Chapter 11 (Delivering the brush, ink, and Third Sister together)
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Wu Yanxing strode into the tent with eight strong and burly followers, each wielding a club.
The entire yurt fell silent for a moment, then everyone pretended not to see anything, silently looked away, and continued drinking as if nothing had happened.
The clerk sent by the Prefect of Xizhou glanced at the felt tent and took in the disdainful expressions of the young masters, frowning.
Wu Yanxing sat down, looked around, and said loudly, "The Xiliang sword dance last time was so amazing that I'm sure everyone here was still wanting more. Today, let that Third Sister perform another dance. Where is she? Why hasn't she arrived yet?"
The magistrate of Liucheng County broke out in a cold sweat and instructed the registrar, "Go and urge them on."
Wu Yanxing then said, "Where is Prince Chai? The Magistrate is hosting a farewell banquet for us. How could he be absent with such a generous offer? Quickly go and invite Prince Chai to take his seat! If he doesn't come, the banquet cannot begin today!"
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The elegant sounds of string and bamboo instruments drifted from the felt tent. The music had changed to a newly composed piece called "Birdsong of Longevity," which was said to be a banquet music presented by the Court of Imperial Sacrifices to the Holy and Divine Emperor Wu Zetian.
The registrar approached hesitantly, invited Chai Yong to take his seat, and urged Lu Huaying to perform a dance.
Chai Yong remained calm, loosened his belt, and took out his dagger.
Pei Jingyao followed Sihu into the courtyard quickly, and his expression changed upon seeing the scene: "Sanlang, what do you want to do?"
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Chai Yong slung his belt over his shoulder; he couldn't carry weapons that could harm others, lest he accidentally injure Wu Yanxing during a fight.
"You are the heir apparent! Have you forgotten what the county princess instructed you to do?"
Pei Jingyao said anxiously, glancing furtively at Lu Huaying.
Her expression was indifferent, as if she were listening intently to the music coming from the other side of the felt tent.
"I will write a letter to apologize. At worst, I'll resign as heir apparent and let my fourth brother inherit the title." Chai Yong clenched his fist and smiled nonchalantly. "My mother told me not to act impulsively when I'm out in the world, and to be tolerant if I can. But she also taught me that a real man should stand tall and upright!"
Fighting Wu Yanxing was the worst possible option, but he had no other choice.
“I’m not advising you to ignore San Niang’s life or death.” Pei Jingyao took a deep breath, turned to Lu Huaying, and his face slowly turned red. “I am the one who admires San Niang, so it should be me who deals with Wu Yanxing.”
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Confessing his feelings under these circumstances was anything but elegant, a far cry from the scene he had envisioned. After reuniting with Lu Huaying, he did nothing swiftly or decisively; he was tongue-tied, slow-witted, indecisive, and hesitant.
Lu Huaying seemed like a different person. She spoke less, smiled less, and exuded more distance. Her once bright and lively eyes became dull and somber, like a withered flower after an autumn rain, cold and aloof, ready to fall from the branch in the event of a gust of north wind.
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He still hides behind his elder brother, secretly admiring Lu Huaying, and Pei Wulang can't even speak properly when he sees her.
Chai Yong looked at Pei Jingyao, whose face had turned red, and fell silent.
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Lu Huaying happened to look over as well and said to the two of them, "Please take your seats."
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“Wu Yanxing hasn’t made a move yet. If I don’t perform a dance, it would be an act of disrespect and disrespect, wouldn’t that just give Wu Yanxing a reason to kill me? Since we know his purpose, let’s remain still and wait for the right opportunity.” Lu Huaying rubbed some powder on her palm and said, “You all take your seats first, and when Wu Yanxing really wants to kill me…”
"Then you can make your move again."
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Lu Huaying is right. They were both furious and acted too rashly.
Pei Jingyao nodded and said, "Alright, let's take our seats. Third Sister, don't be afraid. If Wu Yanxing makes a move, just hide behind me."
Chai Yong didn't say anything, but gave him a wink.
The two men tacitly agreed that no matter who made the first move, they couldn't let Lu Huaying die at Wu Yanxing's hands.
Lu Huaying tied on a bright red headband.
Chai Yong was almost at the door when he suddenly turned back and asked, "Third Sister, have you studied military strategy?"
Lu Huaying picked up her saber and gave a faint "hmm".
