher.”

Taiguang Zhenren said word by word, “The military star has changed.”

“What?” Emperor Yong’an stood up directly.

Calculating the calamitous star incorrectly meant to Emperor Yong’an simply starting over. According to the National Teacher’s words, the calamitous star still had time before it would threaten the nation—there was sufficient time to eliminate this menace. But the military star changing dealt him too great a shock.

Only he and the National Teacher knew the military star’s identity, and at this moment the military star was far away in the east, almost beyond his control.

Emperor Yong’an glanced at the dragon desk. The victory report that had been placed on it had brought him rare joy, but now it gave rise to panic.

The panic of losing control.

Emperor Yong’an suppressed the turbulent waves in his heart and asked in a heavy voice, “National Teacher, how exactly has the military star changed? Please explain clearly.”

Taiguang Zhenren said slowly, “The military star has both fortune and misfortune. Because of the calamitous star’s appearance, this humble priest has frequently observed the celestial phenomena recently. I unexpectedly discovered that the military star has turned from fortunate to ominous, forming a complementary relationship with the calamitous star…”

Emperor Yong’an’s heart jumped as he listened, his face sinking like water. After a long while, he asked hoarsely, “What does the National Teacher suggest regarding this?”

Taiguang Zhenren said blandly, “This humble priest is only responsible for informing Your Majesty of the situation. As for how to decide, Your Majesty must consider carefully.”

Emperor Yong’an slowly nodded. “We understand.”

After Taiguang Zhenren left, Emperor Yong’an immediately ordered Zhou Shan to summon Grand Commander Luo to the palace.

Grand Commander Luo was preparing to leave the office when he received the summons, and his heart couldn’t help but sink.

Being summoned to the palace at this time was probably not good news.

“This subject pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Emperor Yong’an looked down at the bowing Grand Commander Luo and asked, “Luo Chi, how is the matter I assigned you proceeding?”

Grand Commander Luo kept his head half-lowered. “Reporting to Your Majesty, currently over a dozen targets have been resolved. To avoid drawing attention from the populace, we are quietly proceeding according to plan.”

“Stop.”

“Your Majesty?” Grand Commander Luo looked up in astonishment, boundless joy rising in his heart.

Could it be His Majesty had come to his senses and halted this absurd order to harm innocent women?

If so, he wouldn’t have to act against his conscience anymore.

Grand Commander Luo’s heart was agitated, but he dared not show even half of it on his face.

Having served beside the Emperor for many years, he understood His Majesty too well. Once His Majesty felt that he, this blade, was no longer useful, he would probably be replaced very quickly.

A discarded blade was just scrap metal—the outcome went without saying.

Emperor Yong’an gestured for Grand Commander Luo to rise, his expression calm. “We made a mistake before. What I want you to resolve is not women born in the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month of the Bingyin year in the capital, but rather women born in the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month of the Wuchen year…”

Before Emperor Yong’an finished speaking, Grand Commander Luo’s expression had already changed.

He knew he shouldn’t show any abnormality, but he couldn’t control himself.

Sheng’er was born precisely in the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month of the Wuchen year!

In this moment, Luo Sheng’s words echoed in his ears again: This time they’re killing women born in the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month of the Bingyin year—next time it might be women born in the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month of the Wuchen year. Once the blade begins pointing at the innocent, it can fall on anyone’s head—

Sheng’er was right. It truly had fallen on her head now.

“What’s the matter?” Noticing Grand Commander Luo’s loss of composure, Emperor Yong’an frowned.

Grand Commander Luo secretly clenched his fists, maintaining as much calm as possible. “This subject was thinking of the dozen or so mistaken women and felt it somewhat regrettable.”

“Regrettable?” Emperor Yong’an’s gaze deepened, his tone slightly cool.

Grand Commander Luo cupped his hands solemnly. “Though this subject finds it regrettable, it is also those women’s fate. If they knew they were easing Your Majesty’s worries, they would surely feel honored.”

Only then did Emperor Yong’an show a smile, saying blandly, “Go handle the matter. We trust in your capabilities.”

“This subject takes his leave.”

Walking out of the palace, Grand Commander Luo finally dared to let his expression darken, his hands trembling.

Once, he had acted against innocent people so his family could survive. Now it was his daughter’s turn—what should he do?

What could he do?

The sky began to darken, but the streets remained lively.

Grand Commander Luo walked in a daze along Qingxing Street. Seeing the green wine banner in front of Youjian Tavern, he couldn’t help but stop, his eyes constantly shifting.

In the end, he didn’t enter the tavern but silently returned to the Grand Commander’s residence.

After the tavern closed, Luo Sheng returned home and was immediately summoned by Grand Commander Luo to the study.

“Why has Father summoned your daughter?” Seeing Grand Commander Luo’s expression was off, Luo Sheng’s heart sank slightly with a bad premonition.

Grand Commander Luo silently looked at Luo Sheng for a while, then sighed. “Sheng’er, what you predicted has come true.”

Luo Sheng reacted almost immediately. “His Majesty wants you to indiscriminately kill innocents again?”

Grand Commander Luo paused, then nodded. “His Majesty has ordered me to resolve women born in the seventh hour of the seventh day of the seventh month of the Wuchen year in the capital.”

Hearing these words, Luo Sheng not only wasn’t surprised but rather felt a sense of dust settling.

The birth dates and times targeted in succession convinced her that the person His Majesty wanted to eliminate was precisely her.

Or rather, Princess Qingyang living under the identity of Miss Luo.

Grand Commander Luo had been studying Luo Sheng’s expression all along. Seeing her expression hadn’t changed much, he smiled bitterly. “I was afraid you’d be frightened and originally didn’t want to tell you. Later I thought—you’re my daughter, a child with courage. It’s better for you to know than to remain ignorant.”

“Thank you for telling me, Father.” Luo Sheng smiled and asked about Grand Commander Luo’s plans. “So what do you intend to do?”

Grand Commander Luo raised his hand and patted Luo Sheng’s shoulder. “Leave it to me. If it comes to the worst, we’ll find a way to leave the capital.”

The next morning, Grand Commander Luo went to the Ministry of Revenue to ask Minister Sun for the household registration records.

Minister Sun couldn’t help but say, “Didn’t the Grand Commander look at them just days ago?”

Grand Commander Luo glanced at him coldly. “The Jinlin Guard has business—some matters are inconvenient to share with outsiders. I hope Minister Sun will understand.”

Minister Sun’s heart trembled as he quickly said, “Grand Commander, please wait a moment. I’ll have someone retrieve the records immediately.”