The Splendid Brocade of the Painting Physician – Chapter 162

Chapter 162: Praying for Rain at the Bronze Sparrow Terrace

The person behind the screen did not speak, but a chilling aura emanated from there. Zheng Fourteenth Young Master shuddered and hastily knelt, bowing his head. “Please enlighten me, Young Lady. Has Zheng somehow offended you?”

“This February, did you rob a young lady of her wealth and property in Luoyang?”

Finally, someone spoke, but it was not a woman’s voice. Instead, it was an exceptionally pleasant male voice.

The voice did not come from behind the screen, but from within the private room.

He glanced around but could not find the speaker. His fear intensified, and he hurriedly replied, “Yes, Zheng did do such a thing. However, later, my Zheng family returned the stolen wealth, property, and the deeds of those personal troops to her. Zheng did not take a single bit of her private property!”

“Why did you do such a thing? Who instructed you?” the man asked again.

“No one instructed me! I simply saw that the young lady was extremely beautiful, and for a moment, lust arose in my heart. I committed a mistake that all men would make…”

Zheng Fourteenth Young Master spoke righteously and even muttered, “If you saw that young lady’s appearance, you would definitely…”

Before he could finish his sentence, Lu Yu, who had his face covered, landed a heavy punch on him, causing his nose to bleed profusely.

“Tell the truth, or else your hands and feet will be chopped off and fed to the dogs!”

Zheng Fourteenth Young Master clutched his nose and wailed, “I am a son of the Yingyang Zheng Clan. Are you not afraid of offending the entire Zheng family by killing me?”

“Bah, you are just a concubine-born son of the Zheng family. Would the Zheng family offend the imperial clan for your sake?”

Upon hearing the words “imperial clan,” Zheng Fourteenth Young Master’s expression froze, and he immediately became afraid.

“Alright, I’ll tell you! Zheng would never dare to offend the imperial clan. That day, when I robbed that young lady, besides coveting her beauty, I did make a deal with someone. That person said that as long as I took everything from this young lady, killed her, and handed over her belongings to him, he would secure an official position for me in the capital city of Yecheng!”

“Who was that person?”

Zheng Fourteenth Young Master struggled and hesitated for a long time. Under Lu Yu’s shout, he finally answered, “Mu Tipo!”

This answer brought silence to the private room, as if a wave of anger had swept through it.

“What did you want to obtain from her?” the man asked again, his voice becoming extremely cold and low, as if a chill had entered the room.

Zheng Fourteenth Young Master shook his head repeatedly. “I don’t know that. However, there was also a handsome Xianbei boy with that young lady. His identity must be extraordinary too. And she had property and personal troops in Luoyang, so she must be someone of significance… Oh, she is indeed significant! Wasn’t there a rumor recently that she made a bet with Lady Lu and is going to pray for rain?

That’s right, she is the Southern Dynasty woman who recently came from the Southern Dynasty and married the Prince of Lanling, the Princess Consort of Lanling!”

Lu Yu turned his gaze to the other side of the private room. Although he couldn’t hear anything, he could sense the suppressed anger within the Prince. He immediately gave Zheng Fourteenth Young Master a severe beating until he fainted. Only then did Lu Yu stop and call in two guards to drag him away.

At this moment, the Prince of Lanling walked out from the other side of the private room. A’xiu, who was behind the screen, also immediately emerged and softly called out, “Prince—”

The Prince of Lanling’s face was extremely grim, and a deep hatred seemed to surge within his shimmering eyes.

As if he had made up his mind, he clenched his fists tightly.

“Prince, what should we do next?”

Lu Yu could sense his deep sadness and displeasure.

“We cannot sit idly by and wait for death. With Lady Lu’s character, she will definitely make another move against A’yu. I will never allow her to harm A’yu in any way!”

“As for that Zheng Yue, don’t let her enter the Prince of Lanling’s Residence anymore. Don’t let her near A’yu!”

As he spoke, a cold and murderous aura flashed in the Prince of Lanling’s eyes!

Lu Yu hadn’t seen this expression in his eyes for a long time, except on the battlefield.

“Yes!”

✿✿✿

After returning to the Prince of Lanling’s Residence, Gao Changgong quickly walked to the bedroom and saw that Xiao Jinyu had already woken up and was sitting by the dressing table.