As soon as the curtain moved, Chai Yong and Pei Jingyao walked into the tent with grim faces.
Wu Yanxing clapped his hands and laughed heartily: "We were just missing you guys!"
Cheng Can's lips curled up into a smile.
The magistrate of Liucheng County clapped his hands, the tune changed, a maid pulled back the curtain, and a tall figure slowly walked in.
All eyes in the tent were on her.
Lu Huaying took a pair of sabers, walked to the carpet in the middle of the tent, and began to dance with the suddenly quickening drumbeats. The sabers danced faster and faster, turning into a white blur, with cold light flying all over the place.
As everyone watched intently, Wu Yanxing picked up a wine cup and gave Chai Yong a gloomy look.
Chai Yong looked at him coldly.
Wu Yanxing's arm swayed.
Pei Jingyao's heart jumped into his throat.
Wu Yanxing's entourage took a deep breath with excitement, their eyes fixed on the wine cup in Wu Yanxing's hand. Before the banquet, the Prince had given instructions that the signal to smash the cup would be to do so after Lu Sanniang finished her dance. He would smash the cup and shout that Lu Huaying was a spy from Xiliang, at which point they would immediately swarm forward and beat Lu Sanniang to death in front of Chai Yong.
The music grew increasingly lively and joyful, but the atmosphere inside the felt tent became increasingly heavy and tense.
When the song ended, the rapid drumbeats stopped.
In a flash, the cold light and white shadow disappeared, and Lu Huaying stood on the carpet, holding a pair of gleaming sabers in her hands.
The tent was completely silent.
Wu Yanxing glanced at Chai Yong, a smile of impending triumph spreading across his face. He finished his drink and raised his glass.
His entourage gripped their clubs tightly.
Pei Jingyao clenched his fists tightly.
Lu Huaying suddenly took two steps forward with her saber in hand.
The magistrate of Liucheng County stared at her with wide eyes.
Lu Huaying sheathed her saber, knelt down, and said in a fluent voice, "Today, Your Excellency is hosting a banquet to bid farewell to the princes and nobles who have come from afar from the capital. I, your third sister, dare to offer a gift, hoping that the princes will not reject it. Please present it to the Divine Emperor. The Divine Emperor is known for his benevolent rule, which is admired by all corners of the world and won the hearts of all people. I wish the Divine Emperor a long and prosperous life!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned for a moment, their faces showing undisguised astonishment.
Wu Yanxing was also stunned. After a moment, he came to his senses and hurriedly grabbed the wine cup he was about to throw. He was furious. Last time, the lowly maid mentioned the Empress, which disappointed him. This time, he would not let her have her way!
"You lowly wench! What gift can you possibly offer the Emperor? How dare you mock me, the Prince! Guards, teach this wench a lesson!"
"yes!"
The entourage charged forward menacingly, brandishing clubs.
"etc!"
Wu Yanxing threw down his wine glass and looked at Lu Huaying. The chilling aura emanating from him made the magistrate of Liucheng County shiver.
All this charade is just a way to show loyalty to the Empress.
Pei Jingyao's thinking was too simplistic.
After the banquet ended, the magistrate of Liucheng County breathed a sigh of relief.
Fu wiped the sweat from his forehead.
Lu Huaying shook her head.
Pei Jingyao asked in surprise.
No matter how eloquently Chai Yong and the others bluffed, he was determined to kill Lu San Niang today!
Among the princes of the Wu family, the ones who were truly favored by the Empress and held real power were Wu Chengsi and Wu Sansi, while the ones who were close to the Empress and could speak to her were Princess Taiping and Shangguan Wan'er.
The official in charge of household affairs didn't believe the story of an ancestor appearing in a dream. He suspected that the Lu family had passed down the complete "Dan Jing" (Alchemy Classic) for generations, and the reason they claimed only half a scroll remained was probably to prevent outsiders from coveting it. Now that only the elderly, weak, and disabled remained in the Lu family, they wanted to use the "Dan Jing" to exchange for wealth and status, which was why they claimed it was something their ancestors had taught them in a dream.
But who would be so tactless as to point it out?
He personally poured wine for Wu Yanxing.
"Long live the Divine Emperor!"
“We can discuss this further.” Chai Yong looked at Lu Huaying and said firmly, “Third Sister, we will come to see you after we deliver the scriptures to Dayun Temple.”
