Chapter 65 Fortune Telling
Smoke rose, the room was dim, and the half-drawn bed curtains hid the figure.
Qiao Muyang slowly stood up and rubbed his temples.
He started dreaming again, but the recent dreams had changed a little.
Previously, his dreams were mostly about how he ascended to supreme power, and the Marquis of Wenyang's mansion was nothing more than a stepping stone for him.
In his recent dreams, a koi carp always seems to fall from the sky and slap him hard across the face as he moves forward.
Qiao Muyang raised his hand and touched his left cheek. He could still vaguely feel the pain in his dream.
"Does dreaming hurt?"
In his dream today, he will encounter Gu Qinghuai, the eldest son of the Prince of Zhennan. He will rescue Gu Qinghuai, who is suffering from a mental breakdown, and take good care of him for two years, accompanying him through his final days.
Three years later, when the Prince of Zhennan returns to the capital to express his gratitude, it will become an asset to him.
He certainly wouldn't let such an opportunity slip by.
He remembered that he met Gu Qinghuai in his dream during the spring plowing season when he was out with his aunt and grandmother. At that time, Gu Qinghuai had been wandering in the mountains for several days.
That is, three days later!
Qiao Muyang decided to wait for the rabbit to come to him in advance, and after only telling Wen Shi, he went into the mountains.
He was unaware that Gu Qinghuai had stopped going crazy and was waiting for Xia Ruxia to seek Wang Xinyu's help.
Jiujiu came in and Qiao Muyang went out, and the two just happened to pass each other.
Chiu Chiu was tired from playing today, and when she came back, she was already asleep on Dong Xiao's lap, her fists clenched.
Su Xiucheng angrily complained to Yun Jinglan and told her what happened today.
Yun Jinglan touched his head and thought for a while, "Wangchun Pavilion?"
"Could it be..."
She suddenly covered Su Xiucheng's mouth, "You're not allowed to tell anyone about this!"
"Mmm!" Su Xiucheng's eyes widened. Who could he tell?
"Mother, who exactly is the person in Wangchun Pavilion?"
"Don't ask questions you shouldn't ask!"
"oh!"
Yun Jinglan thought carefully and called Wang Xinyu over to ask, "Can you really remove the poison?"
Wang Xinyu looked at Yun Jinglan without answering.
The two stared at each other for a long time. Yun Jinglan waved her hand and shook her head helplessly: "Never mind, you should go back first."
If he won’t answer even if you ask, it’s better not to ask.
Wang Xinyu turned to leave, but suddenly turned back at the door and replied, "Okay."
After he finished speaking, he strode away. Yun Jinglan smiled and shook her head, "You've made progress. You can even reply now."
With the intervention of Yun Jinglan and the Crown Prince's wife, no one mentioned the matter of Wangchun Pavilion again.
Qiao Muyang stayed in the deep mountains and forests for seven days without seeing a single ghost. He was dirty and smelly, and when he entered the city he looked like a beggar.
He walked dejectedly with the crowd, but when he reached the city gate, a guard pushed him to the ground.
"Where did you come from, beggar? What are you doing in the city? Get out!"
Even a beggar's den under the emperor's feet is a golden den!
People around who were preparing to enter the city all looked over and whispered among themselves.
Although he didn't know what they were talking about, Qiao Muyang always felt that they were laughing at him. His face changed and he said, "Assholes!"
"I'm a scholar, how could I be a beggar!"
The guard covered his nose and took a step back, looking extremely disgusted: "You? Scholar?"
"Stop fooling around! The Imperial Advisor is returning to the capital today. Don't block his way, or I'll send you to jail!"
Don't think he doesn't know how particular those scholars are. They are so poor that they have to take care of their hair even when they have to get a patch. Unlike this liar in front of him, who is unkempt and has eye boogers in the corners of his eyes!
I've heard that the Imperial Advisor bestows blessings; if one could receive even a single glance from him, one might be able to change their fate and ascend to immortality.
