Chapter 289: Offering sacrifice to the heavens with Qi Shuyan
Ye Chutang knew that the people of Dali believed in shamans and often performed ancient rituals.
Either kill people or save people.
She didn't know what kind of scream the woman was making, nor was she interested.
The power of religious belief is terrifying, but it is also objectively necessary.
She has no interest in challenging it, let alone breaking it!
Qi Yanzhou didn't meddle in other people's business and went back to the post station with Ye Chutang.
On the way.
Many people were talking about Mr. Jia hiring a shaman to exorcise evil spirits for his only daughter.
"Miss Jia is crazy to elope with a poor scholar!"
"I heard that the scholar cast a spell on Miss Jia, turning her into an obedient puppet."
"Yes, otherwise how could Miss Jia steal the 100,000 taels of silver from our family?"
"Luckily the scholar was caught. I have to say, he looked really good, especially the mole at the corner of his eye."
"What a shame. I was busy with housework at the time and didn't see it."
"You can also watch it on the day of offering sacrifice to the heaven..."
When Qi Yanzhou heard "the mole at the corner of the eye", he paused slightly.
After Ye Chutang noticed it, he asked, "What's wrong? Is there something wrong?"
"Nothing, let's go back to the post station first."
Having said that, Ye Chutang clearly felt that Qi Yanzhou was worried.
But he didn't want to say it, so she didn't ask any more questions.
The two returned to the post station. After Qi Yanzhou handed the purchased vegetables to Aunt Xu, he went to find Old Man Qi.
Ye Chutang placed the trinkets and jewelry she had bought on the table and asked Old Madam Qi, Aunt Xu, and Qi Qingyu to choose some that they liked.
"It's not something valuable, but it's quite unique. Take it if you like it."
After saying that, she handed two silver bracelets to Qi Qingyu.
"This is what A Zhou bought specially for the two children. It is said that it can turn misfortune into good fortune and turn disaster into blessing. The eldest sister must accept it."
The silver table is carved with intricate patterns, looking delicate and mysterious.
The bracelet had a good meaning, so Qi Qingyu did not refuse.
"Sister-in-law, I thank you on behalf of the children."
"You're welcome, elder sister. Pick out some jewelry. The styles are pretty good."
Qi Qingyu couldn't refuse, so he chose two.
Ye Chutang casually handed a hairpin to Qi Jingyao.
"It's your reward."
For obedient people, she doesn't mind giving them some small benefits to make them work harder.
Qi Jingyao was a little surprised and reached out to take it.
"Thank you ma'am."
She has separated from the Qi family and is aware of her own identity and situation.
Ye Chutang nodded without any emotion.
She turned her head and asked Madam Qi, "Mother, have you ever seen someone with a mole in the corner of his eye?"
This question made the old lady stunned for a moment.
The image of her eldest son Qi Shuyan appeared in her mind and she nodded.
"Brother Azhou has a black mole at the corner of his eye. Tang'er, why do you ask?"
These words made Ye Chutang understand Qi Yanzhou's absent-mindedness.
But she naturally wouldn't tell Madam Qi about anything uncertain, so as not to make her worry.
So, I said in a joking tone: "When I came back just now, I heard someone mention this feature. Ah Zhou was stunned for a moment. I thought he was thinking of an old friend who couldn't be mentioned."
Old Madam Qi understood what Ye Chutang meant.
She smiled and said, "Tang'er, don't worry. Zhou'er doesn't have a childhood sweetheart, and he has never been in love with anyone. If he has decided on you, he will be devoted to you, so don't worry."
Even Princess Anping, who had been chasing Qi Yanzhou before, was only an acquaintance of him.
They are not childhood sweethearts at all.
Ye Chutang inserted a plain silver hairpin into Madam Qi's head.
"Mom, I understand."
After saying that, she put away the trinkets and jewelry on the table.
"My legs hurt a little. I'm going upstairs to rest for a while. When Azhou comes back, you can ask him to come upstairs and massage my legs to get rid of the swelling."
Madam Qi stood up immediately and said, "Tang'er, let me help you."
"No, I like Azhou's strength."
"Okay, I'll go find him."
Not long after Ye Chutang returned to her room, Qi Yanzhou arrived.
She asked straight to the point: "A Zhou, are you worried that the scholar with a mole on the corner of his eye is my eldest brother?"
Qi Yanzhou didn't expect that Ye Chutang had already guessed it.
He sat on the edge of the bed, put her legs on his legs, and kneaded them neither lightly nor heavily.
"Well, I asked Nan Xiao to find out, and there will be definite news soon."
Since many people have seen the scholar, it is not difficult to ask about his appearance.
"If that scholar is the eldest brother, what are you going to do?"
Qi Yanzhou smiled and said, "If it's him, you don't have to do anything, just wait for the news."
Although Qi Shuyan's martial arts skills are not as good as Qi Yanzhou's, he is much smarter and is always the one who schemes against others.
