Chapter 15 Famous in the Capital

[Friendly reminder: There will be intermittent light rain today. Please bring an umbrella when you go out. (The first rain will fall in twenty minutes.)]

Having regained some freedom, Chu Jiubian ate breakfast early in the morning and planned to go out for a stroll again to see if he could trick a few more palace servants into contributing faith points to him.

He wasn't surprised when he heard the system notification.

Yesterday was so muggy, and the sky was ablaze with red clouds at dusk, so it's normal for it to rain today.

He looked up at the sky.

Normally, the sky would be overcast for a while before it rained, but the sky in the Great Ning Dynasty was very strange. It was clearly going to rain soon, but right now the sky was still clear and blue.

This is a good thing for Chu Jiubian, as it makes it easier for him to continue his act.

"Would you like to go out for a stroll, young master?" Xiao Xiangzi asked considerately.

Chu Jiubian hummed in agreement and said, "Take the umbrella."

Xiao Xiangzi immediately told Xiao Jinzi to get the umbrella; even a moment's hesitation would be disrespectful to the "gods".

The umbrellas prepared for the ladies of the palace were exquisite, painted with elegant ink wash landscapes. However, because they were so exquisite, they were also relatively small, only enough for one person to hold. If two people were to share one, it would be a bit cramped.

Chu Jiubian then asked Xiao Xiangzi to take an extra ordinary oiled paper umbrella.

If it rains, Chu Jiubian can hold his own umbrella; he doesn't need Xiao Xiangzi to hold it for him, otherwise the boy will definitely get soaked.

Xiao Xiangzi understood what he meant and was deeply moved.

Their young master is truly a very good person; he doesn't look down on them, his servants, at all.

The two left Yaotai Residence and strolled leisurely toward the Imperial Garden.

With such fine weather, everyone in the palace, from masters to servants, was eager to go there.

Where there are many people, there will be many believers.

Although Yaotai Residence is not large, its location is indeed excellent. It is right next to Yangxin Hall in front and the Imperial Garden is a short distance away in the back, which shows how much Consort Duan was favored when Emperor Yingzong lived here.

After all, she had accompanied Emperor Yingzong to his fiefdom, and had given birth to his eldest son. With the Empress Dowager looking after her, it was understandable that Consort Duan held a higher status.

"Young master," Xiao Xiangzi said gently, "I heard that the ice outside is selling very well, and all the powerful and wealthy are scrambling to buy it."

Chu Jiubian maintained his aloof and noble demeanor, but upon hearing this, he couldn't help but smile: "Did he ask you to tell me these things?"

Xiao Xiangzi chuckled: "Young master guessed correctly."

Xiao Xiangzi got up early in the morning and went to the Hall of Mental Cultivation to pay his respects to his master. As a result, he ran into Prince Ning, who had come to see His Majesty for the morning court session.

The master instructed him to inform Chu Jiubian about the ice-selling business outside the palace, and added that he could tell Chu Jiubian anything he wanted to know in the future.

What Xiao Xiangzi could know wouldn't be of much importance, at most some gossip or rumors, so there was nothing wrong with telling Chu Jiubian.

However, because of this, Xiao Xiangzi felt even more that what Shuiyun and Xiaoyinzi said yesterday was true: their adults treated the young master in a special way!

"What else did he ask you to say?" Chu Jiubian asked.

Xiao Xiangzi honestly replied, "The master said that I will tell you whatever you want to know in the future."

Chu Jiubian hadn't expected Qin Xiao to give him such a great deal of convenience. It seemed that the ice was indeed selling well, and perhaps the matter of repairing the dam had already been accomplished.

He guessed correctly.

During the morning court session, before the Vice Minister of Works, Xiao Wendao, could urge him again, Qin Xiao gave the order to repair the dike.

Minister of Revenue Su Sheng and Xiao Wendao both agreed.

Xiao Wendao then cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have another matter to discuss."

Baili Hong's childish voice rang out: "What is it?"

