Chapter 41 I can kill the king now, I want to try...
The Kowloon Royal Carriage reached Suzaku Street but suddenly stopped.
Inside the elevator, Wen Xing was still sleeping soundly in Ning Wujie's arms.
He was too tired from tossing and turning last night and had not yet recovered his strength. The car was shaking, and the embrace of Ning Wujie, the little sun, was incredibly warm, so he slept soundly on the road for most of the day.
Ning Wujie lifted the car curtain and asked, "Why did you stop?"
A guard in front of the imperial carriage reported, "Your Majesty, we just passed the Imperial Observatory's office. Two of the Imperial Observatory's chief clerks stopped us on the road. They said they wanted to sue their chief official and requested Your Majesty's decision."
Ning Wujie lowered his eyes to glance at the person in his arms, frowning. "Your Majesty is tired. Go tell them that obstructing the Holy Riding is a capital offense."
Suddenly, the person in his arms murmured in a dreamlike voice, "Ning Wujie, where are you?"
Ning Wujie lowered his head, slightly tightened his arms around him, and whispered, "Your Majesty, we've arrived at Suzaku Street."
Wen Xing's drooping eyelashes trembled slightly and slowly lifted up.
"Hmm...help me up."
Ning Wujie frowned slightly. This foolish emperor always tried to avoid trouble whenever possible. What happened today?
He advised, "Your Majesty, these are just two chief clerks from the Imperial Observatory. If they have grievances, they can submit petitions. If Your Majesty is concerned, I will personally accept their petitions."
Wen Xing shook his head and said to the guards outside, "Hold the imperial carriage and tell the imperial guards that if there are any onlookers, they are not to drive them away. Just maintain order."
Ning Wujie had a premonition that this foolish monarch might have arranged something, but he was completely unaware of it.
He inexplicably felt an out-of-control irritation in his heart.
It was obvious that all the court affairs had been in his hands all along, and Wen Xing had never cared about them. But now, he didn't even know what Wen Xing was going to do.
When did the other party arrange all this without him knowing?
But he still suppressed his emotions, helped Wen Xing up, and supported him out of the imperial carriage.
At this time, the streets were cleared and the onlookers were stopped on both sides of the road by the guards.
Outside the Imperial Observatory's office, two officials in green robes were kneeling in front of the imperial carriage.
When one of them saw him appear, they both shouted in unison, "Your Majesty! I, Zhang Yan/Xue Yun, the newly appointed Chief Clerk of the Imperial Observatory, risk my life to sue the Chief Clerk Yang Xuangan and his Deputy Clerks Zhou Wenbin and Li Mao for deceiving the emperor, misinterpreting celestial phenomena, and defiling the Holy Name!"
Hearing this, Ning Wujie's pupils trembled, and he suddenly understood what Wen Xing was going to do.
Use the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to refute the Imperial Astronomical Observatory?
That's brilliant, why hadn't he thought of that?
He remembered the names of these two people. They were both second-class Jinshi who passed the imperial examination this year.
However, Ning Wujie was still puzzled. Could a newly promoted Jinshi, with no foundation or prestige, refute the long-serving Director of the Imperial Observatory?
Wen Xing looked at the two kneeling men, his lips raised slightly, and he ordered a chair to be brought. He sat down in front of the imperial carriage and said loudly, "I have accepted your petition. Speak!"
At this moment, three red-robed officials hurried over, lifting their robes and kneeling before the imperial sedan chair. The chief official, Yang Xuangan, said urgently, "Your Majesty! These two have only been at the Imperial Observatory for only two weeks. They're not even familiar with the affairs of the Observatory. How can they falsely accuse us?!"
Wen Xing raised his hand to stop them, "Let them talk. You'll have time to defend yourself."
Zhang Yan, having received the imperial order, calmed down, composed his tone, and said righteously, "Your Majesty, please allow me to report this. Seven days ago, a comet pointed towards the Purple Palace. If it continues on this trajectory, it will definitely hit the Purple Palace in seven days."