“Changgong, where did you go?”

Seeing him return, Xiao Jinyu stood up and asked.

Gao Changgong suddenly felt his eyes welling up. He strode over, pulled her tightly into his arms, and gently rubbed his cheek against her smooth forehead.

The touch of soft and smooth skin instantly sparked a sense of intimacy. Xiao Jinyu also kissed his cheek, her lips lightly brushing his like a dragonfly skimming the water, then landing on his lips, playfully and passionately.

Desire ignited like a wildfire, their robes falling away, their emotions intertwined like silk threads. Unspoken tenderness and care were hidden within their endless embrace.

“Changgong, treating illnesses does consume some of my energy and makes me tired and sleepy, but my health is not bad. I don’t have any incurable diseases, so don’t worry.”

“I am a divine physician, and I know my own body best.”

“So, don’t always be afraid of losing me. My life is very tough! I even survived falling off a cliff!”

Hearing her mention falling off a cliff, Gao Changgong’s heart ached even more. He hugged her tightly again. At this moment, both of them were unclothed, and the delicate and smooth touch felt like an electric current running through their bodies, a feather landing on the tip of his heart.

He experienced what it truly meant to hold a warm and fragrant jade in his arms. Even on a scorching summer day, the person in his arms felt as cool and refreshing as a beautiful jade.

He thought, his A’yu was so beautiful and so good. He would protect her for a lifetime, even if it meant giving up everything.

Even if it meant going against the Emperor, he would not hesitate!

✿✿✿

At a quarter past noon, A’xiu came to report that Zheng Yue was visiting again. Before Xiao Jinyu could respond, Gao Changgong flatly refused.

Hearing that Gao Changgong didn’t want to see her, Zheng Yue felt as if her heart had been pierced. With tears in her eyes, she ran to the tavern where she had once sought a marriage blessing.

After listening to Zheng Yue’s tearful complaints, Mu Tipo relayed everything to Lu Lingxuan.

“I never thought that the Prince of Lanling would be so heartless. Zheng Yue grew up with him, and he showed no mercy at all, not even letting her enter the Prince of Lanling’s Residence!”

“It seems that Zheng Yue has aroused their suspicion, so Gao Changgong didn’t let her in. He’s afraid that Zheng Yue might harm his precious Princess Consort, right?”

“Mother, that day when Zheng Yue entered the residence with Gao Yanzong, she did mention the time of the rain. She said it would be at a quarter past three in the afternoon three days later, which is tomorrow. I wonder if it’s true?”

Lu Lingxuan smiled.

“Since they are already suspicious, how can we take her words seriously? I’m afraid she’s trying to mislead us through Zheng Yue!”

“Then what should we do? If we can’t even place Zheng Yue inside, then our people really can’t get into the Prince of Lanling’s Residence!”

Lu Lingxuan’s eyes narrowed slightly, and after pondering for a moment, she suddenly let out a sinister laugh.

“Then let’s make good use of Zheng Yue as a pawn! Let her test the truth!”

✿✿✿

The three-day period for praying for rain had arrived. On this day, led by Emperor Gao Zhan, all civil and military officials gathered at the foot of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace. Countless nobles and their children from Yecheng also came to watch the spectacle.

The Bronze Sparrow Terrace faced the Luo River, with the Zhang River behind it, overlooking the Central Plains. Its flying eaves and interconnected pavilions naturally exuded an air of royal grandeur.

It was originally the place where Cao Cao held grand banquets for his officials, where heroes gathered and warriors competed.

At this time, Gao Zhan also ordered a grand feast to be prepared. While enjoying the songs and dances, he had his officials compose poems to add to the festivities.

Of course, the highlight of the day was the praying for rain!

✿✿✿

Regardless of whether the Princess Consort of Lanling could summon the rain, the fact that she was betting her life on it was enough to attract many people to come and watch the excitement!

Even Empress Dowager Lou, who had just recovered from her illness, insisted on coming to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace to witness the praying for rain.

“I heard that it was the Southern Dynasty woman brought back by Changgong who cured my illness?”

