Chapter 38 The Storm Is Brewing 2: Unlike the Ming Clan
As dawn broke, Mingying woke up refreshed. Just as she was about to get out of bed, she felt a ache in her legs, as if she had climbed nine hundred and ninety steps in her dream. She tilted her head in confusion: "Strange, I was just floating around yesterday, I didn't walk much."
After a moment's thought, Mingying put on her shoes and socks and decided to go upstairs to find the Imperial Advisor. The observatory was empty. She leaned on the railing and called out, "Imperial Advisor, Imperial Advisor!"
She waited for a while, the wind blowing through her hair, but no one answered from the observatory; presumably, the Grand Preceptor had other important matters to attend to.
Mingying walked back with regret. She had originally planned to invite the Imperial Preceptor to have breakfast and chat for a while, but she wondered if the Imperial Preceptor, with his level of cultivation, even needed to eat. He probably only needed to drink dew to survive.
Xiao Jingze decorated the Star Gazing Tower to his liking. Mingying sat in front of the mirror, combed her hair, and then wore the jade talisman given to her by the Imperial Preceptor on her waist. The jade talisman was engraved with intricate patterns, which allowed her to move freely in the palace.
She didn't know how to style her hair beautifully; she only knew how to braid simple braids. Mingying tied the hairband to the end of her hair, tidied it up, and looked at herself in the mirror. She looked up and was startled to find that there was no one in front of her. Had she died and become a ghost?
She looked at her hand, took off the jade talisman, examined it against her eyes, and exhaled. Sure enough, the jade talisman wasn't a pass, but an invisibility talisman. Unlike Xiao Jingze's cloak, she could see herself.
Mingying touched the jade talisman, her expression thoughtful. Her shadow couldn't be seen on the ground. Did she not exist in the Star Gazing Tower?
She had originally planned to make some new friends in the palace.
It wasn't a big deal, though. Mingying gracefully landed on her golden bell umbrella, wrapping the chain around her wrist. She was just a little bored, with no one to talk to. She ate breakfast alone, slowly walking through the covered corridor, like a wandering soul in the palace.
Mingying quietly passed by two kitchen helpers and heard them whispering something, seemingly some gossip. Curious, she stopped.
One of the people holding the plate asked, "This is osmanthus cake meant for Yongshou Palace. Why did you put one piece missing?"
The other person, who was older, shook his head decisively: "Absolutely impossible. How strange! Could it be that some greedy person stole it?"
Mingying burped sheepishly, then, while touching the jade talisman, suddenly had a brilliant idea.
The person carrying the tray looked left and right: "Did you hear any bell?"
"No, there's no such thing as a ringtone here..."
The two looked around for a while, and the older one patted him on the shoulder: "Stop being so suspicious, hurry up and get another piece to add."
The young man nodded, and was about to take a piece from the plate to make up for it when he suddenly let out a strange cry.
The older man looked over impatiently: "What's wrong now?"
He pointed tremblingly at the plate and said, "There were seven pieces a moment ago, but now there are only five left, this...this..."
The two looked at each other for a while, and from then on, the imperial kitchen had a rumor about hungry ghosts eating cakes.
The story goes that Mingying, holding a piece of osmanthus cake in one hand, took a walk to the back garden after dinner and saw two exquisitely beautiful little girls standing under a tree, looking up at something.
The little girl in the pink dress anxiously instructed, "Move a little to the left, oh dear, Ningning, you're so clumsy."
Mingying walked behind them and looked up as well. It turned out that the kite was caught on the treetop. The attendant called "Ningning" carefully stepped on the branch, trying to hook the kite down with the stick while gently reassuring them, "Princesses, please be patient and wait a little longer."
Mingying watched patiently for a while, even finishing both osmanthus cakes, but the kite remained motionless. Ningyuan was sweating profusely, becoming increasingly cautious, afraid of accidentally damaging the kite.
Mingying patted the debris off her hands, bent down to pick up a small pebble, took a few steps back to find a suitable angle, and aimed her slingshot at the branch that was wedged by the kite.
With a whoosh, the twig snapped. The kite plummeted down, only to be caught by a lower branch just before hitting the ground, within arm's reach of the little girl in pink.
Ning Yuan was still standing in the tree, looking around blankly, when the two little girls happily picked up their intact kite and ran away hand in hand. Seeing this, Ning Yuan didn't have time to think carefully and quickly landed to follow them.
