The Splendid Brocade of the Painting Physician – Chapter 164

Chapter 164: On the Way of Heaven, Questioning the Treacherous

“You just said that even if the rain falls, it doesn’t necessarily mean that I, Xiao Jinyu, prayed for it. What you actually want to say is that everyone on this Bronze Sparrow Terrace today could pray for this rain, but it absolutely cannot be me, Xiao Jinyu, right?”

Xiao Jinyu suddenly asked sharply.

Lu Lingxuan still looked at her with a faint smile.

She heard her change the subject again: “That’s right, the heavenly rain is by no means due to my, Xiao Jinyu’s, efforts in praying for rain. This rain is not something I alone could pray for, but it is also not something you, Lady Lu, or everyone here could pray for!

Since Lady Lu says that the rain is decreed by heaven, then I, Xiao Jinyu, will discuss this Way of Heaven with you today!”

These words immediately caused an uproar on the Bronze Sparrow Terrace!

A trace of shock and disbelief finally appeared in Lu Lingxuan’s eyes, and she actually asked, “You want to discuss the Way of Heaven with me?”

“Yes!”

As Xiao Jinyu spoke, she had already walked forward, facing the Emperor and the civil and military officials, and said solemnly:

“Today, I will discuss with all of you and the people of Yecheng why the rain falls?”

“Changes in celestial phenomena such as wind, rain, thunder, lightning, solar eclipses, and lunar eclipses inherently follow the laws of nature. Laozi also once said: ‘Man follows Earth, Earth follows Heaven, Heaven follows the Dao, and the Dao follows nature.’

The myriad things in the world, constantly transforming and omnipresent, the eight wildernesses and six directions, return to their origin, and then make all things return to the Dao, this is nature!”

“When rain and snow will fall, when solar and lunar eclipses will occur, all these natural laws can be calculated!”

Saying this, Xiao Jinyu turned to Lu Lingxuan and asked in a mocking tone: “Lady Lu, attributing this kind of natural law to your own merit and thereby deceiving the Emperor and the people of the world, isn’t that blaspheming the Way of Heaven?”

Lu Lingxuan’s expression suddenly changed, and her face, which was always calm and accustomed to wearing a fake smile, turned pale at this moment.

At this time, the officials erupted in an uproar, and Gao Zhan stood up in disbelief!

“What does she mean by that? She actually said that Lady Lu is deceiving the Emperor and the people?”

Amidst the questioning voices, Li Mi also stepped forward, bowed deeply to the Emperor from afar, and said with a hint of mockery in his voice:

“Haven’t you all heard clearly yet? Princess Consort of Lanling said that changes in celestial phenomena such as wind, rain, thunder, lightning, solar eclipses, and lunar eclipses can all be calculated, and it’s not something that can be obtained by praying to heaven. This is the law of nature, and Lady Lu actually took advantage of the ignorance of the people of the world and attributed this kind of natural law to her own merit. Isn’t this deceiving the Emperor and fooling the people?”

At this moment, Mu Tipo, who had been silent and observing the situation, couldn’t help but stand up and point at Li Mi, shouting:

“What do you mean all celestial phenomena can be calculated? You are bewitching the people!”

“Hahaha… If you want to talk about bewitching the people, I, Li, think it’s more appropriate to use it on Lady Lu!”

Li Mi paced back and forth, bowing to the civil officials, and finally turned his gaze to Mu Tipo:

“My Zhao Commandery Li family is also a prominent clan, and the Li family’s collection of books also has hundreds of thousands of volumes. Regarding the calculation of such celestial phenomena, I, Li Mi, have heard my ancestors mention it. You, Mu Tipo, don’t understand celestial phenomena, which only means you are ignorant. How can you use your own ignorance to slander Princess Consort of Lanling for bewitching the people!”

“You—”

Mu Tipo gritted his teeth in anger and turned to his mother for help.

Lu Lingxuan still remained silent, only staring at Xiao Jinyu, Prince of Lanling, Li Mi, and Cui Heng, who had come with him, with an unreadable expression and hidden killing intent.

