Chapter 145 The People's Love and Respect
On the tenth day of the tenth month of the twentieth year of the Xuanhuang era of the Great Yu Dynasty, the autumn sky was clear and the air was crisp. It was also the birthday of Princess Qianyan Ya, and the day that Qifengtai was completed and opened for worship.
In order to "receive the emperor," Mu Xi had to return to the Jin Fangjun Mansion in Moyang City, and then return to Qifengtai with the Yu King's carriage the next day.
When the Yu King's carriage arrived at Qifengtai in the eastern suburbs of Moyang, it was already past noon. The best time for the Heavenly Sacrifice chosen by the Imperial Observatory was the hour of Xu (7-9 PM), which meant it would be after dark.
Although this differed from Mu Xi's plan, it was still adjustable.
At worst, we can have a banquet first, then a ceremony, and use more torches and candles; we can still see clearly.
Before the group's carriage even reached the foot of Qifeng Terrace, they could see a four-story viewing tower nestled against Turtle Back Mountain and beside the river in the distance.
The viewing tower was eventually named "Qiyuan Tower," a name that Mu Xi specially recommended to Qi Yingyu.
Firstly, Qi Yingyu's surname is "Qi";
Secondly, this "Qi" has already become one with the "Bi Qi" of the Qi family in southern Hunan, and Qi Yingyu used the word "Yuan" to indicate that they "come from the same source".
Mu Xi hadn't forgotten to at least invite Qi Zhuying to the ceremony, but Mu Xun made excuses, and it was uncertain whether the invitation would even be sent out in the end.
Even in the height of October, flowers still bloom in profusion and plants flourish, showing no signs of autumn's decline.
To the north of Qiyuan Tower stands the majestic Qifeng Terrace.
The three-tiered platform, like three heavenly gates ascending from the mortal world, solemnly overlooks the mountains and rivers below and the countless beings prostrate beneath it.
Encircling the base of the platform is a solemn and secluded passageway paved with black ceramic bricks, about ten feet wide.
Above the platform, layers of peaks rise again. The middle platform is now level with the highest roof ridge in the city. The platform walls are no longer just pure earth and stone, but are meticulously coated with chalk, smooth as snow, and deeply engraved with cloud, thunder, dragon and phoenix patterns.
Stone steps connect the three high platforms, each step over a foot high, like a suspended ladder leaning against the wall. The number of steps rises in layers, subtly corresponding to the numbers nine, eleven, and thirteen. Each step is carved from a single piece of bluestone, and the surface is wide enough for eight or ten people to walk side by side.
The top altar soars into the sky, its entire surface painted with gold paint, dazzling and mesmerizing under the blazing afternoon sun.
Huge flags have been planted along the edge of the platform as required, with a huge banner made of blood-stained rhinoceros hide fluttering at the top.
Looking at it from afar, Mu Xi realized that the "decorative piece" that had been painstakingly produced over the past few months was finally passable.
At the top of the altar lies the core of the ritual. An offering table and sacrificial items have already been prepared.
Tonight, not only will the Imperial Preceptor ascend the altar to perform rituals, but Mu Xi, Princess Yan Ya, the Imperial Preceptor's disciple Xian Jin, and King Yu himself will also ascend the altar to guard the four corners.
The fact that the King of Yu was going to provide support was a truly unexpected and delightful surprise.
It is estimated that this was all because Princess Yeon-ah not only agreed to come, but also proposed to personally ascend the altar as the "deputy priest".
Since the person in question is willing to personally "assist in the sacrifice" at Qifeng Terrace, which is named after "Lady Qifeng," then King Yu, the "chief builder," is even more pleased to "accompany in the sacrifice."
As for Mu Xi, she also took a place at the four corners of the altar under the pretext of praying for Jin Fangjun.
Since it was not yet time, the king naturally went to Qiyuan Tower to enjoy the view and rest.
Therefore, the car first detoured to Qiyuan Tower.
The king's carriage had already arrived downstairs, while Mu Xi's carriage was still stuck in traffic.