Mingying watched their departing figures under the tree, her eyes crinkling into a smile. She also wanted to fly a kite; she'd ask Xiao Jingze to make one for her to play with when he came.
A deep voice sounded from behind: "Who are you?"
Mingying looked around. The voice seemed to be talking to her, so she put the slingshot back into her sleeve and turned to look.
The man was in his thirties, dressed in a dark brocade robe with subtle patterns. The collar and sleeves were embroidered with cloud and dragon motifs. He was tall and imposing, with a powerful stride. Time had not left many marks on his face; his features were sharp and angular, exuding an air of authority.
He gazed at her with an all-knowing look, a guard following not too far behind him.
Mingying guessed his identity and took off the jade talisman to show him: "My name is Mingying, and I have come to the palace at the invitation of the Imperial Preceptor."
The man's gaze swept over the jade talisman, lingering for a moment on her face. Mingying smiled and met his gaze with composure. He asked with interest, "Mingying, are you Mingqian's daughter?"
"Exactly."
"Your archery skills are quite good."
Mingying replied, "I have been practicing since childhood, but I only have a superficial understanding. The Imperial Preceptor's jade talisman is useless to you. May I ask who you are?"
The man smiled and said, "Why don't you guess?"
Mingying tilted her head and sized him up: "I've heard that the current emperor is handsome and imposing. Are you the emperor?"
The man laughed and said, "If I were the Emperor, why wouldn't you be afraid of me?"
"The Emperor protects all people and governs the world with benevolence and virtue. He must be a person with a broad mind. Why should I be afraid of you?"
Seeing her confident tone, the man became very interested: "You are quite clever. What if I weren't?"
Mingying blinked. She was actually quite good at recognizing people, but if he said it wasn't him, then it wasn't him. She looked up and replied seriously, "If you're not him, then I guessed wrong."
The man laughed loudly: "You don't seem like a member of the Ming family."
Ming Ying asked curiously, “When I was in Yunchuan, no one said I didn’t look like a member of the Ming clan. It was only after I left Yunchuan that many people said I didn’t look like one. Perhaps it’s because you haven’t met me yet. Once you get to know me, your image of a member of the Ming clan will gradually change, and then I will look like one of the Ming clan.”
The man stroked his chin and looked at her for a while: "What you say makes sense, but among all the Ming family members I've met, none have been as eloquent as you. For example, your father, Ming Qian, has always been poor at speaking and knows nothing when asked. Could it be a lie?"
Mingying whispered, "Father may have been quick-witted when he was young, but he got so angry with me after I was born. Since I was little, whenever I asked him anything at home, he would just close his eyes and say he didn't know, and that I should ask his mother."
The man smiled again, a small wrinkle at the corner of his eye, sharp yet refined. The two chatted amiably, exchanging questions and answers, until a close attendant stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, the time has come."
Mingying showed no surprise and bowed as well: "Your Majesty is busy with many affairs of state and time is precious. You have chatted with me, a mere idle person, for a long time. We shall part for now. Please take care, Your Majesty."
The Emperor remained unmoved, turning his head to look at his attendant, who broke out in a cold sweat. Mingying lowered her eyes and said with a smile, "Your Majesty, the journey is urgent, let's not delay any longer."
The Emperor glanced at her, pondered for a moment, then turned and said, "Let's proceed to the Zichen Palace."
Mingying waved goodbye amicably, hung the jade talisman back on her waist, and seemed lost in thought. The Emperor was a mortal ruler, and for the past hundred years, he had been a mortal, yet he was not bound by the jade talisman. Presumably, he needed to strike a balance between himself and the Imperial Advisor in the palace.
Emperors come and go, but the Imperial Advisor remains constant. Xiao Jingze took her around the palace yesterday as if it were a shopping trip. It seems the Imperial Advisor is still more capable.
——
Inside the council hall of the Star Gazing Tower, Xiao Qingyi said calmly, "Why has Your Majesty come today?"
Shang Lin picked up his teacup and asked the Grand Preceptor with a smile, "I heard you brought a young girl from the Ming family."
Xiao Qingyi nodded slightly: "It is that Lord of Heavenly Fire, and the Huaijiang incident is related to her."
Shang Lin remembered that Shen Xiang had once wept bitterly in court, saying he wanted to resign and return to his hometown. He nodded and commented, "He is indeed courageous and resourceful."