“If Princess Consort of Lanling really wanted to deceive the Emperor and the people, she could have completely said that this rain was the rain she prayed for from heaven, and she could also claim to be a heavenly goddess like Lady Lu!”

“But she didn’t do that, she just wanted to wake everyone up and not be deceived by Lady Lu’s false words!”

At this time, even Cui Heng bowed to the officials and said: “Princess Consort of Lanling is like this, it can only be said that she is exceptionally talented, but she never uses her talent to deceive people, or even put herself above others.

My lords, isn’t such a person worthy of everyone’s admiration?”

The officials looked at each other, some speechless, some ashamed.

Amidst the sighs, finally one person stood up and said: “Indeed, what Minister Li said is very true. Princess Consort of Lanling is not only exceptionally talented, but also has the magnanimity of a great scholar. She does not use her vast knowledge to bully others, but is more willing to benefit others. This truly makes us ashamed!”

Minister Li?

Xiao Jinyu looked at Li Mi in astonishment. Li Mi blinked and explained in a low voice: “Two days ago, I went to the Emperor to seek this official position. Didn’t the Regular Attendant and Drafter Lu Yi just get dismissed and investigated by the Emperor? I took his place!”

Xiao Jinyu nodded with a smile.

At this time, the young man who had spoken had already stepped forward, refined and courteous, with the demeanor of a renowned scholar.

He bowed very respectfully to Xiao Jinyu and said: “I am Pei Ziye from the Hedong Pei clan. I have long heard of Princess Consort Xiao Jinyu’s name. Princess Consort Xiao Jinyu was able to open the clan school of the Lanling Xiao clan in the south and invite talented scholars from humble backgrounds to study together. Such magnanimity has already made me admire you for a long time. Today, I have the honor of meeting you, and your talent and virtue make me even more admire you!”

“Please accept my bow, Princess Consort!”

With Pei Ziye taking the lead, several other literati and renowned scholars stepped forward and bowed to Xiao Jinyu.

Although some veteran officials disdained to bow to a woman to show respect, they all remained silent and had no words of rebuttal.

At this time, even Prince of Zhao, Gao Rui, who served as Minister of State Affairs, stood up and said: “The Princess Consort indeed has great talent and is fully capable of serving as Director of Astronomy!”

Gao Zhan couldn’t help but be moved. Amidst the discussions of the officials, he suddenly raised his voice and called out: “Lady Lu, what else do you have to say?”

“I have also seen your note. What explanation do you have?”

Lu Lingxuan immediately knelt down before the Emperor and said solemnly: “Your Majesty, I admit that the celestial phenomena of rain and snow can be calculated, and I also admit that I used this to deceive the people. But Your Majesty, what I want to say is that the people are inherently ignorant. The people of the world, they don’t understand astronomy, calendar, or the Dao. They only need rain when there is a drought, a way to escape when there is a flood, food to eat, and clothes to wear. That’s enough!

In this world, knowledge is inherently priceless. If it weren’t for this, how could aristocratic families stand tall for hundreds of years, enjoying fine clothes and delicacies, and controlling power? Aren’t you also using your knowledge and learning to stand above these ignorant and incompetent people?”

These words were spoken eloquently and forcefully. Although they were clearly sophistry, they were irrefutable.

After Lu Lingxuan finished speaking, she actually looked at the Emperor Gao Zhan and mouthed the words: “Your Majesty, I am also helping you consolidate imperial power and win the hearts of the people!”

Gao Zhan understood her lip language and immediately fell silent, speechless.

Cui Heng’s face changed drastically. In his life, he had encountered countless formidable opponents in debates, but he had never encountered someone like Lu Lingxuan who was so skilled in sophistry and forceful in her arguments. She was clearly using the Emperor’s authority to suppress people and make them afraid to resist!

“Absurd! How can Lady Lu speak so righteously about deceiving and oppressing the people? The people of the world are the Emperor’s subjects. Even if they are ignorant, they should be informed like Princess Consort of Lanling did. How can you conceal and deceive them like this? You are not only deceiving the people, but also deceiving the Emperor!” Pei Ziye retorted angrily.