"If we only take this image as our basis, it would be an image of a ruler whose virtue is deficient and whose treacherous and corrupt officials are overwhelming the sun."
Hearing this, the three red-robed officials looked at each other and their brows suddenly relaxed.
But Zhang Yan suddenly changed the subject, "However, the celestial phenomena are not static. This comet first appeared half a month ago, attacking the 'Tiangui' star, a sign of the dominance of yin and the decline of yang, and a collision with the emperor star. It has been moving away for several days since then, and last night it left the 'Purple Palace' and entered the 'Tianshi Palace'. This is a sign of 'comet attacking Liesi', indicating that the harem is interfering in government affairs and the mother's virtue is failing!"
"Half a month ago, a comet collided with Tiangui, forcing the Mistress to avoid the Holy Emperor and stay to the west, otherwise it would harm the country's destiny. Yet, you deliberately concealed this and did not report it. What is your intention?"
The onlookers were confused and whispered to each other, and the discussion surged like a tide.
"What's that talking about? There are too many flowery words. I don't understand."
Someone knowledgeable in poetry and literature helped explain, "That's right, the comet appeared half a month ago, and it wasn't meant for Your Majesty, but for the Empress Dowager. They said the Empress Dowager was meddling in government affairs, and that Heaven was punishing her!"
"Half a month ago? I heard that His Majesty placed the Empress Dowager under house arrest in Tangquan Palace half a month ago, right?"
"So Your Majesty is not placing the Empress Dowager under house arrest, but because she has violated a taboo?"
"Then Tangquan Palace is to the west of the Imperial City, right? Now it all makes sense!"
"But isn't it said that the Huainan flood was a punishment from Heaven for Your Majesty? The other day I saw some victims rioting at the city gate, saying the damn Emperor wouldn't let them live! That's strange, you know? Why are they cursing at the Emperor like that, and why don't the city defense camps do anything and just let them do it?"
Someone showed an expression of knowing everything, snorted softly, and thought: Why? Isn't it because the Queen Mother wants to compete with His Majesty?
At this time, some disaster victims mingled with the common people, angrily shouting, "We've all been deceived by the Imperial Observatory! They're telling lies and slandering Your Majesty! Your Majesty has treated us so well, providing us with good food and clothing, and saving our lives. If Your Majesty hadn't taken us in and given us travel permits, we wouldn't be able to enter the city even now!"
Someone pondered for a moment, then pointed out, "The Huainan flood happened more than half a year ago, didn't it? How can it be connected to today's star patterns?"
When these words were spoken, many people who understood the truth were enlightened.
Isn't it obvious who is trying to make this connection?
At this moment, Yang Xuangan's face changed, and he quickly refuted, "Nonsense! We observe the stars every day, how could the comet's trajectory be deviated?! You have been imprisoned for only half a month, and you have barely grasped the basics of astrology, yet you dare to spread lies and mislead the public in front of the emperor, slander your superiors, and defame the Empress Dowager's reputation! What crime should be punished?"
Xue Yun immediately retorted calmly, "The comet's shifting trajectory is clear. How can we just fabricate it?"
"Sir, don't forget that besides the Imperial Astronomical Observatory, there are many people in this world who can observe the stars. Can we hide this from everyone in the world?"
"To please His Majesty, you concealed the changes in the celestial phenomena and falsely accused Your Majesty of immorality. What is your intention?!"
"Enough!" Wen Xing said in a deep voice to stop the quarrel.
"The comet's trajectory is recorded not only by the Imperial Observatory but also by the general public. There's no need to argue." He glanced at Yang Xuangan as he spoke. "The Imperial Observatory might have been careless at the moment, but it's impossible for all sorcerers in the world to be wrong, right?"
Yang Xuangan quickly realized what was happening, grasping the key words and flatteringly saying, "Your Majesty is wise! We were simply careless for a moment and hadn't had time to check the astrological trajectory."