Xiao Qingyi paused, then reminded her, "Mingying is the one who made the prophecy. The Immortal Venerable arranged her marriage to the Xiao family back then."
Shang Lin shook his head and smiled, "The Imperial Advisor is overthinking it."
He casually brought up a few topics, but the Grand Preceptor didn't say much. He only stayed for the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea before setting off back to the palace.
The hall was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood. Shang Lin sat down expressionlessly. A servant raised the teacup above his head, and he asked in a low voice as he twirled the teacup, "Tell me, who does this world belong to?"
The attendant's legs trembled: "Your Majesty is of noble birth, the world naturally belongs to Your Majesty."
"Oh?" Shang Lin raised an eyebrow. "Then where do you place the Immortal Venerable?"
The attendant swallowed hard: "The Immortal Venerable lives in seclusion, never concerning himself with worldly affairs; he is merely a figurehead high in the heavens. Ultimately, the power of this world rests in the hands of the Emperor."
Shang Lin suddenly burst into three loud laughs. Before the laughter subsided, he smashed the teacup in his hand, shattering it on the ground and splashing tea everywhere.
The attendant prostrated himself on the ground, trembling with fear and not daring to utter a sound. Shang Lin's face was gloomy, and his tone was icy: "But some people don't think so. Aristocratic families, the Imperial Advisor... what do you think about letting the Imperial Advisor sit on the throne?"
The attendant dared not answer. Shang Lin stepped over the spilled tea, picked up a gold pipe from the table, and put it to his lips. The scarlet light flickered in the dim light. He half-closed his eyes, letting the smoke swirl around him, and slowly exhaled a wisp of smoke. His face relaxed, and he uttered a single word: "Get out."
The attendants, as if granted a pardon, crawled away on their knees. Shang Lin leaned against the couch, his features blurred by the dispersing smoke, his dark eyes swirling with unspoken emotions.
——
Xiao Qingyi went up to the Star Gazing Tower. Inside, there was a commotion. Ming Yan was furious and grabbed Ming Ying, shouting, "Ming Ying, what have you written!"
Feng Yi stood between the two, mediating and making a gesture with his finger: "Hey, hey, keep your voice down."
It was his first time visiting the Star Gazing Tower, and he hadn't had enough of the view yet. What if the Imperial Advisor kicked them out?
Mingying put her finger to her lips and shushed, "Yes, yes, Mingyan, you need to keep your voice down."
Mingyan was so angry that she bristled and gritted her teeth, ready to pounce and bite her.
Mingying stood there with her arms outstretched, her eyes crinkling into a smile: "Hmm? Do you want a hug?"
Xiao Qingyi, who had taken in everything: ...
Xiao Jingze leaned against the couch with his eyes closed. Hearing the noise, he opened his eyes and lazily waved his hand: "Imperial Preceptor."
The three people on the field stopped instantly and bowed in unison: "Imperial Preceptor."
Feng Yi shifted slightly, using the overturned chair as a shield behind him. Ming Ying stood quietly with her hands at her sides, her expression very obedient. Ming Yan, on the other hand, maintained a cold and aloof demeanor, as if the one who had just lost her temper was someone else entirely.
Xiao Qingyi: ...
Mingying secretly raised her eyes to carefully observe her expression. Although the Imperial Preceptor's face was completely expressionless, the corners of her mouth seemed to have fallen slightly compared to yesterday. Was she angry? The Imperial Preceptor had lived alone in the Star Gazing Tower for hundreds of years and should prefer peace and quiet. They were indeed being a bit noisy.
Thinking of this, Mingying said somewhat embarrassedly, "Grand Preceptor, please don't kick them out, okay? We'll play quietly."
Xiao Qingyi looked at her and said calmly, "It's nothing."
She waved her hand to set up a formation, then turned and climbed onto the star-gazing platform.
Mingying asked curiously, "What is this?"
Mingyan replied coldly, "It's a soundproof array. I think you're too noisy."
Mingying said "Oh" excitedly, "Now that we have soundproofing, we don't have to be quiet anymore!"
Mingyan didn't want to talk to her, so she hooked her foot on the chair that had fallen to the ground, sat down, and poured herself a cup of tea. Mingying naturally sat down next to her: "I want some too. I've been talking too much, and I'm a little thirsty."
Mingyan said irritably, "Don't you have hands? Pour it yourself."
"My hand is injured, so I can't lift the teapot."