Qin Xiao had taught him that when the ministers addressed him as "Your Majesty" and said they had something to report, he should respond with a few words.

"It would be better to send a higher-ranking official to oversee the construction of the dikes in Hexi County. That way, the local officials will probably not dare to act recklessly anymore."

Su Sheng stepped aside and didn't interrupt.

Baili Hong asked, "What does Your Highness, Prince Ning, think?"

The child's voice was tender and clear, making his words sound particularly strange and out of place. However, everyone had gotten used to it by now and knew that Qin Xiao was just putting on a good show for the young emperor.

"Your Majesty, I also think it is necessary to find someone to supervise them, so that there will always be some people who are greedy and insatiable."

Qin Xiao lowered his eyes and looked at Xiao Wendao, saying meaningfully, "I suppose Minister Xiao already has someone in mind. Why don't you tell me?"

"Your subject dares not speak presumptuously," Xiao Wendao said, as usual, wanting to be modest before speaking.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Qin Xiao laughed and said, "Since you won't say, then I'll just make the decision."

Xiao Wendao's expression froze for a moment, and the others also had different expressions.

Su Sheng lowered his head even further, concealing the smile on his lips.

Is this Vice Minister Xiao meeting Qin Xiao for the first time?

Previously, Qin Xiao had given himself the identity of the most flamboyant playboy in the capital. Although it was just an act for everyone to see, his playboy nature was genuine.

Trying to be modest with someone like that will only get you into trouble.

However, Su Sheng and the Xiao family were on the same side when it came to who should be sent to oversee the construction of the dike.

They all need Bailihai to take on this task.

Su Sheng was considering whether to suggest sending Baili Hai to help Xiao Wendao out of his predicament when Qin Xiao spoke up again: "I remember that Prince Jiannan is sixteen this year, isn't he? He should start to get involved in government affairs. It's not appropriate for him to always stay by the Empress Dowager's side. Why don't we give him this assignment to gain experience?"

Xiao Wendao and Su Sheng were both somewhat surprised.

Xiao Wendao, in particular, had been thinking of suggesting that Baili Hai take on this task.

With his word as the Vice Minister of Works and the protection of the Xiao family, the people below will certainly not dare to be corrupt as before, and Baili Hai's job will definitely be done perfectly.

Then, find some scholars and writers to write a few poems and articles to praise him, and the prestige of the Prince of Jiannan will be established.

He just didn't expect Qin Xiao to bring it up himself. Wasn't he afraid that the credit would fall on the King of Jiannan?

Qin Xiao naturally knew their plans, so he went along with them.

It doesn't matter whose credit it is, because in the end it will all be credited to the emperor.

The most important thing right now is to repair the dikes in Hexi County.

This year has been rainy, and according to reports from my subordinates, the water level in Hexi County is already rising. Moreover, the dikes have been in disrepair for many years, and if another heavy rain comes, flooding will be inevitable.

At that time, tens of thousands of people along the river in Hexi County will lose not only their land and food, but also their lives.

If Qin Xiao sent someone else, the Xiao family would likely find ways to make things difficult for them, and the money wouldn't even reach its destination.

But if Baili Hai goes there, with the Xiao family protecting him, everything will go much more smoothly.

Su Sheng only needed to think for a moment before he understood why Qin Xiao was acting this way.

He couldn't help but sigh inwardly, thinking that this Prince Ning was truly not to be underestimated.

==

Chu Jiubian and Xiao Xiangzi arrived at the Imperial Garden.

Along the way, the busy palace servants all noticed that on this bright sunny day, Xiao Xiangzi was actually carrying two umbrellas, which surprised them.

After the two had walked away, the palace servants gathered together and whispered among themselves.

It was no secret that Chu Jiubian had predicted the rain; such a fantastical story spread even faster and became even more exaggerated.

But because they had never seen it with their own eyes, most people did not believe it.

Seeing that Chu Jiubian had someone bring an umbrella again, some clever people guessed that it might rain again.

"How could that be?" One of the disbelieving palace servants looked up at the sky. "The sun is shining brightly; the rain has probably dried up before it even falls."