No one can stop him from being a big fan of the Imperial Advisor today!
"I advise you to leave quickly. The emperor has ordered the streets to be cleared to welcome you. If you bump into someone noble, you'll be in danger of losing your life!"
Qiao Muyang was driven to the side, where there were a few little beggars hiding. Some of them were holding dry grass in their mouths, and some were shaking their bodies. The only thing they had in common was the look in their eyes when they looked at Qiao Muyang - greedy!
"Hey kid, which turf are you from? I've never seen you before."
The leading little beggar stepped forward and grabbed Qiao Muyang's collar, with a provocative look on his face, wanting to intimidate Qiao Muyang.
Qiao Muyang couldn't smell the strange smell on his body, but the pungent smell of the little beggar almost made him vomit.
His face paled, and he leaned back as far as he could, pressing his palm against the other person's chin in disgust: "Get lost!"
The little beggar was considered a leader among the beggars in the area. He had recruited three or five younger brothers to beg for food, and he had long considered himself a big shot. Now, when he heard that a newcomer dared to scold him, he immediately became furious and raised his fist to hit the newcomer in the face.
Qiao Muyang was knocked to the ground by a punch. His mouth tasted metallic and sweet, and he could even feel his back molars loosening.
"You dare to hit me?"
The little beggar stepped forward and kicked him twice: "I'll hit you if I want, what are you going to do about it?"
Qiao Muyang's pampered body couldn't bear it and he curled up on the ground.
It's such a shame and humiliation!
"How dare you! I'm a man of honor and renown, the great-nephew of Marquis Wenyang, and yet you treat me like this! When I return to the capital, I'll have you skinned alive! Cut into pieces!"
"Go to hell!" The little beggar kicked Qiao Muyang in the chest with a flying kick. "Grand-nephew of Marquis Wenyang? Hahaha! You cowardly bastard, how can you claim to be related to Marquis Wenyang? You should take a piss and look at yourself in the mirror!"
"You bunch of stinky beggars, I'll make sure you guys pay when I get back! You're a bunch of lowly things, a bunch of stinky bugs!"
Qiao Muyang couldn't win the fight, so he could only roar in frustration. The argument attracted the attention of those around him, and more and more people gathered around.
The beggar, who had always ignored and looked down on Qiao Muyang, suddenly felt like he had found an outlet for his anger after beating him up.
The leading beggar showed his growing desire. He raised his chin towards the others, pretending to be a boss, and shouted loudly to the crowd, "Brothers, come on! Today, let's teach this ignorant bastard a lesson!"
Several people rushed forward and surrounded Qiao Muyang, beating him.
The noise finally attracted the guard's attention. He pushed through the crowd and came over. "What are you doing? What are you doing? Who told you to cause trouble at the city gate?"
"You damn bastards, a bunch of scumbags, you're really not going to let me have a good time today, right?"
Seeing the guards approaching, the leading beggar shouted, "Run!"
The birds flew away and the beasts scattered, disappearing in a flash. Only Qiao Muyang was left lying on the ground with wounds all over his body, unable to move.
Seeing that it was him again, the guard said with an unhappy expression, "Why haven't you left yet? Hurry up, the Imperial Master's carriage is about to arrive, stay away!"
He stepped forward and grabbed Qiao Muyang by the collar, lifting him up limply. His hands, hidden in his sleeves, clenched tightly, his nails digging into his palms, leaving purple marks.
One day, he will kill all those who humiliated him today!
Someone in the crowd shouted, "The Imperial Advisor has arrived!"
The crowd dispersed, and the guards released their grip on Qiao Muyang's collar and stepped forward to try and curry favor with him.
But no one expected that the Imperial Master's carriage would slowly approach and finally stop next to Qiao Muyang.
"False and true, good and evil are hard to distinguish, all things become empty, and everything returns to its original state."
Qiao Muyang was slightly startled when he heard the pleasant voice coming from the carriage, and then became excited.