If he is caught, he will definitely be caught in the act.
Seeing that Qi Yanzhou was not worried at all, Ye Chutang stopped worrying about him.
"Go get the news, don't press me, I'm going to sleep for a while."
"I'll leave after you fall asleep."
Ye Chutang couldn't resist Qi Yanzhou and let him massage her legs to help her sleep.
Soon, her breathing became steady.
Qi Yanzhou did not leave and continued to massage her swollen legs.
Until news came from Nan Xiao.
The scholar who was arrested was Qi Shuyan.
"Master, do you want to go to the government office to rescue the eldest son?"
"Big brother must have his own plan. Let's not get involved, lest we end up making things worse. Just send someone to keep an eye on the government office."
"Yes, Master."
Nan Xiao responded and asked, "Master, the Heavenly Sacrifice will be held the day after tomorrow, but the exile team must leave tomorrow. What should we do?"
Qi Yanzhou did not answer but asked, "Have you found out what happened between my brother and that Miss Jia?"
His brother would never do something like eloping.
Nan Xiao shook his head, "No useful information was found. The information the people knew came from the Jia Mansion."
"How did the offering of sacrifice to heaven come about?"
Normally, if a man was caught for eloping with a decent woman, he would simply be beaten up.
Of course, if you meet someone cruel and ruthless, you will be beaten to death immediately.
But it has nothing to do with offering sacrifices to heaven.
Because offering sacrifices to heaven is a sacred ritual with many details to pay attention to, it is impossible to use it casually on a villain.
There must be something unknown here.
Nan Xiao shook his head again.
"The news of offering sacrifices to heaven still came from the Jia Mansion, and the people were also very puzzled about it."
Shamans hold a ceremony to worship the heavens on the second day of the second lunar month every year, praying for good weather and safety for believers.
The altar will not be opened at other times unless something big happens.
"It has been nearly ten years since there has been a human sacrifice in Darri State."
When Qi Yanzhou heard Nan Xiao's words, he felt more and more that this sudden sacrifice to heaven was not simple.
"I have to find a way to meet my brother."
Human sacrifice is no joke, and he is worried that Qi Shuyan can't handle it.
Nan Xiao frowned in embarrassment.
"Master, I'm afraid it's difficult to enter the prison in the government office."
Qi Yanzhou certainly knew that it was difficult to enter the prison, but he wanted to give it a try.
"Don't worry about this matter, I will handle it myself."
"Yes, Master, I will go and get more information about the Heavenly Sacrifice."
"Go ahead, be careful."
After Nan Xiao left, Qi Yanzhou took a walk around the government office.
The guards are tight and you will be discovered if you get close, so you can only come back at night.
When he returned to the post station, he deliberately passed by the Jia Mansion.
The woman's screams had ceased.
Although the Jia Mansion had many guards, their security was not as strict as that of the government office.
Qi Yanzhou sneaked into the Jia Mansion and prepared to find Miss Jia to find out the situation.
It turned out that the yard she was in was full of guards.
There are three layers inside and three layers outside, not even a fly can fly in.
He had no choice but to go back to the post station and wait until night fell.
***
When Ye Chutang woke up from his nap, the sun had already set.
She got up from the bed, stood by the window and stretched.
There are obviously fewer pedestrians on the street compared to the afternoon.
When it gets dark, the city will be without any light or sound.
She went into the space, washed up briefly, and went downstairs.
The Qi family sat in the lobby of the post station and chatted, talking about the strange stories they had heard.
Because of the belief in shamanism, there are many strange and bizarre things happening in Dali Prefecture.
Qi Hean was timid. He wanted to listen but didn't dare to. His timid look looked a little funny.
When the Qi family saw Ye Chutang coming downstairs, they quickly stopped the topic so as not to scare the child.
Madam Qi asked, "Tang'er, are you hungry? Come over here and have some grapes and cakes."
Grapes are a specialty fruit of Dali Prefecture. There are many varieties and different colors. When piled together, they look particularly appetizing.
The pastry is a cut cake made from more than ten kinds of dried fruits.
When Ye Chutang saw it, the word "sky-high price" immediately popped up in his mind.
She had bought it once on the street before and was ripped off, but the taste was just average.
This time I tried the local chegao and found it tasted good.
"I'll buy some more later to eat on the way."
The temperature has been getting colder recently, and it doesn’t feel hot even at noon, so the food can be stored for a long time.
Qi Qingyu quickly stood up and said, "I'll go buy it now. The market will close soon."
Sun Shaoping handed the child in his arms to Grandpa Qi.
"Father-in-law, please help me look after Zhier. I will go with Qingyu to buy marzipan candy."
"Okay, go ahead. It's going to be dark soon. The sooner you go, the sooner you can come back."
After Sun Shaoping responded, he went out with Qi Qingyu.
Ye Chutang stopped the two men and handed them a silver note, but was rejected.