"But wasn't the rain a few days ago just like that, coming quickly and suddenly?"

"Alright, stop arguing. Let's just wait and see if it rains or not, shall we?"

Chu Jiubian deliberately walked past more people so that everyone would notice the umbrella in Xiao Xiangzi's arms.

Once the rain starts falling, his points will definitely increase.

He was in a good mood, and looking at the Imperial Garden with its clusters of flowers, rockeries, and green bamboo, he felt even more relaxed.

It was going to rain in a little over three minutes, so Chu Jiubian took Xiao Xiangzi into a pavilion to rest. They planned to enjoy the garden in the rain later, and with their faith points soaring, it would be incredibly satisfying.

Just as he was enjoying his daydream, Xiao Xiangzi suddenly tugged at his sleeve and whispered, "Young Master, the Empress Dowager has arrived."

Chu Jiubian looked to his left and saw a group of people walking down the path.

The woman at the head of the group was dressed in a slightly dark yellow palace gown, with jade and pearls adorning her hair. She was elegant and dignified, with kind and gentle features.

Chu Jiubian quickly recalled the description of the Empress Dowager in the original work: an ambitious and ruthless politician.

In this life, she didn't care about men or money; all she wanted was power.

To this end, she did not hesitate to kill her half-sister and nephew, who were related to her by blood, in order to lure her family and brothers with benefits.

The few acts of family affection and love she received in her life were reserved solely for Baili Hai, whom she raised herself.

Chu Jiubian stood up out of politeness and waited for the group to approach.

Liu Mama, supporting Xiao Ruohan's arm, entered the pavilion. Seeing Chu Jiubian standing there stiffly, she couldn't help but scold, "How dare you, commoner! You don't even bow to the Empress Dowager?"

Xiao Ruohan's kind gaze fell on Chu Jiubian, looking him up and down.

The young man stood with his hands behind his back, exuding a cool and aloof air, his light-colored eyes seemingly devoid of any emotion.

Xiao Ruohan had wondered what this extraordinary person would look like before, and had only heard that he was very good-looking.

Now that I see her, she truly has a divine appearance.

Xiao Xiangzi raised his eyes and glared at Liu Mama, thinking to himself, "Even our lord and His Majesty have never made the young master kneel, so who do you think you are?"

This was the first time that Liu Mama had ever seen someone so disrespectful to Xiao Ruohan. Even Qin Xiao had to bow and greet her with "Greetings, Empress Dowager" when he saw her.

She was about to say something more when Xiao Ruohan interrupted her, saying, "Alright, young people have their own tempers. If you don't want to kneel, then don't kneel."

She sat down on the stone bench and smiled at Chu Jiubian, taking the initiative as the host: "Sit down."

This person was clearly there for him, and Chu Jiubian wanted to see what she was up to, so he readily sat down.

Xiao Ruohan smiled when she saw two umbrellas on the table and asked, "Is it raining today?"

"Hmm." Chu Jiubian adopted a mysterious and inscrutable demeanor, his attitude as cold as could be.

"I had heard that the Ninth Prince could predict the timing of rainfall. I wonder if I might have the honor of witnessing it today?"

The Empress Dowager's entourage was quite large; even when she went out for a casual stroll, she was followed by more than twenty palace servants.

Now, those twenty-odd people were standing not far away, and they could hear what the people in the pavilion were saying.

In Chu Jiubian's eyes, that was exactly a dozen or twenty faith points.

It's a chance to show off again; why not take the opportunity?

The system message says it will rain in about 30 seconds.

Chu Jiubian looked at the little eunuch beside him and said, "Xiao Xiangzi, count to thirty."

Xiao Xiangzi guessed that the young master was trying to predict the rainfall, and his heart pounded like a drum.

I had only ever seen the ice blocks that the young master made before, but this was the first time I had ever seen his ability to predict rainfall.

Most importantly, the young master intends to involve him in this process!

Xiao Xiangzi was so excited that he couldn't contain himself, and his voice trembled slightly when he spoke.