“Yes, Empress Dowager. His Majesty was already planning to have the Ministry of Rites prepare for your funeral. It was the Prince of Lanling who insisted on bringing his Princess Consort to treat you. Moreover, after the Princess Consort cured you, she herself fell into a deep sleep due to exhaustion.” Nurse Wu reported.

Empress Dowager Lou pondered for a moment, her expression somewhat complicated. Throughout her life, due to the mysterious assassination of her eldest son, she had lost trust in many people around her, resulting in strained relationships with her sons. Moreover, because she wanted to preserve the power of the Xianbei Lou Clan, none of her sons, Gao Yang, Gao Yan, or even Gao Zhan, liked her. Gao Yang and Gao Yan could still feign filial piety while opposing her, but this ninth son, Gao Zhan, didn’t even bother to pretend.

Empress Dowager Lou felt a pang of sadness in her heart and sighed. “Changgong, this grandson of mine, is indeed more filial than my own sons. However, what’s the story with this Southern Dynasty woman he married? Why is she betting her life on praying for rain?”

“I heard it’s a bet with Lady Lu, and the stake is for the Emperor to grant her an official position and allow her to be with the Prince of Lanling for a lifetime!”

“This is absurd! As a woman, isn’t being the Princess Consort of Lanling good enough? Why does she want to be an official?”

“Empress Dowager, she has stated that she wants the position of Director of Astronomy!”

The Director of Astronomy was in charge of astronomy and the calendar, a mere sixth-rank official position. Usually, they only needed to pay attention to changes in celestial phenomena. However, without profound knowledge, one couldn’t hold this position. Why did she want to be the Director of Astronomy?

Empress Dowager Lou, filled with confusion and curiosity, arrived at the Bronze Sparrow Terrace. Today, she wanted to see for herself what kind of woman Changgong had married.

Before the rain-praying ceremony, a purification ritual had to be performed. Xiao Jinyu, attended by a group of palace maids, bathed and changed into a white robe specifically for the rain-praying ceremony. Her black hair hung loose, unadorned, except for the veil still covering her face.

Before heading to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, Gao Changgong was still worried and repeatedly reminded her to be careful.

The Bronze Sparrow Terrace was surrounded by imperial guards, but to ensure Xiao Jinyu’s safety, he had Ling Ye, Fenghuang, and several of his personal guards stationed at various key points to prevent any enemy attacks.

At a quarter past three, all the officials were present, and the hundred pavilions were bustling with noise. Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Xiao Jinyu ascended the steps, one by one, and reached the center of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace.

The eyes of the officials lit up, impressed by the Princess Consort of Lanling’s composure and dignified aura.

When Empress Dowager Lou’s gaze fell upon Xiao Jinyu, she couldn’t help but sigh and nod. She then asked the old woman beside her, “Why is she covering her face with a veil?”

“I heard that on their way back to Yecheng with the Prince of Lanling, they were attacked by assassins, and half of her face was disfigured!”

“Is that so?”

As the music of zheng, se, sheng, yu, and other instruments played in harmony, several dancers gracefully performed the white silk dance.

Gao Zhan and his officials began toasting and drinking, and as the atmosphere reached its peak, Lu Lingxuan suddenly stepped forward, approached the Emperor, and loudly declared, “Your Majesty, I also want to pray for rain today!”

Her request brought the entire scene to a halt.

Gao Changgong’s expression also became puzzled and tense.

Gao Zhan narrowed his eyes and said, “What did you say? The Princess Consort of Lanling has already chosen today to pray for rain. Why are you joining in?”

“Your Majesty, whether she can summon the rain is her business, and whether I can summon the rain is my business. Since she wants to bet with me, I cannot show weakness!”

“I also want to make a bet with the Princess Consort of Lanling. Let’s bet on what time, what moment, the rain will fall!”

“I will write down the exact time on a piece of paper and present it to Your Majesty!”

“May the Princess Consort of Lanling also write down the precise time of the rain on a piece of paper and present it to Your Majesty!”

“Whoever writes down the more accurate time wins!”

After saying this, Lu Lingxuan looked at Xiao Jinyu, who was standing gracefully in her white robe on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, with a slightly provocative gaze.

“This Lady Lu is truly shameless. The Princess Consort of Lanling wants to pray for rain, and she wants to pray for rain too. Isn’t this stealing the Princess Consort’s credit?”