However, he changed his tone and said seriously, "But the comet's trajectory is changing a lot this time. We need to study and discern its specific omen. The Queen Mother is the mother of a country, so we must not jump to conclusions."
Zhang Yan snorted coldly, "One cannot make rash conclusions about the Empress Dowager's horoscope, but can one fabricate slander against His Majesty at will?!"
Without waiting for Yang Xuangan to retort, he launched into a barrage of angry accusations: "You, the Supervisor, can excuse your inattention to the comet's trajectory changes, but did you also predict today's solar eclipse?"
"It is because you concealed the will of Heaven, causing the 'Mistress' to repeatedly offend the Holy Throne. This has infuriated Heaven, and Heaven will bring down divine punishment at the eleventh hour today!"
Yang Xuangan's expression changed instantly. He turned around to look at his two adjutants. Both of them shook their heads in surprise, indicating that they had no idea about the solar eclipse.
He immediately calmed down and snorted disdainfully, "What nonsense! The Imperial Astronomical Observatory has calculated the date of the solar eclipse and it has never been wrong. How can there be a solar eclipse today? This is nonsense!"
"Whether this is absurd or not, we'll know in a moment." Xue Yun's expression was much calmer, and he sarcastically said, "I'm afraid that you gentlemen have repeatedly misinterpreted the will of heaven. Heaven has rejected your wisdom, and you may no longer be able to accurately predict celestial phenomena. Who knows?"
"You're talking nonsense!"
However, before Yang Xuangan finished speaking, someone among the onlookers suddenly exclaimed, "Hey...why is it getting dark?!"
Everyone subconsciously looked up—
I saw that the scorching sun that was originally hanging high in the sky had a dark gap on its edge.
The gap was expanding at a speed visible to the naked eye, and the sky was rapidly darkening, as if it was being swallowed by an invisible giant beast.
In just a cup of tea, the daylight suddenly became as dark as dusk, the temperature dropped sharply, and a cold wind blew.
"A solar eclipse! It really is a solar eclipse!"
"God is angry! Get down on your knees!"
"Mom! I'm scared!"
"It really is... a divine punishment!"
Panic spread among the crowd like a plague, and screams, cries, and kneeling prayers filled the air.
The sky was shrouded in a strange darkness, with only a circle of dazzling white light at the edge of the sun, like a devil's eye overlooking the world.
In this doomsday-like scene, with everyone's expressions filled with doubt, fear, or panic, Wen Xing looked up at the sky with a calm expression, staring at the "devil's eye" without any hesitation, with a faint smile at the corner of his lips.
When Ning Wujie saw this scene, his pupils trembled and he subconsciously stepped forward to protect Wen Xing.
But when he saw the other party's confident expression, he stopped and his heart was filled with emotions.
Everything was planned by this foolish emperor.
Why can the other party control the time of the solar eclipse to exact accuracy?
It is clear that even the Imperial Astronomical Observatory did not predict it.
Could it be that this foolish monarch had already anticipated what would happen today when he heard Fang Bingyuan's report yesterday, and had already arranged everything?
At that time, I had to ask him and the Grand Tutor for their opinions.
Now it seems that it was just a teasing to him.
He had been anxiously trying to come up with a solution these past two days, but it turned out that this foolish emperor didn't need it at all, and didn't even reveal any of the arrangements to him.
While hiding it from him, he also teased him.
He couldn't help but clench his fists secretly.
What am I in your eyes?!
Wen Xing swept his calm gaze over Yang Xuangan and the two adjutants beside him, and saw that the three of them looked ashen.
His eyes twitched slightly, and he put on an expression of exhaustion and heartache. "Half a month ago, I already knew about the comet colliding with 'Tiangui', and I was well aware of the implications of this phenomenon, which concerns the reputation of my mother."
"As a son, how could I bear to expose my mother to the universal condemnation? Therefore, I have remained silent and advised my mother to rest in Tangquan Palace temporarily, hoping to appease the wrath of heaven and preserve her reputation."
He closed his eyes slightly, as if trying to suppress his emotions. "I never thought that my painstaking efforts would become a reason for others to slander me."