Isn't Lu Huaying's "The Classic of Alchemy" the most suitable gift?
Lu Huaying smiled faintly: "Actually, the Danjing only contains some recipes for refining elixirs and treating common ailments. There's nothing special about it. It's only because outsiders spread rumors that some bizarre stories have emerged."
Lu Huaying raised her head and said loudly.
Suddenly, a follower came running over and said, "My lord, the Prince has ordered that he must get the 'Alchemy Classic' now, or he won't leave! Moreover, he wants Lu Sanniang to come to him and write down the 'Alchemy Classic' in front of him!"
The white auspicious stone, "Heavenly Gifted Holy Map," which was retrieved from the Luo River and inscribed with the eight characters "Holy Mother Descends Upon the People, Forever Prosperous Imperial Cause," was a forgery by Wu Chengsi.
Wu Yanxing's face grew increasingly gloomy, and he sneered, "What decent gift could a lowly servant like me possibly offer?"
Xizhou's Registrar was taken aback, then his eyes lit up and he blurted out, "Could what you dreamed of be the legendary second volume of the 'Alchemy Classic,' which has been lost for a hundred years?"
Who couldn't tell that Lu Huaying was faking it?
However, the head of the household heard that only men in the Lu family studied the "Dan Jing" (Classic of Alchemy). Lu Huaying is a daughter, has she also studied it?
Everyone glanced at Wu Yanxing, their eyes filled with mockery. Did Wu Yanxing not know that the ones who had been putting on the best show of supernatural powers and offering auspicious omens for the past few years were none other than Prince Wei, Wu Chengsi, and Prince Liang, Wu Sansi, whom he boasted about every day?
The magistrate of Liucheng County chuckled dryly and said, "That is indeed true."
The others followed suit, raising their glasses in unison, and the tent was filled with sounds of agreement.
Throughout history, men have always been emperors, and the fact that empresses have ascended the throne is unprecedented. These methods are necessary to appease the people and consolidate their position.
Wu Yanxing couldn't understand what they were saying, his brows furrowed deeper and deeper, and he scoffed, "Playing tricks!"
In recent years, Luoyang has built the Mingtang Hall, received the Baotu, and Faming translated the "Great Cloud Sutra". Dayun Temples have been built in various places, and monks have proclaimed that the Empress Dowager is the reincarnation of Maitreya. Officials and people in Luoyang claim that they have personally witnessed a phoenix flying up from the Mingtang Hall and ten thousand vermilion birds flying in the sky above Shangyang Palace.
The Xizhou Registrar and the Liucheng County Magistrate cursed Chai Yong inwardly for dragging them into this mess, but their faces were full of smiles. They stood up, cupped their hands in the direction of Luoyang, and said respectfully, "The Divine Emperor appoints the virtuous and capable, is kind and loving to the people, the country is peaceful and the world is tranquil. Therefore, the common people in the city admire the Divine Emperor and wish him a long life."
Pei Jingyao's eyes lit up, and he whispered, "Third Sister, you have rendered meritorious service by presenting the 'Dan Jing' (Classic of Elixir), so Third Brother and I can go to Xizhou with peace of mind. When we return to Luoyang, we can help you with the arrangements. Since you have rendered meritorious service by presenting the 'Dan Jing,' the Emperor may be pleased and pardon you."
If it weren't for today's occasion, and if Cheng Can hadn't already revealed her identity, Lu Huaying wouldn't have publicly stated that she could offer up the "Dan Jing" (Classic of Alchemy).
Chai Yong suppressed his smile and said in a low voice, "Third Sister, the 'Dan Jing' is a family heirloom. I'm so sorry to have troubled you today."
They didn't care whether Lu Huaying could present the "Dan Jing" or not, as long as no one died today.
Xizhou's Registrar was overjoyed, a glint of greed flashing across his face.
Chai Yong, seeing that Hu Cao was already interested, raised his cup and said, "The complete scroll of the *Dan Jing* has appeared in the world; it is truly gratifying!"
Congratulations.
Chai Yong breathed a sigh of relief.
They didn't expect Lu Huaying to use such a reason to cleverly resolve the current crisis.