He climbed up and rushed towards the carriage, "But the Imperial Master is inside?"
The Grand Master of the State actually gave him a fortune reading!
The Imperial Advisor's words are like gold and jade; he only grants divinations three times in his lifetime.
The first time was when he first entered the capital, and he declared that the whole world belonged to Zhou. Within three years, the surrounding vassal states came to pay homage.
The second time was when he declared Your Majesty a wise ruler in a prosperous age, and spoke of the good fortune of the Great Zhou. Over the next fifteen years, Your Majesty worked diligently, and the burdens and taxes of the people throughout the country were reduced, bringing peace and prosperity to the country!
The third time...
Today is the day!
The surrounding crowd was in an uproar, wondering why the imperial advisor was so fond of a little beggar!
The guard was even more resentful, wishing he could replace Qiao Muyang and become a little beggar.
"Why should I? That's the Imperial Advisor!"
"Did he just say he was from the Marquis of Wenyang's mansion? The Marquis's relative must be a powerful figure, and he might just be the one who suffers this day."
"Tsk tsk tsk, how pitiful, being bullied like this."
They now began to compliment Qiao Muyang, as if they had completely forgotten who had been mocking him just now.
Hearing the words "Marquis Wenyang", the people in the carriage lifted the curtain and glanced outside.
The curtain of the carriage was lifted, and Qiao Muyang rushed forward without even seeing who was inside. "Master Imperial Master, I, Qiao Muyang, greet you! I am Wen Yang..."
"cousin."
The person inside impatiently interrupted him, frowning slightly with a sarcastic look in his eyes, as if to say that he had nothing to offer except to take advantage of the Marquis of Wenyang's influence.
Qiao Muyang met the gaze of the person inside and stood there in a daze. He couldn't help but tremble as if he couldn't believe how he could be in the imperial teacher's carriage.
"W-why are you back?!"
Su Yunyi found it funny, "I can't come back?"
If there were a ranking of the most hated people in the entire Wenyang Marquis's mansion, Su Yunyi would definitely be the one he hated the most.
They were both of similar age, and were consistently suppressed by him. It wasn't until Su Yunyi went on a study tour with his teacher that Qiao Muyang finally had a chance to relax.
But I didn't expect that he would come back again!
Su Yunyi: "Cousin, don't use the name of the Marquis of Wenyang's mansion to talk about things outside in the future. Grandfather doesn't like people from the Marquis's mansion being so ostentatious."
"Besides, my cousin is not from our Marquis' Mansion."
Qiao Muyang's face stung with pain, as if he had been slapped hard across the face. The amused looks from those around him only made him feel more humiliated!
However, if he had never flaunted his power outside under the banner of the Marquis of Wenyang's mansion, he would not have given Su Yunyi the chance to embarrass him.
Qiao Muyang endured the humiliation, and at this moment all he wanted was to speak with the Imperial Advisor.
“Cousin, the Imperial Advisor has given me a reading, so I should thank him. Please don’t make things difficult for me. I know my status is lowly, but this is also an opportunity.”
The imperial advisor's words were considered divine will, and the surrounding people echoed his sentiments.
"He makes sense. If the Imperial Advisor were to predict my fate, that would be my good fortune!"
"Hey, young master inside, why won't you let this little beggar speak to the Imperial Advisor?"
Qiao Muyang: You are the beggars!
Su Yunyi smiled and shook his head, turning to reveal half of the Grand Preceptor's face: "Grand Preceptor, someone wants to see you."
The Imperial Preceptor is a mystery. He rarely appears except during sacrificial ceremonies. All that is known is that he is a god descended to earth and a divine messenger.
When he revealed his true face, even just half of it was enough for everyone to kneel down and worship him.
"Greetings, Your Excellency the Imperial Preceptor!"
The sounds rising and falling drowned out Qiao Muyang's roar.