“Exactly, she’s not as skilled as others and still wants to scheme against them!”

Li Mi and Cui Heng, hidden in the crowd, shouted loudly.

Lu Lingxuan’s face darkened slightly, and her gaze swept over He Shikai and Han Changluan, who were seated at the banquet.

At this moment, another voice from the crowd said, “Lady Lu is the divine woman of our Qi. Three years ago, she already prayed for rain for our Qi. Who dares to say she’s not skilled? Moreover, praying for rain requires the approval of Heaven, and it needs sincere prayers!”

“Exactly, whether this Princess Consort of Lanling can summon the rain is still unknown!”

“I doubt she can. Look, the sun is still shining brightly. It doesn’t look like it’s going to rain at all!”

“That’s true! The scorching sun is unbearable. With all the officials and nobles gathered here, I’m afraid today’s rain-praying ceremony will become a laughingstock!”

“Being a laughingstock is one thing, but I’m afraid it will also become the funeral ceremony for this Princess Consort of Lanling. However, with His Majesty and so many court officials present, even if she dies, she will die a glorious death, worthy of being recorded in the history books!”

“So, this Princess Consort of Lanling is quite clever. She wants to die a spectacular death that will shock the world. However, it’s a shame if she really dies like this!”

Amidst the discussions of the crowd, Fenghuang’s face was also worried and grim. His gaze was fixed on the person standing on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, trying his best to discern the surrounding voices with his keen hearing.

Xiao Jinyu met Lu Lingxuan’s provocative gaze, raised her head, and smiled. “Alright! Then let’s have a good bet with Lady Lu!”

Because it was a bet, led by Zu Ting, a group of officials even started placing bets!

The scene became extremely lively for a while. It was only after Empress Dowager Lou’s stern reprimand that the shouting and betting gradually subsided.

With a drumbeat, the rain-praying ceremony began. Xiao Jinyu ascended the steps to the highest point of the ten-zhang Bronze Sparrow Terrace and offered her prayers to Heaven with a pious ritual!

At the same time, a guard had her write down a note and presented it to the Emperor.

Lu Lingxuan did the same!

After Gao Zhan received the two notes, his expression changed slightly, and he looked at the white-robed woman standing at the highest point of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace.

At this moment, Xiao Jinyu simply said, “Two or three bolts of lightning, yet no rain. Six or seven stars faintly appear above the clouds.”

Almost as soon as she finished speaking, the sky, which had been bathed in sunshine, actually began to darken with clouds. Suddenly, with a loud “boom,” two bolts of lightning, like cracks in the sky, flashed across the horizon.

A cool breeze swept in, instantly dispelling the summer heat on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace.

“I whip up the sleeping dragon and ride it forth, brandishing my spear and challenging the Five Thunder Gods.”

Xiao Jinyu recited another line, and immediately another “boom” sounded. Several bolts of lightning illuminated the cloud-filled sky, and large raindrops began to fall at this moment!

At this very moment, it was a quarter past three!

Gao Zhan’s expression changed drastically. He looked at the two notes in his hand. One of them read: “A quarter past three, rain falls!”

Signed: Xiao Jinyu!

And the other note read: “Rain will definitely not fall at a quarter past three!”

Signed: Lu Lingxuan!

Gao Yanzong looked at the sudden downpour and cheered ecstatically. “It really rained at a quarter past three! Fourth Sister-in-law is so accurate!”

“Fourth Sister-in-law, you are much more amazing than Lady Lu and those astronomical officials!”

“It’s raining, it’s really raining! We don’t have to worry about the autumn harvest this year!”

In the public fields outside the various wards of Yecheng, the farmers who were cultivating the land raised their arms to welcome this heavy rain and cheered!

Lu Lingxuan was also stunned and couldn’t help but bite her lip. She glared at Xiao Jinyu, who was still standing at the highest point of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace, bathed in the wind. Her gaze then turned sharp.

At this moment, an arrow pierced through the air, flying straight towards Xiao Jinyu!

“Qing Gege, be careful—”

“A’yu, quickly dodge back—”

Almost simultaneously, Fenghuang and the Prince of Lanling shouted urgently!