"Third Sister comes from the Lu family. Our ancestor once followed the immortal Ge Hong to cultivate Taoism, leaving behind half of the 'Dan Jing' (Alchemy Classic). After the Divine Emperor ascended the throne, Third Sister suddenly dreamed of her ancestor and received the other half of the alchemy method from him. Her ancestor said that this was a divine magic that could cure diseases, prolong life, and make one live to be a hundred years old. However, mortals have little fortune, and only sages can practice it. Third Sister believes that the Divine Emperor is the sage that her ancestor spoke of."
Hu Cao's smile deepened.
The Registrar of Xizhou turned to the Magistrate of Liucheng County and asked, "Prefect Guo, is this true?"
For the past two weeks, the Prefect of Xizhou has been troubled by one thing: what gifts to give to the important people in Luoyang.
Many people in Xizhou were unaware of Lu Huaying's identity. The Registrar of Households, who was in charge of household registration, knew that Lu Huaying was the eldest daughter of the Lu family. If the magistrate of Liucheng County said he wanted to present a gift to the Empress, the Registrar of Households wouldn't even glance at it. But Lu Huaying was different; her family had been a prominent clan for hundreds of years. Who knew how many treasures they had hidden away?
"Given my status, offering up the 'Alchemy Classic' would only benefit others. Pardoning sinners is not such an easy thing either."
If there really were a method of cultivation, why hasn't the Lu family produced a single immortal?
"Third Sister, can you really recite the 'Classic of Alchemy'?"
"Fine, I'll give you one day to write down the 'Alchemy Classic' for me, or I'll have you beaten to death with sticks!"
The Registrar's face lit up with joy as he looked at Lu Huaying and pressed, "Can you really offer up the complete 'Alchemy Classic'?"
After the Empress ascended the throne, auspicious omens and signs appeared one after another in various places, and reports were sent to Luoyang in an endless stream.
Chai Yong leaped up, walked to Lu Huaying, cupped his hands to the Xizhou Registrar and the Liucheng County Magistrate, and said with a smile, "Even the common people far away on the frontier admire the Emperor's benevolence. This is all thanks to the effective governance of the Governor, the Chief Secretary, and the Prefect."
The magistrate said, "My wife does look younger after using perfume."
Lu Huaying watched as the hem of his clothes swept across the carpet, and breathed a sigh of relief. Her back was covered in cold sweat, which soaked her clothes.
Everyone raised their glasses and sang along.
Unlike the magistrate of Liucheng County, the Prefect of Xizhou was not afraid of Wu Yanxing. The Revenue Officer quickly weighed the pros and cons and made a decision: Lu Huaying could not die before she handed over the "Dan Jing".
Lu Huaying remained expressionless and said, "That's right."
Chai Yong and Pei Jingyao walked towards Lu Huaying with smiles on their faces.
After Lu Huaying and her sister-in-law were sent to Liucheng, the county magistrate's wife worried that the magistrate would take advantage of them, so she made them do the hardest and most tiring work. Later, Lu Huaying presented some recipes, saying that women who used them would have skin as white as snow. Only then did the county magistrate's wife let the two sisters-in-law go and allowed them to pay a box of perfume powder every month.
He said coldly, then turned and left.
Wu Yanxing was not valued at all in the Wu family.
Lu Huaying nodded: "The entire 'Dan Jing' is already memorized by heart by Third Sister, and she remembers it clearly even after waking up from her dream. It can be copied down. The first volume of the 'Dan Jing' records some noodle recipes. Third Sister made noodle medicine using the recipes and presented it to the Lady of the Mingfu. The Lady has been using it for two years. The Revenue Department can ask the Lady of the Mingfu. Third Sister is not lying."
Moreover, possessing such a treasure could be a crime, leading to their death. The Lu family knew that the "Dan Jing" was just an ordinary medical book, unknown to the world.
Cheng Can raised a big banner, and so did she; moreover, she raised the most powerful and largest banner in the world—the Holy Goddess Empress!
The magistrate of Liucheng County felt his heart tighten again. He sighed and said helplessly, "Send the writing brush and ink along with Third Sister."
The Registrar laughed heartily and said, "The Prince and the Heir Apparent are both noble people. Only when noble people come to Xizhou can they have such an opportunity!"
Wu Yanxing's expression twisted slightly. He gave a cold laugh and took the wine glass.
Everyone inside the tent remained silent, ignoring Wu Yanxing's sharp sarcasm.
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