"If it weren't for the two loyal men who risked their lives to advise me today, if it weren't for the mercy of Heaven, who sent down this 'Sun Eclipse' phenomenon to warn the world with its magnificent divine power, I... would still be bearing the stigma of 'immorality', watching helplessly as treacherous people used the celestial phenomenon to disrupt the government."
He looked up to the heavens, his expression pious and earnest, as if he were speaking to a deity: "I acknowledge my mistakes. I only pray that Heaven will have mercy and understand my deep love for my mother. I beg you to withdraw the divine punishment and restore peace to my people. I will remember your teachings and restore order!"
As soon as the words fell, it was as if an oracle responded—
At the edge of the sun, resembling a demon's eye, a blinding white light suddenly blazed brighter. Darkness receded like a tide, the engulfed sunlight breaking free. A thousand-foot golden light pierced the sky, tearing apart the gloom that enveloped the earth.
The people were so shocked when they saw this miraculous scene that many of them knelt on the ground involuntarily and worshiped the sky that was shining again.
"It's dawn! The sun is out!"
"This is...His Majesty's words have moved the heavens, right?!"
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"Long live His Majesty!"
The mountains roared one after another, resounding through the sky.
Some victims were so moved that they burst into tears: "That's what I said! Our Majesty is so kind-hearted! Even after being slandered like this, he still cares about the reputation of the Empress Dowager."
"Your Majesty has endured for so long. It's really not easy..."
"The Imperial Observatory is a piece of crap!"
The ironclad facts had crushed all of Yang Xuangan's excuses. He knew he had nothing to say. An official in charge of the Imperial Astronomical Observatory who couldn't even predict a solar eclipse had lost all authority.
His two adjutants also sat on the ground in a daze, still with expressions of disbelief.
Why?
Historically, the Imperial Astronomical Observatory's predictions of solar eclipses have always been accurate within a few quarters of an hour, with almost no missed predictions.
Why were they completely unaware of today's solar eclipse?!
How could they justify their claims? Would all their previous astronomical predictions be overturned?
After all, even a major divine punishment like a solar eclipse cannot be predicted, let alone other things!
Wen Xing glanced coldly at the three of them and made a decision: "Since I have received a warning from Heaven, I must not let those with ulterior motives go lightly."
"The Imperial Observatory's Director, Yang Xuangan, and his Deputy Directors, Zhou Wenbin and Li Mao, have misinterpreted astronomical phenomena and framed the emperor and his father. Their intentions are deserving of death. They are to be immediately dismissed and investigated. The Imperial Observatory's Chief Clerk, Zhang Yan and Xue Yun, are loyal, outspoken, and able to discern the mysteries of the heavens. They have been promoted to Deputy Directors on the Left and Right, temporarily in charge of the Observatory's affairs."
"We obey your order! Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace!" Zhang Yan and Xue Yun bowed their heads in gratitude.
Yang Xuangan's legs went weak and he fell to his knees.
It's all over now!
I’m afraid the Queen will take his life!
Wen Xing looked back at Ning Wujie, his expression changed, and he became sad again. He stretched out his arms and said, "Carry me back. I'm so tired."
Acting is too tiring.
Ning Wujie couldn't help but twitch his forehead when he saw him speaking righteously and compassionately one moment, and then with a dejected look on his face as if he had lost all hope in life.
I felt angry and helpless.
never mind.
He bent down, picked up the person, and returned to the sedan chair.
The Kowloon-dragon palanquin started its journey, slowly passing through the broad Suzaku Street and entering the palace.
*
Funing Palace.
Ning Wujie carried the person back to the bedroom in silence all the way.
Wen Xing watched Ning Wujie undress him expressionlessly, put him back on the couch expressionlessly, and then take off his shoes and socks expressionlessly.
Every movement was crisp and smooth, with just the right amount of strength, but Wen Xing could sense that the boy was angry.
Wen Xing raised an eyebrow, "What's wrong with you?"