Su Yunyi's eyes were playful, as if to say that he was nothing special.
The man sitting inside remained motionless and spoke softly: "The Great Zhou Kingdom is at peace. There is no need for worship. Every word and thought is a manifestation of spiritual power."
"Yes, Your Excellency!"
The Imperial Advisor did not answer Qiao Muyang's questions, but simply ordered them to leave quickly to avoid causing congestion.
The carriage drove away, leaving behind dust and smoke, while Qiao Muyang remained standing there, stunned.
Someone, disregarding his filth and stench, reached out and shoved him, saying, "What are you standing there for? Hurry up and go after him! You're the one the Imperial Advisor has his eye on!"
By the time Qiao Muyang realized what was happening, the carriage had already disappeared from sight. This time, no guards stopped him, so he quickly chased after it into the city.
There were three people sitting in the carriage. Su Yunyi, who was holding the black cat, gently stroked the cat's body, a smile always on his lips.
"Yun Yi is very happy?"
The speaker was wearing a black and gray robe, had a goatee, was short and stout, and asked him with a smile.
Su Yunyi nodded and said bluntly, "Happy!"
"Because you just embarrassed your cousin, whom you dislike?"
"No." Su Yunyi shook his head. He never took Qiao Muyang to heart. "I'm going to see my sister."
Ling Yun was taken aback, then suddenly burst into laughter: "No wonder you've been so eager to get home all this way, it turns out you're missing your sister back home."
The wife of the Marquis of Wenyang had sent a letter long ago saying that a daughter had been born and urging her second son to return home immediately. However, the boy remained outwardly calm throughout the journey, secretly collecting toys that children would like.
Half of their luggage consisted of gifts he gave to his sister as a token of their meeting.
Su Yunyi smiled but remained silent. He had been away from home for many days and missed his sister's full moon celebration; he felt he had to make up for it.
"Then you must thank the Grand Preceptor for giving us a ride, otherwise we would have been delayed for several more days."
On the way, they encountered the Imperial Advisor retaliating. Ling Yun had some connections with the Imperial Advisor, and seeing that the young man was a bit anxious, he shamelessly hopped onto the carriage.
Su Yunyi thanked the Imperial Preceptor again: "Thank you, Imperial Preceptor, for your kindness to this junior."
"It's nothing."
Yue Wen opened his eyes and glanced at Su Yunyi indifferently. He was willing to let them get in the car not because of Ling Yun, but because of Su Yunyi.
He observed that this man's face was deathly pale and he would not live more than three years. However, a golden light suddenly appeared above his head, protecting him and fighting against the deathly aura. Moreover, this strange phenomenon became more intense the closer he got to the capital. When he stepped into the city gate, the deathly aura dissipated, and he displayed a vibrant life force.
Yuewen felt that he was becoming somewhat unfathomable.
This person holds the secret he seeks to uncover.
Was he in such a hurry to return to the capital because of his sister?
"May I come to your residence with you?"
Su Yunyi: "???"
When Yuewen brazenly asked to visit someone's home for the first time, he was at a loss for words when Su Yunyi didn't respond.
Ling Yun nudged Su Yunyi, "Why isn't this kid saying anything!"
Qiao Muyang was overjoyed when he received the message, but now he's unhappy that the Imperial Advisor wants to visit his home!
"Say yes quickly!"
Being on good terms with Yuewen can only bring benefits, not harm!
Su Yunyi cupped his hands and said, "It is an honor to have the Imperial Preceptor here. However, my family is not prepared and I am afraid that I will neglect the Imperial Preceptor."
Yuewen wasn't there as a guest; he just felt that the Marquis of Wenyang's residence had what he wanted.
"No problem."
No one noticed that the little black cat in Su Yunyi's arms rolled its eyes.
People in ancient times spoke so sourly and sarcasticly; it was so annoying to listen to!
Keep it simple! Keep your way of speaking simple!
Just say "See you soon!"
(End of this chapter)
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