I could hear a cacophony of voices on both sides of the road, but I couldn't make out what they were shouting.
Mu Xi lifted the carriage curtain: "Why aren't the Imperial Guards clearing the area?"
Mu Xun turned his horse around, his face full of worry: "The people lined the road, saying they wanted to thank the Crown Prince."
"Thank me?" Mu Xi asked, puzzled, glancing at the dense crowd on both sides.
"Don't show yourselves." Mu Xun stepped forward cautiously and said, "Those people said they wanted to see the Crown Prince's true face after his 'divine intervention.' They all had fruits and such in their hands, so it didn't seem fake. But with the King here, it wouldn't be good for us to make a scene. I wonder if Gao Quan's side deliberately let so many people get close."
Mu Xi really wanted to get off the carriage and see for herself, but Mu Xun's suggestion made her give up.
The carriage continued its slow, leisurely journey.
The shouts outside the car continued.
"The young master is a 'phoenix rising from the ashes,' which is why he was able to build the Phoenix Pavilion so quickly..."
"I heard that Qifengtai also caught fire."
"Could the young master be the reincarnation of the 'God of Fire'?"
"Ah, may the Crown Prince protect me, may the Crown Prince protect me..."
...
"Your Highness, they're even throwing flowers at our carriage!" Tao'er couldn't help but peek out from under the carriage curtain.
"There's roast chicken..." Bao Fan almost rushed out just from smelling it, but luckily Zhe Lan held him back tightly.
Tao'er looked disgusted: "Do you really think this is a worship ceremony? There are even eggs involved?"
Mu Xi was getting restless, but she still kept an eye on Bao Fan: "You stay put today and do exactly what Zhe Lan says, understand?"
Bao Fan swallowed hard and nodded reluctantly.
The further they went, the slower the carriage moved.
In the end, we had to stop far away from Qiyuan Tower.
According to the protocol, all officials should dismount and go to the foot of Qiyuan Tower to welcome the Emperor.
However, as soon as Mu Xifu stepped off the carriage, some people recognized him: "Prince Jin Fang...that's Prince Jin Fang..."
A whole bunch of them knelt down with a clatter.
Mu Xi was startled.
That's really going too far.
Quickly move forward to avoid it.
However, it was too late.
King Yu still witnessed this scene when he alighted from his carriage.
Not only were they seeing it, but many people were also shouting, "The Crown Prince has appeared! The Crown Prince has protected us..."
King Yu first looked up at the four-story pavilion in front of him, then looked down at Mu Xi, who was standing bowing: "Your Highness has worked hard, not only building the Qifeng Terrace and the Viewing Pavilion so magnificently, but also winning the love and respect of the people."
"Your Majesty flatters me. It is not your humble servant who deserves your adoration, but rather the entire opera troupe." Mu Xi said humbly. "In order to speed up the construction, I promised the laborers and their families that after the stage was completed, we would hold a three-day opera performance, along with a continuous banquet, to reward them."
The King of Yu said casually, "Oh? Is that so? I haven't heard the Crown Prince mention it before."
There was no prior arrangement for this; Mu Xi was forced into it.
Although I've only met Yu Wang Muji twice, including this time, someone who can frame Qian Yan and plot to usurp the throne is no pushover. I must be extremely careful when facing him.
Mu Xi cupped his hands and said, "This expense came from my private treasury. How could I possibly tell Your Majesty? I never expected the people to behave so rudely and alarm Your Majesty. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."
King Yu chuckled self-deprecatingly: "Hahaha, that's right. Don't bother me with things like spending money. I've already spent all my money on this Qifeng Terrace."
Pooh……
Mu Xi cursed inwardly, but still echoed outwardly, "Yes, yes, yes... Your Majesty, please come in. Please take a look at the scenery of Qiyuan Tower, which was built with funds from the Qi family. Does it meet Your Majesty's esteemed standards?"
“Alright…” Just as Prince Yu was about to step inside, he suddenly remembered that there was still someone in the carriage behind him. “Madam… where is Lady Qifeng?”
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