Why are you always angry?
Young people are hot-tempered?
"Nothing." Ning Wujie's voice was cold and indifferent. As he spoke, he lifted up Wen Xing's ankles, which had taken off their shoes and socks, and put them on the bed.
"Your Majesty is tired, please rest."
As he said this, he turned to leave, but Wen Xing grabbed his wrist.
Ning Wujie turned around, only to be met with Wen Xing's inquiring gaze.
"Why are you angry this time?"
Ning Wujie lowered his eyes, "I don't have any."
"Heh." Wen Xing sneered, and suddenly his eyes turned cold. He flicked his wrist and said, "Then get out."
His temper has gotten worse and he won't be indulged.
Ning Wujie was slightly startled by his arm swing, then he slowly clenched his fist and stared at him coldly.
The boy's breathing gradually became heavier, and a thin layer of red appeared visibly in his eye sockets. His beautiful eyes were misted by the heat, as if there were thousands of anger and grievances stored in them.
Wen Xing had no doubt that if he was any more aggressive, the other party would cry.
What's going on?
The boy stared at him for a long time, then turned and left without saying a word.
Wen Xing held his forehead: "Come back."
Ning Wujie stopped walking but didn't turn around. "Your Majesty, do you want me to stay or leave?"
Wen Xing suddenly imagined the helplessness of parents of adolescent children.
He's so awkward, he refuses to listen and doesn't listen.
There's no way to ignore it.
Tsk.
"Come back." Wen Xing sighed, "Tell me how I recruited you again?"
He thought about it and felt that this time, there seemed to be something wrong with this kid since he came back from Suzaku Street.
Then he seemed to suddenly understand.
"Are you blaming me for not telling you about today's arrangements in advance?"
"How dare I?"
Although his tone was cold and hard, after saying this, Ning Wujie lowered his eyes, turned around and walked over.
Wen Xing looked at him with amusement, "Then tell me, besides asking for my help, have you ever told me about your arrangements?"
Ning Wujie was slightly stunned.
"Have I ever asked you?"
Ning Wujie turned his eyes away and didn't look at him.
How can they be the same?
You are His Majesty.
You can do anything without me, and you can even find someone to replace me at any time.
What about me?
You are all I have.
Wen Xing found that his advice seemed to have no effect at all, and the boy's eyes became even redder.
He rubbed his forehead.
Although he really liked seeing Ning Wujie cry.
but......
Now he suddenly didn't want to think about it anymore.
He sighed, found a comfortable position and lay on the cushion on his side, hooking his finger at Ning Wujie, "Come here."
The young man stepped forward as he was told.
He gestured for everyone to sit down, then said with a half-smile, "The reason I didn't tell you is because you wouldn't believe it even if I told you."
Ning Wujie looked at him in confusion, "Why?"
Wen Xing thought, is he going to say that he has a system that can look up historical records of astronomical phenomena, including this solar eclipse that no one predicted?
So he just squinted his eyes and said, "Because I can tell fortunes."
Ning Wujie's face turned cold, and he thought he was teasing him again.
"You don't believe it?"
"Today, I accurately predicted a solar eclipse that even the Imperial Astronomical Observatory failed to anticipate."
Even the duration is controlled to perfection.
"I can even predict your fate. Do you want to hear it?"
Although he guessed that this tyrant was probably going to tease him again, Ning Wujie still couldn't help but prick up his ears.
Then the tyrant king came closer, put his lips to his ear and said, "In the future, you will kill the king."
Ning Wujie's eyes suddenly turned cold, and he suddenly rolled over and knocked the man down.
Anger burned in his eyes. He stared at Wen Xing intently for a long moment, then suddenly sneered and said hoarsely, "Your Majesty, I can kill the king right now. Do you want to try?"
As soon as he finished speaking, a rather aggressive kiss sealed Wen Xing's lips.
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The author has something to say: I haven’t sent out red envelopes for a long time. Please send 100 red envelopes in the comment section to let me know that you are still alive.
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