Lu Lingxuan immediately frowned, and at the same time, Gao Zhan shouted sternly: “Enough! Today’s rain prayer ends here!”

“My word is my bond. Since Princess Consort of Lanling prayed for the rain, she shall be granted the position of Director of Astronomy!”

“Tomorrow, the Ministry of Personnel will issue the appointment document to Princess Consort of Lanling!”

After he finished speaking, he looked at Xiao Jinyu intently, as if taking in every part of her body.

But he did not say he would grant her one wish!

Prince of Lanling sensed the intrusion of his gaze and pulled Xiao Jinyu to his side, even shielding her behind him.

“Your Majesty, I want to hold a wedding ceremony in Yecheng. Whether you and the Empress Dowager agree or not, I want the world to know that she, Xiao Jinyu, is my wife, Gao Changgong!”

Gao Zhan’s face showed displeasure, but Empress Dowager Lou sighed.

“Changgong, things have come to this, what’s there to agree or disagree about? She is already your wife, it is only right for you to marry her! Grandmother has long agreed!”

Such a proud and intelligent woman, with such breathtaking beauty, must not be allowed to come to Gao Zhan’s side, otherwise she will surely become a disaster that harms the country. It is better to let her settle Changgong’s heart!

Gao Changgong did not know what Empress Dowager Lou was thinking, but he simply bowed with joy and said: “Thank you, Grandmother!”

Empress Dowager Lou’s gaze then turned to Zheng Yue, who was still kneeling on the platform with an ashen face, and sighed: “Zheng Yue, Princess Consort of Lanling no longer blames you for today’s matter. You may go back!

✿✿✿

If you fancy any young master in the future, I am willing to make the decision for you and grant you a marriage!”

Upon hearing this, Zheng Yue just shook her head desperately and burst into tears, unable to utter a word. She was pulled out of the Bronze Sparrow Terrace by Zheng Daozhong with a sigh!

“Since the rain prayer is over, let’s all disperse!”

The Empress Dowager said another sentence, but unexpectedly Gao Changgong interrupted: “Wait—”

“Do you have something to say, Changgong?” Empress Dowager Lou asked.

Gao Changgong knelt down on one knee: “My wife prayed for rain today and was almost harmed by treacherous people. If it weren’t for the loyal and righteous people around me who risked their lives to save her, I don’t know what would have happened to A’yu… I really cannot swallow this anger. If these treacherous people cannot pay for their crimes with their lives today, I will be restless day and night and will not let this matter rest!”

Lu Lingxuan’s face suddenly sank, and Empress Dowager Lou also turned her gaze to Gao Zhan, sighing: “Your Majesty, it is time to give Princess Consort of Lanling an explanation. Under the Emperor’s very eyes, such an assassination attempt took place. Where does this put the Emperor’s authority?”

Gao Zhan’s expression changed slightly, and he asked Gao Anagong, who had returned to the scene: “Have the assassins been caught?”

“Reporting to Your Majesty, I… no, the archer who shot the arrow came and went without a trace!”

“Of course you wouldn’t be able to catch them, because you were the one who arranged it!”

At this time, Lu Yu arrived with Zhao Wu and Yang Zhi, escorting a person. They pushed him in front of Gao Zhan and the officials.

“This Bronze Sparrow Terrace has already been surrounded by the Imperial Guards. No one dares to bring sharp weapons here except for the Imperial Guards. If it weren’t for Gao Anagong, the commander of the Imperial Guards, who would dare to shoot a secret arrow here and assassinate Princess Consort of Lanling?”

“Moreover, there are Imperial Guards stationed everywhere here. Could it be that they wouldn’t know that Zheng Yue came to the Bronze Sparrow Terrace?”

“General Gao, what do you say?”

Lu Yu’s repeated accusations against Gao Anagong immediately made the surrounding onlookers ponder.

The person being escorted by Zhao Wu was also forced to raise his head.

Lu Yu reported to Gao Changgong: “This is the assassin who just shot an arrow at the Princess Consort. We happened to catch him!”