At this moment, the Imperial Garden fell completely silent. Everyone instinctively held their breath and concentrated. Only Xiao Xiangzi could be heard counting one by one in a slightly trembling voice.

As the count reached ten, the sky gradually darkened.

As the count reached twenty, lightning streaked across the sky, followed by thunder.

As the count reached thirty, a light drizzle began to fall.

silence.

Chu Jiubian watched his faith value skyrocket and almost couldn't help but burst out laughing.

The fifty or so points he spent last night have now been recovered, and his total points have once again exceeded one hundred, with his accumulated points reaching over one hundred and eighty.

With just over ten more points, he can recruit another believer!

In the pavilion, Xiao Xiangzi stared in awe at the continuous drizzle, his heart pounding without slowing down.

He felt that no one could understand how he was feeling at that moment.

As he was counting the raindrops, the sky darkened and the rain began to fall, as if he were controlling the rainfall.

He will never forget that feeling!

The shock felt by others was no less than his.

Granny Liu could not suppress the shock in her eyes, and Xiao Ruohan's face was much paler than before. She clenched her hands tightly to try to calm herself down.

"Ninth Young Master, you truly have remarkable skills." Her voice was slightly hoarse.

Chu Jiubian met her gaze and saw the burgeoning ambition and desire in her eyes.

She wanted him.

It's not surprising that she wanted Chu Jiubian as an ally to help her gain greater power and status.

At this moment, Chu Jiubian finally began to understand.

There must be quite a few people like her.

They probably all want him as a "god".

Xiao Ruohan forced herself to calm down and said slowly, "Young Master has been in this palace for several days now, and you must be feeling quite stifled. If you'd like, I can speak with Prince Ning and ask him to let you go out for a walk and see the world."

Chu Jiubian said calmly, "He won't listen to you."

“No need for you to worry, young master. As long as you nod, I will help you.” Xiao Ruohan’s eyes gleamed. “The day after tomorrow evening, the Qiu family of Yanmen is holding an auction. I went there once before I was married, and it was very lively. I think you will be interested in it as well.”

......

As the Empress Dowager's entourage slowly receded into the distance, Chu Jiubian's eyes darkened slightly.

The day after tomorrow, isn't that the day Qin Xiao agreed to take him out of the palace?

Judging from Xiao Ruohan's words, the auction must be a grand and solemn affair, and almost all the powerful and influential people, including the four great families, will attend.

If Chu Jiubian, the renowned "Ninth Young Master" of the capital, were to appear there, these people would surely flock to him.

Judging from Xiao Ruohan's attitude towards him today, Chu Jiubian knew that no one in the capital didn't want to get on his good side; he was now an absolute hot commodity.

However, because he was imprisoned in the palace by Qin Xiao, people outside could not contact him and could only try to get him out of the palace.

Therefore, Qin Xiao must have known all this, and he even guessed that these people would use the auction to incite Chu Jiubian to leave the palace. So he decided to play the good guy himself and personally take Chu Jiubian out.

This way, they can both curry favor with Chu Jiubian and see what conditions those outside are planning to use to attract him, while also probing their backgrounds.

That's killing two birds with one stone.

Chu Jiubian felt as if he had been used again.

I'm so annoyed, so incredibly annoyed.

Xiao Xiangzi had just realized that the Empress Dowager wanted to sow discord between Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao. Seeing that Chu Jiubian's expression was not good, he couldn't help but feel uneasy.

Young Master, you wouldn't really argue with the adults because of this, would you?

Just as he was wondering whether he should try to persuade him, he heard Chu Jiubian say, "Xiao Xiangzi."

"Your servant is here."

"Let's go pick up Qin Xiao after court." Chu Jiubian picked up an umbrella, opened it, and stepped into the rain.

Xiao Xiangzi hurriedly opened his umbrella and followed, a huge weight lifted from his heart.

It seems the young master isn't angry; on the contrary, he's worried that the master didn't bring an umbrella in the rain and wants to go pick him up personally.