Qi Qingyu joked, "Sister-in-law, if I accept this banknote, should I also convert the jewelry you gave me into silver?"
Old Madam Qi smiled and spoke.
"Family members don't have to be so clearly divided. Qingyu, you and Shaoping should go buy them quickly. You won't be able to buy them after the market closes."
The couple responded and left the inn and went to the street.
Aunt Xu and Old Madam Qi went to the kitchen to cook dinner, and Qi Hean and Qi Jingyao went to help.
Ye Chutang sat down at the table and taught Qi Qingyu's eldest son to recite the Three Character Classic.
She didn't see Qi Yanzhou, so she asked Old Man Qi.
"Dad, why isn't Azhou here?"
Old Master Qi was shaking a rattle and teasing his little grandson.
"Before you went downstairs, Azhou said he was going out for a walk and would be back before dark."
Ye Chutang had a hunch that something was wrong with Qi Yanzhou.
She stood up and said, "Dad, I'm going to go out for a walk and look for Ah Zhou. I'll be back later."
"Okay, be careful, Zhou'er is heading out of the city."
"I understand. I will be careful."
Not long after Ye Chutang left the post station, he ran into Qi Yanzhou who had returned.
"Atang, I'll take you to see the beautiful scenery of the Holy Lake."
After saying that, he took Ye Chutang's hand and took her out of the city.
The shores of Dari Lake were filled with onlookers and tourists.
The sunset fell on the sparkling lake and was cut into gorgeous pieces by the waves.
The north wind blew, blowing up the dust on the slopes.
It's like a floating gauze dress, like a dream.
“Boom!”
A fish leaped out of the lake with all its might, then fell down, splashing crystal clear water.
Everyone was cheering, seeing the auspicious sign of the carp leaping over the dragon gate.
Ye Chutang was thinking that the water oxygen saturation was insufficient and the fish could not breathe, so they jumped up to save themselves.
She approached Qi Yanzhou and asked, "You seem to be worried about something. Are you worried about your elder brother?"
Qi Yanzhou didn't want Ye Chutang to worry, so he smiled and scratched her nose.
"Don't worry, I can handle it."
"Do you want to go to the prison to see Big Brother? He is now a tribute to the gods, I'm afraid it will be difficult for you to see him."
"It's hard to see him, but it's easy to see that Miss Jia."
Qi Yanzhou felt that as long as he found a breakthrough, things would become simple.
"Can you get a map of the prison? I have the help of 'Ghost Thief', so it won't be hard to see the big brother."
"Atang, you are in a heavy condition now, don't take risks, I will take care of everything."
Ye Chutang didn't think it was that risky.
"Don't worry, I won't do anything I'm not sure of."
After saying that, she stretched out her hand.
"Give me the map."
Qi Yanzhou did have a map of the government prison.
This map is not difficult to make. Find someone who has been there and they can draw it.
But he didn't give it to Ye Chutang.
"Have a good rest at night, don't think too much, and don't run around."
"I will definitely go to the prison. If I don't have a map, the risk of being exposed will be much greater."
Qi Yanzhou looked at Ye Chutang who was threatening him, and reluctantly took out the map from his arms and handed it to her.
"Can I come with you?"
"cannot."
He expected a rejection.
"Atang, you must be careful and don't act stubbornly. Dalizhou is not under my control."
Ye Chutang accepted the map and promised: "No one's life is more important than my own, including you."
Qi Yanzhou looked at Ye Chutang who was serious, and said with a smile: "It's best if you can think so. You must do what you say!"
"Don't worry, I will do it."
The sky soon darkened and the gorgeous lake surface turned dark.
The officers stationed by the lake began to disperse the crowd who were watching the view.
Just as Qi Yanzhou and Ye Chutang were about to turn around and go back to the city, they heard a splash and someone fell into the water.
Falling into the holy lake and polluting the holy water is an unforgivable sin for the people of Dari State.
The scene suddenly became chaotic.
The pushing and shoving caused more people to fall into the lake.
Ye Chutang sensed danger behind him and quickly turned around to avoid it.
The next moment, a cloud of medicinal powder floated towards him.
Qi Yanzhou immediately held her in his arms and used his back to block the incoming medicine powder.
Ye Chutang inhaled a little bit before holding his breath.
She immediately smelled the powder that contained the abortion drug.
Ye Siyin!
These three words immediately came to my mind.
But she didn't find Ye Siyin, so she thought she might have bribed someone.
After Qi Yanzhou confirmed that there was no danger, he immediately asked worriedly, "Atang, are you okay?"
His intuition told him that the powder was not simple and was targeted at her!
Ye Chutang shook his head, "I'm fine, let's go."
She only inhaled a small amount and it won't have any effect on the child.
In the end, the two men failed to leave and were stopped by soldiers guarding the holy lake.
PS: I have the flu, I feel groggy, the update is unstable, sorry
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