Gao Zhan’s gaze fell upon him, and some officials also recognized his face.

“This person is indeed a subordinate of General Gao. Could it be that General Gao really assassinated Princess Consort of Lanling?”

“General Gao, what grudge do you have against Princess Consort of Lanling? Why would you assassinate her?”

“Or were you instructed by someone else?”

The phrase “instructed by someone else” instantly made Gao Zhan’s face change drastically.

You must know that the Imperial Guards were originally commanded by the Emperor personally, and the leader of the Imperial Guards was also the Emperor’s confidant. However, the Northern Qi’s Imperial Guards had various Xianbei factions, each with their own allegiances and stances, and they were not completely loyal to the Emperor. When Gao Zhan and Gao Yan launched the coup together, they took advantage of the fact that the Imperial Guards were divided into factions and lacked loyalty, and they privately won over Gao Guiyan, the commander of the Imperial Guards at that time. This is how they easily forced the abdication of the Emperor and, together with Empress Dowager Lou, deposed Gao Yin!

But since Gao Zhan ascended the throne, he had been reforming the malpractices, changing the Imperial Guards to a conscription system, and abandoning the practice of using members of the imperial clan as commanders of the Imperial Guards. This was to ensure the absolute loyalty of the Imperial Guards.

Hearing now that Gao Anagong had arranged for someone to assassinate Princess Consort of Lanling without his orders, Gao Zhan couldn’t help but become suspicious and said angrily: “Gao Anagong, who gave you the audacity to assassinate Princess Consort of Lanling without my decree?

Whose orders do you follow?”

Gao Anagong was so frightened that he immediately knelt down on both knees: “Your Majesty, I only obey Your Majesty’s orders. I did not send anyone to assassinate Princess Consort of Lanling. This matter has nothing to do with me. It was done by this Wei Er!”

Wei Er, who was kneeling in the middle of the platform being held by Lu Yu, looked up at Gao Anagong and suddenly let out a whimper, kowtowing repeatedly on the ground. Without saying a word, he charged straight at the Emperor Gao Zhan.

Zhao Wu wanted to pull him back, but unexpectedly, an Imperial Guard beside Gao Zhan instantly drew his sword and stabbed Wei Er through the chest!

This sudden turn of events shocked the officials!

Blood splattered everywhere, and many civil officials became afraid, as most of those gathered here today were civil officials.

Gao Zhan’s face also changed. After this incident, he no longer wanted to stay here, so he cast a fierce and impatient gaze at Gao Anagong once again.

“Gao Anagong, I don’t care if you did this or not, it is still your fault for failing to control your subordinates. From today onwards, you are dismissed from your position as General of the Leading Army. Go back and reflect on your actions!”

“Today’s matter ends here! Disperse, all of you! I am tired and want to return to the Southern City Imperial Palace!”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Return to the palace!”

With a sharp whistle from an eunuch, Gao Zhan languidly boarded his palanquin and headed towards the Southern City Imperial Palace. Before leaving, he didn’t forget to look back at Xiao Jinyu.

Xiao Jinyu, who felt his gaze, couldn’t help but clench her hands.

At the same time, Gao Changgong also reached out and held her fist that was curled up in nervousness.

“A’yu, don’t be afraid, let’s go home!”

“Okay!”

Xiao Jinyu nodded with a smile: She didn’t expect that it was his turn to comfort her now!

Just as the two were about to leave, they saw Lu Lingxuan’s sinister and smiling yet angry gaze.

Xiao Jinyu’s expression slightly stiffened, and as Lu Lingxuan was about to leave with Mu Tipo and the others, she suddenly called out: “Lady Lu, please wait, I have something to say to you!”

Lu Lingxuan turned around with a curious expression.

“You have something to say to me?”

She seemed to find this extremely amusing.

“Yes!”

Xiao Jinyu walked towards her.

“A’yu…” Gao Changgong called out worriedly.

“It’s nothing!”

Xiao Jinyu reassured him with a smile and walked up to Lu Lingxuan.

“Lady Lu, did you kill my mother?” she asked.