Mingyan was speechless: "Are you going to use this excuse for months?"
Mingying opened her palm to show her: "It's new. I went to help someone rescue a kite."
Xiao Jingze appeared beside her at some point, grabbed her wrist and looked at it; Mingying's palm was red.
He glanced at it and knew what had happened: "How could a slingshot cause such damage?"
Mingying twitched her fingers: "I accidentally used too much force. Oh, by the way, I also saw the Emperor."
She happily shared what she had seen and heard that morning, and Xiao Jingze leaned back on the couch and commented, "Heh, old man."
Speaking ill of someone else on their turf is not a good idea if the person in question hears it. Mingying thought for a moment and replied seriously, "Actually, he's not that old. The Emperor is under forty and looks quite young."
Xiao Jingze narrowed his eyes: "What do you mean?"
Mingying smiled and patted him casually: "You're the youngest, how can the Emperor compare to you?"
Feng Yi caught a glimpse of the interaction between the two, opened his mouth wide and stuffed a piece of pastry into his mouth. After chewing it, he found the taste somewhat familiar. Looking down, he realized it was the signboard of Dongfenglou.
Something's not right. Xiao Jingze is acting strangely. These two are definitely acting strangely.
He looked left and right, then turned to Ming Yan, who was calmly sipping her tea: "Miss Ming, have you noticed anything amiss?"
Mingyan pondered for a moment, then hit the nail on the head: "The position of Empress has been vacant for three years. The Emperor is looking for a suitable candidate, and he has his eye on you."
Feng Yi didn't react for a moment: "What?"
Xiao Jingze gave a cryptic smirk, propped his forehead up, and looked to the side. Ming Ying pointed to herself: "Me?"
-----------------------
Author's note: Mingying: You are so beautiful, how can the Emperor compare to you?
While slacking off, I thought of some inexplicable modern memes:
In the modern world, Xiao Jingze would probably be the kind of arrogant, rich second-generation playboy who wears incredibly expensive clothes and is always decked out in bracelets, necklaces, and earrings. He'd turn heads wherever he went, making people think he was a celebrity. While his aura might be intimidating, he's also a highly capable, morally upright, and exemplary man who would even help an elderly woman cross the street.
There would be a motorcycle called Jueying, which he would often ride to take Mingying out for fun.
Mingying was probably the most popular goddess-like figure in the research institute. Everyone, regardless of age or gender, adored her; even the institute's fierce-looking guard dog seemed to submit to her. She wore many flowing hairbands and dressed in bright, vibrant colors. Because she appeared docile and had a weak constitution, her colleagues initially spoke softly to her, but once they got to know her, she would tease everyone in the office.
My colleague was furious: What are you doing?! I'm going to bite you to death!
Mingying, with a serious face: I have a boyfriend, he can't kiss me.
My colleague's face turned bright red: Oh no, is that what I meant? @$&%#
During holidays, she would get up very early, style her hair to look presentable, and then go out to play. However, if she lived with Xiao Jingze, she would ask him to braid her hair with a headband.
The two were probably on a date at an amusement park, playing bumper cars with a group of kids.
Mingyan is probably the kind of person with short, neat hair who looks bright and generous like a big sister. She's a cold and aloof CEO at work, but at home she's a vicious woman who wants to bite her younger sister to death every day.
Mingying texted her after get off work: "It's holiday time! I want to play! Let's go out and have fun, okay? ^o^"
Mingyan's automatic reply: Please do not disturb if you are working overtime :)
When Mingying returned from her escapades, she excitedly showed her the gift. Mingyan accepted the brooch with a blank expression, then carefully examined the small cake that Mingying had brought. The food Mingying made could easily poison her if she wasn't careful.
Mingying waved her hand: "It's from the store, so eat with confidence."
Mingyan made a hole.
Mingying: How does the new dragon fruit and pork floss flavor taste?
Mingyan: ...
Mingying hugged her waist: Don't waste food! It's really delicious QAQ
Song Xijia is the kind of chairman who is extremely difficult to please. She seems very cultured and normal, but in reality, she's a madwoman, unpredictable and moody. Other shareholders who have had contact with her complain endlessly. Shen Huai'an, on the other hand, is the assistant who is good at everything. If someone in the office complains about Chairman Song, he will only say in a good-natured way, "Come, come, have some afternoon tea, don't get upset." But if someone says something harsh, he will turn serious.
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